Your heating might be on full blast but you could still feel a little breeze coming from your doors and windows, so what can you do? The experts at Which? have shared a tip
The weather is rather chilly in the UK with Britain braced for a 400-mile snowstorm arriving soon. As temperatures remain incredibly low, many households are still relying on plenty of ways to keep their homes warm while cutting energy bills.
That said, if you have heating on full blast to get through the cold weather, it’s likely you might still feel a breeze coming from somewhere. So how do you solve it? According to the energy experts at Which? one simple hack could solve your problem and it takes just one tiny adjustment you must make to your windows and doors.
In a post on TikTok, a Which? spokesman wrote on the top of the video: “This simple hack can eliminate draughts!”
He said: “You only need one of these to fix it. A lot of uPVC windows and doors have easy adjustment features inside the frames that can eliminate cold gaps.
“Slightly turning this cam here pulls the strike plate in, which means the closed window will be pulled tighter. But if it needs too much force to close, simply turn the cam a little the other way to give it a little more room.
“And just like that, a draught-free window. If your window doesn’t have an Allen key cam, it might require some more fiddly adjustments to the hinges.
“It’s still worth doing, but remember to check your manufacturer’s instructions before making any adjustments.”
Fixing draughty windows and doors can also involve sealing gaps using weatherstripping, caulk and specialised kits to prevent heat loss. By doing this, you’re improving energy efficiency in your home.
Key methods include applying self-adhesive foam tape, installing door sweeps, using silicone sealant, adjusting uPVC hinges/locks, and installing thermal curtains or window film for insulation.
Best ways to fix draughty windows and doors:
Apply weatherstripping: Make sure the surface is clean before you apply adhesive-backed foam, V-strip or felt tape around.
Window kits: Apply plastic film to window frames with double-sided tape and shrink it with a hairdryer to create an airtight, insulating barrier.
Adjust uPVC windows: Grab an Allen key and turn the locking cams, increasing the compression against the frame for a tighter seal.
Replace seals: If the existing rubber seals on uPVC windows are broken, replace them or apply a bead of silicone to the frame.
Install door sweeps: Do this by attaching metal or a plastic strip with a brush or rubber seal to the bottom of the door.
Apple weatherstripping tape: Place rubber or foam self-adhesive strips around the door frame where the door meets the frame.
Check the letterbox and keyhole: You can install a brush-type letterbox draught excluder or metal cover to prevent air entering through your letterbox.
