Static electricity is a nuisance. It can even present a danger when there’s enough of it. Let us look at what it is, what causes it, and how you can ensure your home is static electricity-free.
How Dry Air Affects Static Electricity
Static electricity is an electric charge that builds up in a fixed location. It’s attracted to hair, dust, and other materials, which is what causes the shock. When the air is humid, water molecules are present on surfaces that block the buildup of electrical charges. When humidity is low, those molecules aren’t present, which is why static electricity is more prevalent during winter.
How a Humidifier Helps
At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in East American Fork, we often recommend a humidifier to our customers dealing with a static electricity problem. There are many benefits to using a humidifier. By increasing humidity levels, the same water molecules that are present in summer can be present in winter as well.
The Effect a Dehumidifier Can Have
If you use a dehumidifier as well, then it’s very important that it isn’t overused and causing your air to dry out. With a whole house system, this tends to be easy to control through the humidistat. When it comes to room units, it varies from model to model how much control you have. If the air becomes dry, then you can create the same static electricity problem you have in winter at any other time of the year.
Other Preventative Options
For most households, proper humidity levels are enough to control static electricity. There are other options, such as anti-static treatments for carpets and upholstery. In addition, there are anti-static pads for electronics as well as anti-static bracelets that you can use when working on computers and the like.
We’d Love to Help
Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing offers a wide range of heating, cooling, and plumbing services. Our history dates all the way back to 1910 in Lehi, and we have many loyal customers. Let us make you the next one. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
