ASK THE INSPECTOR: Managing heat, humidity and hardwoods

QUESTION: I was very interested in your recent article dealing with heat recovery ventilator. Six years ago, we moved into a new house that had an HRV. The house is air-conditioned and uses a forced-air furnace. Because we have newly installed . . .

Posted: 2011-10-15

MIKE HOLMES: Duct cleaning a good thing -- if it's needed

Healthier air quality, better airflow, more energy efficiency -- yes, I am a fan of duct cleaning. But there's a time and a place for duct cleaning. And it's not always worth the money you pay. There are a lot of . . .

Posted: 2011-04-09

Return air improves heating system's circulation

Question: My son lives in a 100-year-old house. The main floor is 769 square feet and the second floor is 348 square feet. The second floor is not used or heated. At some time a 10-foot square basement was dug . . .

Posted: 2014-09-20

Cool basement can easily be made more comfortable

Question: Our house is a bungalow, with an open staircase going into the basement, and every time I go into our basement the thermometer indicates it is approximately three to four degrees Celsius cooler than the main floor. This . . .

Posted: 2022-07-30

Radiant barriers can complicate insulation job

Question: I have a closed-in deck room that had the roof extended over it, with spray foam insulation over the original metal. It has an open-joist ceiling, and I want some more insulation to cover the joists. This room is . . .

Posted: 2020-05-23

A little forethought to fend off flooding

Although filtered water systems have become very popular in recent years, my first experience with a residential filtration array was less than appealing. After completing a full basement renovation for a homeowner before he took possession of his new . . .

Posted: 2025-02-08

Get it in writing from contractors this summer

Now that winter weather appears to be behind us, Manitobans are turning their attention to preparing for spring yard work, gardening and planning on how best to enjoy the long and beautiful summer we all deserve. Sometimes, that also means . . .

Posted: 2026-04-25

Get the popcorn ready

Impressive home theatres now within many families' affordability range

Let's say you're not quite satisfied with the 37-inch flat-screen TV you bought a few years back. You're looking for something a little bit more impressive, a system to give you that gasp-inducing, jaw-dropping, toe-curling movie theatre experience. Maybe it's . . .

Posted: 2008-11-09

The ins and outs of insulation

Question: I have an 1860s Victorian home. The current walls, from inside to outside, are comprised of plaster, lath, cavity of nothing, horizontal barn boards, black tar paper, wood siding, and paint. I am debating whether to insulate the existing . . .

Posted: 2017-07-08

Do your homework

You'll never regret doing research when buying a home

April marks the start of home buying (and selling) season, and when it comes to buying you've got two options: buying new or buying used.Everyone thinks if they buy new they're safe because a new home will be built right; . . .

Posted: 2015-04-04