Healthy Home Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference

Healthy Homes Aren’t Trendy—They’re Necessary

The wellness movement isn’t just for your yoga mat or meal prep. It’s in your walls, your floors, the air you breathe, and the water you drink. More Austin homeowners are waking up to the invisible risks hiding in plain sight: VOCs in paint, off-gassing cabinetry, stagnant air, toxins in the water you drink, and EMFs buzzing through your bedroom.

We all know most homes weren’t built with your well-being in mind. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Whether you’re remodeling or just starting to pay closer attention, there are real, science-backed upgrades you can make right now—no greenwashing. Just tangible shifts rooted in biology and building science. Your home should heal you, not harm you.

Let’s dive in.

1. Whole-Home Air Filtration That Goes Beyond the Basics

Not all filters are created equal. If your HVAC is still rocking a basic fiberglass filter, you’re breathing in way more than you think.

Instant Upgrade: HEPA Filtration + Smart Ventilation Add-Ons

Start simple by upgrading your HVAC filter to a MERV-13 or HEPA-level option. These trap pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and fine particulate matter that basic filters miss. For extra impact, consider a smart ventilation add-on like the Panasonic WhisperGreen fan to improve airflow without a full system overhaul.

In bedrooms and shared living spaces, I’m a huge fan of the Jaspr Air Purifier, a portable, high-performance unit that seriously moves the needle on air quality.

Full Scope: ERV/HRV + Whole-Home Air Strategy

For the seriously health-focused home, consider installing an Energy or Heat Recovery Ventilation (ERV/HRV) system. These work 24/7 to pull in clean outdoor air while removing stale indoor air—without wasting energy. When paired with a whole-home HEPA system and humidity control, it transforms your house into a breathable ecosystem that supports immune health, sleep, and cognition.Great for remodels, new builds, or anyone ready to treat indoor air like nutrition.

Bonus for Austin homes: We always recommend incorporating fresh air intakes to fight against pollen-heavy seasons and stagnant indoor air.

2. Ditch the VOCs

Instant Upgrade:  Zero-VOC Paints & Safer Surface Materials

“Low-VOC” doesn’t always mean safe—many still contain binders, preservatives, and solvents that off-gas for years. A better move? Switch to true Zero-VOC paints. You’ll still have access to beautiful color options—without the chemical fog.

Two of my personal favorites are Milk Paint – biodegradable, child-safe, and 100% VOC-free and Earthaus Limewash – stunning, mineral-based, and naturally breathable

Full-Scope: Material Detox

If you’re remodeling or building from scratch, it’s time to go beyond paint. Think non-toxic subfloor adhesives (like AFM Safecoat SafeSeal) and natural wood finishes from trusted brands like Rubio Monocoat.

We’ve created custom cabinets and storage solutions using reclaimed timber sealed with natural oil finishes. And through our prefab partners, we offer upcycled Baltic Birch plywood cabinet sets—so you can avoid the formaldehyde-filled MDF trap that most standard cabinets fall into.

At Enso, we source every layer of the build with your long-term health in mind—because what’s under your feet (and inside your walls) matters.

3. EMF Reduction in Sleeping + Living Zones

While the idea of a few crystals zapping all radiation away is fun, there’s not enough real science behind most (not all) “EMF protection” gadgets. More homeowners are choosing to minimize electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure—especially in high-use zones like bedrooms and living areas.

Instant Upgrade: Kill Switches + Thoughtful Device Placement

Cut EMF exposure at the source with bedroom kill switches, which disconnect power to outlets while you sleep. Avoid sleeping near routers, smart meters, or large appliances, and hardwire wherever possible (ethernet > WiFi, baby). These simple swaps are especially helpful for families with young kids, light sleepers, or anyone with EMF sensitivity.

Full-Scope Upgrade: Hardwired Systems + Shielded Cabling

If you’re planning a renovation or new build, this is where EMF protection gets serious. We’ve designed homes where everything—internet, speaker systems, lighting controls, security cameras—is fully hardwired to reduce unnecessary wireless signals 

In recent projects, we’ve met some in-depth requests by:

• Using shielded cabling for both power and internet lines
• Positioning tech zones away from sleeping and lounging areas
  Installing whole-home kill switches for clean, zoned control—without sacrificing convenience
  

4. Water Filtration at the Source

Instant Upgrade: Under-Sink Filtration for Daily Use‍

Start where it matters most: your drinking water. An under-sink filtration system like the WaterDrop GP3800 or the iSpring can drastically reduce common contaminants. These are easy to install and make an immediate difference in taste, clarity, and peace of mind. I also suggest adding a filtered showerhead to reduce chlorine exposure through your skin and lungs.

Full-Scope Upgrade: Whole-House Water Filtration

For full protection, a whole-house water filtration system is the move. These systems remove chlorine, heavy metals, and even emerging contaminants before water ever touches your skin or your kidneys.

At Enso, we work exclusively with William, a water systems specialist whose work includes celebrity homes and the personal residence of Bryan Johnson. Every system is custom-tailored to the home, integrating elements like:

• Reverse osmosis
• UV light purification
• Coconut fiber filtration
• Food-grade, PFA- and BPA-free tubing

The result? A deeply engineered system that meets the highest health standards—without compromising pressure, performance, or peace of mind. It’s an honor to collaborate with William, knowing we’re helping our clients cover all their bases—from laundry to lattes.

5. Insulation That Won’t Off-Gas Into Your Lungs

Insulation is one of the most hidden yet powerful factors in your home’s health. Most conventional options—like spray foam and fiberglass batts—are packed with flame retardants, microplastics, and formaldehyde-based binders. They trap heat, sure… but they also trap toxins.

Full-Scope Upgrade: Whole-Home Insulation Redefined

We have to jump to the full scope here - unfortunately there are no “instant” swaps, especially when you’re dealing with spray foam or fiberglass in your home. Whether you’re building from scratch or gutting a space, the opportunity to choose insulation that actually supports your health is vital!

At Enso, we often spec:

• ThermaCork – made from renewable cork, VOC-free, naturally fire-resistant
• Hemp Woo - naturally VOC free, non-toxic, and mold + fire resistant
• Havelock Wool – 100% sheep’s wool, naturally moisture- and mold-resistant
  Better insulation doesn’t just control temperature—it filters air, supports sound quality, manages moisture, and helps create a home that feels as good as it performs.

At Enso, we’re not checking boxes—we’re setting a new standard.

Every project is designed with your long-term well-being in mind. From the non-toxic materials we source to the way we care for our build teams offering nutritious meals, gym memberships, and a culture of wellness education for those who are interested. Health is woven into every layer of what we do.

Small shifts in materials and systems can radically impact how your home supports your body, your sleep, your hormones, and even your brain. Want to talk air quality? EMFs? Mold prevention? We’re already there.

Whether it’s a single-room upgrade or a ground-up build, we bring the science and the style—so you can live in a space that feels as good as it looks, and works as hard as you do. Let’s build the kind of home that actually takes care of you.