Johann Hunt
Once you’ve got a place of your own and start thinking about upgrades, renovations become your chance to figure out what really earns its spot. Mike Holmes has seen it all—appliances that work, ones that fail, and a few that prove their value day after day. A few appliances in particular stand out because they hold up when it comes to everyday use. Looking back, he’d give these a go.
Energy-Efficient Appliances That Quietly Work For You
For Holmes, appliances that use less and last longer just make sense. He highlights energy-efficient models as a clear win for both your utility bill and your footprint. These aren’t just eco upgrades—they’re financial ones too. Each swap adds up to more savings over time.
He even echoes what “Property Brothers” stars Jonathan and Drew Scott suggest: electric appliances like stoves can offer major benefits in both function and energy use. Holmes backs those choices as worth the short-term spend for long-term returns.
Protect The Whole House Before Trouble Starts
While appliances get all the attention, Mike Holmes makes it clear: whole-home surge protection is something every homeowner should look into. One lightning strike or grid surge is all it takes to damage major appliances, not to mention your TV or that pricey new stove.
By installing surge protection, you give your entire home a safety net that works behind the scenes. Holmes calls it a smart move—one that shields your investment and spares you from costly surprises down the road.
Skip The Guesswork—Smart Thermostats Know What You Need
Heating and cooling make up about half of American energy use—and Mike Holmes doesn’t let that stat slide. On his website, he recommends smart thermostats for their ability to cut bills and boost home comfort. These devices enable remote control, timer settings, and learning of your patterns to improve home temperature management over time.
Holmes points out that many modern builds already include them, and if yours doesn’t, it’s a simple swap with a big payoff. The goal is control. And in a world where utility rates are rising fast, that matters more than ever.
Solar Might Cost More Upfront, But It Works Long Term
Solar panels aren’t for everyone, and Holmes is honest about that. But if it’s in your budget, it’s an option worth exploring. He says they can actually produce more power than you use, giving your home an edge on both energy bills and environmental impact.
He also recommends checking your roof before installation. If it needs replacement soon, do that first to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling panels later. When you do it right once, you get the return on that investment over the long haul.
Ceiling Fans That Do More Than Just Spin
Holmes doesn’t hype ceiling fans as miracle solutions—but he does give them credit. Ceiling fans help push warm air up and out of the room, which can make a noticeable difference when trying to cool down a space without jumping straight to the A/C.
Now, he cautions against buying the cheapest fan, though. Noisy motors and clunky performance turn a smart fix into an everyday annoyance. Holmes even nods to smart ceiling fans, which bring in better control and smoother operation. It’s a minor upgrade that feels like a win every summer.
Wrapping It Up
Mike Holmes has spent over two decades walking through renovations gone wrong and helping make them right. His list of go-to appliances focuses on saving money, using energy wisely, and keeping homes safer and more comfortable in the long haul.
If you’re planning your next upgrade, give these picks a closer look. They are time-tested advice.