Step #1 and Step #2
What’s the easiest (and cheapest) to lighten a Minnesota home — at least between November and May?
Start by removing the window screens (step #1).
After last night’s hard freeze (lows in the mid-20’s), that’s now timely to do.
With the screens gone, though, it can be all too apparent how dirty the home’s windows are.
Step #2: clean ’em — surprisingly, possible to do down to 15° or so (at least for the pros).
See also, “$1,000 for Windows. CLEANING Windows”; and “Window Washing . . in Winter!”
P.S.: While many people store their window screens in the garage, I recommend the basement or a stairwell if there’s room (less dust).