Our homes should be our safe places, where we feel secure, well, and comfortable. For many people, that isn’t the reality. From inadequate home heating and insulation to contaminated drinking water and poor indoor air quality, numerous factors can affect our quality of life. The good news is that many straightforward upgrades can transform your home and make it safer for your family to enjoy. Start with the following:
Home Heating and Insulation
Now is the right time to contact an HVAC contractor Pewaukee WI, or wherever you live, if your home isn’t adequately heated. The health implications of a cold house can be severe. Consistently cold temperatures can cause respiratory illnesses and exacerbate health conditions, such as asthma. According to the Institute of Health Equity, living in a cold home even affects children’s resilience, education, and emotional well-being.
Knowing these adverse health outcomes, prioritizing an efficient home heating source before the colder weather hits is crucial. A heat pump is one of the most cost-effective and efficient options on the market. Be sure to pair your new heating source with adequate insulation. Insulation with a high R-value provides resistance to airflow while also lowering your heating and cooling costs.
Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality contributes to asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses. If your home’s occupants are facing these challenges, consider whether your home’s air quality is to blame. Purify the air in your home with a whole-home air purifier featuring a HEPA and activated carbon filter. To prevent mold growth, run an air humidifier or dehumidifier. You may also want to consider buying plants like snake plants and peace lilies, which are natural air purifiers.
Water Filtration
Our drinking water isn’t always as safe as it seems. Whether you have a well or are connected to your town or city’s supply, your family can be drinking water contaminated with microorganisms, waste, and heavy metals, just to name a few. If you haven’t yet installed a water filtration system, consider doing so.
According to the CDC, approximately 1.1 million people become ill from drinking contaminated water in the United States each year, with Legionella being the most common cause of water-related illness outbreaks. Installing a water filter allows you to remove impurities that may otherwise make your family ill.
Non-Toxic Materials
While we don’t intentionally fill our homes with toxic materials, most of us aren’t giving them as much thought as we should. Many types of furniture, carpets, and paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and cause a range of health issues like cancer and organ damage.
The good news is that you now have the option to shop more thoughtfully. Several low-VOC paints and finishes are available, including solid wood furniture instead of particleboard, as well as hardwood or bamboo flooring rather than vinyl. You can also use water-based paints and clean your home with natural ingredients. Essentially, the more natural the product you use, the fewer volatile organic compounds are released in your home.
Taking care of your family’s health doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re in the process of remodeling your home, prioritize these upgrades for overall health and well-being.
