A boiler expert from New Boiler Installation Glasgow emphasised the importance of understanding how to effectively heat your home during winter. This can help maintain a warm environment without incurring high bills or dealing with frozen pipes.
Rather than turning up the heat when it’s cold, the expert suggests maintaining a consistent temperature. The “ideal temperature” should be between 18C and 20C throughout the winter months, providing comfort for the household and allowing the boiler to work efficiently, reports the Express.
The expert advised: “To avoid frozen pipes, you should set a minimum temperature on your boiler during winter. Even when you’re not at home, it’s advisable to keep your thermostat at a minimum of 10C to prevent costly pipe-freezing issues.
“Modern technology offers an excellent solution in the form of smart thermostats.”
These devices provide precise control over the heating system, enabling homeowners to schedule heating according to their daily needs. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in pipes can freeze and expand, leading to cracked or burst pipes.

If a pipe bursts, it releases all the water it was holding, causing significant water damage. While maintaining a minimum thermostat setting is crucial, insulating pipes in unheated rooms or areas with exposed pipes can also help.
This can be achieved using insulation sleeves or foam pipe, known as pipe lagging. If you’re planning a winter getaway, it’s wise to switch off your mains stop tap and open the lowest sink or bath tap to alleviate the initial pressure on the pipework.