Healthy Home in the Desert

When we moved into our two-story townhome, we were told by our realtor that many prospective buyers chose not to purchase these homes because of the stairs. The thought of climbing stairs multiple times a day was apparently a deterrent for some. Having lived with stairs in most of our previous homes, we didn’t see it as a downside. In fact, we’ve come to appreciate the advantages of having stairs in our home, both for our health and the functionality of the space.

Stairs as Built-In Exercise: A Lesson from Blue Zones

One of the most fascinating aspects of living with stairs is how it seamlessly incorporates movement into our daily lives. In regions known as Blue Zones—places around the world where people live longer, healthier lives—regular, low-intensity physical activity is part of everyday routines. Stair climbing, like walking or gardening, is one of those simple but effective activities that keeps people active without needing a formal exercise regimen.

For us, having stairs means we’re engaging in this natural movement every day. Each time we go upstairs, we’re giving our muscles a workout, strengthening our legs, and improving cardiovascular health. This consistent, low-level movement is what helps promote longevity in Blue Zones, and I love that our home encourages this kind of built-in exercise. It’s an easy way to stay active and mobile without needing to carve out time for an extra workout.

Managing Upstairs Temperatures: No Problem with Our ERV

A concern I can relate to from the feedback we heard is that traditional HVAC systems can struggle to keep the upper floors of a home cool, especially in Arizona’s climate. In our experience with past homes, that was often the case. The upper levels were always a few degrees warmer, making it uncomfortable to spend time upstairs on a hot day. However, that’s not an issue for us in this home.

Our home is equipped with an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system that has five different zones and continuous air exchange. This system has been an absolute game-changer for temperature consistency. It keeps the air circulating evenly across both floors, maintaining a comfortable climate in every room, no matter the time of day or season. The ERV, combined with the overall passive design of the home, ensures that we never experience those temperature fluctuations between floors that many people worry about.

Health Benefits of Stair Climbing

Beyond the connection to Blue Zones, stair climbing has numerous health benefits. It can improve balance and coordination, which becomes even more important as we get older. It’s also excellent for maintaining bone density, helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This type of weight-bearing exercise helps strengthens bones and muscles without the need for special equipment. Each trip upstairs is a small reminder that movement doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

Conclusion

While some might shy away from a home with stairs, we’ve found that they are an asset, not a drawback. The combination of regular stair climbing and our well-designed ERV system allows us to enjoy the health benefits of staying active while maintaining a comfortable living space.