Draughty windows can lead to higher energy bills, but it might be easier to fix than you realise. One man has shared the simple way you can stop cold draughts coming through windows and doors
Warming your property during the colder months might seem like a daunting challenge – particularly when there’s a persistent icy draught seeping through your doorways and window frames.
Beyond making a property feel freezing, draughty window frames can result in steeper energy costs because you’ll likely require the central heating switched on more frequently. This presents a significant issue – as according to specialists, having draughts throughout your property could be adding £40 annually to your energy costs. However, it could be simpler to fix than you might think.
To assist, the brilliant experts at Which? have revealed the straightforward method you can use to prevent any chilly draughts going through window frames and doorways.
The best thing is you require just one tool to make it happen, which most households already own.
At the beginning of the TikTok clip, a Which? employee is shown standing next to a glass door with a candle to demonstrate precisely how draughty it becomes around the entrance.
Then, he held up an Allen key and asked: “Draughty windows and doors? You only need one of these to fix it.”
He continued to clarify that numerous uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) window frames and doorways feature straightforward adjustment mechanisms.
By examining the frames, you can frequently eliminate the chilly gaps and draughts that many might be experiencing during these colder months.
He went on to explain: “Slightly turning this cam here pulls the strike plate in, which means the closed window will be pulled tighter.”
However, he added: “However, if it needs too much force to close simply turn the cam a little the other way to give it a little more room.”
The expert then demonstrated the effectiveness of his method by holding the candle up to the door again, showing the draught present at the start of the video had now disappeared.
If your window doesn’t have an Allen key cam, it might instead require some more intricate adjustments to the hinges. If this is the case, he showed how he used a screwdriver to adjust the cams inside the window hinge.
“It’s still worth doing, but remember to check your manufacturer’s instructions before making any adjustments,” he advised viewers.
More ways to keep draughts out of your home:
- Use draught excluders (door snakes) at the bottom of doors.
- Install weatherstripping or self-adhesive foam strips around your frames to seal doors.
- Fill gaps with caulk or sealant where necessary.
- Use a chimney balloon or draught excluder when the fireplace is not in use.
- Fit a letterbox brush or flap, as well as key hole covers to keep cold air out.
- Fill gaps between floorboards with flexible filler or draught-proofing strips.
- Heavy, lined curtains or thermal blinds can reduce draughts from windows and doors.
