Mar 29, 20233 min read

EMF Inspector's Top Tips for Building a Low EMF Healthy Home

Updated: Jun 12, 2023

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are all around us, and they can have a negative impact on our health. If you're looking to build a new home or renovate your current one, it's important to consider ways to reduce EMF exposure. Here are some expert tips to help you create a low EMF home that promotes health and well-being.

Finding a low EMF buildable lot

Some care should go into the site selection of your new home. Ideally, you want to find an area with very few cell towers close by, bigger lots, lower population density, and smaller power lines, or better yet, underground power lines. The more of these that you have to deal with, the more expensive your low EMF home will become. And in the case of some EMF sources, like power lines, if they are close enough, and strong enough to the home, there is little you can do to shield. Here's an article I wrote on some of what should go into selecting a site.

Minimize exposure to wireless radiation

One of the biggest sources of EMF exposure in modern homes is wireless radiation from devices like Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, and smart home systems. To minimize your exposure, consider using wired internet connections instead of Wi-Fi, or a low-power WiFi router that is off during the night. Here's one I like for that. You can also turn off your devices when not in use (a power strip is an easy way to do this with the push of a button). You can also invest in EMF shielding materials for your walls and windows to block out wireless radiation.

Opt for wired connections instead of wireless.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to EMF radiation in your home is to switch from wireless to wired connections. This means using Ethernet cables to connect your devices to the internet instead of relying on Wi-Fi. Not only does this reduce your exposure to wireless radiation, but it can also improve your internet speed and reliability. If you must use Wi-Fi, consider turning off your router at night or when you're not using it to further reduce your exposure. Here's a super detailed article I wrote on how to use ethernet in your house.

Low EMF electrical wiring

How your home is wired makes a big difference in the overall EMF exposures. Even if it is wired professionally, and to code, there could still be issues that you will want to address when building or remodeling. I discuss some of the following in the video above:

Meter main disconnect
Metal clad wiring
Kill Switches
Lighting
Conductor separation
Routing wiring away from living areas
Installation of whole home dirty electricity filters at the electrical panel

Use shielding materials to reduce EMF exposure

Another way to reduce your exposure to EMF radiation in your home is to use shielding materials. These materials can be used to reflect or absorb EMF radiation, reducing the amount that reaches you and your family. Common things to shield from include external sources like cell towers and the neighbors' WiFi, even the electrical wiring in your walls. Even if you don't have those external concerns while your home is being built, it's a good idea to 'future-proof' now. It's easier to do while the home is being built than after it is finished. Some common shielding materials include metal mesh, conductive paint, and special fabrics. You can use these materials to create a shielded room or area in your home, or to cover specific devices or areas where you spend a lot of time. Keep in mind that while shielding materials can be effective, they may not completely eliminate EMF radiation, so it's important to use them in combination with other strategies for reducing your exposure. Click the image below to learn more about shielding paint.

Test your home for EMF levels before and after the build

It's important to regularly test your home for EMF levels to ensure that your efforts to reduce exposure are working. You can hire a professional EMF inspector like me to conduct a thorough assessment of your home, or you can purchase an EMF meter and give it a shot. My professional new build consultation services include EMF inspections before and after the build is complete to ensure you have a low EMF healthy home. I've consulted with many in Portland and Seattle, plus others in Idaho and across the US. Please reach out with any questions you may have.