In Melbourne, once winter approaches, most homeowners are preoccupied with how to make their homes warm and cosy. The moment we seal drafts, insulate our windows, or even upgrade our heating systems, one thing that gets little to no attention is window screens. Though highly essential during the warmer months, window screens stand in the way of your enjoyment and functionality of windows during winter. They are not likely to be on top of your winter list, but taking them out is one task that has a few key advantages.
Winter in Melbourne brings with it a certain charm and scenic beauty, and this brings you a good reason to rethink if you need to keep your screens on. Melbourne is more dramatic during these cold weather months with its various landscapes, urban parks and coastal views. But window screens can come between that beauty, turning what should be a clear view into a muddied one. Besides aesthetics, there are several practical reasons why taking your screens out during winter can help with energy efficiency and day-to-day maintenance in general. Here are six reasons for taking down your window screens as the temperatures drop.
1. Enhance Your Scenic Outlook
Winter in Melbourne is beautiful, with clear, crisp air and the occasional frost making for stunning outdoor scenery. Unfortunately, window screens block these beautiful scenes, dulling them and removing their vibrancy. Taking them out lets you appreciate what’s outside your window this time of year. The mesmerising sunrises, the quiet calm of a frosty morning, or even the gold of the setting sun are a few examples.
Houses without window screens transform the experience of winter into being with and exposed to nature. The lack of clutter on the windows makes the house feel more integrated with the outside natural environment; each window frames Melbourne’s winter scene in beautiful detail.
2. Protect Wildlife and Avoid Pest Problems
While the best choice for keeping bugs out during summer, window screens will also trap animals in winter, especially birds seeking refuge due to cold. This is very common in some areas of Melbourne because of the nearby natural habitats. They may try to nest behind the screens or get stuck as they attempt to bring warmth, and the subsequent scenario may be very distressing for both the animal and the homeowner.
Removing screens during winter prevents this from happening. Without the screens, there is no opportunity for any animals to get trapped, reducing possible harm to wildlife and the need for rescue. Additionally, with fewer places for spiders and pests to hide, you require less maintenance during winter.
3. Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Window screens can sometimes give your home a displeasing look, especially during winter when they collect moisture or get dirty. The windows look clean and inviting without them, adding to your home’s curb appeal. It is important, especially when you’re expecting guests or simply want to enjoy a more pleasing living environment.
Clean, screen-free windows also let in more natural light into your house, which is very welcome during the short and usually dark winter days in Melbourne. This extra light may make your home feel warmer and cosier. Removing the screens will modernise your home with a polished appearance that makes all the difference.
4. Improve Energy Efficiency
It is important to keep your home warm in winter for comfort, so it is important to consider energy efficiency. Window screens block a little sunlight from entering your home, reducing the amount of natural solar heat that might warm your interior. In a city like Melbourne, where winter days are short and the temperatures notably low, maximising natural light and heat is crucial for energy efficiency and managing your heating costs.
5. Save Your Screens from Winter Wear
The winter in Melbourne could be cruel to window screens. With strong, heavy rains and the odd frost combined, it’s only to be expected that screens may warp, sag, or tear if they are left out for the entire season. The material a screen is made of is lightweight and flexible; as such, it could easily be compromised in harsh weather conditions.
In this way, taking out the screens and storing them over the winter protects them from wear due to weather conditions. That means you will not have problems when spring arrives because you will need neither time nor money to replace damaged screens. If well kept during the off-season, your screens will be waiting in good shape to take their place once the weather warms up.
6. Make Winter Window Care Easier
Winter is the best season to revisit and pay your windows much-needed attention. Without the screens, you can clean your windows properly and make sure they do not have any dirt or grime that can build up over time. You are also able to see if there is any damage to the window, like glass cracks or sealant gaps, that may allow heat to escape and increase energy bills.
Removing screens also makes it easier to apply winter treatments, i.e. adding weather stripping or insulation film around the window frames to keep your home warm and lower heating costs. This treatment works even better when directly applied to a window frame or glass sans screen interference. The extra time taken to care for the windows during winter can give you outstanding results for the rest of the year.
Make the most of your home this winter
Winter is a season of change, and your house shouldn’t be an exception. Taking out the screens of your windows will not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your home but also serve to protect your screens while fully appreciating the beauty of the season. It also makes window maintenance hassle-free and helps to keep your home warm and cosy throughout the winter.
For all your window needs, rely on Accent Windows. We are committed to offering quality windows that keep your home comfortable and beautiful, whatever the season. Check our products today at “accentwindows.com.au” or find out how we can help you make the most of your home this winter.
