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Pro plumber shares the exact temperature your thermostat needs to be at to make sure you avoid pricey frozen pipes
Scroll down for helpful ways to save cash this winter and the cheap gadgets that will keep you warm
AS snow lands over the UK and temperatures plummet, if you want to avoid pricey frozen pipes, you’ll need to listen up.
To ensure you avoid internal and external damage during the winter months, homeowners must ensure they prepare ahead of time.
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Cold temperatures increase the risk of household pipes freezing and cracking, which can cause significant damage to both plumbing and heating systems.
But fortunately for you, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent this.
And don't worry, you won't need to brave the cold and go and do anything to 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 ensure your pipes don’t freeze, you’ll need to make sure your home is at the correct temperature.
David Doran, a plumbing expert at , explained that you should check that your thermostat is on the right settings.
While many of us may be tempted to crank up the central heating on chilly days, David recommends keeping your home at a stable heat.
David advises homeowners to keep an their pad at an ideal temperature between 18°C and 20°C.
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Setting the thermostat to a minimum of 18 degrees helps keep the pipes warm and ensures the temperature isn't too low to prevent pipes from freezing.
According to this pro, many modern central heating systems have a "frost protection" mode, which keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy.
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But if you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad this winter, or are on a budget and simply want to cut back on your heating use, you’ll need to avoid turning the heating off entirely.
The expert explained that when sleeping or when the house is empty, it’s recommended to lower the temperature to around 15 to 17°C.
Cheap gadgets to help you stay warm
MARTIN Lewis' MoneySavingExpert shared six gadgets that can help you keep the heating off but stay warm.
Heating means you warm yourself instead of turning on the heating and heating the whole house.
This can save money on your heating bill and means you don't have to sit in the cold.
- USB gloves - initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Heated insoles - initial cost £10, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- USB hand warmers - initial cost £15, cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Electric gilet - initial cost £50 (including battery pack), cost to run less than 1p an hour
- Microwaveable wheat bag - initial cost £4, cost to run less than 1p per hours
- Reusable hand warmers - initial cost £5 for a pair, cost to run less than 1p per hour
Doing so saves energy while still preventing the house from getting too cold.
This in turn improves efficiency and will save you cash on your energy bills, making it a win win this season.
5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter
1. Draught-proof your home
It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.
2. Dial down your thermostat
According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!
3. Move furniture around
Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.
4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin
Unless it's bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.
5. Heat the person not the home
There's not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.
Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure your pipes remain warm and reduce the chance of freezing.
Not only this, but you should also ensure your boiler is serviced regularly to keep it in optimal working condition.
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Ensuring your boiler is regularly checked helps maintain consistent heating throughout your home and checks for leaks, blockages, and safe device functionality.
David recommends having your boiler serviced annually to ensure safe and efficient operation, which will also prevent issues such as gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning too.
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