Where's the warm temperatures? I want to open my windows!

As I sit here in my Newington showroom, I look out the window at another gray day. I think to myself, "When will it get warm, so I drive home with the sunroof open and open the windows and slider to smell the fresh spring air?" Before writing this post, I did a google search to see what the weather for summer 2024 was going to look like. What I learned was somewhat encouraging!

The average temperatures for June, July, August and September (yes, it's still summer in September) ranged between 64-72 degrees. The daytime highs were 72-80 and the nighttime lows between 57-64. If you've lived in New England long enough you know those numbers could change in an instant. Could be higher, could be lower. The relative humidity looks to be low with 8-9 days of rain and 8-10 hours of sunlight.

Ok, I'll stop channeling Al Roker, but with warm comfortable days and mild nights makes it the BEST time to open the windows and let the breeze in! But before you do that, you'll want to have a properly functioning window screen. Believe it or not, screens have a big impact on a room's natural light and view, and it also improves your living space by creating a clean open-air environment.

Question: how old ARE your screens? Pella's window screen technology has improved over the past several years and today we offer several choices. The function of the screen still remains the same, however. It's job: let the fresh air in and keep out the bugs and pests. Let's take a quick look at the different types of screens that Pella can offer you.

FLAT WINDOW SCREENS- This is the most common screen. It's always visible except when you remove and store them during the colder months. These Pella screens are called "Inview." It's transparent, provides a clear view and let's in 14% more light then fiberglass screens.

RETRACTABLE WINDOW SCREENS- The benefit of these screens is that they appear when you need them but are self-storing when not needed. With retractable screens you have an unobstructed view AND they don't require seasonal storage!

Pella offers 3 retractable versions:

• The Hidden screen for vinyl windows (available in Pella 250 series single, double-hung and sliding windows.)
• The Intergrated Rolscreen for Pella Reserve and Traditional single and double-hung series
• Rolscreen retractable screens for wood windows

HALF/FULL SCREENS- some people don't know that not all windows need a full screen. Single hung and sliding windows have half screens. Double-hung, casement and awnings windows DO require a full screen since the operation of the entire window lets fresh air in.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR WINDOW SCREENS-The placement of the screen is based on the specific window type. Casement and awning windows have a screen on the interior. Why? Because the window opens outward. There's no interference with hardware on these types of windows. The screen is protected from outside elements and thus remains cleaner. Double-hung and slider windows usually have screens on the exterior. The reason: to protect it from pets and "little hands."

Finding the right screen helps improve light and air flow... which can help cut energy costs! Questions? Concerns? How can Pella assist you? Start now by setting up a time for a consultation with one of our representatives. Go to: pellabranch.com/new-england.

Or visit one of our showrooms and speak to one of our Brand Ambassadors. Locations in: Bedford, Meredith, Newington, New London and Scarborough ME.