Switch windows to winter mode to combat heat loss and save on bills
Windows are one of the main reasons for heat loss in our homes. Switching them to winter mode is an easy way to maintain a higher temperature in the house and reduce heating costs. All you need to do is adjust the screw in the window accordingly. Here’s how to do it.
Heating in buildings should be turned on when the temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit in rooms such as the living room, bedroom, hallway, kitchen, and office or below 75 degrees Fahrenheit in bathrooms and toilets.
However, there is no specific date when the heating should be turned on. Housing cooperatives most often decide this.
Winter mode in windows: Adjust the screw
A simple trick can help you properly prepare for the winter season. Switching windows from summer to winter mode allows you to better adjust their tightness to the weather conditions.
If you put your hand near the window and feel cold air, it is a sign that the windows are in summer mode. In winter mode, the seal is pressed more tightly against the window frame, which minimizes airflow and protects against cooling.
This change can reduce heating bills, but it may also increase the risk of allergies and worsen ventilation in the room.
Modern PVC windows have a function that allows switching between summer and winter modes. To check which mode the window is in, simply find the screw on the sash and assess its position relative to the seal. If the screw is set with the thicker side towards the seal, it indicates winter mode, whereas the thinner side symbolizes summer mode.
How to switch windows to winter mode
Changing the window to winter mode is quick. Step-by-step instructions can be found, for example, on the "Handyman Amateur" channel on YouTube.
To switch the window from summer to winter mode, turn the bolt 90 degrees. Bolts may have different shapes, so a key, such as an Allen key, is often needed. However, it can generally be done using pliers or fingers.
In older windows, switching from summer to winter mode may be necessary at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame.
Another way to save heat in winter is to uncover radiators. Furniture and curtains often block radiators, hindering heat flow, which forces stronger heating of the apartment, generating additional costs.
