Chill out - and it will stay out! Summer is an ideal time to insulate windows against the cold winter draughts.

When the weather's nice, insulating your home against the cold doesn't seem right.

However, fitting weatherstripping to insulate your windows and doors is an ideal outdoor summer task that will put you a step ahead of the winter chill.

Weatherstripping is tape that seals gaps between the moving parts of a window or door. As well as helping to prevent draughts, it acts as a barrier against dust, insects and noise, so it's effective in all seasons.

It's also a lot cheaper and easier to fit than double or secondary glazing. Weatherstripping comes in different shapes and materials - choose one with adhesive backing to make installation relatively quick and simple.

To fit weatherstripping to sash windows, first remove any flaking paint, then clean window-frames thoroughly and allow to dry (sugar-soap solution or liquid is a great cleaning agent).

You'll need tape along the sides of the top and bottom sashes, the bottom of the bottom sash, the top of the top sash and outer meeting rail (the point where the top of the bottom sash meets the bottom of the top sash).

If your windows are more modern, they may have a slot for weatherstripping, which is known as a kerf. The tape needed for this has a tubular edge on one side and a lip on the other to provide a tight seal. To replace tubular weatherstripping, ensure the surface is clean and dry and press the weatherstripping firmly into the slot and trim to fit exactly.

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TIME IS RIGHT... Seal out draughts while you can