Welcome to the continuation of our Healthy Home Reno Series! If you want to catch up on Part 1, check it out here. We're now starting to tackle the interior of the home, from electrical and windows to paneling and cabinetry. Let's get back to it!

1. HVAC

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The HVAC system is the lungs of the home, yet it is usually not given the attention it deserves. It's much easier to invest in this and do it right from the beginning than to pay for mistakes later on.

First, proper sizing matters a lot! Units that are too big or too small can lead to poor humidity control, inefficient airflow, and long-term issues—including mold. This is where expertise really counts.

We worked with HVAC expert John Ellis, alongside a local Houston team (@cool.techies.hvac), to design a system that prioritized filtration. After all, Houston is not the cleanest city to live in! :)

What we prioritized:

• Properly sized unit for the home

• All new R8 flex ducts

• Sheet metal plenums for durability + performance

• MERV 16 filter boxes (John Ellis’ design) 

A well-designed HVAC system doesn’t just heat and cool—it actively improves indoor air quality by capturing fine particles like dust, allergens, and other airborne irritants. When done correctly, your HVAC system becomes one of the most powerful tools in creating a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

2. Bathroom

Many conventional bathroom materials contain biocides and “mold-resistant” chemicals to keep moisture-related problems at bay; however, these chemicals come with significant health risks. It’s worth doing your due diligence to find biocide-free materials.

If you are using tile or stone, there's a great solution that works effectively without the use of toxic additives: the Schluter System: Schluter Ditra for tiled floors and Schluter Kerdi for tiled showers/walls. It is a crack isolation membrane that can be installed as a fully waterproof barrier without relying on toxic chemical additives. Instead of trying to fight mold with treatments, it prevents moisture from getting where it shouldn’t go in the first place.

Marilee has been specifying the Schluter system long before it was widely available. And now today, it’s accessible at places like Home Depot and commonly used by contractors across the country!

3. Electrical

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Why does your electrical wiring matter? Your home’s wiring actually impacts magnetic and electric fields.

Luckily, simply wiring to code eliminates elevated magnetic field issues! Improper or outdated wiring can create elevated magnetic fields (EMFs)—tested by a gauss meter. Studies show that higher magnetic field exposure primarily affects immune function but also impacts cellular stress and the nervous system, especially with chronic exposure.

One of your biggest opportunities when you build your home is to specify flexible metal conduit, thin-wall metal conduit, or armored cable known as MC metal-clad cable instead of the plastic Romex wiring typically used. Using this completely eliminates electric fields in a home. 

Also, another proactive step you can take is hardwiring your home. We hardwired our TV, internet, and alarm system! We do still have Wifi if needed, but it can easily be shut off, especially at night.

Not everyone can rebuild or rewire, and that’s okay. But you can use a gauss meter to make sure the home is properly wired, you can use a kill switch or turn off breaker boxes to eliminate electric fields, and you can turn your WIFI off at night to lessen exposure during the time your body naturally detoxes and restores.

4. Caulking and Sealants

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Caulks and sealants may seem like a minor detail or decision, but they can have a surprisingly large impact on indoor air quality. Many contain solvents, plasticizers, or antimicrobial additives that can release emissions into the home and undermine your health. 

Thankfully, there are options with no biocides/fungicides, flame retardants, and low VOC/low odor.  There’s not one single caulk or sealant that’s right for every job since application, materials, humidity, etc. all vary, but here are some safer options to consider for indoor use:

• Chemlink and AFM options available from Green Building Supply

• Titebond WeatherMaster

• DAP Kwik Seal (NOT Dap Kwik Seal PLUS)

• Dowsil 732 Multi-Purpose Sealant

• Dow Corning Silicone Glazing Sealant

• 795 Silicone Building Sealant

• Dowsil 999A Building and Glazing Sealant

• Dowsil 790 Silicone Building Sealant

• 3M Fire Barrier™ Sealant IC 15 WB+

• Polyblend Ceramic Tile Caulk by Custom Building Products

• DAP 100% Silicone Aquarium Grade Caulk

Note that even safer caulks and sealants should fully dry and cure before the home is occupied. 

5. Windows

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The industry standard for windows is to use expandable urethane foam, which does provide very good performance, but all foams contain fire retardants, which are SVOCs or semi-volatile organic compounds. SVOCs are odorless, but they ride on dust and are harmful to human health.

Using backer rods or gap gaskets to seal gaps—such as those between window or door jambs and the rough framing—will seal air as effectively as spray foams, yet are much more durable and elastic (and contain no flame retardant).

Instead of spray foam and flame-retardant-treated backer rods, install Chemlink Backer Rods with window flashing so that water flows only to the outside and into the flashing system, which directs it to the drainage plane. 

Chemlink polyethylene foam backer rods are flame-retardant and biocide-free, and compatible with most sealants. Caulk with Chemlink Duralink 50. Chemlink M-1 or M-1 CR, per ASTM standard. M-1 CR is phthalate-free and biocide-free, and it has no VOCs. The Titebond WeatherMaster Sealant listed below can also be used.

• Chemlink HBR Backer Rod

• Chemlink SOF Backer Rod

If the gap is too small for backer rods, then caulk the joint with Titebond WeatherMaster Sealant and window flashing: Note: Titebond can bridge up to 1 inch. This product does not expand.

Filling Gap between Juncture Where Windows and Doors Meet the Structure:

1. Stuff gap thoroughly with insulation batting material – see options above.

2. Seal the gap between the room side of the drywall and the window casing with

· Tu Tuff Tape – by Stocote 1-800-435-2621

· Shurtape from E.L. Foust – 1-800-353-6878

3. The tape is covered with the final trim.

6. Paneling and Trim

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Trim, paneling, built-ins, bunk beds, and desks are not items to skim over. One of the biggest goals with these materials? Reducing formaldehyde exposure.

Many conventional millwork products are made with MDF, particle board, and glues that can off-gas formaldehyde and other VOCs into your home for years.

Whenever possible, choose real, untreated wood—especially lower-aroma species like poplar if you’re chemically sensitive. (More sensitive people tolerate it better than woods like pine.)

If engineered wood is needed, we love PureBond formaldehyde-free plywood, which avoids the urea-formaldehyde glues commonly found in conventional plywood. That’s what I used anytime plywood was needed throughout my home!

For paneling and millwork, it’s important to choose products that are untreated and made without formaldehyde-containing adhesives. One of our favorite options is Windsor One, which is made in the USA and held to incredibly high standards. I used Windsor One for all the shiplap in my kitchen, behind shelves and on the bunkbed wall.

For baseboards and trim, choose solid wood over MDF whenever possible. MDF is one of the biggest hidden formaldehyde sources in many homes.

And when it comes time to finish everything, we love ECOS wood paint and their beautiful stain options for those wanting a more natural wood look without conventional toxic finishes. I used ECOS for every stain and paint need.

7. Cabinetry

Cabinetry is often one of the biggest hidden sources of indoor pollution in a home. That’s because most cabinets are made from manufactured wood bound with formaldehyde-based adhesives—a known carcinogen that can off-gas for years, contributing to respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health concerns. They’re then finished with solvent-based coatings that release VOCs and SVOCs for months after move-in.

If you’re investing anywhere, this is one place to prioritize!

The gold standard is custom solid wood cabinets—maple, birch, oak, or poplar (the least aromatic). True solid wood requires skilled craftsmanship to allow for natural expansion and contraction, but it eliminates the need for toxic glues and reduces long-term off-gassing.

If custom isn’t feasible, a great alternative is formaldehyde-free plywood, like PureBond by Columbia Forest Products. Pair it with solid, untreated wood where possible.

And don’t overlook adhesives, because many contain hidden chemicals. Look for water-based options like Roo Wood Glue or AFM Safecoat Almighty Adhesive, which avoid phthalates and added biocides.

8. Countertops

Factors to consider when choosing your countertops include price, material type, ease of installation, heat resistance, stain resistance, sealing requirements, maintenance, and the impact on the electro-climate.

First, do your homework. Figure out what you can afford. If you want granite but can only afford laminate, you can always remove the laminate later and install granite. Research and consider all materials needed for installation. Most choices will stain if food spills, such as mustard, red wine, or blueberries, are left to dry on the countertop for a long period of time. Proper maintenance and effort will usually remove the stains. Natural materials do not affect the electro-climate; synthetic materials increase the static charge in a home. Always ensure that the countertop does not contain added biocides, such as Microban.

Here are some of our recommended options, by material:

Natural solid sheet:

The advantage of solid sheet options is that they are relatively easy to install, can be mechanically fastened (use solid wood supports), and require no plywood, backerboard, thin set, grout, and do not impact the electro-climate. Some solid sheet options do not have to be sealed and are heat-resistant.

• Solid Sheet Granite

• Neolith – no sealing necessary and heat resistant

• Quartzite

• Soapstone – sealing optional

• Butcher Block

Metal solid sheet option:

Stainless Steel – sanitary, no sealing, heat resistant, must be grounded.

Synthetic solid sheet:

• Engineered Stone: made of bits of real stone, it’s more uniform looking than natural, is heat, stain and scratch resistant – usually does not have to be sealed

• Caesarstone

• Concetto

• Cambria

• Dupont Zodiac

Synthetic solid sheet composites:

• Nonporous, non-staining (scratches and stains can be sanded), sanitary, and easy to clean, These surfaces are not highly heat resistant.

• Corian

• Avonite

• Swanstone

Cementitious solid sheet or engineered stone:

• IceStone Recycled Glass Countertop Slabs

• Glass Countertops

• Custom Cast Stone

Tile:

Tile is typically a safe option.

• Ceramic Tile/Porcelain Tile – One of the safest flooring options that does not need to be sealed!  Always specify lead free and no antimicrobial treatments. Choose US-made tile to avoid fumigation.

• Marble Tile - needs to be sealed

• Granite Tiles - needs to be sealed

• Natural Stone Tiles - needs to be sealed

9. Blackout Room / EMF Paint System

This was by far the most “out there” decision we made when building our healthy home…and the one I was most excited about! When living in a city, we’re bombarded by invisible EMFs constantly. And sadly these fields can stress our cells, lower immunity and leave us more prone to illness over time. 

We can do wonders to mitigate them by turning our phones on airplane mode at night, shutting off our WiFi and avoiding smart devices like wearables. But we wanted to go a step further to protect our bodies while we sleep, so decided to shield the bedrooms of our home with this paint + grounding tape. Here’s what we did:

YSHIELD HSF54 Shielding Paint turns your walls into a protective barrier against electromagnetic radiation from WiFi, cell towers, and other wireless devices. It’s an easy, effective way to create a calmer, lower-EMF bedroom—without changing how your home looks or functions. Once applied and grounded, it works quietly behind the scenes, in the spaces where you spend the most time. Follow installation instructions. In order to maximize protection, windows also need to be shielded with either a film or a curtain that includes EMF-shielding fabric. 

10. Paint

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Using safe paint is a priority in a healthy home. Since paint covers a large surface area, it is important to realize that paints marketed as zero-VOC are not typically low-biocide paints. Even though they have little to no odor when applied, most available zero-VOC paints have standard-level biocides. These paints are not recommended because they outgas SVOCs for long periods. SVOCs are especially insidious because they have no odor, adhere to dust, and accumulate over time.

For that reason, we recommend zero-VOC and zero-SVOC paints.

Our favorite water-based paint is Ecos, a non-latex, acrylic, zero-VOC, zero-SVOC, permeable paint that performs like a standard latex paint. It is unique in that it does not contain a harmful preservative; therefore, no toxic SVOC issues. For a more conventional acrylic water-based latex paint, consider Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Paint as the next best option. Although not biocide-free, this paint has an in-can preservative and is one of the best alternatives.

Our favorite natural mineral paint (one of Marilee’s favorites) is Silicote an interior/exterior, zero-VOC, zero-SVOC permeable paint that is fire-resistant (no toxic smoke), naturally mold-resistant, has no static surface charge (no dust or dirt will cling to the wall), and is durable and long-lasting.

American Clay Plaster and Vasari Lime Plaster & Paint  are other natural alternatives you may want to investigate.

11. Flooring

Hardwood Floors

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Solid wood floors are wonderful—but most stains and sealers are toxic and can outgas for months. There are a few stain and sealer options that are clean s. ECOS has non-toxic wood floor stains and wood sealers. Kelly is using an Ecos stain in her remodel. StreetShoe is a conventional sealer that cures quickly. It takes about three weeks to outgas if conditions are dry and ventilation is provided.    

Engineered Floors

The only engineered floors we recommend are Stuga and Green Building Supply’s biocide-free Quiet Walk Underlayment.

Carpets

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We don’t recommend synthetic carpets. They shed microplastics, impact the electro climate of the home, emit VOCs, and change the electrostatic field in your home. We recommend Whitfield carpet sold by Rugs By Roo. We also recommended finding contractors who can stretch and tack flooring like they used to. 

Tile Flooring

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When choosing tile flooring, you really want to go with porcelain or ceramic tiles, because they don’t have to be sealed. With most clay tiles, the sealer they use is toxic. However, you can opt to use Miracle Cover, which is a liquid silicone. For high traffic areas, any ceramic tile or porcelain tile is the best option. If you want specialty tiles, opt for Miracle Cover to seal it.

Custom Building Products also makes a grout you can purchase at Home Depot. 

12. Appliances

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“Smart appliances” may be all the rage these days, but unfortunately they’re just one more area that could be contributing additional EMF and WiFi exposure in your home. 

When choosing appliances, we personally avoid “smart” features whenever possible to reduce unnecessary electric fields and wireless exposure in the home. I chose a very basic (top loading) Maytag washer and dryer.

We also love dual-fuel ranges: gas cooktops for cooking (which many chefs prefer for food integrity, flavor, and temperature control) paired with electric ovens for baking and roasting without the added combustion fumes. We recommend avoiding induction ovens due to the high electromagnetic fields (EMFs) they can generate during use. Just not worth it! If you cook with gas, always install—and actually use!—a properly installed vent hood that vents outdoors, not back into the home. Ventilation matters more than most people realize when it comes to creating healthier indoor air.

13. Lighting

Ready to pick out lightbulbs for your new place? While LED options have become increasingly popular for their energy efficiency, they have the potential to disrupt your circadian rhythm and cause eye strain. Additionally, some LED bulbs now come with apps or devices you need to connect to set up lighting timers in your home—which adds unnecessary WiFi exposure.

For these reasons, we recommend good old fashioned incandescent lightbulbs. (Read more on why we suggest these here!) 

Incandescent bulbs don’t emit as much blue light, don’t flicker as much, and don’t add unnecessary WiFi exposure through any apps or connected devices. Sometimes getting back to basics is truly the best for your health. 

14. Whole House Water Purification

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One of the most impactful investments you can make in a clean home is clean water.

Most city water supplies contain far more than just chlorine—many also contain chloramines, fluoride, pesticide residue, pharmaceutical traces, heavy metals, PFAS, and other contaminants from industrial runoff and aging infrastructure. And unlike chlorine, chloramines are much harder to remove and require more advanced filtration systems.

Ideally, we recommend both:

• A whole-home filtration system to reduce contaminants in bathing and shower water, and

• A reverse osmosis (RO) system under the sink for the purest drinking and cooking water possible.

For many, a whole-home system isn’t feasible, so an RO system under the sink for your drinking water is the perfect place to start.

One of our favorite companies is Clear Water Revival because their systems are specifically designed to address chloramines (which many standard filters miss), along with a wide range of other contaminants commonly found in municipal water.

For those not ready for any sort of install, we love the CWR gravity filter that sits on the counter. It’s the best we’ve found in terms of filtration capabilities.

Healthy homes aren’t built overnight—saving up for this long-term investment is well worth it!

Part 3, The Finishings will cover everything from wallpaper and rugs to furniture and natural fibers—stay tuned!