Advice For Winter Cold Snaps
How to Protect Your Home and Heating During the Cold Snap
With temperatures dropping below freezing, many households are already feeling the effects of sudden cold weather. After an unusually mild December, homes across the UK may not be fully prepared for prolonged low temperatures — and this is often when heating and plumbing problems begin to surface.
One of the most common cold-weather issues is frozen pipework, particularly in properties where pipes are poorly insulated or exposed. When water freezes, it expands — which can crack or burst pipes and lead to leaks or flooding once temperatures rise.
Important: Frozen pipes often cause damage when they thaw — sometimes while you’re asleep or away from home.
Step-by-Step: How to Prevent Pipes Freezing This Winter
Step 1: Identify Vulnerable Pipework
Check for pipework that is:
- External or in unheated areas (lofts, garages, cupboards)
- Running along external walls
- Connected to the boiler condensate pipe
Step 2: Insulate Exposed Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation (available from most DIY stores) on:
- Condensate pipes
- Pipes under sinks
- Pipes in lofts and garages
Step 3: Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Keep your heating on at a low, steady temperature during cold spells — even overnight or when out. A setting of around 18°C–21°C balances comfort and efficiency.
Step 4: Bleed Radiators
If radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom:
- Turn heating off and allow radiators to cool
- Use a radiator key to release trapped air
Step 5: Reduce Draughts
- Use draught excluders on doors
- Seal gaps around windows
- Fit covers to letterboxes and keyholes
Step 6: Keep Cupboard Doors Open
Open cupboard doors where pipework is located to allow warm air to circulate.
Step 7: If Pipes Freeze
- Check visible external pipes
- Gently thaw using warm water or a hot water bottle
- Do not use boiling water
- Reset the boiler once thawed
Should You Turn Your Heating Off in Cold Weather?
Turning heating off completely during freezing weather is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes homeowners make.
Best practice: Keep heating on at a low, consistent temperature (12°C–15°C) when the property is unoccupied.
Going Away During Winter?
If you’re leaving your home during cold weather:
- Leave heating on low
- Ensure boiler frost protection is enabled
- Open cupboards containing pipework
- Ask someone to check the property periodically
Boiler Servicing: A Key Preventative Measure
If your boiler hasn’t been serviced in the last 18 months, booking a service can help identify cold-weather vulnerabilities before they become emergencies.
- Improves efficiency
- Reduces breakdown risk
- Identifies freezing risks early
Stay Prepared This Winter
Cold weather puts extra strain on heating systems, but with preparation and regular maintenance, many issues can be avoided. Prevention is always cheaper and far less stressful than emergency repairs.
Need Winter Heating Advice or a Boiler Service?
Our experienced engineers at P A Henery Ltd can help protect your home, reduce breakdown risk, and keep your heating running safely throughout the winter.