Let the Light In
We love having our windows open in the spring/summer/fall, so we keep screen in them. They’re wonderful for keeping bugs out, but they do take away some of the light that would shine through the window.
Usually Mr Chiots and I take the screens out of the windows when the weather turns too cold to keep the windows open. I spend the afternoon cleaning all the windows so that as much light as possible comes through the windows during those cold, dark winter months. This year we got busy and forgot to take them out until last week.
I don’t know if you can tell in this photo, but the screen was left in on the left window and taken out on the right. It does make a huge difference (hard to capture). It’s kind of cold, but the first warm sunny day above freezing we have I’ll be out washing windows to make it even brighter inside. The screens are up in the attic, they’ll be washed next spring before going back in the windows.
Do you take the screens out of your windows or leave them in?
We leave ours in all year round because in north Fl we can usually open the windows at least once a week even in the winter. its in the 40’s now so that won’t be happening today :)
to mickie's comment
Oh, 40 sounds nice. It’s in the single digits here this morning – BRRRRR.
to Susy's comment
Hold onto your (warm and fuzzy) hats. Its -2 (actual) here now, and I think its coming your way!
As for screens, we have big picture windows on the south side of the house that don’t have screens, so we typically don’t bother.
.-= Chicago Mike´s last blog ..I Work With The Best Sort Of People =-.
to Chicago Mike's comment
My inlaws thought I was crazy when I asked about removing my screens. It was a normal part of winter prep up in Chicagoland, but here in Tennessee it’s not unusual to see 60F or higher on very warm days. In fact, when we returned home with our newborn daughter six years ago it was 72F on New Year’s Eve! When we’d gone to the hospital there was snow on the ground!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..The birthdays abound! =-.
to Jennifer's comment
I have never even thought about taking the screens down , maybe to fix any holes but thats it.
.-= HappyHermit´s last blog ..Romans 12:2 =-.
to HappyHermit's comment
Never thought about doing that, but that is a good idea. I may have to do that. But like others mentioned, here in Georgia we may have a few warm days mixed in, so I may only remove a few screens on windows we are more prone to put up the shades to let the winter sun in.
.-= Andres´s last blog ..Winter Carrots =-.
to Andres's comment
Few of our windows have double glass — cost factor. Those that do, we did ourselves and they don’t open — so no screens. The other, old-fashioned sash windows have them. On them we leave up the screens because we cover with polyethylene (one layer indoors and one outdoors) and the screen supports the poly and keeps it from flapping itself away in storms.
Most of our time in cold weather is spent in the dining room, which has a huge west-facing picture window; decades ago I mounted a surplus sliding door in the frame and and it keeps our winter daytime tasks well lit with no added illumination. In summer we put up a tarp awning to keep direct sunlight out in the hot afternoons.
.-= risa b´s last blog ..She doesn’t seem to mind =-.
to risa b's comment
Never thought of that either, and tho we are in California I don’t often open the windows in the winter (unless I’ve burned something and need to use the whole house fan….not that that happens very often ;)
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..How We Did in 2009 =-.
to Maureen's comment
We dont have screens in the UK I suspect it just doesnt get warm enough!! I remember them though from when I visited my uncle in Australia and how usful they were at keeping the bugs out
to Helen's comment
Usually off for the winter (2 weeks in December) then back on. I’m glad to learn someone else besides me washes their windows. I never see anyone washing their windows. I’m a nut about it.
.-= MAYBELLINE´s last blog ..California Christmas =-.
to MAYBELLINE's comment
Yes, in California we keep our window screens on year ’round. If the temperature is above 65* then I’ll open a window or two to air the place out. I do like the look of screenless windows though – I like an unobstructed view.
.-= Conny´s last blog ..Flying by the seat of my pants =-.
to Conny's comment
We have screens over the lower half of our windows, so in the winter, we just slide them up to cover the top. It really does make a huge difference.
.-= pam´s last blog ..Garden Tuesday – Supermarket Flowers – And Kitty Cat News! =-.
to pam's comment
We have old-fashioned double hung windows, and everyone here uses removable screens in frames. You lift your window and put the screen in the open part. It’s usually warm enough to do year-round, but not this month!
Of course, I’m not washing my windows, and they could use it. Good for you.
.-= stefaneener´s last blog ..Harvest Monday =-.
to stefaneener's comment
I’m in Canada and while we have screens, we’ve never taken them out. I don’t know anyone who has actually. My parents never did it when I was a kid…and so I guess that’s why I don’t do it now? Funny the things you pick up from family. As for clean windows…I do like them to sparkle…but don’t do it NEARLY as often as I should. LOVE your blog, btw. -Debbie
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Almost New Years Eve =-.
to Debbie's comment
I am looking for those old removable retractable half window screens that won’t let the rain in. I dont have air conditioning and I could really use these as I work and would like some air in the house even when I am not home so the house won’t be so hot in the evening. Does anyone have any idea where I could get these. My old ones fell apart.
to Elaine Kirk's comment
It’s no wonder you enjoy the power of screens during the spring, summer, and fall, seeing as these seasons can attract plenty of flying insects. The con you mentioned, about not having enough light, is definitely one down side of using the window screen.
to Christina's comment