Bags packed, car loaded, and then the question: what do you do with the heating? If you’re leaving your home in the New Forest or Christchurch area empty for a while this winter, don’t switch the heating off completely. Leave it on a low setting or the boiler’s frost protection mode, check the boiler pressure before you go, and know where your stopcock is. A well-maintained heating system left ticking over is the best protection against frozen and burst pipes.
Short trips: a few days to a couple of weeks
For a typical winter break, a few simple steps cover most risks:
- Set the heating to a low temperature rather than off. Many people use somewhere around 10 to 15°C, or the frost setting on the thermostat or boiler.
- Check the boiler pressure is within the normal range on the gauge before you leave, so the boiler doesn’t lock out while you’re away.
- Leave internal doors open so warm air can circulate.
- Open the loft hatch in very cold spells, to let a little warmth reach loft pipes and tanks.
- Turn off and drain outside taps.
- Switch off the immersion heater if you have one and won’t need hot water.
Longer trips and empty properties
If a property will be empty for weeks or months, there’s more to think about:
- Keep the heating on low if possible, rather than off
- Turn off the water at the stopcock to limit damage if a pipe does fail
- Ask someone to check on the property regularly, including the boiler display and any signs of leaks
- Check your home insurance, as many policies have conditions for unoccupied properties, such as regular inspections or draining down after a set period
- Consider having the system drained down by an engineer if the property will be empty and unheated through the winter
Draining a heating system isn’t a homeowner job on modern sealed systems. Refilling it properly, adding inhibitor and getting the pressure right all need an engineer.
Smart controls make it easier
A smart thermostat lets you check the temperature and adjust the heating from your phone while you’re away. Some can alert you if the temperature drops or the boiler shows a fault. Smart leak detectors and stopcock valves are also available, and can shut off the water automatically if a leak is detected.
Hot water cylinders
If you have a hot water cylinder, you can usually turn the hot water off at the programmer while you’re away and switch it back on a few hours before you return. If you have an unvented cylinder, leave the controls as your installer advised and don’t adjust any of its safety valves.
Second homes and holiday lets around the New Forest
The New Forest and the coast around Lymington, New Milton and Christchurch have plenty of second homes and holiday lets that sit empty for part of the winter. These properties are at particular risk, because a problem can go unnoticed for weeks. A boiler service before the quiet season, a low heating setting, a working smart thermostat and regular checks by a local keyholder all reduce the risk.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn my heating off when I go on holiday in winter?
No. Switching it off completely risks frozen pipes, especially in lofts, garages and outside walls. Set it to a low temperature or the frost protection setting instead. It uses far less energy than normal heating and keeps the house warm enough to protect the pipework.
What temperature should I leave my heating on when away?
Many people leave it somewhere around 10 to 15°C, or use the frost setting on their thermostat or boiler. The aim isn’t comfort, just keeping the house warm enough to stop pipes freezing. Check your boiler manual or thermostat instructions for its frost protection setting.
Should I turn the water off at the stopcock when I go away?
For longer trips, it’s sensible. If a pipe does leak while you’re away, turning off the stopcock limits how much water can escape. For short breaks, it’s more of a personal choice, but make sure you know where the stopcock is and that it turns freely.
Does a combi boiler still protect against frost if the water’s off?
Many boilers have built-in frost protection that fires the boiler if it gets very cold, as long as there’s power and gas. Turning off the mains water doesn’t stop the heating circuit working on a sealed system. Check your boiler manual, as features vary between models.
Heading away this winter?
If you’d like your boiler checked before you go, or your heating set up so you can control it remotely, give us a call on 01425 542077 or drop us a message and we’ll get it ready for you.