Forum Topic

Heating an Empty Property

What would the recommended thing be for a property that has been vacated due to the resident self-isolating elsewhere and the heating?It is a semi-detached property. Should the heating and water be turned off altogether or one or both left on for an hour or so a day?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 2080d5 Comments

Hence 'during winter months'

Keith Iddon ● 2079d

Unlikely to freeze overnight from now on. Provide gas readings now and at intervals or you'll get estimated bills based on normal usage. Same with elec and water if it's metered. Check with insurance policy how long property can be left empty.Check police advice about leaving home empty.

Peter Evans ● 2079d

Off the top of my head, I wonder if it's a good idea, if you were going to leave the property empty in winter months, to empty the mains water tank and pipes to ensure the water in the pipes does not freeze. Turn off the mains water inlet stopcock and open the cold water tap until the water  stops. Turn the stopcock back a quarter of a turn,maybe spray with a little wd40 to ensure it does not seize and gives a little play when you are turning it back on to refill the system. The accumulated air in the pieps will come out when you turn the taps back on after refilling.

Keith Iddon ● 2079d

Thank you so much for your very helpful reply.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 2079d

Depends for how long the property will remain vacated.IF for a a longer period I would turn off the water, heating is dependant on the type of thermostat you have fitted, most modern ones will have frost protection that kick in at circa 5 degrees, if it's an old style wheel on a wall just set it low.Weather is warming so shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Lee Page ● 2080d