Cold sores and how to prevent them

Do you experience that the floors get cold during the winter months, while you are constantly freezing, even though you have turned the heat up to the highest possible? Then there is a high probability that cold drafts are the cause of it all.

According to the Swedish Tenants' Association's chief legal officer, Susanna Skogsberg, cold drafts can be experienced even when the thermometer shows 20 degrees, indicating that the problem may be widespread. Despite this, there are no specific figures or percentages describing how common cold drafts are in Swedish homes.

But what does it all mean in more concrete terms and is it actually possible to fix the problem yourself? We will give you the answer to this question and much more in this detailed and comprehensive guide. So keep reading to learn more!

What is meant by cold race?

Those of us who live in Sweden are familiar with the phenomenon, especially those of us who live in older houses. It often occurs when poorly insulated windows cool the air that is closest to the glass on the inside.

Cold drafts form when cold air sinks to the floor because cold air weighs significantly more than warm air. At the same time, heated indoor air is lighter and rises much more easily.

This results in the room's floor surface cooling down, which results in cold drafts. This is precisely why many people living in the household complain that their feet "feel frozen" or that they often experience coldness in their bodies.

The diagram above is based on data from Statistics Sweden and clearly shows the large difference between different buildings. We can also note that there is a 3x higher risk of exposure to cold drafts in older buildings than in a newly built property. Also note that the figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

How to detect if you have cold sores in your home

There are several different methods for detecting cold drafts in your home. One of the most common is to use a piece of paper that you tape to your windows or doors when they are closed. Then try pulling the paper out.

If this can be done without much effort, it is often a sign that there is insufficient sealing. Because of this, it is often easier for cold air from outside to penetrate the household.

The method in question can also be used on exterior doors to investigate whether the weatherstripping has seen its best days and needs to be replaced. The same method can be applied to exterior doors to more easily identify whether the weatherstripping also needs to be replaced.

If you are unsure whether your doors and windows are sufficiently sealed, we at Airmove can provide the necessary expertise. This is done by checking the U-value in consultation with you and providing you with advice on potential improvements.

Is your ventilation part of the problem?

Another cause that can result in cold drafts is poor ventilation. Although ventilation is important to reduce the risk of damp and bad air, it can also let cold air in from outside - especially around windows or from leaky sills down by the floor.

If the air gets around the window frame, you may experience a greater cold snap near the window. To install ventilation correctly, we recommend that you take a look at our products, which are both simple and easy to install on your own.

Insulating windows are ideal for preventing cold drafts

To avoid cold drafts that are considered to be caused by poorly insulated windows is often a big investment. Newer and modern windows are manufactured with a completely different technology compared to windows that have seen their best days.

Therefore, they have been equipped with a significantly better ability to keep the cold out, while the glass does not get as cold inside the house. In addition to getting rid of cold drafts, you will also reduce your energy costs.

Newer and well-insulated windows retain heat better, especially triple-glazed windows made with so-called "energy glass." This reduces your energy consumption over time and saves money, while also contributing to a reduced climate impact.

Below you will find a table with estimated statistics and information about cold drafts and their impact on energy costs in Swedish homes:

Factor	Estimate/Effect
Proportion of houses with cold draft	Approximately 20–30% of Swedish homes*
Heat loss through windows	Up to 25% of total heat**
Increased energy consumption	10–15% higher energy costs***
Most common causes of cold sores	Poorly insulated windows and doors
Savings after insulation	Up to 20% on annual energy costs

* Estimate based on public surveys.
** Depending on the quality of the insulation.
*** The Swedish Energy Agency's general calculations.

Cost-effective tips to combat cold sores

We won’t deny that cold drafts often require significant investment to eliminate in full. If you’re currently struggling financially, the following tips will come in handy if you experience cold drafts in your household:

1. Seal frames and gaps in your windows

Sealing strips or moldings can work wonders when it comes to sealing windows. You can find these at many hardware stores. You can expect to need to invest a few hundred kronor if you are sealing several windows.

The weatherstripping is thoughtful in the way it keeps cold air out. At the same time, it prevents warm air from escaping. It is without a doubt the most effective method of preventing cold drafts when you are on a tight budget.

2. Use heat-insulating curtains

Thermal insulating curtains are both cheap and effective at keeping heat in. This in turn counteracts cold drafts, which is both effective and cheap. If you don't have the opportunity to buy thermal insulating curtains, you can always use what you have at home.

The goal is to hang the thickest curtains or drapes you can find to keep the cold out. You'll get the best effect if you hang these in the early evening and leave them up overnight.

3. Improve the circulation of heat

Make sure that furniture, curtains and other objects in the room do not block heat sources. By circulating warm air in an efficient and smart way, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of cold drafts. An Airmove 1.1 to circulate between 2 different rooms or an Airmove 2.0 to circulate between floors can be a very effective aid.

You can also use portable heaters that cost a few hundred kroner to warm up areas where cold drafts occur. It is important to remember not to place these in the wrong part of the room as this can have the opposite effect.

4. Maintain your windows regularly

Another way to reduce the occurrence of cold drafts in combination with lower energy consumption is to regularly maintain your windows. You therefore need to ensure that your windows are always in the best possible condition.

This can be achieved by replacing damaged or old caulk, checking that the windows close properly, but also that the weatherstripping is not loose. The previous may seem like significant adjustments but can work wonders in the long run.

Furnish correctly to reduce discomfort

Furnishing is more important than you might think when it comes to reducing cold drafts. The rule of thumb is not to place large furniture too close to your radiators. This prevents the radiant heat from being able to spread effectively throughout the home.

If it is also an armchair or sofa, there is a great risk that the cold air from the window will be even more noticeable. Similarly, a table can lead the cold air further into the home, but also contribute to the elements only heating the air under the table itself.

It is also important to ensure that window sills and any radiator guards are fitted with air holes. Alternatively, they can be positioned in a way that they do not act as an obstacle but allow the warm air to circulate freely.

At Airmove, we have extensive experience in identifying and addressing problem areas. As a first step, we recommend that you describe your needs via our website and await a response from one of our experts.