Mike Holmes, Ottawa Citizen

Mike Holmes

Ottawa Citizen

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • Ottawa Citizen
  • The Chronicle Herald

Past articles by Mike:

Your HVAC system is part of your home’s critical anatomy

My favourite room in the house is the utility or furnace room. It is your home’s lifeline, yet it sometimes goes unnoticed. I like to think your HVAC (heating,… → Read More

Mike Holmes: A classic white kitchen is always a good idea

This time of year, we think about the holidays, shopping and spending time with our families, but it’s also a time when we look to the year ahead. There’s been… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Annual chimney inspection a must

A fireplace warms up a room very quickly and provides a cosy feel on a cold fall or winter’s day, but ensure your fireplace is ready for the season ahead. No… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Incorporating a heat pump into your existing HVAC system

Due to Canada’s cold climate, space heating accounts for an astounding 63.6 per cent of the energy utilized in a typical Canadian home. So, it makes sense that… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Proper ventilation creates a comfortable and healthy living environment

Ventilation is an essential part of creating a comfortable and healthy home environment. However, the appropriate amount and type of ventilation vary from home… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Beware of radon in your home

As it’s indoor air quality month and we are slowly approaching November, which is Radon Action month, I always like to discuss the importance of knowing and… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Fall maintenance on the home front

I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone by. The change of season is always a reminder for homeowners to prepare for the coming season, and I’m a big fan… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Fresh lair—Two devices for improving the air quality in your home

In recent years, HRVs and ERVs have gained popularity and in 2017 were added to the Ontario building codes (as well as in many other provinces). HRVs are heat… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Skilled trades and investing in the next generation

I love working in the construction and home building industry. Whether you are just starting, older or looking for a second or third career, there are many… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Take the plunge—what to consider if you're considering installing a swimming pool

Last week, I talked about hot tubs and this week, I’m going to talk about pools. I have an old concrete pool that requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance,… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Calling for backup when you need a generator

I recently had a conversation with one of my product partners, and they mentioned that they’ve seen an increase in the number of standby generator purchases.… → Read More

Mike Holmes: It’s inspection season, time for summer home maintenance

I value the importance of regular home maintenance, and I always like to remind homeowners of the seasonal maintenance checklists. I may be repeating myself,… → Read More

Mike Holmes: How to beat the heat, conserve water around your home

There’s no question that the planet is heating up, and our summers are getting hotter and lasting for extended periods of time. It’s not just happening here in… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Exterior of your home provides protection, curb appeal

You’ve often heard me say, protect your home from the outside in. The primary components of your home’s defence against wind, rain, snow, and extreme heat are… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Shining examples—the best ways to light your bathroom

Lighting is vital for creating a bright and airy ambience in any bathroom, regardless of its size. In reality, lighting is an essential component in every area… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Learn how to conduct yourself around electricity

Keeping with the theme of electrical safety month, I thought I would talk about electrical fire and shock prevention. → Read More

Mike Holmes: Putting cash into a smart home is money well spent

I love smart homes! Having a smart home allows you to stay connected to your house while you are away, keep everything in check, and even regulate your energy… → Read More

Mike Holmes: Everything you need to know about upgrading your home electrical system

Electrical consideration should always be an essential topic when renovating or upgrading your home but since it’s also National Electrical Safety Month, it… → Read More

Mike Holmes: When should you work with designers?

Last week I talked about why I think home shows are an excellent resource for homeowners and how they offer the opportunity to research materials, trends,… → Read More

Mike Holmes: The big spring cleanse — right on schedule

Happy Spring! When I think of Spring it conjures up images of spring flowers, warmer weather, and longer days, but it also makes me think about spring cleaning… → Read More