The windows in our house are mostly original.  Last summer we replaced 4 windows, but those have been the only updates.  The problem with our windows, besides that they’re not energy efficient is that they’re single pane windows with storm windows on the exterior.  The storm windows have half screens.  In theory they’re supposed to keep bugs out because between the storm window panes and the screen, there should be a sealed system.  The problem is that bugs can get in!  The system has too many moving parts and cracks, and it’s a bug nightmare.  We are big fans of open windows, but that’s not a pleasant experience when bugs come in.

We found about this situation the hard way.  Last summer, on a hot summer night we were painting an upstairs bedroom.  We thought it’d be a great idea to open the window to get some fresh air and let out the paint fumes.  With it being nighttime and us being in a lit room, the bugs were very attracted to us.  After a short while, we noticed gnats all around the ceiling!  Keep in mind this is with wet paint on the walls still.  So we had to go around and kill all the gnats, many of which had gotten in the paint along the top parts of the wall.  It was a mess.  We had to repaint over some portions.  The rest of the summer we painted with closed windows. Continue reading