How to put windows in winter mode and get rid of drafts

The "winter" and "summer" modes are informal names for the sash pressure adjustments. In the warm season, the clamping force is not so critical and the poor fit of the seal is even useful, since it provides micro-ventilation. With the onset of cold weather, a similar effect turns into drafts from the windows, which will not please anyone.

This problem is solved by changing the pressure on the sash eccentrics. For the winter, it intensifies, and in the spring it returns to its original position, so as not to additionally load the seals and extend their service life.

As with other window and door adjustments, you can do it in just a few minutes.

1. Prepare your tools

Depending on the design of the fittings used, one of the following tools will be required for setting:

hex key 4 mm;
Torx T15 key ("asterisk");
open-end wrench 11 mm or pliers;
flat screwdriver.

2. Locate the pins on the sash

Open the window and inspect the end of the sash. There should be round parts sticking out - they are called eccentrics, or pins. On different accessories, their appearance is slightly different: they can be round with a key slot in the center or without it, or oval without any holes.

The eccentrics are located not only on the side of the window, but also at the top and bottom. Depending on the size of the sash, a different number of trunnions are installed for uniform clamping along the entire contour. All of them need to be adjusted to get the correct setting.

Please note that sometimes the lower eccentric is not located on the sash, but on the frame.

3. Pick up the key

Take a close look at the eccentrics to see which key fits them. Usually it is a 4 mm hex, less often a Torx T15 ("star"). If the trunnion is oval, then there will be no holes on it - in this case, the part is turned with an 11 mm wrench or pliers.

Round eccentrics without holes are manually adjustable - you need to pull them towards you, set in the desired position, and then fix by pressing with your finger.

4. Rotate the pins

Using the appropriate wrench or manually move all eccentrics to the maximum pressure position. They move quite tightly, so spin more boldly, nothing will break.

As a rule, there are markings in the form of a dot or marks on the end of the part. In a neutral position, it is located in the middle, top or bottom. The position of the mark in the direction of the seal corresponds to the maximum pressure, in the direction of the street - to the minimum.

It's easy to remember: risk to the room - winter, risk to the street - summer.

For oval eccentrics, the standard position is diagonal. That is, the maximum pressure will be if you turn the part horizontally, and the minimum - vertically.

Sometimes there are no marks on the trunnions at all. In this case, you need to navigate by the eccentrics themselves. If you unfold them with the wider part towards the seal, then the pressure will increase, and if with the narrow side, it will decrease.

5. Check the pressure

After adjustments, be sure to check the tightness of the structural elements. To do this, take a sheet of paper, insert it between the frame and the sash, and then close the window and try to pull it out. If the settings are correct, the paper may be difficult to come out or tear.

6. Do not forget to switch the windows to summer mode

With the onset of warmth, be sure to return the fittings to normal operation. If this is not done, then from a strong pressure the elastic will lose its elasticity after some time, and then no adjustments can be made to remove drafts. We'll have to completely change the seals.

For details of the whole process, see the video: