Improvements for a safe, healthy home


 

The pandemic has brought new focus to home enhancements that not only add value, but also support wellness. Today’s homeowners are investing in thoughtful improvements that prioritize safety and well-being, helping to substantially increase the home’s health quotient.

Here are a couple of big-impact home improvement trends that support health and safety:

Upgrade the home’s water

From drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning, water is in constant use in a home. Essential to life, high-quality water that helps a family live healthier is vitally important. However, many homes are plagued with poor water sources that may contain toxins or contamination.

A good first step is to get water tested—many communities and organizations offer free testing—and then determine necessary upgrades.

If taste or water quality is a concern, a filtered water system can help provide safe drinking water at the tap.

Homeowners who have hard water may want to research systems that condition the water such as a water softener. These systems remove excess minerals and produce water that helps appliances run more efficiently and is easier on the skin and hair while bathing.

Older homes may require upgraded plumbing systems to replace aging and deteriorating pipes. One solution for repiping homes is using Uponor Aqua- PEX, a flexible polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup. Flexible pipe like this lasts longer, bends around corners, and fits into tight spaces without the need for large holes in drywall.

Elevate air quality

When heating or cooling a home, conventional forced-air systems push treated air through ductwork in the walls and ceilings, which often circulates pollutants as well as dust and allergens that lower overall indoor air quality.

This is a concern because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, where the concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

A whole-home air filter system is worth considering for ongoing air treatment as well as other steps that reduce reliance on these systems.

For example, hydronic radiant heating works by warming water at a heat source and circulating it through piping installed beneath the floor. There is no fan to circulate dust, allergens, and odors, so families can breathe easier while enjoying warmth and comfort.

In addition to improving your home’s heating and air conditioning methods, it’s important to take steps to limit new pollution in a home. When doing home projects, be mindful of using supplies and materials with high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can infiltrate the air you inhale. VOCs can be found in various home-building products, including paint, plywood, fabric, carpet, and foam.

It may cost more to purchase items with low VOCs, but people are increasingly willing to make this investment to support home air quality.

Courtesy of Brandpoint