During winter, we all know that drafts can be one of the main culprits that hinder all the effort we put into warming our homes.
But, say our window experts, there's one small yet oh-so-simple task you can do to cut heat loss by up to a third, and it takes only mere moments.
Here, they explain why putting your windows in 'winter mode' is one of the most effective ways to weatherproof your windows in cold weather.
What is the 'Winter Mode' for Windows?
To find out more about 'winter mode' for windows, we spoke to the experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors, who explained that many modern windows come with an adjustable feature that allows you to pull the window tighter into the frame when closed.
This has recently been dubbed as the 'winter mode' setting on social media, which accurately explains the way in which it helps to reduce cold drafts from seeping in.
'Switching your windows into winter mode is a really quick process; it usually takes no more than a minute per window with a standard allen key,' explains Geoff Clarkson, window fitting expert at Express Bi-Folding Doors. This 26-piece Amazon Basics Hex Key Allen Wrench should be all you need.
'And you only need to do it once before the weather gets really cold, and it can easily be reversed next spring,' adds Geoff, once attention turns back to keeping your home cool.
How to Put Your Windows in 'Winter Mode'
To do this, begin by opening your windows and looking for small screws along the inside of the frame, which usually fit an Allen key and have a small notch that typically points to 12 o'clock.
Then, insert your Allen key and turn the screw clockwise a quarter of a turn, which will draw the window closer to the frame, reducing gaps and effectively draft-proofing a living room, draft-proofing a bedroom, or draft-proofing a sunroom. After adjustment, the notch should then point to three o'clock.
'Close your window to check the fit,' advise the experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors. 'If it feels too stiff, ease it slightly by turning the screw back so the notch sits at one or two o’clock. This prevents the rubber gaskets from being overly compressed, which could damage them over time.'
Though this only takes a few seconds, the difference it can make over the colder months in terms of cutting your energy bills is impressive, particularly with older windows.
'In fact, estimates show that home windows can be responsible for between at least 10 to 15 per cent of the energy that escapes a property,' advises Geoff. 'By adjusting them into winter mode and tightening the seal, you reduce the draughts and stop unnecessary warmth escaping.
'While it won't replace the need for good glazing and insulation, it can cut heat loss through gaps by up to a third.'
Other Steps Homeowners Can Take to Reduce Window Drafts
The head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, here at Homes & Gardens has been dealing with drafts in her newly-built home, and says 'fixing them has made a big difference to my energy costs.'
She recommends:
- Check under your front door: 'If you have a gap less than one inch, use self-adhesive weatherstripping, available from Amazon, to fill the gap easily and quickly. If it's bigger than that, you'll need something more robust, such as a durable, sealed aluminium door sweep.' For this, the Thermwell Extra Aluminum & Brush Door Sweep, available at Walmart, prevents drafts, water, and insects from entering.
- Draft blockers: 'A filled draft blocker can be used for doors or windows and protects your home from cold or hot air seeping in. I prefer ones with a machine-washable outer layer as these items can get dirty from being on the floor or window sills. The Sunolga draft stopper from Amazon comes in 13 lengths, seven colors, and has a machine-washable cover.'
- Insulate your windows: 'Insulating windows is one of the most affordable yet effective ways to keep your home cozy at a low cost, and window insulation kits really do work. For example, the Frost King Shrink Window Kit available at Amazon is highly durable and easy to use.'
- Layer your window treatments: 'Trapping cold air against the window and stopping it from entering the rest of the room will stabilise your temperature, and is a quick, chic curtain trick to stop drafts instantly. Conversely, allowing warm air into the space, then closing your blinds and curtains, will help trap warm air against the window. The key is stopping cold air from seeping into the rest of your space and causing a window draft to be felt.'
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Boost your energy-savings with this bestselling window insulation kit, which takes just minutes to install and shrinks to fit for crystal clear transparency.
This self-adhesive door draft blocker is easy to use and cut to the right size. It's suitable for use anywhere, including bathrooms, basements, and garages.
As Punteha highlights, layering your window treatments is a brilliant way to trap warm air in and keep cold air out. These thermal curtains also block out over 99 percent of light for better sleep.
This set of Allen keys contains every size you might need for tightening and loosening screws, with a black oxide finish for strength and rust-resistance.
This door draft stopper uses weight to keep it firmly stuck to your door, to keep heat in and wind out. Unlike the Sunolga draft stopper, this is not machine washable.
This draft seal tape features peel-and-stick adhesive backing, and is suitable for use on wood, glass, tile, and metal, and for windows, bathrooms, attics, and basements.
Meet the Experts
While you need to stop drafts, you'll also need to stop condensation on windows overnight to prevent mold and mildew.
