Prevent Frozen Pipes: Set Heating to This Temperature Amid Plunge

With winter temperatures plummeting, households must be vigilant about preventing frozen pipes. These freezing temperatures can lead to significant issues, including burst pipes that disrupt water supply and heating. It is crucial to set your heating system to an appropriate temperature to avoid such problems.

Recommended Heating Settings to Prevent Frozen Pipes

To mitigate the risk of frozen pipes, experts recommend maintaining your home’s central heating at a minimum of 7°C. This advice comes from Ella Teakle, a seasoned engineer at British Gas. Keeping your heating at this temperature is especially important if you’re not at home.

The Role of Smart Thermostats

• Smart thermostats, like those from Hive, include a feature known as Frost Protection.
• This feature automatically activates your heating when the temperature dips below 7°C.
• Many radiators are equipped with a snowflake symbol setting that allows minimal water flow, further preventing freezing.

Impact of Freezing Temperatures

Recent frigid weather across the UK has led to the closure of numerous schools in areas such as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Devon. British Gas anticipates a surge in service calls—over 50,000 this week—as residents face issues with frozen or burst pipes.

Steps to Take If a Pipe Bursts

• Immediately turn off your water supply to mitigate damage.
• Contact a registered plumber for professional repairs.
• While waiting for assistance, temporarily bind the burst pipe with cloth or heavy-duty tape to control leaks.
• Consult Water.org.uk for an updated list of emergency plumbers in your vicinity.

Support for Rising Energy Bills

As energy prices rise, several support options are available for consumers facing financial distress.

• Household Support Fund: Local councils in England distribute funds from a £742 million pool to residents in need, often targeting those on benefits or low incomes.
• British Gas Energy Trust: This fund offers up to £2,000 in debt relief for existing customers experiencing energy debt or risk of fuel poverty.
• Cold Weather Payments: Eligible individuals may receive £25 for every seven consecutive days of below-zero temperatures.
• Warm Home Discount: This benefit, valued at £150, reduces bills for those on low incomes or certain benefits.

Ensuring your heating is set to the right temperature is a vital step to preventing costly damage from frozen pipes. With temperatures dropping, taking these precautions can save homeowners significant time and money this winter.