An expert has revealed a 3pm winter setting that will help to keep your home warm whilst saving on heating bills. As the colder, autumn nights draw in, households across the UK are now turning their radiators on.
Windows are one of the main sources of heat loss in your home, especially older or single-glazed ones, with experts suggesting that 10 to 15 per cent of heat escaping a property goes through its windows. With this in mind, window specialists Express Bi-Folding Doors have shared tips to ensure your windows and doors are working as efficiently as possible through the colder months, including how to put your windows into 'winter mode'.
Put Your Windows into 'Winter Mode'
"Many modern windows have an adjustment feature that pulls the window tighter into the frame when it's closed. Social media users have nicknamed this setting winter mode. That isn't its official name, but it does help stop cold draughts creeping in," explained Steve Bromberg, managing director at Express Bi-Folding Doors.
"To do it, open your window and look for small screws along the inside edge of the frame. These usually take an Allen key and have a small notch that typically points to 12 o'clock. Insert the Allen key and turn the screw clockwise by a quarter turn. This draws the window closer to the frame, reducing gaps and stopping unwanted draughts. After adjusting, the notch should point to around 3 o'clock."
"Close the window to check the fit. If it feels too stiff, ease it slightly by turning the screw back so the notch sits at 1 or 2 o'clock. This stops the rubber gaskets being squashed too much, which could damage them over time. This small adjustment can make a big difference, particularly with older windows, helping to keep your home warmer and more energy efficient through the colder months."
Seal Gaps and Install Thermal Film
"Check for any drafty areas around your windows and if you do feel any pockets of cold air coming through, then it may be time to re-do the sealant around your window frames," Steve advised. "To reseal your window from inside, start by removing any old sealant with a tool such as a putty knife, then clean and dry the window frame. Next, apply a new, suitable sealant to the area, smoothing down the product using a caulking tool, your finger, or a damp cloth. Then allow the sealant to dry and check again for any other drafts to ensure the area is affectively sealed."
"Window insulation film can also be a great way to keep heat inside your home. This is best used as an extra layer of thermal insulation if your windows are already in good standard. Window film won’t solve any heat retention problems if they suffer from draft problems or the insulation in your house isn’t good enough," said Steve. "This film has a dual purpose. In the winter window film can keep the warmth inside your home by reducing the amount of warm air lost through glass panes, it can also work to keep your energy costs down. However, in the summer it also helps to keep rooms cooler by reducing the amount of heat coming into your home from sunlight."
Use Thermal Curtains and Replace Damaged Windows
"Blinds and curtains can act as great barriers to preventing hot air from touching your windows and escaping outside. They are also one of the most cost-effective options to keeping your house warm, so long as you remember to keep them closed at night when you have the heating on," Steve explained. "You can also look to fit thermal curtains or blinds. These are slightly thicker and are designed to keep your rooms cosy and warm. Furthermore, don’t just stop at windows for curtains and blinds, you can also hang them above doors - particularly ones that are drafty."
"If you’re in a scenario where your windows are cracked or damaged in some way, then it may be worth looking to replace them immediately to properly insulate your home. If your window frame is in good condition, and it’s just the glass that appears damaged, then you can just change the window panes to save some money," said Steve.
