Draught Dodgers for Double-Hung / Sash Windows - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does the draught dodger work? Will I still be able to open and close my windows after this is installed?
A: Yes, you will still be able to open and close your window. Draught Dodgers work by adding brush seals onto the bottom and sides of the lower sash of your double hung windows to provide an effective seal to block unwanted draughts.

There is also a centre “V” seal (EMV) that stops the draught at the join between the upper and lower sashes.

Q: I installed this myself, and the window won’t open properly, what should I do?
A: Assuming that the window was able to open properly before the installation, the most likely cause is that the EMV seal is catching on the window latch. When this happens, the back of the EMV can hook into the latch keeper mounted on the upper sash. If this is the case, use scissors or a craft knife and cut a “V” into the back edge of the EMV at the latch keeper. The product will still function properly when doing this. Please be sure to watch the installation video carefully as it shows how to cut the notch before installing the EMV.

Q: If the upper sash of my window opens, how do I draught proof it?
A: In most cases, the upper sash is painted shut. If your upper sash still functions, draught proofing it will require another Draught Dodgers For Double-Hung windows, which can be fitted upside down on the outside of the frame. If the outside of the window is in full weather, it’s a good idea to use small brads to nail the Draught Dodgers onto the frame.

Q: After it is installed, is it permanent?
A: It is a permanent solution that will eliminate unwanted air leaking in around windows and doors when installed correctly according to the instructions. Be sure to follow the instructions on cleaning and pressing out to ensure good adhesion.

Q: What happens if I put it on the wrong way round?
A: You will need to take it off and buy a replacement Draught Dodgers kit. Be sure to watch the instructional installation videos on the website to avoid this mistake.

Q: What do I do if I install the product and feel no difference?
A: If you have installed the product and do not feel a difference, there are two possible reasons.

- You may not have installed the product correctly according to the instructions.

- There may be more significant draughts in your home. You would have to find out where they are and decide how to treat them. You can do this on a DIY basis or, if you are in our service area, you can book an ecoHome Air assessment where we can identify all draught issues in your home and give you options on how to go forward.

Visit https://www.ecomaster.com.au/home-energy-efficiency-assessments/ for more information or call us on 1300 326 627 to speak to our friendly sales staff.

Q: If it keeps in warm air in winter, will my home overheat in summer?
A: Draught Dodgers are designed to eliminate uncontrolled ventilation. By draught proofing, every opening is gently and effectively sealed off to keep unwanted air leakage at bay, prevent the outdoor temperature from affecting your indoor comfort, and minimise the need for additional heating and cooling. Draught proofing will prevent the hot summer winds entering your home. When combined with other energy efficiency measures, your home can be a cool haven in summer without excessive dependence on air conditioning.

Q: How do I know if it fits perfectly in place?
A: To install the product in the perfect place, use the installer packer in the kit which ensures that the brush applies the correct amount of pressure against the sash.

Q: How long will it take for me to install this product?
A: The first time you install this product is going to take the longest, but if you have multiple window this time will get quicker.

It takes ecoMaster installers about 35 minutes per window, so expect to take about 1 hour the first time you install the product.

Q: Can I collect Draught Dodgers?
A: Yes, subject to Covid Restrictions, you can collect your order from our Preston Collection point. Opening hour restrictions apply.

Q: I want to paint my draught dodgers. What should I watch out for?
A: Draught dodgers can easily be painted either before fitting or after fitting. Please note that only the timber part of the Draught Dodgers should be painted. Do not attempt to paint the seals.

Q: Is there a warranty on this product?
A: There is a 2 year warranty on this product

Q: Is there a warranty on the installation of the product?
A: As it is a DIY product, we cannot provide an installation warranty as the installation process is out of our control.

Q: What do I do if the product is faulty?
A: The ecoMaster return policy can be found on the website.

Happy Customer

I recently traced the significant draughtiness of an open plan space to some 20 year old double-hung sash windows, which although fitted with brush seals, were missing any meeting rail seals. There were twelve of these, so quite a gap in aggregate. But how to rectify? Inspecting showed that there should have been seals fitted into pre-cut kerfs; and further evidence were some scraps of silicone seal found in a corner cupboard.
After a bout of googling, I found a Raven product that was suitable — only catch was that it was not stocked at retail hardware outlets, and worse it came in 100m rolls which would mean 80% wastage at $3 per meter: ouch!
So I took a chance and asked ecoMaster for advice. Problem solved: they had the seal in the desired colour, and happy to sell just the amount i needed. Perfect!

Hi Peter,

Thank you so much for trusting us, we can't wait to help you again in the future!

Great for reducing glare

I used Renshade on the west-facing double glass door to my shed, where I work inside at a computer. I found it successful and as advertised in greatly reducing radiant heat and glare. It's no miracle cure for a lack of insulation, but nor does it claim to be. I was surprised to find that the product feels more like thick paper than like metal. I was expecting a more heavy-duty product. On day two after installation, one of my cats shredded it to pieces and I had to replace it. Luckily, I had some spare, and now I place a barrier in front of it at night when the cats are trying to get outside. On cloudy and rainy days it can feel a little oppressive, but on sunny days it is well worthwhile. It's much more relaxing working without the glare, and I like its veiled see-through quality.

Hi KB,

We are so pleased to hear that you are satisfied with how Renshade is performing for you. The development of Renshade has been a painstaking one and like all products it is a balance of trying to create something that is durable, still light enough to be fit for it's intended purpose and of course cost. We think we've come up with a great result.
Also, glad to hear that you had some spare after your fur baby got to it, cats are such inquisitive creatures.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and the community. We hope to be able to serve you again in the future!

Cooling plastic sheeted gable patio roof

After researching ways of reducing the greenhouse effect heat from the plastic sheeted gable patio roof at my daughter's house in Aspendale Gardens, I recommended Renshade. I made up 18 Renshade screens as per the Renshade video and fitted them under the plastic sheets. Results were immediate cooling under the gable patio! Mind you if the ambiant temperature reaches into the high 30s and low 40s it will still probably be uncomfortably hot under the patio. But all in all the Renshade has been a success especially with the patio fan assisting. Cost about $1000 for all materials but grandad's labour cost was zilch!

Hi Rolf,

Making 18 screens from the 5 Renshade rolls you purchased is awesome! We're chuffed to hear that our product had an immediate cooling affect. Days outside under the patio will now be so much more enjoyable!
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Have a great day!

Draftbusta

I purchased this product from a hardware store about 10 years ago, and it is great. What isn't great is the stores now don't stock it, so I ordered it direct from the company. A companythat promotes itself to be all about saving the environment, but packed the small cover in a box twice it's size, adding insulation that I didn't order, burning up the carbon miles with wasted packaging, and charging almost the same price as the product to post the oversized parcel. I'm glad I don't need another one, as I wouldn't be fooled twice to order one again.

Hello Brett

Thanks for sharing your feedback.
The DraftStoppa is an excellent device for sealing the draughts from your bathroom/ensuite/toilet areas. This is reflected in the numerous positive customer reviews about the product displayed on our website.
Unfortunately, Draft Stoppas can be very easily damaged during the freighting process. A damaged/ non functioning DraftStoppa saves zero energy. So yes, it is a balance between a well padded unit versus a lightly packed but broken one.
We have found that the safest way to avoid damage is to pack the DraftStoppa into a cardboard box and surround it with insulation as padding. This avoids damage during shipping especially when it is travelling interstate.
The insulation can be popped into your roof space if you wish and we will add that the insulation itself is made from 80% recycled PET bottles. The cardboard boxes (also made from recycled materials) can simply be broken down and added to your fortnightly recycling bin.
All freight charge rates are transparent on the store prior to completing your order.

If you have any further feedback, especially about how the draftstoppa is performing we encourage you to give us a call on 1300 326 627. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly.

Valvecosy improvements

I ordered a Valvecosy from the EcoMaster and it came promptly in the mail. Only one colour was available: Dune. Same colour as my house. Lucky!
The device was easy to attach to the TPR valve on my HWS but seems a bit loose-fitting around the connection from the HWS. Perhaps some different sized foam inserts included in the pack would give it a better fit to different installations.
The two halves come completely apart which makes it easy to fit but it might be even easier if the halves were hinged in a clamshell arrangement (not so easy to drop one half).
I found the copper pipe draining my TPR valve also stays warm so it is obviously losing energy too and I have covered it in foam lagging. It might be helpful to offer this in a "Customers who bought Valvecosy also bought ..." type offer.
I have a heat pump HWS running off solar energy so the energy I save only costs me the Feed In Tariff. On this basis it might take me fifty years to re-coup my outlay. If I could pick up a Valvecosy in a hardware store for $10 it would be a no-brainer. Give one to each family member. But for $28 plus $11 shipping it's a feel-good indulgence.
Valvecosy is a great idea. It’s just too expensive.

Hi Nigel

Thank you for sharing your review.
So awesome to hear that the colour matched your home too!
We appreciate your comments and will certainly pass on your suggested improvements to the manufacturer.

Valvecosy was tested in 2019 to determine heat loss. The percentage of improvement of heat loss due to Valvecosy was 5.6%.
A 5.6% savings on the energy loss from the tank would pay back that investment faster than one might anticipate.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Have a great day!

Draught Dodgers for Double-Hung / Sash Windows - FAQ

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