Staying healthy is at the forefront of all of our minds right now and while we have extra time on our hands that would have been used for social hangouts many people have taken to upgrading and fixing up their homes. Why not combine the two and make some home improvements that will help to keep you healthy or even improve your health.
Here are some home upgrades to make for a healthy home.
Updating the Colors with Nontoxic Paint
Some older homes still have paint with harmful chemicals so if you plan to disturb it by sanding it off of a wood surface or it is peeling it needs to be properly cleaned up. When you are ready to repaint choose one with no VOCs and a green seal to ensure your paint is not carrying harmful fumes or heavy metals and carcinogens.
HVAC and HEPA Filters
Drastically improve the air quality inside your home with a furnace filter upgrade. A quality HEPA filter is going to retain a larger amount of particles floating through your air than others. This is especially helpful for respiratory health and anyone that suffers from allergies or asthma. Switching out the vacuum filter for a HEPA filter as well is a smart idea.
CARB-Compliant Wood
Even the floorboards in your home could be filled with toxic chemicals. Pressed and composite wood flooring often contains formaldehyde which can be harmful enough to cause skin irritation, respiratory irritation, or cancer with prolonged exposure. For a safer product choose a CARB-compliant wood product for your floors.
Soundproofing
Lawnmowers, car alarms, neighbors hosting parties late into the night, the garbage truck, and more all create noise that can inhibit sleep and stress-reducing relaxation. With some soundproofing your home can become your quiet oasis again. Small changes like weather stripping around the windows and doors, extra drywall, and acoustic tiles can help to absorb and keep sound outside where it belongs so you can better relax and get a better night’s rest.
Radon Detector
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced with the breaking down of uranium in the soil. It can be drawn up from the soil and matter underneath your home’s foundation and into your indoor spaces. With prolonged exposure from living in the home, it can lead to lung cancer. According to the EPA, 1 in 15 homes contains high levels of radon. To help determine and measure if there is a dangerous level of radon in your home install a radon detector. If the radon levels are high, follow the American Lung Association’s three steps to eliminate your risk.
Natural Light
Daylight coming in through windows and even lightbulbs that simulate natural light can do wonders for your mood and health. Adding more windows is costly, but well worth the investment especially if they are energy-saving ones. If you plan to resale the home the natural light will help to sell it. Buyers love seeing tons of natural light in a home.
One thing we think is very good for your health is living on the Forgotten Coast of Florida. If you are looking to buy or sell a Forgotten Coast home please contact us anytime.
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