The temperature you should keep your house at in the winter to prevent your pipes from freezing is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above. This is a general guideline that is recommended by experts in order to ensure the safety of your plumbing system.
Keeping your thermostat at this temperature or higher helps to maintain a warm environment inside your home, which in turn prevents the pipes from reaching freezing temperatures. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst and potentially leading to costly water damage.
It’s important to note that even if you are not planning to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s still crucial to keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees or above. This is because pipes located in exterior walls, attics, or crawl spaces are more susceptible to freezing due to their exposure to colder temperatures. By maintaining a consistent and adequate level of heat throughout your home, you can help prevent any potential freezing issues.
In addition to setting your thermostat at the appropriate temperature, there are a few other measures you can take to further protect your pipes during the winter months. Insulating exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas, can provide an extra layer of insulation and help prevent freezing. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap around the pipes and keep them warm.
Furthermore, if you have any outdoor faucets or sprinkler systems, it’s important to disconnect and drain them before the onset of freezing temperatures. This will help prevent any water from remaining in the pipes and potentially freezing.
Personal experience: Last winter, I made the mistake of setting my thermostat too low while I was away on vacation. When I returned home, I discovered that several of my pipes had frozen and burst, resulting in significant water damage to my basement. Not only was this a costly repair, but it also caused a great deal of stress and inconvenience. Since then, I have made it a priority to always keep my thermostat set at 68 degrees or higher during the winter, regardless of whether I am at home or away.
To summarize, maintaining a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above inside your home during the winter is crucial to prevent your pipes from freezing. This will help ensure the safety and integrity of your plumbing system, and prevent any potential water damage. Additionally, insulating exposed pipes and disconnecting outdoor faucets can provide further protection against freezing. By taking these precautions, you can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with frozen or burst pipes.