Nanocomfortcomfort without miracles: a guide to the home microclimate

An independent guide to the home microclimate. It does not sell products, does not run tests and is not connected with the former website on this domain.

How-to

How-to guides

Plenty of the tasks that comfort depends on are well within a resident's reach: inspecting a window, changing a draught strip, setting up an airing routine. Here is the order for such simple jobs and a short list of work you should not take on yourself. Everything is described in general terms; the specific conditions for using materials are set by their manufacturer.

A simple job done on time and with care gives a home more than an expensive device bought in the hope that it will fix everything by itself.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe the order of simple tasks in general terms, without material brands and without work that needs a licence or qualification. How to use a particular draught strip or sealant is set out by the manufacturer. If you are unsure about the state of a window, ventilation or heating, ask a specialist first.

How to draught-proof a window for winter

  1. Find where the draught comes from

    On a windy day, run your palm along the sash edges, the corners of the frame, the sill and the reveals. The cold stream will show you which spots to seal first.

  2. Clean and dry the frame

    Draught strip and sealant do not stick well to a dusty or damp surface. Clean the rebates, remove old bits of tape and let the frame dry completely.

  3. Check the seal

    If the old profile has hardened, cracked or does not spring back after pressing, it is time to replace it. Choose a new one to fit the width of the gap so that the sash still closes without force.

  4. Adjust the sash pressure

    Many windows let you tighten the sash against the frame for the cold season. The adjustment is described in the window's instructions; if you have none or the hardware will not move, call a window technician.

  5. Seal gaps at the sill and reveals

    Small gaps between the frame, the sill and the reveal are closed with a suitable sealant. Large voids and reveals that get very cold are a reason to call in a specialist rather than filling them by guesswork.

  6. Add a curtain and check the result

    In the evening, a heavy curtain will separate the room from the cold glass, but it should not cover the radiator. After a few days, compare your thermometer notes and see whether there is less condensation.

How to air a room in winter without draughts

  1. Air briefly and often

    A window opened wide for a few minutes refreshes the air faster than one left ajar all day. The walls and furniture do not have time to cool down.

  2. Leave the room while it airs

    While the window is open, it is better to spend the time in another room, especially for children and anyone who feels the cold. Close the door so that the airflow is not pulled through the whole home.

  3. Turn the thermostat down

    If the radiator has a thermostatic valve, you can turn it down while airing so that it does not pump heat out of the open window. Afterwards, set it back to where it was.

  4. Air after steamy tasks

    After showering, doing laundry or cooking, the air holds a lot of steam. These are exactly the moments when brief airing and a working extract fan help prevent condensation on the windows.

  5. Use the trickle vent if you have one

    A trickle vent lets you get fresh air with the windows closed. In a hard frost it is partly closed, but not shut completely or for a long time.

  6. Check the hygrometer

    If humidity quickly climbs back to high values after airing and the glass is wet again, the extract is probably weak. That is a matter for your building manager or landlord.

  • Tools

    Thermometer, hygrometer, phone sound meter, thermal camera, tape measure and sealant, with no brands or rankings.

  • Care

    Caring for windows, vent grilles, radiators, humidifiers, air conditioners and textiles, plus a seasonal check-up.

  • Planning

    Improving the microclimate step by step: measure, find the cause, start simple, check the result and only then buy appliances.

Sources

  • GOST 30494-2011 (Russian standard)

Specific temperature, humidity and noise values are taken from the Russian standards GOST 30494-2011 and SanPiN 1.2.3685-21, and buyers' rights are described in general terms under the Russian Consumer Protection Law. Other countries use their own building, noise and consumer rules. The condition of your home's ventilation, heating and structure is assessed on site by specialists and your building manager or landlord, and health questions are a matter for a doctor.