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.

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.

Attic ventilation is an essential component of keeping the atmosphere in your home healthy year-round. It can help cut down on air conditioning costs in summer and help prevent ice dams in winter.

After you've sealed and insulated your Massachusetts house, there are still several factors to consider, even if you've done a superb job. Your house needs to have a comprehensive ventilation strategy in order to improve the air quality, prevent back drafts of combustion devices and reduce humidity to prevent mold growth.

Ventilating fans often don’t receive the attention they deserve — unless they're installed incorrectly and/or break down. Working quietly behind the scenes, ventilating fans route odors and moisture out of the home — moisture that might otherwise result an uncomfortable home environment, mildew and mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

Temperatures in your home's attic can reach as high as 150 degrees in warm weather, impacting both ventilation and energy costs. But with an attic fan, you can keep that heat from building to protect your attic and lower the heat gain inside your home.

The quality of your indoor air is important for your health and safety. Many of the products inside our homes lower the quality of the air, such as certain appliances and their byproducts. Your attached garage can also lower the air quality of your Massachusetts home by sending harmful garage emissions into your house, such as carbon monoxide, dangerous chemicals, emissions from gas-powered appliances and even mildew and mold spores.

Every homeowner desires good indoor air quality and ventilation helps to achieve indoor air that is not only comfortable, but healthier for your family.  Some geographical areas naturally have higher humidity levels than others, but humidity levels can be too high inside your home no matter where you live.  Dust particles, bacteria and other pollutants can also reside in your home, making it hazardous to those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems.

If you have appliances that use combustible fuels such as oil or gasoline, it is essential to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide, a by-product of the combustion process, is toxic to humans. However, because it is odorless and tasteless, the only way to know it is present in your home is with carbon monoxide detectors.