Should I turn my boiler off when I go on holiday?

Planning a holiday is always exciting, but it also comes with a long list of things to prepare — packing bags, confirming travel details, and most importantly, securing your home. One question many homeowners ask themselves before heading off is: "Should I turn off my boiler when I go on holiday?"  

The idea of leaving a boiler running while no one is home can feel unsettling. There’s the concern about safety, potential damage, and, of course, the possibility of high energy bills waiting for you upon your return. On the other hand, turning it off could also create problems, such as frozen pipes in colder months. 

At Maintracts Services Ltd, we assure you that you can travel with peace of mind. Our experienced heating engineers offer expert boiler servicing and advice, ensuring your system is safe, efficient, and ready for your time away. Whether it’s setting up frost protection, adjusting the thermostat, or giving your boiler a complete check-up, we’ve got it covered. Call 020 8682 2244 today to book your pre-holiday boiler check or speak with one of our heating specialists. Let’s help you enjoy a worry-free break! 

 

 

What Is The Right Way To Manage Your Boiler Before Going On Holiday?

The heating schedule for your empty house mainly depends on the time of year and the type of boiler you have.

During warmer months, it’s generally safe—and often preferable—to switch off your boiler entirely. You're not using your heating, and you likely won't need hot water if the house is empty. However, during colder months, keeping your boiler on at a low setting can help prevent frozen pipes and other damage caused by cold weather.

Every boiler is different, and older systems are more prone to faults, even when they’re turned off. Newer models are more efficient and come with built-in protections such as frost settings that keep them running safely at low temperatures.

 

What Should You Do With Your Boiler During The Holidays?

You don’t have to leave your boiler running at full power. Several innovative options strike a balance between safety, comfort, and energy savings.

1. Use The Thermostat

Modern boilers enable you to lower the thermostat settings to maintain a mild internal temperature, ideally between 15°C and 18°C. This is warm enough to prevent frozen pipes but not so high as to incur unnecessary energy consumption. Some smart thermostats even let you control your heating remotely via an app, allowing you to adjust the settings based on real-time weather conditions.

2. Activate Frost Protection Mode

Some boilers include a frost protection setting. This keeps the system running at a minimal level, only activating when the temperature drops below a certain threshold. It’s a helpful feature if you’re away during a cold snap and don’t want to come home to burst pipes or water damage.

3. Set A Timer

If your boiler doesn’t have frost protection, use a timer to run the system for an hour or two each day, ideally during the coldest part of the night or early morning. This helps maintain water flow and prevents ice from building up in the pipes.

4. Turn Off The Hot Water Tank

If your boiler has a separate hot water tank, this function can be switched off independently. Since no one will be using hot water while you’re away, there's no need to keep heating it.

5. Ask Your Neighbour

If you're uncomfortable leaving the system unattended, consider asking a trusted person to check in periodically to ensure its security. A quick visit to adjust the heating or ensure everything is functioning properly can give you peace of mind.

 

Is It Cheaper To Leave The Heating On?

One popular myth suggests that it's more cost-effective to leave the heating on at a low level than to turn it off completely. In reality, any running appliance consumes energy, and your boiler is no exception.

The only time this rule doesn’t apply is in winter when extremely low temperatures could freeze your pipes. In such cases, the minimal cost of running your boiler briefly each day is far less than what you’d pay to fix burst plumbing.

So, should I turn off my boiler when I go on holiday if it’s not winter? Absolutely - doing so can save you money and energy without compromising the safety of your home.

 

Is It Dangerous To Leave A Boiler On While You’re Away?

This is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners as they prepare for the UK winter travel home. Fortunately, the chances of something going wrong are very low, especially if your system is modern and well-maintained.

Modern boilers are equipped with multiple safety features, including automatic shut-off and carbon monoxide detection. If you’ve kept up with your boiler maintenance checklist to keep the system running smoothly, there’s very little to worry about.

That said, older boilers—especially those with pilot lights—can pose a greater risk. If you own an outdated system and are heading off on holiday, it might be safer to turn it off entirely or consider an upgrade. For advice on replacing your boiler, consult our comprehensive new boiler installation guide.

 

Boiler Maintenance Tips To Prevent Noisy Operation While You’re Away

Ever returned from holiday to strange clanging or whistling noises coming from your heating system? That’s often due to poor maintenance or trapped air in the system. 

Here are a few boiler maintenance tips to prevent noisy operation: 

• Bleed your radiators before leaving. 
• Book a professional service check a few weeks ahead. 
• Look for signs of limescale buildup if you live in a hard water area. 
• Ensure that your boiler’s pressure levels are correct. 

By taking these steps, you not only avoid surprise issues while you’re away, but you also extend the lifespan of your heating system. 

 

Pre-Holiday Boiler Checklist: What To Remember

Let’s recap the main points: 

• Summer Holidays: Yes, you can switch off your boiler entirely. 
• Winter Holidays: Keep the temperature low to prevent pipe freezing. 
• Use Smart Features: Set thermostats, timers, or frost protection modes to maintain control. 
• Save Energy: It’s usually more cost-effective to turn off your boiler when not needed. 
• Stay Safe: Modern boilers are generally safe to leave on, but older units should be assessed before leaving them unattended. 

Do you still have any doubts? That’s perfectly fine — we’re here to help. Contact us today for professional support! 

 

Conclusion

When preparing for your holiday, don’t overlook your boiler. Whether you choose to leave it on or turn it off depends on the season and your system’s condition, but peace of mind comes from knowing it’s in good working order. A quick check before you go can prevent unnecessary stress and potential issues while you're away. 

If you need professional advice, a check-up, or a new boiler before your next trip, Maintracts Services Ltd has got you covered. With decades of experience in heating systems across London and beyond, we know how to keep your home safe and energy-efficient. Contact us today on 020 8682 2244 to schedule a service, request a quick quote, or get expert guidance on upgrading your system before your next holiday!