People are just discovering the secret button on windows that turns it into ‘winter mode’ & prevents draughts getting in
ARE you fed up with your windows letting in a draught during winter?
It turns out there may be a secret way you can prevent this in seconds.
TikTok user @brainwaves.boss uploaded a video showing how there is a latch inside some window frames which can be adjusted.
On his window, the inside catch had a little line, which needed to be turned around in order to seal the gaps from draughts.
He explained: “As you can see, there’s this L-shape tool that you can use, which is right here.
“I use this one.
“And what you do is you turn the… If you can see, there’s a line here, right? Some of them will have a dot.
“So you turn the line. You turn this towards the rubber, so where the rubber is.
“So that means it closes harder, doesn’t give it a space, as you can see here.
“So now when I close it, now when I close it, I don’t think you can see, but I don’t see any wind that is coming out.
“It’s got very tight. So, yeah. That’s how you change the setting of your windows to enter.”
Many people were impressed at the ‘hack’ with one saying: “Thank you for sharing, it has been so helpful.”
Another added: “Thank you for sharing I have these exact windows and the breeze is horrible.”
An expert at Simply Plastics also weighed in, 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 its 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.
Word of warning
However, 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.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.