As winter tightens its grip, many Britons find themselves battling an invisible enemy: the icy draughts sneaking through window frames and doors. This common household issue does more than just create an uncomfortable chill; it hits where it hurts most - your wallet.
The £40 Draught Problem
According to specialists at consumer champion Which?, draughts permeating your property could be adding a significant £40 annually to your energy costs. When cold air seeps in, homeowners naturally turn up the heating more frequently, leading to steeper energy bills during the colder months.
Many people assume fixing draughty windows requires professional help or expensive solutions, but the reality is far simpler than most realise.
The Simple Allen Key Solution
In a recent demonstration shared on TikTok, a Which? expert revealed how many uPVC window frames and doors feature clever adjustment mechanisms that require just one common tool: an Allen key.
The expert began by holding a candle next to a glass door, visibly showing how air movement indicated draughts around the frame. He then demonstrated how slightly turning adjustment cams found on the window frames can pull the strike plate inward, creating a tighter seal when closed.
"Slightly turning this cam here pulls the strike plate in, which means the closed window will be pulled tighter," the expert explained. He added crucial advice: "However, if it needs too much force to close, simply turn the cam a little the other way to give it a little more room."
The proof came when he held the candle up to the door again - the draught present at the start had completely disappeared.
When More Adjustment is Needed
For windows without Allen key cams, the solution might require slightly more intricate adjustments to the hinges using a screwdriver. The expert showed how to adjust cams inside window hinges but emphasised the importance of checking your manufacturer's instructions before making any adjustments.
This straightforward approach could make a substantial difference to both home comfort and energy expenditure throughout winter.
Additional Ways to Combat Draughts
While the Allen key method addresses one common source of draughts, Which? experts recommend several additional measures to keep your home warmer:
- Use draught excluders (door snakes) at the bottom of doors
- Install weatherstripping or self-adhesive foam strips around frames
- Fill gaps with caulk or sealant where necessary
- Use chimney balloons when fireplaces aren't in use
- Fit letterbox brushes and keyhole covers
- Use heavy, lined curtains or thermal blinds
With energy costs remaining a concern for many households, these simple draught-proofing methods offer an accessible way to reduce heating bills while maintaining comfort during Britain's coldest months.
