Going away in winter after an ECO4 upgrade: a checklist for UK households (2026)

Guide by ApplyFreeBoiler.uk (Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd), a heating and insulation installer in Bury, Greater Manchester. We are not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

Whether it is a family visit over Christmas or a hospital stay, many households leave home empty for a while in winter. A new boiler and better insulation help, but an empty, unheated home can still get cold enough for pipes to freeze. This checklist is general information from ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, a heating and insulation installer in Bury, and does not replace your boiler manual or advice from a qualified engineer.

1. Do not switch the boiler off completely

Leaving the boiler powered on lets its built-in frost protection run if the temperature inside drops very low. Check your manual for how frost protection works on your model.

2. Use a holiday or frost setting

Many thermostats and heating apps have a holiday or frost mode. Setting a low background temperature while you are away is usually better than turning the heating off altogether. Your manual or the installer can tell you what setting suits your home.

3. Check the boiler pressure before you leave

Look at the pressure gauge and compare it with the range in your manual. If it is low, top it up or ask for help before you go, so the boiler is less likely to lock out while the house is empty.

4. Protect pipes in the coldest spots

Pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls are most at risk. After loft insulation the loft itself can be colder than before, so check that pipes and tanks up there are lagged. Leaving loft and cupboard doors under sinks open can let a little warmth reach pipes.

5. Know where the stopcock is

Make sure you, and anyone checking on the house, know where the stopcock is so the water can be turned off quickly if a pipe does burst.

6. Ask someone to look in

If you will be away for more than a few days, ask a neighbour or relative to check the heating is running and there are no leaks. Some home insurance policies have conditions about unoccupied homes in winter, so check yours.

7. Check funding and local figures

See ECO measures by council on ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, built from DESNZ Household Energy Efficiency statistics, to see how many ECO measures have been installed in your local authority area. Use the ApplyFreeBoiler.uk eligibility check to see whether an ECO4 heating or insulation pathway may be available for your home in England, Scotland or Wales. ECO4 is due to close on 31 December 2026.