Pro plumber shares the exact temperature your thermostat needs to be at to make sure you avoid pricey frozen pipes – The Sun

As snow falls across the UK and temperatures drop, you need to be careful if you want to avoid expensive frozen pipes.

To ensure you avoid internal and external damage during the winter months, homeowners need to make sure they prepare ahead of time.

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A plumber has revealed the exact temperature you should maintain in your home to ensure your pipes don't freeze this winterPhoto credit: Getty

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As temperatures drop and it snows in the UK, you need to take notes if you want to avoid pipe disasters this seasonPhoto credit: Getty

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According to David Doran, keeping the temperature in your home stable is crucialPhoto credit: Getty

Cold temperatures increase the risk of household pipes freezing and cracking, which can cause significant damage to plumbing and heating systems.

But fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

And don't worry, you don't have to brave the cold and harm your pipes.

In fact, everything you need to check is in your home, so it's perfect for chilly days like today.

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According to a professional plumber, if you want to make sure your pipes don't freeze, you need to make sure your home is at the right temperature.

David Doran, a plumbing expert at Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, explained that you should check that your thermostat is set to the correct settings.

While many of us might be tempted to turn up the central heating on chilly days, David recommends keeping the temperature in your home consistent.

David advises homeowners to keep their home at an ideal temperature of between 18°C ​​and 20°C.

Setting the thermostat to at least 18 degrees will keep the pipes warm and ensure the temperature is not too low to prevent the pipes from freezing.

According to this pro, many modern central heating systems have an “antifreeze” mode that keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy.

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But if you're lucky enough to be flying abroad this winter, or are on a budget and just want to reduce your heating usage, you shouldn't turn off the heat entirely.

The expert explained that when sleeping or when the house is empty, it is recommended to lower the temperature to around 15 to 17 ° C.

Cheap gadgets to help you stay warm

MARTIN Lewis' MoneySavingExpert has revealed six gadgets that can help you turn off the heating but still stay warm.

Heating “the person, not the house” means warming yourself instead of turning on the heat and heating the whole house.

This saves money on heating bills and means you don't have to sit out in the cold.

• USB Gloves – Cost £10, running cost less than 1p per hour
• Heated insoles – cost £10 to purchase, cost less than 1p per hour to run
• USB hand warmer – cost £15 to buy, costs less than 1p per hour to run
• Electric Vest – Cost £50 to purchase (including battery), costs less than 1p per hour to run
• Microwavable wheat bag – cost £4 to buy, costs less than 1p per hour to run
• Reusable hand warmers – cost £5 for a pair, running costs less than 1p per hour

This saves energy and at the same time prevents the house from getting too cold.

This in turn improves efficiency and saves money on your energy bills, making this season a win-win.

5 savings tips for autumn/winter

1. Draft proof your home

It takes time and money to heat your home. That's why it's important that you do as much as possible to maintain warmth. Close your doors and windows and fill any gaps with a draft excluder.

2. Turn down your thermostat

According to Energy UK, reducing your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £85 a year. And if you don't have a thermostat, installing one could save you up to £70 a year!

3. Rearrange furniture

Make sure there are no large, bulky furniture such as sofas blocking the radiators.

4. Wash laundry at a lower temperature and spin additionally

Unless it's bed linen, towels or really dirty items, reduce the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees and do a double spin cycle to remove excess water.

5. Heat the person, not the home

There is no point in heating a room where no one is sitting. So pay attention to which radiators are switched on.

Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure your pipes stay warm and reduce the risk of freezing.

Additionally, you should ensure that your boiler is serviced regularly to keep it in optimal working condition.

Ensuring your boiler is checked regularly will ensure even heating throughout your home, checking for leaks, blockages and ensuring safe appliance functionality.

David recommends having your boiler serviced annually to ensure safe and efficient operation, including preventing problems such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.