When most people think of home improvement, they think of cosmetic projects that make their house look nicer. But there are some home improvement projects you can do that will actually improve your physical health. In this blog post, we’ll share four such projects.
Install a Whole House Air Filtration System
One of the main benefits of having a whole-house air filtration system is that it can improve your respiratory health by removing contaminants from the air. This can be helpful if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Whole-home air filtration can help to ease symptoms by removing harmful pollutants from the air, leading to fewer and less severe allergies and asthma attacks. If you live in an urban area with heavy traffics, investing in a whole-home air purifier is wise since traffic fumes are a common trigger for respiratory problems.
In addition to improving your respiratory health, whole-house air filtration can also help to improve your cardiovascular health by reducing exposure to airborne particulate matter. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to particulate matter can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Add or Expand Your Home’s Insulation
Another great way to improve your physical health is by adding or expanding your home’s insulation. This will help keep your home better insulated against extreme temperatures. This can help reduce your risk of heat-related illness or injury in the summer and cold-related illness or injury in the winter.
If you can’t do anything about your noisy neighbors, you should ensure that your home is as soundproof as possible. Adding or expanding insulation in your walls and ceilings can help to muffle noise from outside, making it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep.
Home insulation also helps lower the energy cost because it prevents your home from losing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners who air-seal their homes and add insulation can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs. This process involves sealing attics, floors over crawl spaces, accessible basement rim joists, etc.
Another source claims this could reduce total energy consumption by 11%. When you save money on expenses, it also leaves more room in your budget for other things that could benefit your health. This could be anything from buying fresh fruits and vegetables or a gym membership.
Add an Outdoor Living Space
Adding an outdoor living space to your home is a great way to improve your physical health. First, it will give you a dedicated space for physical activity like yoga, Tai Chi, or working out with small weights or resistance bands. Second, it will allow you fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections, and reduce inflammation.
Make your outdoor living space more inviting by adding comfortable furniture, like a hammock or an outdoor sofa. Then, add some plants to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Finally, consider installing a water feature like a small fountain or waterfall. The sound of running water is calming and can help reduce stress levels.
If you don’t have a full outdoor living space, you can still improve your physical health by spending time outside in your yard or on your porch. Even just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Replace Your Front Entry Doors
Replacing the front doors is one home improvement project that can improve your physical health. These doors are the first line of defense against pollen, dust, and other allergens that can trigger respiratory problems. Choosing doors with a tight seal will also help to improve your home’s energy efficiency by keeping cold air out in the winter and cool air in the summer.
A nice entry door also makes it inviting and encourages you to go outside more often. Choose a color that’s cheerful and makes you happy to see every time you come home. Colors such as yellow, orange, warm lavender, and blues, like periwinkle, and warmer shades of red or pink are typically associated with happiness. Just make sure it suits the style of your home, so it looks intentional.
Update Your Home’s Windows
If your home has old windows, they might not be as energy efficient as newer windows on the market. Updating your windows can help improve your physical and mental health by making it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and letting in more natural light. Natural light has been shown to boost mood and energy levels and can even help stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter.
Upgrade your windows by replacing them with new energy-efficient windows like casement windows, double-hung windows, or picture windows. These windows are designed to reduce heat loss in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. Not only do they let in more natural light, but they also reduce the number of harmful bacteria and other organisms that can grow in your home.
Feel Healthier and More Comfortable
You can do plenty of home improvement projects that will positively impact your physical health. Whether you’re looking to install a whole house air filtration system or add more insulation, these projects will leave you feeling healthier and more comfortable.
