Everyone said I’d need brand new window hinges to fix my draughts – until I found a £3 solution
DRAUGHTS in your home are particularly noticeable at this time of the year.
If you’ve noticed a cool breeze in your house, don’t worry, there’s a simple solution.
Posting in the Facebook group DIY On a Budget UK, one user shared the issue they were having with a draught at their window.
“I have an issue with draughty window where there is a lot of air leaks through the area between the frame and window,” they explained.
“I noticed it significantly, especially in the latest windy days [from] hearing the wind whistling.”
The user asked for any recommendations on how to tackle the draught.
Other Facebook users said the homeowner would have to replace the hinges on the window.
Some people suggested re-adjusting the hinges to create a tighter close.
However, one person revealed the budget buy they used to instantly improve their own window hinges.
“I noticed the same thing with one of mine, I oiled the hinges with WD-40 and now closes more snug,” they wrote.
“Also, a little slam closes them more snug.”
You can pick up a 100 mililitre can of WD-40 for just £2.85 from Amazon.
According to manufacturers, the product “can’t fix draughts as such, but you can use it to improve how draught elimination products work.”
They recommend adding “a good squirt of WD-40” to your seals and hinges.
This helps to refresh the areas, removing dirt, moisture, and moss that may have gather in the crevices.
Any of these materials can affect the efficiency of your hinges and seals.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
The manufacturers point out that using WD-40 “will definitely help make a difference to your heating bill over the season.”
According to experts at Dakea, approximately 15-20% of your home’s heat is lost through draughts.
They added that it is safe to use on PVC as well as painted wooden frames.
“After wiping down all areas with WD-40, remove any lubricant remaining with a damp clean cloth and allow to air dry before you apply the stick-on seals,” they advised.