As we have learned how to seal up our homes to keep out cold air in winter and hot air in summer, we have encountered the problem of getting fresh air into the home. When houses were drafty, had no insulated windows, were poorly insulated and weatherstripping was never used, fresh air was not a problem. Plenty was coming in the home. Trouble was, it was costing more to provide the heating or cooling. Tightening up the home reduced those costs but created bad inside air.

You’ve seen it often, but do you know what causes condensation on home windows and sliding glass doors? Even energy-efficient windows form condensation, but they're not to blame. When high indoor humidity comes into contact with a cooler surface, such as cool glass, water vapor in the air condenses on the cooler surface. If you want to rid your home of condensation and mold risks, alleviate high indoor humidity by modifying activities and using practical indoor air quality (IAQ) upgrades.

Do you suffer from a stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes even when spending time indoors? If you have indoor allergies, take a few steps to allergy-proof your home and help you breathe easier year round.

The heating and cooling systems in the average home typically use about half of the energy consumed each month. To heat and cool your home efficiently and reduce unnecessary spending, it's important to keep the HVAC system in good working condition with regular maintenance. What specifically should you focus on?

Replacing your home air filter regularly improves HVAC system performance and efficiency, as well as safeguarding indoor air quality. Monthly home air filter changes are well within the skill set of any homeowner and pay you back with lower operating costs and enhanced indoor comfort.

Indoor air pollution is a concern in many Massachusetts homes, especially in the middle of winter, when ventilation is minimal and families spend more time indoors. Though the presence of pollutants may seem unavoidable, there are a number of simple ways to minimize indoor air pollution.

Although the spring season gets a lot of attention for the proliferation of allergies, the truth is that winter allergies are nothing to -- pardon the pun -- sneeze at. There are a number of elements that can irritate the respiratory system of someone suffering from allergies, and your best defense is learning some of these and how to control them.

Home heating systems can stop working for a wide range of reasons, and none of them are welcome on a cold winter’s night. Some system breakdowns may be relatively easy to fix yourself. When you can’t fix it, any additional information you can pass on to a qualified service technician may help speed repairs. Start troubleshooting heating in these three primary areas.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poses one of the most serious hazards you face indoors and sometimes out, and the only way to tell if it's present is with carbon monoxide detectors. Because it's colorless, tasteless and odorless, this gas poses a serious risk to your health, as it replaces the oxygen in your bloodstream and can be fatal. 

Cooler weather poses unique risks that have the potential to harm your home. Being proactive about protecting your home in the winter months is the best way to avoid the need for costly repairs. Read on for winter home protection tips that will keep your home safe from common winter hazards.