Do you deal with excessive static electricity in your home during winter or even at other times of the year? The problem is much more common than you may think. However, there are steps homeowners can take to minimize the presence of static electricity and perhaps eliminate it altogether.
The Relationship Between Dry Air and Static Electricity
Static electricity is actually electricity. It’s called static because it accumulates in a fixed location. That electrical buildup is attracted to many different materials, including dust, which tends to be the big one. Humid air has water vapor that inhibits this accumulation. Dry air does not, which is why static electricity is much more common in winter than the other seasons.
Does a Humidifier Help?
At Metal Masters, Inc., we’re a heating and air company that often recommends humidification for problems with static electricity. Humidity control is important because it adds the missing water molecules to the air. Those water molecules ensure that the charges can’t build up to the point of being a nuisance.
Does a Dehumidifier Help?
A dehumidifier generally won’t help if static electricity is present, but a dehumidifier can cause or exacerbate the issue. That isn’t a criticism of dehumidifiers but rather one of the reasons why you should set target humidity level for your home that you strive for on a consistent basis.
Other Prevention Strategies
In most living environments, a humidifier is all the solution you’ll need. Be mindful that homes with a lot of carpets, for instance, will be more prone than the home with hardwood floors throughout. Additional options include anti-static treatments for furniture and anti-static floor mats. There are also wearable anti-static guards that you can use when working with electronics and the like.
Static Electricity Be Gone!
If you have a static electricity problem and would like to consider a humidifier as a solution, we’d love to help. Metal Masters, Inc. has been providing service to Medford and Klamath Falls since 1968. We specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work. Call Metal Masters, Inc. today to learn more.