Experts Say There’s a Bigger Risk to Worry About
Planning a little winter break? We don’t blame you. A change of scenery can be just the tonic during the colder months – and switching the heating down can save a few pounds on your energy bills too.
But this raises a common question we hear as surveyors:
Do you need to leave the heating on to stop your pipes freezing?
The answer, like most things in property, isn’t a simple yes or no.

Do Pipes Really Freeze?
In short – yes, they can.
Most heating systems rely on water-filled pipework. When temperatures drop low enough, that water can freeze, expand, and split pipes or blow fittings apart. The real danger? You often won’t know anything has gone wrong until the pipes thaw and water starts pouring through ceilings, walls or floors.
Engineers from organisations such as British Gas regularly see the aftermath of burst pipes, and repairs can quickly escalate from a few hundred pounds to many thousands once damage to floors, plaster and furniture is taken into account – especially in flats where neighbouring properties can be affected.

So, What Temperature Should You Leave Your Home At?
This is where opinions differ.

Aviva generally advises setting the heating to come on for a few hours a day and keeping the property at around 13°C if you’re away.

Allianz suggests a minimum of 10°C during colder months.

Engineers from British Gas say 7°C is usually sufficient and relatively low-cost.

Many boilers have a “snowflake” or frost protection setting, which typically keeps temperatures at around 5°C – often enough in most UK homes.

Is the Risk Overstated?
Some experts believe it is.
Thanks to the UK’s relatively mild climate, pipes in a typical, reasonably insulated home are unlikely to freeze unless temperatures stay well below zero for 24 hours or more. Even then, risk is usually confined to:

Poorly insulated properties

Exposed pipework

Outdoor taps and garden buildings

Energy specialists at Octopus Energy point out that brief overnight frosts are rarely enough to cause issues on their own.

The Bigger Risk: Damp and Mould
From a surveying perspective, this is often the real problem.
Leaving a property completely unheated for long periods in winter can allow cold, moist air to linger, increasing the risk of condensation, damp and mould growth. This can damage plaster, decorations, timber and even impact indoor air quality.
In many cases, occasional background heating isn’t about pipes at all – it’s about protecting the fabric of the building.

Practical, Cost-Effective Alternatives
Rather than running the heating constantly, consider these sensible measures:
✔ Insulate Pipes and Water Tanks
Pipe lagging and tank jackets are inexpensive, easy to fit and highly effective.
✔ Reduce Heat Loss

Close curtains at night

Use rugs on cold floors

Seal draughts around windows and doors

Check loft insulation levels

✔ Let Air Circulate
Open internal doors from time to time to balance temperatures and reduce condensation.
✔ Use Heating Smartly
When you’re home, aim for 18–20°C and use timers so the system only runs when needed.

Our Surveyor’s Take
For most modern UK homes, you don’t need to keep the heating on full-time when you’re away. A low frost-protection setting, combined with good insulation and sensible precautions, is usually enough.
However, every property is different. Older homes, rural locations and buildings with exposed pipework may need a little more care.
If you’re unsure how your home will cope over winter – especially if it’s left unoccupied – a professional survey can highlight risks before they turn into costly repairs.
If you’d like tailored advice, feel free to get in touch with Ashton Lee Surveyors. We’re always happy to help protect your property, whether you’re at home or away enjoying that well-earned break.