Author name: Umar Farooq

Does basement humidity go down in winter? Often yes: cold air is dry and heating lowers the reading. Four cases where it stays high, and how to check yours.

Can high humidity set off smoke alarms? Yes: steam and damp air can trip them. Here is how to tell it from a fault, 5 fixes, and why not to pull the battery.

Normal bathroom humidity is a spike during a shower that falls back within about an hour. See the 3 numbers that matter and what a slow recovery means.

Mould vs damp: damp is excess moisture in a building, mould is a growth that feeds on it. See 5 clear differences, how to spot each, and what to fix first.

Should house humidity match outside? No. Keep indoors at 30-50% whatever the weather says. Here is why the two readings differ and the dew point check to use.

Do mold spores travel through the house? Yes, on air currents and through ducts, but spores only grow where it is damp. 4 key facts and how to limit spread.

How to stop condensation in a metal shed: block ground moisture, vent high, insulate the roof and keep wet kit out. Five fixes, in the order that works.

Can extractor fans catch fire? Yes, but rarely, and usually from dust, blockage or a fault. Learn 6 warning signs and what to do the moment you spot one.

Should a dehumidifier be upstairs or downstairs? Put it where a hygrometer reads highest. See 5 cases, from damp cellars to steamy bathrooms, and why.

Should a dehumidifier be on the floor? Usually yes, on a hard level surface, but not because damp air sinks. 4 rules, and when to raise it off the floor.

Can dehumidifiers catch fire? Yes, and several brands have been recalled for it. See the 5 causes, what the recalls show and how to cut the risk.

Why are there flies in my extractor fan? They arrive from the loft, the outside vent or the drain. Learn to tell which, plus 4 easy fixes that stop them.