Empty house over winter?

[underthemountain]

Hi, we are going to be away for some of the winter and the house will therefore be empty for a few weeks when it may well be very cold. We were going to leave the heating on similar times as it is now but do you you think all windows should be left closed? Wondering about need for ventilation however there will be no people there to cause the usual condensation etc.

[ClareMarriott]

This is an occasion when you will have to notify your insurance broker/ insurer of the fact that the property will be empty for " a few weeks " as it is a condition of a household policy and there will be restricted cover if a property is left for a period longer than 30 days. Yes , leave the heating on, but drain down the pipes to prevent any burst pipes and DON't leave ANY windows open!! That way you will come back for find out you have been burgled !!! Can a neighbour or family member pop in every few days to make sure everything is ok. ? Do you have a burglar alarm too ?

[underthemountain]

Thanks for the advice! Will the insurers want some extra money off of me do you think?
I have a neighbour who can pop in so that part is fine, and will leave windows shut. No burglar alarm but house break ins are pretty rare.

[betterwhenthesunshines]

You usually just need a suitable adult to check it every 14 days and maintain the temperature above 10 degrees. At least that's what our insurance says.

[underthemountain]

Ah okay, will check my policy.

[ClareMarriott]

and you won't be charged anything extra

[PigletJohn]

it is quite useful if the friend makes a phone call or two from teh house each time they call in. That way, the phone bill will show date and time of visits in case of a dispute.

the insurers will probably say they have to call in at least every 14 days, but make it more often in case they miss a date.

If you have a cold water tank in the loft, turn off the incoming stop-cock and run hot and cold taps until they both stop (this will also drain some water out of pipes in the loft.

If you have a combi and no tank, turn off the stop-cock and run the taps again.

my insurers said 24-hours heating at 12C.

put plenty of lamps and radios on timers, downstairs and in the bedrooms to come on at "bedtime"