How to Prepare Your Windows for the Winter? We Have Got Three Easy Ways to Keep the Heat inside Your House!
In the cold seasons we can lose up to 25% of the heat due to leaky windows. It has enormous impact on our energy bills of course. Is there a way to minimize the impact of unfavorable weather conditions? Find out how you can prepare windows for the winter!
Air circulation
You need to remember that proper air circulation ensuring inflow of fresh air inside your house is essential for your health. Sealing the windows is therefore not always the best option as this can result in steamy windows.
Setting up the windows before winter comes
Leaky plastic windows can result from badly set hinges and hardware, worn out seals or inappropriate setting of the window locking rolls.
Hardware and hinges. You need to examine their condition. They should be in their right place and they can’t be loose. Tighten them with a screwdriver if necessary. Then protect them with Vaseline or any silicone-based lubricant.
Leak test
Put a piece of paper between the frame and the window and close the window. If the piece falls out easily, it means you lose a lot of your heat.
Summer/ winter modes
Modern windows have got adjustable frames, equipped with the so-called locking rolls. They are fixed on both sides of each window and you can select any of the three modes:
• summer,
• neutral
• winter (of course that’s the one you choose before the cold season)
How do we prepare windows for the winter?
How to seal the windows?
To switch to the winter mode you need to use a hexagonal screwdriver. Check the locking roll setting turning it in either direction. Then leave it in a position ensuring the maximum clamping force.
How to seal the windows for the winter?
Seals. Pay your attention especially to those in the bottom part of the frame, as they are more sensitive to wearing out. If they are still continuous and flexible, protect them with silicone-based lubricant or petroleum jelly.
If your seals are worn out, they need to be replaced. Of course remember that you can't do it when it's frosty outside!
Fixing the seals
Seals come in specific dimensions so the first thing you have to do is to look them up in the documents the windows came along with, e.g. warranty or invoice. Before fixing new seals remember to prepare the surface by cleaning it and removing any grease. To stick the new seal remove the protection tape.
Give your windows a moment. Once you follow the above instructions, they will work much better and longer. And the next winter will be both warmer and cheaper.
