With energy bills continuing to soar and the bitter winter weather persisting well into February, maintaining a warm and comfortable home has become a significant financial challenge for many households across the UK.
A Simple, Cost-Effective Solution
Consumer champions at Which? have stepped in to offer practical advice, urging homeowners to perform a simple check on their windows and doors. The organisation highlights a surprisingly effective technique that can help stop precious heat from escaping and potentially lower those daunting energy statements.
The Allen Key Adjustment Method
The core advice focuses on a feature commonly found on modern uPVC windows and doors. "Feeling a draught but can't figure out where it's coming from?" asked Which? in a recent social media post. "Grab an Allen key and try this quick trick. It could be the simple solution you need to help you cut your energy bill."
Householders are advised to inspect the interior of their window and door frames for small adjustment mechanisms. Within these points, you will typically find tightening hinge screws that control cam locks.
- Locate the cam lock adjustment point on the window or door frame.
- Insert an Allen key into the upper cam.
- Rotate it to draw the strike plate inwards, which pulls the closed window or door tighter against the seal.
"Which means the closed window will be pulled tighter," explained a Which? expert. If the fixture then becomes too stiff to close easily, simply rotate the lower cam lock in the opposite direction to provide a little more room. This adjustment over the winter months helps create a far more effective seal, dramatically reducing draughts.
Alternative Draught-Proofing Strategies
For windows without this specific cam mechanism, Which? notes that more fiddly adjustments to the hinges might be necessary, advising people to consult their manufacturer's instructions first.
If adjustment isn't feasible, the Energy Saving Trust provides further guidance on sealing gaps. For windows, they recommend:
- Applying self-adhesive foam strips around the frame.
- Using metal or plastic strips fitted with brushes or wipers to bridge gaps.
It's crucial to ensure the strip is the correct size and to note that foam strips are not suitable for traditional sliding sash windows.
For doors, the trust identifies four key areas for attention:
- Keyholes: Use a purpose-made cover with a dropping metal disc.
- Letterboxes: Fit a flap or brush, measuring first for correct size.
- Gap at the bottom: Install a brush or hinged flap draught excluder.
- Gaps around the edges: Fit foam, brush, or wiper strips, similar to those used on windows.
Taking Control of Home Comfort and Costs
As the cold weather lingers, these simple, low-cost interventions can make a tangible difference. By eliminating draughts through windows and doors, households can retain more heat, reduce their energy consumption, and gain better control over their heating bills during one of the most expensive times of the year.
