There’s more to health than the food we eat and how much we move. Certain design features and home upgrades can help remove toxins and improve the air we breathe. In this post, we will learn about a few upgrades which are essential for a healthy home.
Taking steps to make your home a healthier place to be is a worthwhile investment with immeasurable value. Here are six upgrades essential for a healthy home.
Table of Contents
Install Water Purification
Install a water purification system to ensure your water is free of harmful toxins before it enters your home. There are a variety of systems available to suit your needs and lifestyle. For example, you can have water filtration installed under the sink, directly into the refrigerator, or have a special faucet installed for drinking water.Â
In the meantime, consider getting a Waterdrop filter pitcher for your fridge to ensure the water you’re drinking is cool, clear, and free of toxins. This simple approach is also a fantastic way to refill reusable water bottles and cut back on plastic consumption.
Decorate with Live Plants
NASA’s clean air study identified the powerful toxin removal properties of some favored house plants. Live plants have long been a favored decor piece. In recent years, designers have been using plants as a key focal point for the natural element design movement.
If your household has bad luck with live plants, there are a few air-purifying plants that thrive on neglect, including:
- Air plants
- ZZ plants
- Snake plants
- Chinese evergreens
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Spider plants
- Dracaenas
Add a few low-maintenance plants to remove toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, and carbon dioxide from your home.Â
Upgrade and Clean HEPA Filters
HEPA filters remove dust and debris from the air to help keep your home clean and healthy. This mechanical air filtration system forces the air in your home through a fine mesh that’s designed to trap particulate matter so you don’t breathe it in. This system is a must-have if you have pets or allergies.
However, once those particles get trapped, they stay in the filter and eventually block it up. If you already have an HVAC system in place with HEPA filters, set a reminder to clean them out every few months. There are both washable and non-washable filters. Non-washable filters can be cleaned with the soft attachment on a vacuum.Â
Replace Porous Flooring
Many homeowners are aware that carpets are terrible for trapping allergens and debris. However, there are some carpet alternatives that can also cause more harm than good. Linoleum and some wood floors are also porous and will absorb moisture and bacteria.
Replace your porous flooring with a non-porous alternative, such as ceramic or porcelain tile, with sealed grout. When installing laminate or vinyl, check the quality and porosity of the flooring before proceeding.
Install a Central Vacuum
Central vacuums used to be a popular component of any home. Over the early 2000s, they started to fall out of fashion. Now they’re back in a big way with new innovations to make homeowners’ lives easier.
You can now install central vacuums with baseboard entry points. Rather than hauling out a large vacuum, you can sweep your debris into the vent and have it carried away into the central storage unit. This innovation will help simplify keeping your home free of toxins and allergens.
Opt for Non-Toxic Paint
Consider covering any old or existing paint on your walls with a non-toxic alternative. Many paints have VOCs— Volatile Organic Compounds— which release invisible chemical gas into the air. The EPA governs which paint brands can call themselves low-VOC or VOC-free and eco-friendly. This is the best essential for a healthy home environment.
If your home hasn’t been painted in the past few years, consider applying new VOC-free paint to ensure no invisible toxins are getting into the air and your lungs.
With these simple upgrades, you can make your home safer, happier, and healthier.
