Holmes on Homes Podcast

I’m still in shock after hearing this story. A kids’ product bought online nearly caused a serious fire. Imagine if a fire started while her baby was in the room!When shopping for your home, always check for certification marks—it’s the easiest way to know if a product has passed safety standards. It’s not just about buying, it’s about buying safely 👍 Here's the full story!

With less than a week until Christmas, I’m seeing holiday decor everywhere—it’s so great to feel the festive spirit! But I also want to remind everyone to decorate safely. This is the time of year when electrical fires are more common, and we can all take steps to prevent them. That’s why I spoke with my friends at Home and Safety: Electrical Safety Authority to share some easy safety tips to keep your home protected while you celebrate. Let’s Make It Right this holiday season 👍

I'm seeing this trend lately of people buying everything online —from decorations to gifts to even EV Chargers. But not every product you find online is safe to use in your home. That’s why I always say: check for certification marks! These marks mean the product has been tested and approved for safety. But there are also a few red flags to watch out for.I spoke with the experts from the Electrical Safety Authority and here's what you need to know 👍 Listen to the full episode for more tips!

The holidays are almost here —don’t let electrical hazards ruin your season. Uncertified products, overloaded circuits, and DIY mistakes can lead to deadly fires and shocks. In the latest Holmes on Homes podcast, Mike Holmes joined by Emily Larose and Diana Madill, experts from the ⁠⁠Electrical Safety Authority⁠⁠, expose the hidden dangers of electrical products and share life-saving tips you need to know before you plug anything in this holiday season. Here’s a sneak peek: 👉 What to look for when buying electrical products (yes, even online) 👉 Never use indoor products outdoors —here’s why 👉 The shocking story of how of how a kids’ lamp almost started an electrical fire 👉 DIY or hire a pro? This episode is packed with expert advice on how to ensure the products you use are safe, protecting your home from potential electrical hazards all year round. For more behind-the-scenes content head to Makeitright.ca/holmes-on-homes-podcast-season4-episode4-electrical-product-safety/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to more episodes of the Holmes On Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠⁠

Is your home feeling a little too stuffy? The truth is, fresh air is vital for a healthy home, and many people don’t realize how easy it is to improve their indoor air quality. In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful benefits of Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) for your living space. In part 2, of this 2-part series I chat with Panasonic Indoor Air Quality experts about the differences between ERVs and HRVs, how they work, and why they’re crucial for managing moisture while bringing fresh air into your living space. We'll also explore their newest spot ERV, the WhisperComfort 60, which I’ve installed in my sunroom, and I think it's brilliant! For more behind-the-scenes content, head to Makeitright.ca/podcast-season-4-episode-3-part-2-is-your-home-feeling-stuffy-solution/ Listen to more episodes of the Holmes On Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify https://spoti.fi/442nUjX and Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/44kMi0E.

Are you sure you’re breathing clean air at home? The truth is, many homeowners don’t realize that their indoor air could be harming their health. With everything from dust to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) floating around, it’s vital to understand what’s in your air. In this 2-part episode, I sit down with experts from Panasonic North America to uncover the secrets of indoor air quality. We’ll discuss the importance of air cleaners, how to effectively manage moisture, and why every home needs a reliable vent fan. For more behind-the-scenes content, head to Makeitright.ca/part-1-podcast-season-4-episode-3-tips-to-improving-indoor-air-quality/ Listen to more episodes of the Holmes On Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify https://spoti.fi/442nUjX and Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/44kMi0E.

How do you fix ventilation in airtight homes? In this quick episode, I break down the basics of keeping air flowing in today’s energy-efficient homes. Sure, airtight construction helps save on energy, but your home needs to breathe. That’s why mechanical ventilation systems are a must to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and keep your home healthy. Remember: build it tight, ventilate it right! Want to get more tips on improving indoor air quality? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast, Season 2, Episode 6 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠⁠

Did you know your home’s air might be hiding some serious contaminants like mould, VOCs, dust and it could be affecting your healthy? In this bonus episode, I’ll break down why poor indoor air quality can be dangerous and what you can do about it. From air purifiers to HRVs and ERVs, these systems are key to keeping your air clean and your family healthy. Want to get more tips on improving indoor air quality? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast, Season 2, Episode 6 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠⁠

Who’s really handling the electrical work in your home? In this fifth and final episode of the Holmes On Homes Behind The Scenes series, Trevor Tremblay from the Electrical Safety Authority and I tackle one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make—letting their general contractor handle electrical work. It may seem convenient, but it’s a risk you don’t want to take. We’ll explain why only a Licensed Electrical Contractor should be doing the electrical work in your home, and what can go wrong if they’re not. From faulty installations to dangerous shortcuts, we’re covering the real dangers and the importance of making sure your electrical work is done safely and up to code. To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario, visit ⁠ESAsafe.com/hire-licensed⁠.

Older homes come with a lot of charm—but also some serious electrical risks. In this fourth episode of the Holmes On Homes Behind The Scenes series, Trevor Tremblay from the Electrical Safety Authority and I take a deep dive into the common electrical issues found in older homes. From outdated knob and tube wiring to dangerous combinations of old and new systems, these hidden hazards can lead to electrical fires if not addressed properly. If your home is older, or you’re considering buying one, this episode has some important tips on how to protect your home and your family from these risks. To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario, visit ⁠ESAsafe.com/hire-licensed⁠.

When it comes to electrical safety, understanding the dangers of power lines is crucial. In this third episode of the Holmes On Homes Behind The Scenes 4-part series, I’m joined once again by Trevor Tremblay from the Electrical Safety Authority to discuss the hidden risks associated with power lines near your home. From the dangers of overhanging lines to the importance of keeping a safe distance when working outdoors, we’re shedding light on the hazards that can easily be overlooked. You might be surprised to learn how common accidents happen and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario, visit ⁠ESAsafe.com/hire-licensed⁠

Every job we take on seems to uncover even more shocking electrical hazards—literally. In this second episode of the Holmes On Homes Behind The Scenes 4-part series, I’m once again joined by Trevor Tremblay from the Electrical Safety Authority, and we’re digging into some of the worst electrical work we’ve seen yet. We’re talking live wires left exposed, electrical boxes with no covers, and conductors hanging in mid-air—it’s a disaster waiting to happen. These dangerous setups put your home and family at serious risk of electric shock or fire. If you think this kind of stuff only happens in old houses or DIY gone wrong, you’re in for a surprise. This episode is a must for anyone who wants to make sure their home’s wiring is safe and up to code. To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario, visit ⁠ESAsafe.com/hire-licensed⁠.

On every job, we come across electrical issues that homeowners didn’t even know existed—and it’s a fire waiting to happen. In this Holmes On Homes Behind The Scenes 4-part series, I’m joined by Trevor Tremblay from the Electrical Safety Authority as we dig into some seriously dangerous electrical work found in a home in Ontario. From faulty wiring to unsafe DIY fixes, we’re shedding light on the risks that could be hiding in your home. In the first episode, we’re focusing on Knob and Tube Wiring—an outdated and hazardous system that’s still found in many older homes. It’s not just about the inconvenience; it’s about the very real danger it poses, from potential electric fires to deadly shocks, which is why it’s so critical to identify it and get it replaced by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. If you’ve got an older home, this episode is a must-listen. To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario, visit ESAsafe.come/hire-licensed

What can a smart home do for you? In this quick 2-minute episode, Mike Holmes breaks down the essentials of smart homes. From advanced voice command systems and connected devices for tech enthusiasts to simple upgrades like nightlight receptacles for easy wayfinding, learn how smart homes offer added convenience and security. Want to get more electrical safety tips? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast, Season 3, Episode 6 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠

Think you can safely charge your EV using a standard outlet? Think again! Mike Holmes reveals the surprising risks of plugging your electric vehicle into a regular electrical outlet, including the potential for dangerous fires. Tune in to learn about the safety concerns and what you should do to avoid a potentially hazardous situation. Want more electrical safety tips? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast Season 3, Episode 4 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠

Is your pet suffering from allergies that might be food-related? Mike Holmes talks to the experts about the impact of diet on pet allergies and whether a raw or regular food diet could be the answer. This episode offers advice on managing allergies through dietary choices and provides tips for selecting the best food for your pet’s health. Want more advice from the experts on nurturing healthy pets? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast, Season 3, Episode 3 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠

Bought an older home but not sure about its electrical safety? In this quick bonus episode, Mike Holmes talks to the electrical experts from the Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario about tips on how to identify if your home’s electrical system needs an upgrade. Learn the signs of outdated wiring and get expert advice on ensuring your home’s electrical system is both safe and up-to-date. Want to get more electrical safety tips? Listen to the full Holmes On Homes Podcast, Season 3, Episode 4 on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠⁠

Mike Holmes, Professional Contractor and TV Host, returns with Season 4 of his Holmes On Homes Podcast, bringing you insightful discussions and expert advice to help you build a safer, healthier home. This season promises to be packed with valuable tips and engaging discussions that you won’t want to miss. Subscribe and listen to the Holmes On Homes Podcast, available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify https://spoti.fi/442nUjX Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/44kMi0E.

If you know me you know how much I loved my dog Charlie. He was a big part of our family and without him, life wouldn't have been the same. It was very hard when we lost him but right then Meow Meow (our new cat) appeared out of nowhere in our life and everything changed once again —even though I was never the cat person. But both these experiences have taught me a lot about nurturing healthy pets and renovating with your pets in mind.  In this podcast episode, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Evan Freeman, Veterinary, Dino Fragaglia, President of Global Pet Foods, and Doug Poyntz, Owner of Global Pet Foods Woodstock and let me tell you I learnt a lot. We talk about how to build a healthy diet for your pets and what that looks like, pet allergies, healthy pet products and building healthy, accessible homes for our pets. For all pet owners out there, this episode is a must-listen. *Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are solely their own and do not reflect the views or endorsement of the Holmes Group. For more behind-the-scenes content head to MakeItRight.ca/podcast-s3-ep3-mike-holmes-on-healthy-pets/ ⁠ Listen to more episodes of the Holmes On Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify ⁠https://spoti.fi/442nUjX⁠ and Apple Podcasts ⁠https://apple.co/44kMi0E⁠

I get a lot of questions about electrical all the time. If I bought an older house how do I know if I have bad electrical? Can I do electrical work myself? How do I know if I need a panel upgrade? Do I need a permit to do electrical work? A lot of these questions can easily be answered by hiring the right professional. In this case, it’s a Licensed Electrical Contractor. They’ll be able to assess your current electric infrastructure, advise you on the electrical work that needs to be done to meet your needs and your home’s, and do the work safely. Electric work is not something you want to take a risk with, because if DIY electrical work is done incorrectly it can result in electric fires or fatal electric shocks. This can not only damage your property but it can endanger you and your loved ones as well.  In this podcast episode, I sit down with Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA) Emily Larose, Vice President of Regulatory and General Counsel and Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor. We discuss everything from electric permits, to the importance of hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor and what to do if you fall victim to an unlicensed contractor. We also answer your questions that you’ve sent in and share a few electric fails along the way showing you what NOT to do. Don’t miss this episode. For more behind-the-scenes content head to MakeItRight.ca/podcast-s3-ep4-diy-electrical/ Listen to more episodes of the Holmes On Homes Podcast on all major streaming platforms including Spotify https://spoti.fi/442nUjX and Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/44kMi0E