As the first snow of winter begins to fall and temperatures drop below zero, experts are warning homeowners that moves to make short term savings on heating bills could prove costly in the long run.

From leaving heating off and failing to maintain a minimum temperature level to having an unserviced boiler, there are multiple ways that insurance could be unknowingly invalidated and leave homeowners at risk of hefty repair bills.

Angela Pilley, Home Insurance Expert at Defaqto, said:“Winter fuel costs are forcing people to make difficult decisions when it comes to prioritising their household budgets.

"The danger is that a short-term saving, by turning your heating off, could be costly in the long run because of the risk of pipes bursting.”

“Burst pipes can wreak havoc and cost thousands of pounds. Some insurance providers are now introducing additional terms for escape of water claims which apply during the winter months. This relates specifically to maintaining your heating above a minimum level.

"This could be if you are going to be away for a short period of time, for example three to seven days, but some are now even applying a minimum heating requirement when you are occupying the property.

"If you have failed to maintain a temperature and the incoming bad weather causes a pipe to burst, you may not be covered.”