Draughty windows are an all-too-familiar problem in many homes. But, instead of replacing your windows or jumping into woolly clothes, follow these good solutions to prevent the cold from finding its way into your home.
Remember to close both window hasps
If your windows have hasps, remember to close both the upper and lower hasp when you close your windows. It's an easy thing to forget, and if you only close one then the cold from the window will still penetrate your home.
Use the ventilation vent with care
When the weather is chilly, it's advisable to close the vent to prevent any draughts from the window. But bear in mind, it is a fine balance, because ventilation is crucial for maintaining a better indoor climate.
Curtains reduce draughts from windows
One good solution is to draw your curtains or close your blinds in the whole house before going to bed. As well as reducing draught from a window, curtains also help to reduce loss of heat through your windows.
However, it's a good idea to draw back the curtains and blinds in the morning. It's also important to get sufficient light during the dark winter months and to let in a natural inflow of light.
Keep in the warmth with rugs
Another simple trick is to place rugs in front of your doors or entrances next to any window sections with door openings. You will therefore prevent any cold from creeping in under the openings. Rugs will also prevent your feet from getting cold, and provide a cosier feeling in your home.
Rugs are not nearly as an efficient method as replacing the sealing strips on windows. But if you're not into DIY, then the benefits of rugs might be the best solution for you.
Avoid furniture in front of your radiators
If you wish to retain the warmth in your home, you shouldn't place long curtains or a sofa in front of your radiator. If a piece of furniture or any other item stands in front of a radiator, the warmth does not get dispersed in the room therefore resulting in a colder indoor climate.
Tip: A rule of thumb is that there should be at least 15-20 centimetres of air around a radiator, making sure that the warmth gets distributed throughout the room.
Check whether your windows are draughty
If you suspect that you might have draught from your windows, it's easy to check. Simply open the window and fix a strip of paper between the window and the frame. Then close the window. If it is hard to pull out the strip of paper, or if it rips when you yank it out, then your windows are airtight. However, if you easily can pull out the strip of paper, this indicates that you may have draughty windows.