Exact temperature to heat your home to avoid 'frozen pipes' as UK braces for snow

could be on the cards for some parts of Britain this week, catching out unsuspecting homeowners who haven't winter-proofed their homes in anticipation of the cold snap.

It's crucial for homeowners to get ahead and prepare their homes to stave off potential damage during the chillier period.

The plummeting temperatures hike the risk of household pipes succumbing to the cold, causing them to freeze and break, potentially resulting in extensive harm to plumbing and heating infrastructures.

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may seem like a go-to for a quick fix; but experts advise against DIY attempts at defrosting pipes as it might lead to bursts better to leave it to the seasoned pros.

Thankfully, there are straightforward measures homeowners can take, according to plumbing pro David Doran from .

One top tip ensuring your thermostat is correctly adjusted. Even though the temptation to blast the heat on freezing days is high, David recommends setting it between 18-20C.

Keeping the thermostat at a steady 18 degrees minimises the chances of your pipes icing over. Many modern heating systems feature a "frost protection" setting designed to maintain your house's temperature above zero while conserving energy, reports .

Remember, if you're set to travel or reduce heating expenditures during the winter months, it's wise not to switch the heating off completely.

It's advised to drop the temperature to around 15-17C (59-63F) when you're asleep or out of the house. This not only conserves energy but also stops your home from becoming too chilly.

You could also set regular heating periods throughout the day to keep your pipes warm and minimise the risk of them freezing over.

Moreover, it's crucial to have your boiler serviced regularly to ensure it's working at its best, providing consistent heat throughout your property.

David suggests getting your boiler checked annually for safe and efficient operation. Regular servicing can detect leaks, blockages, and check the safety of devices, helping to prevent serious issues like gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Not only does this improve efficiency and help save on , but many warranties and insurance policies also necessitate annual servicing.