Making sure your house is appropriately equipped for the changing weather is crucial when the seasons shift. A frequently forgotten part of this preparation is to put your plastic windows in the proper mode for the current season. The ability to switch between summer and winter modes on modern plastic windows is a feature that many homeowners are unaware of, but it can have a big impact on comfort and efficiency.
The windows are lowered in summer mode to improve ventilation and avoid condensation accumulation. By letting hot air out and facilitating more free movement of fresh air, this setting helps keep your house cool. In contrast, the windows are sealed tighter in winter mode to keep heat from escaping and to keep drafts out, keeping your house warm and saving money on energy.
It only takes a few minutes to perform the easy task of switching your plastic windows to the summer mode. You can potentially reduce your energy costs and improve the comfort level in your house by learning how to use this feature. This post will walk you through the process of putting your windows in summer mode and explain why it’s a good idea to do so when the seasons change.
Topic | Details |
Why switch to summer mode? | Switching your plastic windows to summer mode helps improve ventilation and reduces the pressure on the window seals, prolonging their lifespan. |
How to switch? | To switch to summer mode, locate the adjustment screw or cam on the window sash. Turn it 90 degrees with a wrench or screwdriver to reduce the pressure of the seals. Make sure all windows are adjusted for consistent performance. |
- What does the concept mean?
- How to determine which option is installed?
- Is it necessary to switch to summer and why??
- What tools are needed for adjustment??
- How to translate: step-by-step instructions
- Possible difficulties and errors during the work process
- Pros and cons of using
- Useful video
- Video on the topic
- WINTER SUMMER MODE. Don"t repeat this mistake! Adjustment of PVC windows
- Switched the windows to winter mode, it"s easy
- WINTER SUMMER MODE / BLOWING FROM THE DOOR WINDOW – ADJUSTING PVC WINDOWS IN 2 MIN!
- WINTER SUMMER MODE. A MISTAKE THAT EVERYONE MAKES. EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW!
- How to make winter mode on plastic windows. Simple and fast
- How to set windows to winter mode
- Do-it-yourself adjustment of PVC windows / window does not close well / summer and winter mode
What does the concept mean?
The purpose of the summer mode on PVC windows is to accelerate airflow from the street into the room. Because it is installed with trunnions or eccentrics, there is less pressure on the sash seals, which causes the space between the PVC frame and the window sash to widen.
This makes it possible to increase the air exchange in the space without micro-ventilation and even with the sash closed. This option has a handle that is simple to turn.
Not all PVC window designs allow for the selection of a summer or winter mode; for instance, budget-friendly window unit models lack these features. When buying Windows, the user should take note of this if his initial goal is to install it with more functionality.
Trunnions with an Allen key-specific hole must be round or oval for windows with multiple modes. The window model has one option and is monofunctional otherwise.
Only follow the manufacturer’s instructions when switching the window to summer operating mode to avoid damaging the window fittings and needing to replace them with an expensive full window repair.
How to determine which option is installed?
There are various ways to verify:
- The simplest one is the operation of the window handle; if it comes off and closes easily and does not create pressure on the seals, then the window functions in the “summer” version.
- The next option – determining the mode is also intended for domestic use; it is performed using a regular sheet of paper, placing it between the window sash and the PVC frame. In the case when, as a result of closing the sash, the paper sheet can be pulled out with minimal effort – this indicates that the window is installed in the summer version.
- A more complex verification option is used by specialists. It consists in the fact that you need to examine the position of the eccentric. They can be of different shapes. Therefore, before executing this option, it is necessary to study the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the pin is round, as a rule, there is a dash/dot/star marked on it, by which the mode is assessed, for example, when the dash is oriented towards the street – summer, and towards the room – winter. Oval trunnions have a different designation: with a vertical line – winter, with a horizontal line – summer version.
How to find the location of a PVC window, illustration:
Is it necessary to switch to summer and why??
First and foremost, the owner installs PVC windows to shield the interior space from unpleasant human odors, dangerous substances, street temperatures, and noise. Nevertheless, this necessitates designing the best ventilation system for the space, particularly if the walls are insulated with foam plastic. Consequently, the space takes on the properties of a thermos, which is particularly harmful to people’s health during the summer.
This is explained by the fact that air always flows from a hot source to a cold one; during the winter, air travels from the room to the street and must encounter resistance in the form of a tight seal clamp (more on how to install the clamp correctly here). In summer, air flows in the opposite direction, from the street into the apartment, so to boost the amount of fresh air entering the house, the pressure on the window needs to be released.
It’s critical to realize that excellent ventilation on PVC windows is essential to fostering both residents’ health and comfortable living environments. A second source of fresh air is produced when the window is turned to summer mode, contributing to the preservation of a wholesome, oxygen-rich microclimate within the home.
Furthermore! Another crucial job that summer mode does is lessen the strain on window seals. Accordingly, since it severely damages these rubber products, the window should not be left in the winter position all year round.
What tools are needed for adjustment??
The majority of PVC window designs are constructed so that you can change the options on your own.
To accomplish this, read through the manufacturer’s instructions and get ready the standard equipment and supplies needed to assemble a PVC block.
The following is a list of tools needed to change a metal-plastic window from winter to summer mode:
- Screwdriver with removable tips brand T and TX.
- Professional hexagon wrench with a bend for holding, 4 mm.
- Phillips screwdriver No. 3,4.
- Pliers.
- Silicone grease for seal.
- Aerosol WD-40.
- Lubricant for hardware.
How to translate: step-by-step instructions
Verify which option is genuinely installed on the window sash before making your first mode switch from "winter" to "summer." Since the seals are dense and have not yet developed, installation organizations typically do not install the system in winter mode during the first year of operation.
Algorithm for manually adjusting PVC windows for summer:
- Find the location of all the axles on the sash at the top and bottom, the number of which depends on its size.
- If the window sill is very wide, then it is likely that it will be difficult to get to the bottom one.
- Carefully wipe all window surfaces and fittings so that dust does not get into the trunnions during adjustment.
- Lubricate the fittings with grease.
- Move the trunnions one by one using a hex key, carefully 30 degrees to the horizon, checking the level of pressure on the sash.
- The direction of rotation depends on the design, most often they turn clockwise.
- In some designs, before switching to a new mode, the pin must be pulled towards you, as on a manual mechanical watch, and then returned to its place, recessed into its groove.
- Check the result.
- Close the window, paying attention to the tightness of the handle. More elastic operation of the handle indicates that the seal has been squeezed out strongly.
- Next, check the setting of the summer mode with a simple sheet of paper, placing the sheet under the sash and closing it. The leaf should be freely removed when the sash is closed.
- Press the sheet in different places: window handle, at the top and bottom of the sash. The result should be the same, otherwise the frame may be skewed or the seal may be worn out in places.
- Re-lubricate fittings and seals with grease.
Crucial! You must realize that the axles have no extreme positions; they will scroll continuously without a stop, and the only possible stop reference is a mark on the axle.
Possible difficulties and errors during the work process
Although it is a difficult process to make mistakes in, mistakes do happen in practice. Firstly, keep in mind that not all designs have this feature when attempting to switch to a different mode.
Additionally, you shouldn’t install switches for new PVC windows in order to avoid setting the system out of balance and compressing the insulation.
When putting the structure in summer mode, performers frequently make the following mistakes:
- The manufacturer"s instructions on the switching procedure have not been previously studied and followed.
- Preliminary cleaning and lubrication of the fittings was not performed.
- Trunnions are twisted unevenly.
- The seals are pinched during the switching process.
Pros and cons of using
The following benefits can be obtained when using a PVC window in summer mode:
- No load is placed on the seals.
- The fittings do not wear out.
- Creates a better microclimate in the house.
One drawback is that when changing options, the design must be adjusted. The insulation is also harmed by frequent switching.
It’s critical to convert plastic windows to summer mode if you want to keep your house efficient and comfortable. You can lower your cooling costs by improving ventilation and preventing excessive heat buildup by adjusting the window seals. In order to ensure a tight fit that lets in fresh air while keeping out dust and insects, this easy process entails turning the window fittings to a specific setting. It’s simple to put your windows in summer mode, and doing so can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your house in the summer.
Useful video
The simplest way to turn a plastic window into a summer window:
One clever way to keep your home comfortable and efficient is to turn your plastic windows to summer mode. During the warmer months, this adjustment helps to maximize airflow and minimize energy consumption, improving the comfort of your living area. Your windows may last longer if you relieve the pressure on the window seals, which also stops needless wear and tear.
Changing to summer mode is a simple process that requires few tools to complete. The majority of contemporary plastic windows have an easy-to-use mechanism to adjust the seals’ pressure. This usually entails turning a tiny metal cam or pin that is situated on the window sash. The window will be in the ideal position for summer if it is turned to the proper position. For precise instructions, always consult the manual that came with your window, as different manufacturers may have different mechanisms.
Changing your windows according to the seasons on a regular basis is a simple chore with obvious advantages. It helps preserve the integrity of your windows over time and keeps your interior comfortable. It’s well worth the few minutes to make this adjustment as it can save energy costs and prevent future maintenance problems.