Want to have a happy, healthy winter season while protecting your home and family at the same time? Put some time aside now before the cooler temperatures arrive to tend to a winter preparation checklist.

We’ve compiled a list of tasks that will keep your home safe, warm and energy efficient this season in Berkeley, CA.

Check Insulation

There are a number of things that you can do to make sure that your home is energy efficient this winter, like getting your furnace tuned-up.

However, one of the best ideas is to ensure that your home is well insulated. Start with your windows.

Are any panes cracked? If so replace them. Replace any loose seals around the frames. Look for open spaces around your doorways. You can level the door with weather stripping to prevent air from escaping.

Heat rises, so make sure that your attic is airtight. Place insulation tightly against the walls and roof. It’s common for it to move out of place during the summer and fall in the wind. Inspect for rips and water damage as well. Also, make sure that the entry to your attic is well sealed.

De-Icing is a Must

Danger lurks in your driveway and walkways when covered with even a thin sheet of ice.

Stock up on de-icing salt to use when you need it most to stay safe.

Sand, although messy, works well too. Whatever you choose, keep it handy for when the temperature falls.

Especially because your plumbing system can be involved as well, creating even bigger issues inside your home.

Pay Attention to Ventilation

Although some moisture is good in your home (to keep the floors in good shape and keep your hair and skin in good shape) too much moisture can present challenges with heating.

Avoid having furniture too tight against the wall in damp rooms. You don’t want to restrict air flow. Damp spaces are harder to heat. It’s worth considering a ventilation system.

As a more low-tech solution, crack a selection of windows every day for a few minutes to keep air flowing.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Protect your family from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning by attending to your detectors.

Clean them out of dust and debris. Test the buttons to make sure that they are operating properly and install new batteries.

And remember to never paint over the detectors. They simply won’t work as well, making it harder to detect if there is an accidental fire occurring inside your house … threatening the safety of your loved ones.