By MATT MAURY

As the temperature rises at this time of year, we're all inclined to open up our windows and air out the house. Sometimes, though, a window doesn't open because it is broken or painted shut. Let's address some of the common things to do for your windows. In order to do that, you'll need to know the style of window with a problem.

One, or more, of these five styles of windows is found in most homes:

€ Fixed - no movable parts.

€ Sliders - often aluminum, moving from side to side in horizontal channels.

€ Awnings - swinging out from the bottom, with hinges on top.

€ Casements - swinging out from the side, on hinges.

€ Double-hung - sliding up and down in vertical channels.

Since double-hung windows are the most common type in residential construction, let's begin with them. The movable parts that slide up and down in the frame are called "sashes." In older windows, each sash is connected to two cords that go through holes in the frame as a window is lowered or raised. In newer double-hung windows, the counter-balancing mechanics are attained by attaching a metal tape (similar to a measuring tape) to a spring that is anchored in the channels in the frame.

When a window can be slid up or down, but will not stay open, either a weight or a spring has become unattached. Repairing this problem requires removing the trim around the window frame and making the necessary repair. Although this can be done by a very patient homeowner, it is certainly less stressful to have it done by a "finish" carpenter - one who specializes in detail work.

When a window has been painted shut, it can generally be loosened by carefully using a razor blade, a putty knife and a hammer. First, use the blade to cut the paint film between the sash and the window frame molding, both inside and outside. Then, force the putty knife into the seam between the sash and the frame, beginning at one corner and working all the way around the window. If necessary, use the hammer to gently tap the putty knife to break the bond the paint has created. Repeat this process, if required. If the window still cannot be opened after two attempts to free it, then the trim around the window frame will have to be removed. This is a job best done by a "finish" carpenter, especially in older homes as the molding may be very brittle and easily damaged. After a sash has been freed to open, the channels it slides through should be waxed with paraffin. Also, any excess paint build-up should be removed by sanding, where possible.

If awning or casement-style windows are painted shut, the same procedures can be used. a more frequent problem with both these styles is a broken hinge. Sometimes it is as simple as spraying a lubricant on the hinge to allow it to function properly. Other times, it will require replacement to make it function properly. If the problem is one of rotten wood that is unable to hold the hinge's screws, then professional help is required - usually a "finish" carpenter.

Stuck sliders are generally easy to fix with a little lubricant, or expensive to fix because replacement is required. As most slider-style windows are in a metal frame, the problems are either grit in the sliding channel or damage to the metal. A grit problem can be solved with cleaning and lubricant. If the metal has become bent, it is often impossible to correct the situation without a new window.