5 Essential Features for a Healthier Home

5 Essential Features for a Healthier Home

As a homeowner, you understand the satisfaction of keeping your home clean and organized. But today, it's about more than just aesthetics—it's about creating a healthier living environment. According to the CDC, we spend at least half of our day at home, so ensuring your space supports your well-being is essential.

As we begin a new year, there's a growing focus on healthier living habits. Your home should be a sanctuary that promotes overall wellness. Luckily, current design trends emphasize health-conscious features in every room. Here are five must-have home upgrades to help you curate a healthier living space.

1. Antimicrobial Countertops

For the health-conscious homeowner, antimicrobial countertops are a simple yet effective upgrade for keeping your kitchen clean. While marble was once popular for its elegant appearance, composite materials are now gaining favor due to their durability and scratch resistance.

Scratches and porous surfaces in natural stone can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Antimicrobial countertops—such as quartz, quartz blends, copper, or certain laminate options—offer added protection against germs. However, it's still important to regularly disinfect your surfaces. Incorporating antimicrobial countertops is a great step toward maintaining a healthier home environment.

2. Water Filtration Systems

Keeping your water clean and fresh is another vital aspect of a healthy home. Installing a water filtration system, faucet filter, or even a simple water pitcher can improve water quality while reducing your environmental impact. A single small filter can prevent 300 16-ounce plastic bottles from ending up in landfills—a win for your health and the planet.

Water contaminants, though rare, can pose serious health risks. A good filtration system ensures peace of mind, removing impurities like chlorine and unpleasant tastes. Not only does it enhance the taste of your drinking water, but it can also improve your overall water experience, from cooking to showering.

A whole-house water filtration system can even help reduce residue buildup in showers and preserve your skin's natural oils, ensuring both your body and home benefit from clean, safe water.

3. Touch-less Faucets

Touch-less faucets bring modern convenience and hygiene into the home. They reduce the need for physical contact, minimizing the spread of germs and making everyday tasks more efficient. Hands-free fixtures are especially beneficial in kitchens, where you can measure ingredients or clean up without worrying about dirtying the faucet.

A standout in the touch-less faucet category is the "U by Moen," a smart faucet with a built-in "wash hands" feature that follows CDC guidelines. The faucet can be controlled via an app, allowing you to set custom presets for filling pots or washing dishes, adding both function and style to your kitchen.

Touch-less technology also works wonders in bathrooms, where increased water pressure and aromatics can create a spa-like ambiance while reducing water waste.

4. Hospital-Grade Air Purifiers

Air purifiers have long been a solution for allergy sufferers and pet owners, but hospital-grade air purifiers are now becoming a go-to for anyone aiming to maintain a healthy home. These high-powered units are trusted by medical professionals and are gaining popularity for their ability to filter out harmful airborne particles.

The EPA suggests using high-quality HVAC filters and air purifiers, combined with other CDC-recommended guidelines, to protect against indoor pollutants, including viruses. While no system guarantees 100% protection, these devices significantly improve indoor air quality and contribute to a healthier living space.

5. Smart Home Technology

Health and convenience converge with smart home technology. From voice-controlled lights to mobile-operated locks, smart tech helps minimize contact with high-touch surfaces, reducing the spread of germs while offering streamlined home management.

Smart sensors can monitor your home for maintenance concerns, such as water leaks, smoke, or freezing temperatures. They can also measure indoor temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal air quality. With instant alerts, you can respond quickly to potential issues, making your home safer and more efficient.

Your home should be a place of comfort and peace of mind. While regular cleaning helps maintain order, incorporating these health-forward design features can transform your space into a wellness retreat. Whether you're renovating or building new, consider adding these essential upgrades for a healthier, happier home.