Converting plastic windows to winter and summer modes. Step by step (20 photos + video)

In the 21st century, people began to install plastic windows instead of wooden ones and replaced them in almost every home. But not all users are aware that by setting up different modes, they can expand the scope of use and improve the quality of life. For example, summer allows you to ventilate the room. If you open the window completely, dust and dirt from the street enter the room. In winter, due to the ability to adjust modes, we save on heating and keep the room warm. How to switch from one mode to another? How do we know if our plastic windows support this feature? Today we will study all types, learn how to effectively use this opportunity and learn about the rules when adjusting modes.

What are the types of plastic windows?

Winter . When it’s -40 degrees outside, we try to maintain a warm temperature in the house for a long time. Using the regulation, we press the sash tightly against the frame, which creates conditions under which heat remains in the house.
Summer. In hot weather, we try to get as much coolness as possible. For example, due to the lack of air, we open the windows completely; at this moment, midges, dust, and dirt enter the room along with freshness. Therefore, in order to ventilate the room, small gaps are left.
Standard.

Mysterious pin, where to look for it

The trunnion, also called the cam, is part of the window hardware. It is located directly on the sides of the sash. Some models have additional trunnions at the bottom and top. The main task of this element is to ensure adjustment of the level of pressure on the valves.

Do all windows have cams?

The possibility of adjustment is not provided for economy class models. The transition between modes is possible only on modern models produced by Roto, Rehau, GU, Maco, Siegenia Aubi and some other companies.

The availability of transfer to another mode is determined by the design characteristics of the eccentric. A trunnion designed for transition must have a recess for a special key. Also, all windows with an oval eccentric have the ability to change modes.

Why do windows switch to winter and summer mode?

By adjusting the window mode, we can achieve the required level of window frame pressure. It is recommended to convert windows from plastic for the following three reasons:

When opening or closing, the window sash freezes. For example, if the window jams while airing the room, then the culprit may be a mode that was set incorrectly. Such problems happen often and sometimes users may not even know what the reason is.
In December the apartment is cool, you can feel the wind blowing. Sometimes, despite the fact that the heating is on, the inside of the room does not become warmer. Perhaps the summer mode is now set to avoid ventilation of the room, it is worth replacing with a winter one.
Hanging window sash. Replacing the mode or accessories will help improve the situation.

Pros and cons of using

The use of a PVC window in summer mode provides the following advantages during its operation:

No load is placed on the seals.
The fittings do not wear out.
Creates a better microclimate in the house.

Disadvantages include the need for fine-tuning the design when switching options. Also, frequent switching damages the insulation.

How do you know if plastic windows have the ability to adjust modes?

Interesting fact: not all window users are aware of the existence of such a function as switching and adjusting modes, because often during installation a person does not receive the necessary information. But it’s easy to determine whether such an opportunity exists for your windows. To do this, you need to look at the window, find the trunnion or eccentric. This is a hardware part that allows you to adjust the level of pressure.

The hardware piece, which resembles a bolt, has a so-called “head”. It exists in two types: round and oval. If the shape is oval, then it immediately indicates the possibility of adjustments. If the shape is round, then the hexagon sign also indicates the possibility of transfers.

A lot depends on what kind of fittings you have. By comparing the types of parts, we determine whether plastic windows have this function or not. Mainly divided into three categories :

Budget accessories . These parts are sold at the lowest prices; they are responsible only for making the window open and close.
Standard fittings . The kit includes special anti-burglary parts that help prepare plastic windows for a specific season.
Professional fittings. This is the best choice that contains all possible parts to switch between modes.

Types of eccentrics

The degree of pressing of the sash against the frame is adjusted using parts of the closing mechanism called eccentrics or trunnions. Usually there are 3 such eccentrics on each window. They are located, as a rule, on the end side of the sash near the closing handle. This number and placement of trunnions is typical for standard windows. If the size of the glass unit is increased, then a larger number of locking fittings can be used. Adjusting the position of the eccentrics adjusts the window pressing force.

Adjusting a plastic window using a round pin with an indicator dot Source oknavastrahani.ru

There are 3 types of trunnions. Their adjustment has its own specifics:

Round shape.

A mark (in the form of a dot, dash or asterisk) placed on the trunnion on the indoor side means that the winter version is used, and if on the outer perimeter side, then the summer version. Finding the mark strictly in the middle of the window end indicates a standard (average) mode.

Oval.

The vertical arrangement of the fittings indicates weak pressure, i.e. summer mode. Accordingly, the horizontal is responsible for strong pressure, which is used in winter. The diagonal placement of the eccentric is responsible for the standard mode.

Round, variable location.

The same principle applies as with conventional round trunnions with marks. You just need to look not at the location of the marks, but at the shift of the eccentrics themselves: the edge closest to the room is for summer, the farthest is for winter, in the middle is universal.

Options for adjusting plastic windows Source vikno.od.ua

When the window fittings are functioning normally, adjustment is quite easy. If you have doubts about the correctness of your actions or the equipment is under warranty, it is recommended to contact the specialists of the company that carried out the installation to perform a seasonal transfer.

Is it possible to determine which mode is currently set?

For the first method, you need to take a standard A4 piece of paper, place it between the sash and the frame, and close the window. Next, try to get the sheet out of the closed window. Let's consider the cases: either it breaks and cannot be pulled out at all, or it can be pulled out without much effort. In the first case, we conclude that it is in winter mode, in the second, the opposite is true.
To determine using the second method, a trunnion will help us. On it is a hat with an icon that can be in the form of stars, dots and strokes. Then you need to target the icon itself. If it is directed towards the room, then this means winter mode, in the opposite direction - summer mode.

The handle is blocked: adjustment method

Some users, when the handle is blocked, rush to replace it with a new one, but this is not always necessary. In this case, you don’t even need to unscrew it and disassemble it into parts, because the problem is related to the locking device, which prevents the sash from changing its position when open. You just need to turn the lever to the side.

Schematic representation of the locking device

There are two ways to fix this problem. So, in the first case, the lever is located at an angle to the rubber (in the form of a tongue). In the second case, it looks like a clamp that is located above the seal.

Winterization Tips

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly prepare for winter

In order to carry out a quality transfer from summer to summer, you need to carefully prepare. The first step is to do some general cleaning. We will need the following tools:

To effectively clean a window, sill, frame, you need to use a mop.
Products for cleaning accessories and washing glass.
Paper towels and napkins.
Silicone Grease.
Hard brush.

Important! If you regularly wash your windows and keep them clean, then in the fall and spring before changing the regime you will not have to spend a lot of time on general cleaning.

After general cleaning, we proceed to the main process:

To switch windows to winter mode, a hexagon will come to the rescue.
Once you open the window, you will find a pin. Often the image on it is directed upward, which means that the average mode is now set. In summer, the notch faces the street, and in winter it is directed into the room.
If you have a key, it will be much easier to use. Insert it into the hole and turn it clockwise. If there is no key, then grab the head of the trunnion with pliers and move it to the rigid clamp position. Then you need to insert the hexagon into the central hole and turn it 90 degrees towards the seal.

Important! Many plastic windows have more than one pin. In most cases, the number does not exceed three. To ensure it doesn’t get blown out in winter, you need to change the mode on all existing trunnions.

As soon as you are done with changing the mode, you need to lubricate the seal.
At the end, you need to check whether the switch to winter mode was carried out correctly.

Handle breakage

If the handle is broken, then it will no longer be possible to return it to its previous appearance - all that remains is to purchase a new one. It is not difficult to dismantle the previous one, just unscrew the screws and pull it towards you. Next, all that remains is to attach the new handle.

Window fittings are available for sale in various hardware stores.

Prices for various types of handles for plastic windows

Handle for plastic window

You can check the switch to winter mode in the following ways:

The most common method is using a piece of paper, which was discussed above. This is the most common and popular verification option.
There are no squeaks or other extraneous sounds.
The window seal is the same thickness everywhere.
All bolts are screwed in the same way.
You can freely open and close the window without any difficulty, nothing interferes with the opening of the sashes.

If a plastic window is blowing, this is due to the following reasons:

Poor glass compression. In cold weather the material will shrink, and in winter this phenomenon will be more pronounced because the glass will fly out of the beads. If replacement is necessary, it is better to contact a specialist.
Incorrect selection of accessories. If the thickness of the seal is not uniform, there will be gaps for air to enter.
Poor quality profiles can cause cracks.
The frame was installed incorrectly, so after a while the windows began to not close properly.
Air passes through the joints of the frame. These slots must be covered with liquid plastic.

Important! Experts do not recommend applying maximum pressure if the window is new. In order not to pinch the sealing rubber, set it closer to the maximum. If you press too hard, it will need to be replaced after a while.

The handle does not turn to the desired position: repair features

This problem occurs for the following reasons:

After long-term use, the structure needs to be cleaned and lubricated, so it must be disassembled into small parts, remove dirt, and then lubricate it with oil and a thin brush.
If the handle turns only up to a certain point and then jams, you should slightly loosen the sash clamp. In this case, the trunnions that are located nearby are rotated. There are hinges on the other side; it is also recommended to adjust the bolts in them.

How to switch plastic windows to summer mode?

With the arrival of summer days, the hot period, for good living conditions, we switch plastic windows to summer mode. For example, in winter we need to get tight pressure, but in summer, on the contrary, we constantly need fresh, cool air, so we achieve less tight pressure.

The process of switching windows to summer mode is easy and simple and does not require special skills. It is necessary to find all the eccentrics that need to be switched. Most of them have only three: two at the top and bottom, the third near the handle. To turn, we use a hex wrench or pliers.

Now let’s check: if the window doesn’t fit tightly when closing, it means everything has been done efficiently and there will be air flow into the room.

Briefly about the main thing

Only some budget options for PVC windows are not equipped with fittings that allow you to change operating modes according to the seasons. Most window devices can change the force of pressing the sash against the frame. It is important to be able to use this feature of plastic windows, because... it allows you to better ventilate the room in summer, and in winter protect home comfort from external cold and excess moisture. Having understood and understood the principle of operation of eccentrics, it is easy to ensure timely transition of window fittings between seasons. You should not do this yourself if the windows are under warranty.

What are the rules when switching windows to winter and summer mode?

It is not recommended to switch modes immediately after installing plastic windows. For some time, even without switching between summer and winter modes, they will work normally.
The transition between modes is necessary in autumn and spring. Considering that summer lasts much longer than winter.
It is not advisable to set the winter mode in the summer, because it will be pointless: firstly, it will be very stuffy and hot, and secondly, due to the compaction of the valves, the materials will have to be replaced soon.

Important! Considering that such a good opportunity is provided to users of plastic windows, it needs to be properly assessed and used. Firstly, with the help of regulation we can get rid of heat loss in winter and live in more comfortable conditions. After you change the mode in winter, the windows will no longer blow through. Secondly, due to frequent adjustments, the seal wears out and deteriorates due to frequent transfers. Therefore, depending on the user's personal preferences, the user decides whether to switch the window to winter or summer mode.

Possible difficulties and errors during the work process

It is difficult to make mistakes in this process, however, this happens in practice.
First of all, when trying to switch to a new mode, you need to understand that not all designs have such a function. Also, you should not make switches for new PVC windows , so as not to unbalance the setting and not to squeeze the insulation.

Common mistakes made by performers when switching the structure to summer mode:

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.

How to switch plastic windows to winter mode with your own hands (video)

Sash clamp

Adjustable by adjusting the top and bottom hinges. Very often, the upper hinge comes out of engagement due to improper opening or insufficiently tight contact of the window sash, sharp tilting from the open position to the ventilation mode or vice versa. To fix the problem, you need to press the sash tightly, pressing on it at the top, then move it to the open position. Sometimes a poor fit can also be caused by the locking mechanism of the handle becoming stuck, in which case repairs are necessary.

If the resource is turned all the way, but there is no result, return everything to its original position: this is the wrong adjustment.

If a strong draft is felt from the hinges, this may indicate improper installation of the window. In this case, you should remove the glazing bead from the hinge side and place straightening plates - they can be made from a simple ruler.

It should be taken into account that their width according to the rules corresponds to the thickness of the glass unit.

In order not to damage the glass unit, it is necessary to ensure that the edges of the straightening plates do not rest against the inside of the glass. A wide chisel will help you remove the glazing bead. To do this, you need to lean the device at the junction of the glazing bead with the profile and with a deft blow, disconnect the glazing bead.

A flat spatula or ruler works best.

The main reason for the appearance of a draft is a poor fit of the seal. In order for the sash to be in closer contact with the frame, it is worth adjusting the hinge pressing mechanism - for this you will need a hex key. There is a “tongue” on the window sash; if you pull it out further, the window will be pressed more firmly to the frame. To extend the tongue in left-handed hinges, the hexagon is rotated counterclockwise, and in right-handed hinges, clockwise.

For different mechanisms of plastic windows, the adjustment may be slightly different, since the number of eccentrics, as well as their configuration, differs.

Depending on the fittings, you can adjust both hinges at once or only the top one. To tighten or loosen the lower hinge, you will need to remove the cap and rotate the bolt located perpendicular to the plane of the window.

Adjustment of the pressure of the upper hinge is carried out only on tilt-and-turn sashes in the ventilation mode. This is the only way to reach the hexagon that regulates the pressing force of the sash from above.

Each product is designed to operate in a certain temperature and humidity conditions, otherwise individual window elements will not function properly.

In this situation, it is very important to think about additional fixation of the window, since the entire load is redistributed to the lower hinge. Some models are equipped with locks consisting of a lever or clip that lock the sash in the open position and can only be opened in the closed position. In this case, it will help to press the lock and turn the handle at the same time in ventilation mode.

If you are going to adjust the operation of window fittings yourself, you need to know the specific points of its adjustment.