Basement Windows and Air Conditioning Unit

The exterior of the house is acceptable the way it currently is; however, I would like to be able to freely open the basement windows to let in fresh air without fear of small rodents and large insects/spiders crawling in.  That's gonna require a bit of work, and that's just fine by me. 

Basement Window

The window and window well you see to the left are on the north side of the house.  There was a random elm tree growing just to the left of the window well, as you can see by the miniature stump.  That was one of the first things I took care of when I started working around the house.  It's branches were covering the window well and I needed to see the window in its entirety.  The roots are still there and will be removed soon.

Air-conditioning unit

On the the right is a photo of the back of the house, or the west side.  There are two windows in the back of the house, one is completely without a screen, the other has a torn screen.  Replacements are required on all four basement windows, I believe.  This is a task that I believe I can complete on my own, no contractor required for this job.  

The air conditioning unit is also visible in that picture, in the bottom center of the photo.  It is as old as the house, if not a few years older.  Does anyone know the life expectancy of an air-conditioning unit?  Do I call a contractor to come and look at it or can I evaluate its safety and efficiency on my own?  There is so much I don't know!

Too much shade?  Tree too close?

On the left is a photo of the south side of the house and another basement window minus the screen. As mentioned previously, that is a task easily enough remedied.  What is of concern to me, however, is the lilac tree planted right up against the house.  It is my opinion that it is too close to the house and needs to be moved or destroyed.  It is  not covering any windows but the roots could be causing issues with the foundation.  

Slightly out of range of the photo, but slightly visible in the top right corner are two large trees that are providing shade to the south side of the house.  One of them is a Manitoba Maple, the other is a Maple Tree also, but a different type, the only one of its kind on the yard.  The Manitoba Maple will be cut down promptly as there are at least 2022 (frustrated exagerration) of them growing unbidden on the yard.  They have invaded every hedge, every garden, every foundation, every everything!!!!  They grow everywhere under any circumstances.  

That sounds to me like it could be a topic for another post!  I've been frustrated with Manitoba Maples ability to proliferate since I first took note of such things.  Their numbers shall decrease greatly and I will dance with glee and celebrate every one that falls prey to the chainsaw!  

Okay, I'm done now.  Deep breath . . .

Yes, the basement windows and their accompanying window wells need attention so I can open the windows and allow fresh air to flow freely through the house.  There is a mold issue in the basement that needs to be taken care of prior to me moving in so it is crucial that I am able to open the windows.  

More about the mold in another post.