HOUSEHOLDS should be aware of the exact temperature to set their heating to avoid frozen pipes due to plummeting temperatures.
During the winter months, you might find your boiler is more prone to issues because of increased use and colder weather leading parts of the boiler to contract.
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During the winter months your pipes are at risk of freezing which can lead them to burst.Credit: Alamy
This includes your boiler pipes which are at risk of freezing as temperatures drop.
It could mean you are left without hot water, central heating, and if left untreated, it may lead to cracked or burst pipes.
But there are ways to avoid this happening, including a handy thermostat hack.
Ella Teakle, an engineer at British Gas, recommends keeping your central heating set to at least 7°C, even if you’re not at home.
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Smart thermostats like Hive include a Frost Protection feature that automatically turns your heating on if the temperature drops below 7°C.
Alternatively, most radiators will have a setting with a snowflake symbol.
Turning to this will allow minimal water flow between pipes and radiators to prevent freezing.
It comes as the UK has been hit by freezing temperatures, with a number of schools in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Devon shut due to the chilly conditions.
British Gas also expects over 50,000 call-outs this week to deal with frozen or burst pipes, which will be its busiest week this winter.
What to do if your pipe bursts
If you fear your pipe has burst, you will need to call a plumber to carry out repairs, otherwise it may cost you more time and money in the long run.
You should also turn off your water supply.
Head to Water.org.uk which has an up to date list of registered emergency plumbers near you.
Ella said while you wait, you can make a temporary repair by binding the pipe tightly with cloth or heavy-duty tape.
“But don’t be tempted to do this in place of a professional repair – it won’t last long,” she cautioned.
Energy bill help available NOW
If you are worried about rising bills, know there is support available. This includes grants and vouchers to help cover the cost of your bills.
We have listed support available below.
Household Support Fund
You can check if your local council is giving away free vouchers or grants to help with your energy bills via the Household Support Scheme.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
But you could be in line for £100s depending on where you live.
For example, pensioners in Islington, London can get £200 one-off payments to help with rising bills this winter.
British Gas Energy Trust – £2,000
You could also get up to £2,000 in debt relief through the British Gas Energy Trust.
The fund is available to existing British Gas customers who are experiencing energy debt or at risk of fuel poverty.
But you will need to have an energy debt between £50-£2,000 on a prepayment meter or £250-£2,000 on a credit account.
Cold Weather Payments – £25
Cold Weather Payments are also a type of support set up by the DWP to help with energy costs.
But temperatures must hit zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days for the sum to be paid out.
To be eligible for the support you must be claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.
You do not need to apply for the scheme as the money will be paid into the account of anyone who qualifies within 14 days.
If you meet the requirements, you will receive £25 for each seven day period of incredibly cold weather.
Warm home discount – £150
This is a benefit given by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) worth £150.
You don’t get the money paid into your account; instead, your supplier deducts the sum from your bill.
To get the support, you need to be on a low income or claiming certain benefits, such as Universal Credit.
