Every year, with the arrival of the cold, fake news circulates online again: modern windows have a “winter mode”, which can be activated by rotating a small lateral component, to increase the thermal insulation of the home. The idea seems simple and ingenious, but it is completely false. And worse: it can cause irreparable damage to your windows and doors.
What are adjustment pawls?
In the viral video that reignited the debate, it is shown how to turn a small metal pin on the edge of the window sash to “switch to winter mode”. That component is called a locking latch or eccentric (sometimes also called “mushroom” due to the shape).
Its function is much simpler (and less miraculous): it serves to regulate the closing pressure between the door and the frame. In practice, it ensures that the window closes correctly, without games or drafts, but does not activate any seasonal mode.
Window manufacturers and specialized technicians are unanimous: the so-called winter mode does not exist. The pressure adjustments of the latches are made in the factory, before installation, to guarantee the ideal seal of the window. Intervening manually without skills means altering a delicate balance designed to last for years.
Touching the latches is risky
It’s easy to be tempted by quick solutions, especially when you notice small drafts or condensation forms on the windows. But turning the knobs without knowing what you are doing can have the opposite effect than desired.
By changing the adjustment, you could put excessive pressure on the gaskets, which are rubber components that are essential for ensuring thermal sealing. If they are crushed beyond measure, they lose elasticity, become deformed and no longer perform their function correctly. By doing so, drafts increase and the thermal insulation of the entire window worsens.
Furthermore, by forcing the closing mechanism, you could also damage the internal hardware or compromise the correct opening and closing of the door. The risk is to shorten the useful life of the window, making expensive repairs or even premature replacement necessary.
The real solutions to improve the insulation of windows without damaging them
If you want to save on heating and improve the energy efficiency of your home, there are safe and truly effective interventions, very different from the elusive “winter mode”:
You might also be interested in:
