What Makes a Home Truly Smart? Mike Holmes On How It's More Than Just Tech Gadgets

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.