At What Temperature Will Pipes Burst?
When temperatures drop significantly during the winter, many homeowners are concerned that their pipes might freeze and burst. So, what temperature should you keep in your house so the pipes don't burst? Pipes can freeze and burst when temperatures dip below -7 degrees Celsius. Even if you live in an area that doesn't usually experience low temperatures, it's still a good idea to keep your home at a temperature above 12 degrees Celsius to protect your pipes.
Although 12 degrees is the benchmark for freezing temperatures, it's important to note that the temperature of your home is only part of the equation when it comes to protecting your pipes; other factors like insulation in your walls and attic, and proper sealing of any cracks in the walls or around windows and doors are also important.
Is 72 Too High for a Thermostat in Winter?
The quick answer is no; while considering both safety and energy efficiency, the majority of heating professionals recommend keeping your thermostat set between 20-22 degrees Celsius during the winter to prevent frozen and/or burst pipes.
In addition to thermostat settings, there are other precautions you can take to protect your pipes from freezing. If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, be sure to keep the garage and exterior doors closed and keep your blinds drawn at night to prevent cold air from entering your home. You should also turn off and disconnect outdoor hoses, and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls in order to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Any of those circumstances could cause your pipes to freeze, so it is important to take these preventative steps.
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At a temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, a pipe may not freeze right away - but it could be at risk of bursting. Once a pipe is exposed to low temperatures, it can take hours, days, or even weeks before it actually bursts. As such, setting your thermostat to 12-13 degrees Celsius is not a safe bet when it comes to protecting your pipes.
What Is the Best Temperature for a Thermostat to Save Money?
The most cost-effective temperature to set your thermostat at is dependent on several factors such as the age of your home, the number of people living in the house, and the type of heating system you have. Generally speaking, however, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius during the winter. It is also advised that you keep your thermostat at lower temperatures when your home is unoccupied, such as when you are asleep or away from home. Setting your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours can help you save up to 10 percent on your annual heating costs.
I Have a Hot Water Cylinder – Can I Lower the Flow Temperature in My Heating System?
Many modern hot water cylinders come with built-in thermostats that allow you to control the flow temperature. By turning down the flow temperature, you can help regulate the temperature of your heating system and reduce energy consumption, ultimately allowing you to save money on your gas bills. However, be sure to follow the advice of your heating engineer about the ideal flow temperature.
If you have an older model of a hot water cylinder, you may need to purchase an appropriate thermostat and install this yourself. It is important to remember, though, that the temperature of your heating system should never exceed 60 degrees Celsius. Any higher than this and you are at risk of scalding and safety issues.
To sum up, when it comes to protecting your pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter months, keeping your home at a temperature of at least -7 degrees Celsius is a good rule of thumb. Additionally, setting your thermostat between 20-22 degrees Celsius and following other preventative steps will help ensure your pipes remain safe from the cold.
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