Turn off central heating boiler during vacation: smart or risky?
Are you unsure whether to turn off your central heating boiler during your vacation? In this blog, we explain the benefits, risks, savings opportunities and the safest choice for your home.
Why turning off your central heating boiler during vacation seems attractive
During vacations, you hardly use gas for heating or hot water. Turning off the central heating boiler may seem like a simple way to:
- Save energy
- Reduce energy costs
- Lower your carbon footprint
Especially with older, less efficient boilers, the potential savings can be significant, particularly during longer vacations of several weeks.
The downsides of turning off your central heating boiler during vacation
However, it is not always wise to completely turn off the central heating boiler. There are important risks to consider:
1. Risk of freezing during cold periods
Pipes and radiators may freeze if the central heating boiler is turned off in winter, causing serious damage.
2. Technical malfunctions when restarting
Older boilers may experience issues when restarting after being off for an extended period.
3. No hot water upon returning home
If you want hot water right after returning from your trip, your central heating boiler needs to be operational.
Smart alternatives to turning off your central heating boiler during vacation: save energy without risks
Instead of completely turning off the boiler, consider these smart alternatives:
1. Use the vacation mode of the boiler
Many modern boilers have a vacation or eco mode. This minimizes energy use while preventing freezing or malfunctions.
2. Lower the thermostat temporarily
Set the thermostat to a low temperature (for example, 10 to 15 degrees Celsius) to prevent freezing while still saving energy.
3. Use a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to control heating remotely. You can lower the temperature during your vacation and increase it just before returning home.
What experts say about turning off the central heating boiler during vacation
Many installers advise against completely turning off the boiler, especially in winter. Their recommendations:
1. Lower the thermostat to a minimal temperature
2. Use the vacation mode or eco mode
3. Monitor the system with a smart thermostat
This way, you save energy without risking damage or system malfunctions.
Vacation checklist: safely manage your boiler before your trip
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Set thermostat to 10 to 15 degrees or activate vacation mode
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Check boiler functionality before departure
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Optionally close the main water valve for extended trips
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Use a smart thermostat for remote monitoring
Considerations for property managers and energy advisors
This topic is not only relevant for homeowners. Property managers, housing corporations and energy consultants also face this question, especially for student housing, vacation rentals, or temporary housing that remains unoccupied during holidays.
Why it matters for professionals:
Large scale, large impact:
Adjusting heating systems in dozens or hundreds of buildings can significantly reduce energy costs and emissions.
Risk management:
Property managers aim to avoid damage to pipes or heating systems. Correct settings prevent freezing and costly repairs.
Smart energy management:
Modern technologies allow remote monitoring and optimization of multiple properties during vacation periods or unoccupied times.
Smart alternatives for property managers and energy consultants
Professional users can follow similar advice but also have additional tools:
1. Central monitoring via energy or building management systems (BMS)
Property managers can centrally control heating settings, detect issues early and optimize energy use.
2. Automatic vacancy settings
Many smart systems allow for automatic activation of vacancy or holiday modes, keeping the property at a safe minimal temperature.
3. Clear tenant instructions
Provide tenants with clear guidelines for energy use during vacations, such as thermostat settings and water valve shutoff procedures.
B2B checklist: safe boiler management during vacation periods
- Connect boilers to a central energy or building management system
- Activate smart vacation or vacancy schedules
- Prevent freezing with minimal heating settings
- Set up automatic alerts for unusual energy use or malfunctions
- Provide tenants and staff with clear step-by-step instructions
Expert advice for property managers and advisors:
Installers and energy consultants emphasize that it is often safer not to completely shut off boilers. Instead:
1. Use central energy management systems for remote control
2. Always maintain a minimum temperature, especially in winter
3. Combine smart thermostats with remote monitoring for maximum control
Sustainable tips for extra energy savings during vacation
- Combine your boiler with an energy management system for real-time consumption insights
- Improve insulation to reduce heating needs
- Consider a heat pump as a long-term sustainable alternative
Read more about smart energy management in our blog about energy management systems in combination with home batteries.
Conclusion: turning off the central heating boiler during vacation? Make a conscious choice
While turning off your central heating boiler may save energy, it also carries risks. In most cases, lowering the thermostat or activating vacation mode is the safer and smarter option, helping you save energy while ensuring comfort upon return.
Frequently asked questions about turning off your central heating boiler during vacation
Is it advisable to turn off my boiler during vacation?
It depends on the season and the length of your trip. In summer, it is often safe to turn off the boiler, but during winter, it is better to use vacation mode or set the thermostat low to prevent freezing.
How much can I save by turning off the boiler during vacation?
Savings depend on your situation. Lowering the thermostat usually provides greater benefit than completely shutting down the system, as it avoids risks and maintains comfort.
What is safer: turning off the boiler or lowering the thermostat during vacation?
In almost all cases, it is safer to lower the thermostat or use vacation mode. This avoids freezing and technical issues while still saving energy.