Building a Healthy Home
Home is where the Health is…building for better lung health…..
With Americans spending an average of 65% of their time at home, there is good reason to make sure your home is a healthy environment. Studies suggest that some homes may be harmful to those with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities or other lung problems.
With the goal of making your home a healthier place, the first step is to find where the potential problems are lurking. Eliminating indoor pollutants is the key to creating a healthier environment. Common household pollutants include:
- Carbon monixide
- Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)
- Radon
- Biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, dust mites, pet dancer, pollen and secondhand smoke.
Find and eliminate these unhealthy pollutants.
If you intend on renovating, remodeling or building a new structure, it is a good time to improve moisture and humidity, ventilation and air filtration. Use non-toxic materials to ensure a healthier home environment. If you are building a new structure you may want to talk to your builder about incorporating certain building standards, techniques or products that will improve air quality, be more energy efficient, increase in value over time.
Typically, building a healthier home includes:
- Foundation waterproofing and moisture control
- An insulated basement, walls and slab floor
- Advanced insulation techniques and air tightness
- Energy efficient, high performance windows
- Energy efficient and sealed combustion appliances
- High efficiency air filtration and ventilation
- Humidity control
- Carefully selected interior franchising that are far less toxic
- Radon control
Building healthier homes may cost 5-8% more than traditional construction methods but can actually save you money through a 30-40% reduction in your utility bills, preventing sickness, and be far more comfortable.
