Is Poor Ventilation Harming Your Home? Mike Holmes on Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. It ensures that stale, contaminated air is regularly replaced with fresh outdoor air, reducing the buildup of indoor pollutants.

Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even just breathing can introduce moisture, odors, and harmful particles into the air. Without proper ventilation, these pollutants can accumulate, leading to a range of health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Listen to Season 5, Episode 7 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes, “What Solutions Are Available to Improve Indoor Air Quality? Air Purifiers, Vent Fans & More”, launching Thursday, May 29 on all podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.

One of the most common issues caused by poor ventilation is excess moisture, which can lead to mould and mildew growth. These not only damage your home but can also negatively impact your health. Smoke, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products and furnishings are other common indoor pollutants that can linger without adequate airflow.

Here’s a guide on how to prevent mould growth.

Home improvement expert Mike Holmes often emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation in creating a healthy home. According to Holmes, a well-ventilated space is essential for preventing long-term structural damage and maintaining a safe living environment. He frequently points out that good ventilation is just as important as insulation and heating when it comes to home efficiency and comfort.

When selecting a vent fan, there are three key factors Mike Holmes recommends homeowners look for: energy efficiency, which helps reduce long-term operating costs; quiet operation, ideally with a rating of 1.5 sones or lower, so it doesn't disrupt daily activities; and effective moisture and odor removal, which is crucial for areas like bathrooms and kitchens where humidity and smells can linger.

Here’s a guide by Mike Holmes on how to choose the right ventilation fan for your bathroom.

Investing in a high-quality ventilation system, like the Panasonic WhisperAir Repair Series vent fans, can make a significant difference. These fans are designed to run quietly while efficiently moving air, making them perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas prone to moisture. By removing humidity, odours, and airborne contaminants, they help maintain a healthier indoor environment.

In short, proper ventilation is key to a comfortable, safe, and healthy home. As Mike Holmes says, “Do it right the first time”—and that starts with making sure your home breathes well.

Listen to Season 5, Episode 7 of the Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes, “What Solutions Are Available to Improve Indoor Air Quality? Air Purifiers, Vent Fans & More”, launching Thursday, May 29 on all podcast streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.

Looking for a new Home Reno Podcast? Check Out Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes

The Holmes on Homes podcast with Mike Holmes takes you inside the world of construction, renovations, and the skilled trades—breaking down what it really takes to build it right. But it’s also about the bigger mission: helping people live better, stay safer, and feel more confident about their homes. With expert guests, practical tips, and real-life stories, Mike brings clarity, honesty, and decades of experience to every episode—whether you're swinging a hammer or just trying to understand the basics.

Holmes on Homes Podcast with Mike Holmes is available on all podcast streaming platforms, including Mike Holmes’ YouTube Channel as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

About Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes is a renowned North American contractor, television personality, and advocate for healthy homes. Best known for his television series Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right, Mike has built a reputation as a champion of safety, quality, and durability in residential construction. Over the years, he has become a prominent voice in advocating for healthier living environments, emphasizing the importance of building homes that are not only structurally sound but also promote the health and well-being of their occupants.