How to Create a “Healthy” Home

One of the biggest goals Jonathan and I have for our businesses is to help homeowners create “healthy” homes. But what exactly do we mean by that??

Think about your personal health. It’s all about making choices that help you feel your best, both physically and mentally. That could mean any combination of things, from going for walks to de-stressing with loved ones. Similarly, you want your home to operate at its best by choosing features that build towards a more affordable, connected, and (most importantly) sustainable future. Which, in turn, can have health benefits for your family and beyond.?

I get that this may look a little different for everyone—financial situations, location, and so many more factors vary from person to person. But one thing we can all do is learn about the updates, swaps, and little things we can do to create our own “healthy” homes. And what better time to talk about it than #EarthDay ?

With all that in mind, having a “healthy” home could look like:

Investing in energy-efficient appliances that will make the planet (and you) happy.

Energy Star items use less energy and can put money back in your pocket. (A typical household using Energy Star products could save about $450 a year on their energy bills !) And don’t be fooled into thinking this just applies to major appliances like fridges or dishwashers—Energy Star ratings extend to electronics, office equipment, lighting, and more. Here’s a list to keep on-hand next time you’re in the market. There are also government incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient products, from clothes dryers to electrical panels. Rewiring America has a great calculator to help you investigate what you’re qualified for.

Installing smart home tech to save money while you sleep.

Smart home technology can save energy and money without you even realizing it. For example, almost half the annual average American energy bill goes to heating and cooling. With a smart thermostat, you can lower the temperatures when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping, and control everything from your phone. Some dishwashers can even be scheduled to run when electricity rates are lowered. It’s pretty incredible.?

If you want to start small, an easy update is swapping in LED smart bulbs. LEDs use 75% less energy and last up to 25x longer than incandescent bulbs, and when you add in the tech component, it gives you that extra level of control. But if that’s still too costly, just installing standard LEDs alone will still make a huge difference. ?

Reducing the risks you can’t see, but believe me—they’re there.?

How often do you think about the air quality in your home? Probably not that often… but you should! Tasks as common as cooking your food can release carbon monoxide and toxic pollutants into the air, which can pose both environmental and personal health issues . Some ways to combat this is to switch from a gas to an induction range, or invest in a home climate system like Quilt that operates without fossil fuels. If that’s not in the budget, simple things like opening the windows and running fans can increase the amount of outdoor air coming in, and help cycle out those indoor pollutants.?

Another thing you may not be considering is your water. Hard water can have annoying impacts from drying out your hair and skin to limescale buildup that can lead to clogged pipes and other problems. It can also effect the lifespan of appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine. Products like a water softener can prevent heavy minerals from flowing through your water , leading to cleaner clothes and dishes, better tasting drinking water, less costly plumbing issues, and more.

Using the power of the sun. (No eclipse glasses needed.)

Solar energy is more and more common these days. In fact, there are now nearly 4 million households generating power with solar energy ! Not only is it a clean energy source that could save you money and add value to your home in the long run, it’s also becoming more affordable with rebates and tax incentives that cover things like solar panels, solar water heaters, contractor labor costs, and more. (Energy.gov has a guide to help you with the specifics, too.) Still, if panels are outside your budget right now, there are other products that you can try, like solar-powered video doorbells, outdoor lights, and even bird feeders . There’s so much to come in this space.

Decarbonizing and home electrification may be newer terms for you. But what they essentially boil down to (on an induction stove… pun intended) is replacing your fossil fueled appliances with electric ones to improve air quality, lower your utility bills, and create a safer, cleaner environment overall. An all-electric home reportedly emits 40% less greenhouse gases than one powered by natural gas. Imagine the impact if we move in that direction! Some updates you could make are installing heat pumps, electric ranges, and electric clothes dryers. Rewiring America has an overview on how to calculate the costs of electrification.

If you’re interested in making any of these upgrades, I’d also suggest investing in a battery storage system. It has all types of benefits, including protection against rising utility rates, balancing the usage throughout peak and non-peak hours, and the ability to reserve energy that will keep your lights in a power outage. There are tax credits and incentives for installing these, too.?

Getting back to the basics.?

Recycling and composting are such easy ways to move toward a healthy home. Composting has benefits like creating healthy soil and reducing the trash that could end up in landfills, which prevents greenhouse gas emissions. It’s similar for recycling—a few steps on your part could contribute to less waste, the conservation of natural materials, and less pollution. I know the rules can be a bit confusing, though, so here are some beginners guides to recycling and composting . (More to come on this—I can go on and on about it!)

Keeping the inner peace.

Between jobs, kids, friends, and hobbies, we all have way too much going on… and you don’t need added stress from home maintenance. So think about the things that are taking up way too much space in your mind, and invest in solutions for those tasks. Are you constantly worried that you didn’t deadbolt the door? Invest in smart locks. Is clutter taking over your living room? Something as simple as storage baskets can change that. An organized house can lead to an stress-free mind… though that’s not as applicable with a toddler running around. (Speaking from experience ??.)

And, of course, making some of the changes we’ve already talked about, like Energy Star appliances and improving your air quality, can lead to saving money and protecting your health, both of which can make you feel more at ease.?

I hope you found this helpful! Let me know in the comments how you’re making your home healthy.?