With temperatures now dropping, many of us may now be considering reaching for the thermostat to put the radiators on, however, there may be a trick or two to prevent it for a little longer yet.
It may come as a surprise, but windows are one of the main contributors to heat loss in any home, particularly if they’re old and only single-glazed. In fact, estimates show that a home’s windows can be responsible for between at least 10-15% of the energy that escapes a property. And that’s assuming you have some form of double-glazing installed!
Window specialists, Express Bi-Folding Doors, have shared tips on how to make sure windows and doors are in working order to keep the heat in through the colder months, including how to put windows into ‘winter mode’.
- Put your windows into ‘winter mode’
Many modern windows come with an adjustment feature that allows you to pull the window tighter into the frame when closed. Social media users have recently dubbed this setting “winter mode”, and while that’s not its official name, it does help in reducing cold drafts from seeping in.
To do this, open your window and look for small screws along the inside of the frame. These usually fit an Allen key and have a small notch that typically points to 12 o’clock.
Insert your Allen key and turn the screw clockwise a quarter of a turn. This will draw the window closer to the frame, reducing gaps and preventing unwanted drafts. After adjustment, the notch should now point to around 3 o’clock.
Close your 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 prevents the rubber gaskets from being overly compressed, 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 during the colder months.
- Seal any gaps around your window frames
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.
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.
- Install thermal film on the inside pane
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.
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.
- Invest in thermal curtains
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.
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!
- Replace damaged windows
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.
Further tips for reducing heat loss through your windows can be found here: https://www.expressbifolds.co.uk/news/how-to-reduce-heat-loss-through-windows/
