Adjusting Windows for Winter: A Myth or an Annual Routine?

In recent years, the trend of “switching windows to winter and summer mode” has spread. Some service technicians claim that this will save you money on heating during the winter months. It sounds tempting, but in our view, the reality is different: hardware manufacturers do not recommend anything like a summer or winter window mode. Adjustment elements (contact pressure, height/side fine-tuning, etc.) exist on windows to solve specific problems, not as a seasonal switch.

Adjust Only When There Is a Problem

Important: take small steps, test, and do not adjust to the maximum limit. Excessive contact pressure unnecessarily destroys gaskets and shortens their lifespan.

Why Adjusting Windows for Winter and Summer Does Not Make Sense

• Hardware manufacturers do not include such instructions in their manuals.
• It does not systematically solve energy savings—on the contrary, when you release the contact pressure “for summer,” more heat penetrates the interior.
• Releasing contact pressure in the summer lets more noise into the interior.
• Increased contact pressure throughout the winter can strain the gaskets and hardware.
• Frequent “seasonal” tinkering is more of a quick business for some repairmen than professional practice.

Frequent “seasonal” tinkering is more of a quick business for some repairmen than professional practice.

When a Draft Comes Through the Window, the Cause May Not Only Be the Contact Pressure

Fine-tuning can help. However, the problem is often elsewhere:

• Connecting joint: degraded mounting foam, missing or poorly applied sealing tapes.
• Incorrect installation of external windowsills → water and wind get where they shouldn’t.
• Sash out of alignment – a so-called sagging sash.

It makes sense to assess the window as a whole—not just turn a single pin.

How to Adjust Windows Sensibly (Without the Myths)

1. Clean and lubricate the hardware (once a year).
2. Wipe the gaskets with a suitable product and check for cracks (once a year).
3. If it doesn’t fit tightly/there is a draft → fine-tune the contact pressure and sash alignment.
4. If the problem persists → check the connecting joint.

A high-quality window should seal well throughout the year. Do not unnecessarily interfere with the window just because winter or summer has arrived. If you are unsure, contact your window supplier/manufacturer.

When to Seek Professional Service (Ideally Directly from the Manufacturer)

• For large, massive windows and sliding systems, we do not recommend DIY adjustments:
  sashes weigh dozens to 100+ kg,
• adjustment points are multiple and interconnected,
• incorrect intervention can cause leaks, heavy operation, hardware damage, and may impact the warranty.

In these cases, it is better to call for service—ideally from your window supplier.

Adjusting Windows for Winter – Quick Checklist

YES:

• regular maintenance (cleaning/lubrication – see https://www.aluplast.sk/servis-a-podpora/nastavenie-a-udrzba
• fine-tuning when there is a real problem – see https://www.aluplast.sk/servis-a-podpora/videosekvencie

NO:

• “winter/summer mode” as a routine,
• excessive contact pressure “just in case,”
• brute force and turning everything possible.

Summary for the Curious

Window adjustment options are a tool for fine-tuning, not a seasonal switch. Hardware manufacturers do not recognize a “winter/summer mode.” If the window works well, it is best to leave it alone. If it doesn’t, it is useful to address the specific cause—not a marketing trick.

Window care requires simple steps, ideally once a year – see here https://www.aluplast.sk/servis-a-podpora/nastavenie-a-udrzba.