At this time of year, many people start to notice draughts and cold spots in their homes that weren’t apparent during the summer months. Replacing your glazing will mean you can address the issue without using costly electric heaters or fans that rack up the costs on your electricity bill. Here, we cover how to find draughts and some great ways of eliminating them – leaving you warm and cosy this winter.
How do you find a draught?
In some cases, the reason for a cold room will be obvious, but, in others, you may need to work out the source of the heat loss. The first thing to do is check the arrangement of the furniture in the room and the length of curtains to ensure that heating vents or radiators are not being blocked. It may be that slight alterations, such as raising the hem of heavy curtains, will increase the temperature throughout the room.
If this is not the case, there may be a draught coming from a window or door. You can always check by holding a candle close to the frame; if the candle flickers, you have located the source of the draught. If you prefer a more high-tech approach, gadgets such as thermal leak detectors can identify fluctuations in temperature and help you pinpoint the source of the problem.
The most common cause of a draught is a small gap in the window or door frame. In the case of windows, it is useful to check the outside, as you might be able to find the problem more easily this way. You may be able to address the issue with solutions such as sealants or door brushes in the short term. However, if you have single glazing, the point where the glass meets the frame may have air gaps caused by the disintegration of the hard putty that holds the glass in place. If this is the case, and for a longer-term solution, it may be time to invest in some new double- or triple-glazed windows.
Excluding draughts with new windows and doors
Investing in new windows or doors will not only solve the immediate problems caused by draughts, but will also provide long-term benefits, including greater energy efficiency throughout your home, and therefore cost savings. If you have draughts coming from doors and windows, the addition of new, high-quality glazing will not only preserve the heat but also ensure that you’re making the most of the warmth and light of the rare winter sun.
Here at Hamilton Windows, we know it can be a challenge to keep your home warm throughout the winter. Contact our expert team in Surrey today, and find out how we can help you identify and eradicate draughts in your home.
