As you pack for your Christmas getaway or prepare to visit family for a few days, one question looms large: should you leave your heating on whilst you’re away, or turn it off completely to save money?
It’s a dilemma many homeowners face during the winter months, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The right choice depends on several factors, from the length of your absence to the age of your property and the temperatures forecast whilst you’re gone.
The Case for Leaving Your Heating On
Keeping your heating on low whilst you’re away might seem wasteful, but it can actually protect your home and save you money in the long run.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
The biggest risk of turning your heating off during winter is frozen pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst. The resulting water damage can cost thousands of pounds to repair—far more than the cost of running your heating for a few days.
Keeping your home at a minimum temperature (typically 12-15°C) ensures pipes stay above freezing point, particularly those in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and external walls.
Protecting Your Property
A consistently cold, unheated home during winter can lead to:
- Damp and condensation problems
- Mould growth on walls and furnishings
- Damage to wooden furniture and floors
- Frozen or damaged appliances
- Increased risk of burst pipes in concealed locations
Insurance Considerations
Many home insurance policies have clauses requiring you to maintain a minimum temperature or drain your water system if you’re away for extended periods during winter. Failing to meet these requirements could invalidate your insurance claim if something goes wrong.
Check your policy documents—most insurers recommend keeping your home heated to at least 12-15°C if you’re away for more than 48-72 hours during winter months.
The Case for Turning Your Heating Off
Despite the risks, there are situations where turning your heating off might be appropriate.
Short Absences in Mild Weather
If you’re only away for a day or two and temperatures are forecast to stay above 5°C, turning your heating off might be safe and will save you money on energy bills.
Well-Insulated Modern Homes
Newer properties with excellent insulation retain heat better and are less vulnerable to rapid temperature drops. These homes can cope better with heating being turned off for short periods.
Cost Savings
Heating an empty home does cost money. If you’re on a tight budget and the weather forecast is mild, you might be tempted to turn everything off to save on bills.
The Smart Middle Ground
Rather than choosing between fully on or completely off, most heating experts recommend a middle-ground approach that balances protection with economy.
Set Your Thermostat Lower
Instead of your usual comfortable temperature (typically 19-21°C), set your thermostat to 12-15°C. This keeps your home warm enough to prevent freezing whilst using significantly less energy than normal.
This temperature maintains:
- Protection for your pipes
- Prevention of damp and condensation
- Valid insurance cover
- Lower energy costs than usual heating
Use Your Heating Timer Wisely
Set your heating to come on for a few hours twice daily rather than running continuously. For example, programme it for two or three hours in the morning and again in the evening. This maintains a base temperature whilst reducing running costs.
Consider Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats like Nest, Hive, or Tado offer the perfect solution for holiday heating management:
- Control your heating remotely from anywhere via smartphone
- Monitor your home’s temperature in real-time
- Receive alerts if temperatures drop too low
- Adjust heating based on weather forecasts
- Turn heating up before you return home
With a smart thermostat, you can leave your heating on low and adjust it remotely if weather conditions change. If temperatures are forecast to plummet, you can increase heating from your phone. If the weather stays mild, you can reduce it further or turn it off temporarily.
Additional Protection Measures
Whatever you decide about your heating, take these extra precautions before leaving:
Open Interior Doors
Leave internal doors open to allow warm air to circulate throughout your home, particularly to areas prone to freezing like bathrooms and utility rooms.
Open Cabinet Doors
Open cupboard doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes in external walls.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Ensure pipes in unheated areas (lofts, garages, crawl spaces) are properly insulated before winter arrives.
Know Your Stopcock Location
Make sure you know where your main water stopcock is located and that it’s working properly. In an emergency, you’ll need to turn off your water supply quickly.
Consider Draining Down
For very long absences (several weeks), consider draining your heating system and turning off the water supply. This is drastic but eliminates frozen pipe risks entirely. Consult a heating engineer before taking this step.
Ask Someone to Check
If possible, ask a neighbour, friend, or family member to check your property every few days. They can spot problems early and adjust heating if needed.
Weather-Based Decision Making
Your decision should be influenced by the weather forecast:
Mild Weather (Above 5°C Consistently)
Short absences (1-3 days): Heating can be turned off or set very low
Longer absences (4+ days): Set to 12°C minimum
Cold Weather (0-5°C)
Any absence: Set heating to 12-15°C minimum
Consider smart controls for flexibility
Very Cold Weather (Below 0°C)
Any absence: Keep heating at 15°C minimum
Ensure vulnerable pipes are insulated
Have someone check your property if possible
Cost vs. Risk
Whilst keeping your heating on does cost money, consider the potential expenses of not doing so:
- Burst pipe repairs: £500-£5,000+
- Water damage restoration: £2,000-£20,000+
- Emergency plumber callout during holidays: £200-£400+
- Insurance excess and potential premium increases
- Temporary accommodation costs
- Replacement of damaged belongings
Compared to these risks, the cost of running your heating at 12-15°C for a week (typically £20-£40 depending on your system) is relatively modest insurance.
For most UK homeowners during winter, the safest approach is to leave heating on at a reduced temperature. The small additional cost provides valuable peace of mind and protects your most significant investment—your home.
Planning a winter getaway? Before you leave, ensure your heating system is working reliably. Contact NCS Plumbing & Heating Specialists for boiler servicing, smart thermostat installation, and expert advice on protecting your home whilst you’re away. Serving Hertfordshire and the South East with professional, reliable heating solutions. Visit https://ncspm.co.uk/ or call 01992 504 655 today.
