However, these windows are also unusual from a modern perspective because they provided for no protection from the elements and so cold air was free to infiltrate the cellar in the winter and hot, humid air in during the summer. Today this would be an extremely wasteful and inefficient way to build a house, but far from being a problem, this exchange of outside air was exactly what Madison needed in his cellar. In fact, if the cellar had not been ventilated in the summer, then the moist, humid air would have caused the cellar to become damp and encouraged the growth of molds that were toxic to both humans and Montpelier's wooden framing.  Additionally, because this was a time before refrigeration, keeping the cellar cool in the winter allowed foods, such as uncured meat and root vegetables, to be safely and conveniently kept in the house without rotting.  Evidence of the Madisons using the cellar for storage is found by the many wrought iron hooks and spikes that were driven into the beams of the cellar as well as storage pits that were dug into the floors.