British Gas Away Heating: Set Frost Protection Before You Leave (Checked November 14, 2026)

Verified and updated: November 14, 2026, 10:15 p.m. UTC (November 14, 2026, 11:15 p.m. GMT, London).

If you’re leaving a British Gas heated home during freezing weather, use the thermostat’s frost-protection or holiday setting if available. British Gas says its Hive Thermostat’s built-in Frost Protection switches the boiler on when the temperature drops below 7°C. Its separate holiday advice says to set a thermostat to at least 5°C if you do not have frost protection. However, the company’s current frozen-pipe guidance recommends keeping the thermostat at least 7°C when frost is forecast. Check your exact model’s instructions and use the more protective setting for your home and conditions.

The key point: “away” does not always mean “off” in winter. A low setting can reduce unnecessary heating while helping limit freeze risk, but no single thermostat temperature guarantees that every pipe is safe. The Met Office advises leaving heating on low when you go away, and recommends insulation and occasional checks as additional precautions.

Destaques

• Use built-in frost protection or holiday mode if your controls offer it.
• British Gas says Hive Frost Protection activates below 7°C; its holiday FAQ gives 5°C as a minimum when frost protection is unavailable.
• Current British Gas frozen-pipe guidance recommends at least 7°C during frosty weather.
• Insulate vulnerable pipes, know where your stopcock is, and arrange checks for a longer absence.

What temperature should you set British Gas heating to when away?

Start by checking whether your British Gas or Hive controls have a frost-protection feature. British Gas says the Hive Thermostat’s built-in Frost Protection turns the heating on if the temperature drops below 7°C. In its holiday FAQ, the company says that if you do not have frost protection, set the thermostat to at least 5°C. Its current frozen-pipe advice is more conservative: keep the thermostat at least 7°C when it is frosty, including when nobody is home. (See British Gas’s holiday heating advice and its frozen-pipe guidance.)

These figures describe different guidance, not a universal guarantee. Frost-protection controls may sense the air near the thermostat or boiler rather than the coldest pipe in a loft, garage, or outside wall. A poorly insulated property or pipes in exposed locations may need more attention. Read the manual for your specific boiler and thermostat before selecting holiday mode; some systems have a dedicated frost setting, while others require the heating controls to remain powered.

Should you turn the heating off when you leave?

During mild weather, British Gas says heating need only be left on during a holiday when freezing is possible. In warmer months, it says you can switch it off, with exceptions such as pets remaining at home or a long absence where damp or mildew is a concern. If winter temperatures could fall below freezing, leaving the system entirely off may increase the chance of exposed water pipes freezing. The Met Office advises leaving heating on low while away, alongside insulating vulnerable pipes and asking someone to check the home occasionally. See its frozen and burst pipe advice.

For ordinary short absences in nonfreezing weather, a schedule or away setting can avoid heating an empty home at comfort temperatures. The Energy Saving Trust explains that a programmer controls when heating comes on and goes off, and smart controls can be adjusted remotely if plans change. It says most people set their occupied-room thermostat between 18°C and 21°C for comfort; that is not a recommended holiday temperature. See its central-heating controls guide.

How can you reduce the risk of frozen pipes while away?

A thermostat is only one part of prevention. British Gas recommends insulating pipes and water tanks in cold spaces such as lofts, garages, and basements. It also suggests opening cupboard doors around pipework and, in icy weather, a loft hatch if pipes or tanks are in an unheated loft. These steps help warmer indoor air reach vulnerable plumbing. Fix dripping taps, close windows, and seal drafts.

Before leaving for more than a few days, British Gas says it may be worth turning off the water at the stopcock and draining the system by running taps until empty. Consider your plumbing, boiler, and insurance requirements before doing this; if unsure, get advice from a qualified professional. Make sure household members know where the stopcock is, and arrange for a neighbor or friend to check the property during a longer winter trip. These measures reduce risk but cannot eliminate it.

What should you do if you suspect a frozen or burst pipe?

If a pipe may have burst, turn off the water at the stopcock and switch off the boiler. The Met Office advises opening taps to drain the system and calling a WaterSafe-approved plumber. If water has reached electrical fittings, do not touch them; follow emergency electrical-safety advice. For a frozen pipe that has not burst, the Met Office recommends thawing it slowly with hot-water bottles or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a naked flame or blowtorch.

Frequently asked questions

Is 5°C enough when my British Gas heating is off?

British Gas’s holiday FAQ says at least 5°C if you do not have frost protection. Its current cold-weather pipe guidance recommends at least 7°C during frosty conditions. Check your model’s instructions and consider the coldest, least-insulated parts of your home.

Does Hive Frost Protection keep the whole house at 7°C?

British Gas says it activates the boiler below 7°C. That is a trigger for protection, not a promise that every room or exposed pipe stays at that temperature.

Should I leave heating on in summer while away?

British Gas says you can switch it off in summer, except when pets remain at home or a long absence raises concerns about damp or mildew.