How to switch windows to winter mode without the help of a specialist

The instructions contained in this article will help you find out what position the trunnion is in and figure out how to switch the windows to winter mode without having to call the master at home. The text contains an overview of the features and characteristics of window fittings, advice on its use and correct adjustment, as well as visual videos and photos with a clear description of this procedure.

How to put windows in winter mode by yourself

Reinforced-plastic glass units are widely used for glazing apartments and private houses. Such designs have the ability to make adjustments and set the degree of sash pressing. Thanks to such adjustment of PVC windows, the system can be switched to winter or summer seasonal mode. This feature is very convenient, although not all owners know about it.

The availability of the adjustment function depends on the type of fittings used. This feature is not inherent in every type of windows, but only in modern modifications. There are several modes. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Standard, summer and winter modes of plastic windows

Standard mode assumes the middle position of the sash pressing. This means that the eccentric will be located in the middle. Window construction installed in this mode, in most cases, is able to work effectively both in winter and in summer. This ensures the optimum pressure level of the sealing material.

In winter mode, the windows are characterized by a tighter fit of the sash to the frame. Due to this, in the cold season, metal-plastic structures effectively retain heat, keeping it indoors.

Summer mode is characterized by a less tight sash fixation. In this position, air currents circulate freely between the environment and the room.In other words, the effect of micro-ventilation is ensured, due to which optimal microclimatic conditions are maintained in the heat.

Note! The use of the summer mode allows the sash to be weakened as much as possible, which has a positive effect on the condition of the metal-plastic windows that have survived the long winter. At the same time, it remains possible to protect the room from dirt, dust and heat.

Why is it necessary for the summer and winter regime to adjust the plastic windows

The transition from one mode to another allows you to keep the window structure in a functional state and extend its service life. Adjustment involves changing the degree of fit of the sash to the window frame. In the winter season, the insulation material shrinks, and in the summer it expands. It, like all fasteners, can be protected from wear by adjusting plastic windows, video and photographic materials with instructions describing how this can be done are enough on the net.

Sometimes during operation, the sash is displaced. When it is warm outside, this does not cause inconvenience, but in winter, this can cause the temperature in the room to drop significantly. If this happens, check the condition of the frame. During the installation of metal-plastic windows, the masters check the position of the sashes in each of the modes, as well as the absence of gaps between the parts. However, a perfectly executed installation is not a guarantee that the sashes will not disperse over time.

If the windows are installed in early spring or winter, the structures are exposed to external influences:

1. The outside temperature rises.
2. Under the influence of climate change, plastic begins to expand.
3. The outside temperature is dropping.
4. Under the influence of temperature changes, the plastic decreases in volume, while it is not always able to take its original shape.

Similar processes occur if windows are installed in the summer. But at first, the material contracts as temperatures drop, and then expands. In this case, it is impossible to avoid changes in the technical characteristics of the product, therefore, gaps often appear in the windows.

The need to transfer plastic windows to winter or summer mode may be due not only to seasonal transition, but also to a number of other reasons:

1. Drafts from the window, carrying frosty air and dust in summer in winter.
2. Sagging of the leaves due to wear on the hinges.
3. Sash jammed in ventilation mode.

Note!During the operation of windows, the sealing material is subject to severe wear. Therefore, it is very important to timely adjust the plastic windows with your own hands when switching to winter / summer modes.

How to check the possibility of adjusting plastic windows for the winter

The possibility of switching between summer and winter modes is provided by special fittings. The availability of this function depends on the class of these parts.

There are several types of components:

1. Low-cost hardware - parts that have the lowest cost and are solely responsible for opening and closing the window structure.
2. Standard fittings - the set contains standard and anti-burglary parts that allow you to prepare the window structure for summer or winter.
3. Specialized fittings - includes anti-burglary and specialized parts that allow transferring plastic windows to winter or summer mode.

Most modern manufacturers produce standard and specialized fittings with the function of switching from one mode to another.

Most popular brands:

• Siegenia Aubi;
• Maco;
• GU;
• Roto.

During installation, the user is not always provided with detailed information about the functionality of the fittings. To find out if the transition between modes is provided in the window structure, you should study the appearance and markings of the equipment, namely, the trunnion.

An eccentric or trunnion is one of the elements of the hardware filling, which allows you to adjust the degree of pressure of the sash to the frame of a metal-plastic window. This part is placed on the side.

If the trunnion contains special holes for the key, then the design has an adjustment function. This can be easily seen even in the photo of plastic windows, of which there are many on the net. Typically, the markings are marked with a hexagon, screwdriver or star. In some cases, the regulating part has an oval shape, which also indicates that the window can be operated in different modes.

How to determine which mode of plastic windows is set: winter or summer

Before adjusting plastic windows for the winter, you should establish in which position the fittings are installed. There are several ways to help you know how the sash is positioned. In each case, the technique depends on the shape of the pin.

How to determine the winter mode of plastic windows before setting up the fittings:

1. A sheet of paper is taken.
2. It is placed between the sash and the window frame so that one of the ends remains on the side of the room.
3. The window closes.
4. Then you should pull the sheet towards you.

If the paper passes easily, then the structure is set for operation in summer mode. Otherwise, it will tear.

Helpful advice! Manufacturers of metal-plastic structures advise to operate windows in summer mode all year round. If there is no reason to switch to the winter position of the sash, this procedure is not necessary.

In addition, there is a way that allows you to visually determine whether the winter mode is set on plastic windows, photo examples with markings can be easily found on the Internet. According to this method, it is necessary to find a marking in the form of a dash, an asterisk or a dot on a round trunnion. Next, you should determine the direction of this mark. If the marking points towards the room, it means that the summer operation mode is set on the windows. If the mark looks towards the street, then the design is set for winter mode.

Related article:

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Trunnions are not only round, but also oval. The operating mode in this case is determined by the nature of the eccentric placement. If it is turned vertically, then the windows are set for summer weather. In the horizontal position, the pin presses the sash against the frame as tightly as possible, which indicates the winter mode.

Having determined the position of the sash, you can proceed to solving the question of how to transfer the windows to winter mode, video instructions describing this procedure are presented on the network in large numbers.

How to adjust plastic windows in winter / summer modes: video review and description

To find out how plastic windows are regulated, it is advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions, study the descriptions and videos, which can later be used as a visual aid. If the work is carried out without the help of a specialist, it is very important to fully grasp the essence of the issue and act as carefully as possible, since there is a risk of imprudent movement to ruin the fittings.

How to put windows in winter mode operation: photo and a description of the preparatory stage

The preparation of the window for tuning begins with cleaning. To complete this procedure, you will need a certain set of tools and accessories.

This list includes:

• a mop equipped with a telescopic handle;
• means for cleaning window panes;

• paper napkins or towels;
• means for cleaning fittings;
• silicone based lubricant;
• brush or hard brush.

Helpful advice! If you constantly look after the double-glazed windows and keep them clean, before adjusting the plastic windows for the winter, you will not have to spend a lot of time preparing them.

The preparation of the window structure is as follows:

• glass is washed out;
• the frame is wiped;
• dirt on joints and joints is removed;

• the fittings are thoroughly cleaned with a brush or hard brush;
• all window elements are wiped (especially areas with grease);
• by applying a few drops of silicone grease, the fittings are processed;
• the position of the pin is determined;
• the pin is set to the required position;
• grease is reapplied;
• all hinges are lubricated.

After all of the above manipulations have been performed, the result is checked using a sheet of paper.

How to put windows in winter mode: photo and recommendations

To adjust the fittings on the glass units, you will need a special tool. Experts recommend having with you:

1. Pliers.
2. A screwdriver.
3. Hex wrench.

The necessary tool should be purchased immediately after purchasing the windows, as the need to configure them may arise suddenly. Sometimes the eccentrics do not protrude outward, and many owners search the network for videos on how to adjust plastic windows with similar features. The secret is to pull the trunnion outward. After that, it can already be configured. When the eccentrics are in the required position, they must be recessed into the sash again.

Experts do not recommend changing modes in the first year of windows operation. In new designs, the sealing material has not yet been subjected to wear, therefore, the mechanical loads on the fittings should not be increased and adjusted. If winter in the region does not differ in too low temperatures, it is allowed to operate double-glazed windows in summer mode. At the same time, the winter adjustment should not be left for the summer, since in such a mode, accelerated wear of the seal will occur.

Note! It is allowed to change the regime no more than 2 times a year. Moreover, the length of the winter operation period is much shorter than the summer one.

Setting up plastic windows: how to adjust the sashes horizontally and vertically

Regardless of the mode of operation, it is not allowed that the sashes of the structure are skewed. Sometimes you have to resort to correcting their position in order to correctly configure the fittings. Sagging or warping will shorten the life of the seal.To work, you need a pencil with a soft lead and a ruler. All manipulations with the window must be done very carefully, otherwise the plastic can be damaged.

Window preparation for sash adjustment:

1. The structure is closed.
2. The sash is traced with a pencil around the perimeter (marks are applied to the frame).
3. The window opens.
4. The distances are measured between the frame opening and the marked lines along the entire perimeter of the structure.

On all sides, the indicators should be the same. Slight deviation is allowed, but not more than 7 mm. If the level of the left edge is underestimated in relation to the right, or vice versa, you need to correct its position. To do this, you need to remove the decorative insert and tighten the screws that are installed at the bottom.

In some cases, it becomes necessary to raise the sash. For this, the upper screw is unscrewed by half. If the level of placement of the sash is too high, the fasteners are tightened by ¼ a turn. If it is clearly underestimated, the bolt is unscrewed by ¼ a turn. The flaps are horizontally adjusted by screws located on the hinges.

How to adjust plastic windows horizontally:

1. The window opens.
2. A hole is located, the configuration of which corresponds to a hex wrench.
3. The screw turns smoothly until the leaf is aligned to the desired position.
4. Checking in progress.

To check the quality of the setting, you should close the window structure. If it is necessary to reduce the distance between the hinge and the sash, the hex key must be turned clockwise. If the distance between these elements is too small, then the tool is rotated counterclockwise.

Important! Strong horizontal displacement of the window is not allowed. The maximum allowable figure is 3 mm (on either side).

Possible problems with metal-plastic windows and how to solve them

You can check the quality of the work done not only with a sheet of paper, but also by ear.

A well-adjusted window behaves as follows:

• nothing interferes with the free opening of the doors, they close unhindered;
• there is no creak, rattle and other extraneous sounds;
• all the screws holding the sash in the desired position are screwed in approximately the same;
• along the entire perimeter of the window, the sealing material has the same thickness and shape;
• after opening / closing the sash, the sealing material returns to its original shape.

Changing the operating mode of a design is sometimes accompanied by problems. If the roller does not turn, it may need to be pulled out of the slot in the retainer by turning it 90 °. If this does not help, the part should be lubricated with WD-40. This lubricant is in the form of an aerosol mixture in a can. It is designed for the processing of joints and threads.

If, when switching to winter mode, the drafts from the window do not disappear, then the service life of the seal has ended. It is very easy to replace this material. It is enough to remove the old seal from the frame and the grooves of the sash and insert a new one in its place (by hand or using a blunt trowel). Since the material is welded to the profile in the corners, you will have to cut it to remove it.

The information contained in this article clearly explains how to put windows on winter mode. Videos, photographs and detailed descriptions of the procedure allow you to fully understand the peculiarities of adjusting double-glazed windows. Using this data, you can quickly and easily provide warmth and comfort in your own home when it is cold outside.

On the one hand, such manipulations promise advantages, reducing the loss of heat through the window structure, and on the other hand, as a result of adjustment, the seal wears out quickly.

How to transfer plastic windows to winter mode: video-instruction