February tends to be the coldest month in the UK, so it is important to know how to heat your home properly, especially if you are planning a trip away. 

Keeping your home warm in winter while also staying on top of skyrocketing energy bills can be a struggle, but having the temperature set low can cost more money in the long run. 

The experts at Ada Fast Fix have warned that having a cold home is not only uncomfortable but can cause pipes to freeze and eventually burst. 

They said: “Among the many concerns of maintaining a cosy and safe home in winter, one that often goes overlooked is the protection of our water pipes. 

“As the mercury drops, pipes can freeze, leading to inconvenient and potentially costly consequences."

When homes are too cold, the water inside pipes freezes and expands, putting lots of pressure on them and causing them to rupture or leak. 

If you are leaving your home for extended periods in the winter, then it may be tempting to turn off your heating altogether, but it is more efficient to set the thermostat to a minimum temperature. 

The expert said: “Keeping your central heating on, even at a lower temperature, can prevent the water in your pipes from freezing. It's advisable to keep your thermostat set to at least 12 degrees Celsius, even if you're out of the house.” 

Keeping your home at 12C will stop your pipes from freezing when you are away, so you do not have to worry about coming back to any home damage.

It should also be noted that the ideal temperature inside your home is between 18C and 21C. 

Having a home below 18C can weaken your immune system, which makes you more susceptible to illnesses, and can cause existing conditions to worsen.

A cold home can also increase blood pressure and affect one's ability to fall asleep, which can be a major health risk. 

Anyone who is a healthy young adult who is dressed properly can have their temperature at around 18C. 

However, children, the elderly and anyone ill can risk harming their health if the temperature is not at least 20C. 

If you are trying to cut down on costs, then keep the temperature 12C away, but when indoors, always have the heating between 18C and 21C to ensure the well-being of everyone in your home.