Some home improvements can be hard to justify—like whether or not you need to swap out the guest bath wallpaper for the third time in four years.
But saying a hearty “Yes!” to home upgrades that can boost your family’s health and well-being seems like a no-brainer.
In advance of the approaching new year, we’ve found seven ways to level up to a healthy home in 2024. From the minor to the major, this list has something for every budget.
Here are seven health-related home improvements that can help keep you energized throughout the coming year.
1. Quartz or marble countertops
If your kitchen is due for a change, one of the best healthy home upgrades you can make in 2024 is to install quartz or marble countertops. Yes, they’re premium surfaces, often with higher price tags. But not only are these materials highly durable, low maintenance, and gorgeous to look at, but they can also help keep your family from getting sick.
“In 2024, these surfaces are becoming even more desirable for their antimicrobial properties,” says remodel and real estate expert Mark Buskuhl, of Ninebird Properties. “Both quartz and marble have been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on their surface, making them an excellent investment for families with young children or the elderly.”
Get healthy: Shop this collection of quartz countertops from Home Depot.
2. Full-spectrum lightbulbs
The quality of light in our homes affects us more than we realize, especially during the darker days of winter. If you’re looking for an affordable, health-forward home swap this season, consider investing in some full-spectrum lightbulbs. These bulbs are brighter and whiter than typical bulbs.
“Full-spectrum lightbulbs that mimic the sun can be great for those that suffer from seasonal affective disorder or for spaces where you want to be productive—like an office, workshop, or garage,” says Mallory Micetich of Angi.
Get healthy: Looking for a light-filled bonus? You will save on your electric bill by choosing full-spectrum LED bulbs.
3. Sunrise alarm clock
Speaking of quality lighting, sunrise alarm clocks are one of our favorite ways to start the day—and a worthy investment for your next healthy home upgrade.
“A sunrise alarm clock is an excellent tool for improving your sleep habits and promoting a healthier sleep-wake cycle,” says Buskuhl. “These clocks use light simulation to gradually wake you up, mimicking the natural sunrise and helping you feel more energized in the morning.”
Get healthy: Reset your morning routine with the hOmeLabs sunrise alarm clock.
4. Air purifier
Another essential home health upgrade you’ll be happy you made in 2024? A high-quality air purifier to keep those winter allergies at bay.
“If you suffer from frequent allergies, respiratory issues, sinus irritation, or fatigue, an air purifier could be a great investment for your home,” says Micetich. “An air purifier will have a stronger filter than your furnace filter, which will allow it to remove more odors and particles from the air.”
Get healthy: While there are plenty of sizes (and price ranges) to choose from, we like this Levoit air purifier.
5. Water filter
Don’t stop at the filtration of your air! The water we drink plays a huge role in how we feel—and let’s be honest, the better it tastes, the more likely we are to drink enough of it.
Whether you live in a city with treated water or off the grid with hard water, a good filter can help ensure a top-notch taste and quality in your home H2O.
“If you have an older home, have young children, live close to a manufacturing plant, have an older plumbing system, or are susceptible to external issues like a leaky septic system, you may want to consider adding a water filter to your home,” explains Micetich.
Get healthy: Before spending the big bucks on a whole-house filtration system, consider what you need a water filter for. If it’s just for drinking and cooking, an inline system like the Aquasana two-stage filter is an affordable solution.
6. Ergonomic home office chair
One significant aspect of our well-being we often overlook is good posture. If you spend hours every week working from a home office but don’t yet have an ergonomic chair, now’s a great time to consider getting one.
“Investing in an ergonomic office chair is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing back and neck pain,” says Buskuhl. “A high-quality, adjustable chair can provide proper support for your spine, reducing strain on muscles and joints. It’s a must-have for anyone spending long hours at a desk.”
Get healthy: Shop this collection of ergonomic office chairs to find the perfect one for your space.
7. Desk elliptical
Another great way to stay healthy during those long hours in your home office is with a desk elliptical.
“If you’re looking to improve your health, start with where you spend a lot of time—at your desk,” says Micetich. “You might want to also consider an active chair. This could be anything from an elliptical desk to an exercise ball.”
Micetich also suggests keeping a yoga mat nearby for easy stretching or light weightlifting between meetings.