Protect Your Home and Wallet
Households leaving their homes empty over Christmas have been warned to avoid traps that could end up costing them as much as £41,000 when they return.
Ailments That Can Cause Lasting Damage
Letting your house get too cold or stuffy while you're away over Christmas could lead to problems like mould and damp, which can cause lasting damage to your home.
The Cost of Removing Mould and Repairing Burst Pipes
Removing mould from a damp home costs around £30 an hour or up to £3,000 for a whole home, according to Checkatrade. And leaks from burst frozen water pipes cost an average of £38,000 per claim to repair last winter, insurer LV found.
Keep Your Home Warm to Ward Off Problems
Experts recommend keeping your home above at least 14 to 15 degrees to prevent areas of dampness or mould from surfacing.
Avoid Unnecessarily Large Heating Bills
Leaving the heating on, even on a timer, could land you with an unnecessarily large bill. Running your central heating from a standard boiler could cost around £1.68 an hour at current energy costs.
Smart Solutions to Manage Your Home's Temperature
Thankfully, there are a number of gadgets available to help manage your home's temperature and appliances from a distance. Some systems let you control your thermostat remotely, such as Hive or Google Nest, and while they aren't the cheapest, they could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Control Your Heating with Hive
Hive's thermostat device costs £149 on Amazon and can be set up to six daily time slots, boost your heating for up to six hours, turn on frost protection to prevent your pipes from freezing, or simply turn your heating on and off remotely whenever you please.
Smart Radiator Thermostat for Targeted Heating
If you want to control just one radiator, consider getting a smart radiator thermostat. These can be attached to one radiator to control it remotely, allowing you to boost the temperature without heating your whole house.
Keep the Air Flowing with Smart Plugs
Stuffy air in your home can contribute to damp and mould forming. You can use a smart plug to keep a fan running to get air moving around your house. Smart plugs control the flow of power and can turn your fan on and off remotely.
Consider a Fan Heater for Ventilation
A fan heater can also be a way to ventilate your home while adding some warmth. Amazon's own-brand smart plug, which allows you to control gadgets through your Alexa app, is currently on offer for just £15.
Remember to protect your home and avoid unnecessary expenses by utilizing these affordable and convenient gadgets to manage your home's temperature while you're away this Christmas.
