Lighting – How to darken a room without hurting airflow

Before you replace the windows, you may want to try sound dampening drapes. Google search and a few companies will offer solutions for home theaters and other rooms.

I have single pane windows in my house. In the winter I install a second, plexiglass insert to help with heating costs. But it does make a huge difference with noise. If you want to experiment, get some scrap plastic or plywood and cover your window. It will look terrible but at least you'll get a feel for how it would be.

Can't say for the US market (as I don't have first hand experience over here), but in the UK if those windows didn't provide adequate ventilation (open-able window area) they would not be allowed to be used in the construction of a new home (building). They wouldn't get pass UK Building Regulations.

Therefore if the US is anything like the UK in that regard, I would say those windows are ok! for the environment they are being put into. That said, it doesn't guarantee you as an individual living in that condo will be happy with them (the amount of natural ventilation they provide), as different people tend to prefer certain environments eg

• My wife likes our house overly warm in the winter and fridge cold in the summer.
• Me, I prefer the house a little cooler in the winter (too warm and I want to fall asleep) and generally as long as it's cooler inside than outside during the summer months I'm ok!