On or off? What to do with your heating system when you're away

Whether it’s a short break or long holiday, what should you do with your home heating system and other appliances? The Heating Helpline offers advice on how to protect your home.

16 February 2011 – Short break or two-week holiday? Whichever it is, if you are planning to be away from home for a few days or more, what’s the best way to protect your home yet avoid paying out for unnecessary energy consumption? Switching the heating system off altogether might be tempting but what if there is a late winter cold snap that might result in a burst pipe? Some useful advice for holidaymakers comes from the Heating Helpline – the free advice service for homeowners and tenants backed by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA). For a winter or spring get-away when the UK can still experience a severe cold snap it’s best to keep your heating on low – around 10º C / 50º F. If you haven’t already got one, consider having a programmable thermostat fitted – these give you complete control over your heating and usually have a holiday setting – this means your heating can come back on to normal setting the day before you come home so you don't return to a cold house. Insulate pipes with preformed insulation. Replace washers on dripping taps because if the taps freeze the pipe will become blocked. Find out where your water valves are and how to turn them off in case a pipe should burst. Leave the loft door open to let the heat from downstairs circulate. The Heating Helpline provides consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating. For more information contact the Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069 or visit their website: www.heatinghelpline.org.uk. Ends