Should I turn the heating off when I go away in winter?
Published by Adrian Plumbing & Heating
In short
Do not switch your heating fully off if the house will be empty in cold weather. Leave it on a low setting or on a timer so the pipes stay above freezing, know where your stopcock is, and for a longer absence think about turning the water off at the stopcock. If you are unsure about your own system, ask Adrian.
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Why empty houses are at risk
When you are at home, the heating runs, taps get used and you notice problems quickly. When you are away, none of that happens. A pipe in a cold loft, an outside wall or an unheated garage can freeze, and a frozen pipe can split. The damage often only shows once the ice thaws, which can be days after you left.
Insurers and councils give very similar warnings every winter. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) advises against turning the heating fully off, and local councils such as Thurrock publish winter guidance on protecting pipes and boilers. The aim is simple: keep the house warm enough that water in the pipes does not freeze, and make sure you can cut the water off fast if something goes wrong.
Heating on, off or low?
Here is how the three options compare for an empty home in cold weather.
Swipe or scroll to compare →| Option | What happens | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| Heating fully off | Pipes in lofts, outside walls and garages can freeze in a hard frost | Not advised for an empty house in winter |
| Heating on a low setting | The house stays above freezing, so the pipes are far less likely to freeze | A sensible choice for short trips |
| Heating on a timer | The heating comes on for set periods, usually morning and evening | Works well if the house is well insulated; check it before you leave |
You will see different temperature figures quoted online, anywhere from around 5 degrees to 14 degrees. Because sources disagree and every house is different, we do not give one magic number. Use a low setting that keeps the house comfortably above freezing, and set your thermostat and timer the way your boiler manufacturer's instructions describe.
A word on energy use: a low background setting costs less to run than a cold house costs to repair, but we cannot promise any saving. Lowering the temperature is a trade-off, and an empty house that stays above freezing is the safe option.
Before you leave: a checklist
- Set the heating to a low background setting or a timer, and check that the boiler is working before you go.
- Look at the pressure gauge. If it looks very low, or the boiler is showing a fault, deal with that before you travel. Our guide on a boiler that keeps losing pressure explains the safe checks: boiler pressure keeps dropping.
- Insulate pipes in lofts and other cold spaces, where this is easy to do safely.
- Know where your stopcock is and check that it turns. If it is stiff or jammed, get it looked at before you travel.
- For a longer absence, think about turning the water off at the stopcock.
- Tell a neighbour or relative you trust where the stopcock is, and give them a number to reach you.
- Check your home insurance policy for any conditions about leaving the property empty.
Finding and using your stopcock
The main stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard near the front door. Turn it clockwise to close it. If you have a leak at any time, isolate the water at the main stopcock (or the nearest isolation valve), then call Adrian.
It is worth finding it now, in daylight, with the house calm. People who have never turned it off often discover it is stiff, painted over or blocked by stored items just when they need it.
If you notice an unexplained jump in your water use, a hidden leak could be the reason. Our guide on high water bills and hidden leaks shows what to check.
Coming home to a problem
If you return and a tap runs slowly or not at all, a pipe may be frozen. Do not use a naked flame or a blowtorch to thaw it. If you can see water, a damp ceiling or a stain spreading, turn the water off at the stopcock first, then call for help.
If the boiler has stopped in freezing weather and you suspect the condensate pipe, our guide covers the safe, warm-water check: boiler stopped in freezing weather.
Gas safety: If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, do not operate any switches, lights or flames. Leave the property, get to fresh air, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside the building. If someone feels unwell, seek medical help or call 999.
When to call Adrian
Call Adrian if your boiler shows a fault before you leave, if the stopcock will not turn, if you have a leak you cannot stop, or if you come home to frozen or damaged pipework. Adrian offers emergency call-outs for urgent plumbing and heating problems, and he will talk the job through first, then agree a visit or a quotation. You can see everything Adrian covers on the services page, or use the contact page.
Call Adrian on 07899 728506 or request a callback at adrianplumbingandheating.co.uk
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only. Always follow your appliance manufacturer's instructions and use an appropriately qualified professional for gas, electrical and plumbing work. Gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn my heating off if I am going away for a few days in winter?
Not completely. Leave it on a low setting or a timer so the pipes stay above freezing, especially in cold weather.
Is it better to turn the water off at the stopcock when I go away?
For a longer absence, many people do. It cuts the risk of a burst pipe flooding an empty house. Check your stopcock turns before you travel.
Where is my stopcock?
Usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard near the front door. Turn it clockwise to close it.
What should I do if I find a leak when I get home?
Isolate the water at the main stopcock or the nearest isolation valve, then call Adrian.
Does insulating pipes help?
Insulating exposed pipes in lofts and cold spaces helps protect them, where it can be done safely.
