WE’RE all looking for ways to try and keep the warmth in our homes now that the temperatures have dropped.
But did you know there’s a way you can ‘winter-proof’ your windows?
A man took to Instagram to share the clever hack, revealing there’s a secret button on the window frame that can be adjusted to ensure no draughts get through.
“How to switch a plastic window to winter mode,” he wrote alongside the video.
“Very often you may encounter the problem that the window does not close completely, or does not fit tightly.
“To prevent air from blowing from the window during the cold season, you need to ensure a tighter fit of the window to the window frame.
“This means that it is necessary to switch the window to winter mode.
“To do this, you need to adjust the eccentrics on the window frame.”
All you need is pliers, a spanner wrench or a hexagon tool to tighten up the frame.
“Winter mode for windows will protect your window from freezing and keep your room warm and dry,” he added.
People were quick to thank him in the comments section, with one writing: “OMG, thank you!
“Check the widows! This makes sense,” another added.
“Ahhhh winter mode for a window???” a third mused.
As someone else wrote: “Very good”.
An expert at Simply Plastics also weighed in on the hack, telling us: “Although the video alludes to switching your windows and doors to ‘winter mode’ the true use case is to create a tighter seal when the door and windows shut.
“Tightening the seals does have it’s benefits when it comes to insulation so if you do feel cold drafts coming through your windows and doors this tip can help.”
Not everyone agreed that the hack is helpful though.
“These roll pins have nothing to do with summer or winter,” one person insisted.
“Their sole purpose is to adjust the contact pressure of the sash to the frame.
“A window should always be tight!”
“Nothing has to do with summer or winter,” another said.
“The materials move due the heat and cold.
“After some years you have to adjust so it presses correctly.”
And Catherine Storer, energy expert and Executive Director at ESS, actively warned against trying out the trick.
“This hack, while seemingly straightforward, can make it worse,” she explained.
“The adjustments mentioned, which bring the window closer to the frame, are not meant for seasonal changes like winter or summer.
“These are specific settings that should only be handled by a professional service technician.
“If done incorrectly, these adjustments can lead to more severe issues than just poor insulation.
“Damaging the rubber seals can cause air and water leaks, leading to a broken window.
“In the long run, you might face more than just a cold room – with the need for expensive repairs or even full window replacement.”
If you do find you have a draught coming through your window, there are “safer, more effective” solutions, Catherine added.
“Try installing weather stripping or using thermal curtains,” she suggested.
“These solutions can significantly improve your home’s warmth without the risk of damaging your windows.”
