When leaving on vacation, a question comes up: should the gas be completely cut off? Indeed, to save money, a large number of French people decide to turn off the gas during their absence. Is it really a good idea? The supplier Engie enlightens us on the good behavior to follow during the holidays.
“Be careful if you stop your boiler during the winter holidays! During this season, there is indeed a major risk for your entire hydraulic installation: freezing”, tells us the editorial staff of Engie. Switching off the gas boiler during other school holidays is therefore not a good idea. Nevertheless, is it possible to do it for those of the summer?
If turning off the gas to the stove seems obvious and essential to avoid leaks, is it really worth stopping the boiler? For the winter holidays, the risk of frost therefore implies that this action is not necessary. Moreover, it does not really save energy. Indeed, “the energy required to restart the boiler and bring the temperature back up to a pleasant level would result in much greater consumption than maintaining the temperature regularly during your absence, regardless of the power of your heating” , explains the editorial staff of Engie. The financial stake is therefore not to be taken into account. What about security?
If in the collective imagination, it is better to cut off all gas to avoid accidents, it is not really necessary. Indeed, “the boilers are indeed equipped with safety systems, and the gas is associated with a specific smell which would immediately alert you when you get home”, specifies Engie. Even more, it is mandatory to service the gas boiler once a year. So your device should be secure enough.
Moreover, it is still possible to turn off your boiler during the summer if you are planning a stay of several months.
