Static electricity is just one of the problems caused by dry air, and it tends to be worst in wintertime. If you’re tired of getting zapped every time you touch a doorknob, a humidifier might be the answer you’re looking for.
Indoor air tends to get dry in winter, when homeowners all over the country have to deal with static electricity and the many problems it causes. If you’re like many Metro-East residents, you’ve probably noticed:
- Clingy clothing that attracts hair and lint.
- Frizzy, hard-to-control hair.
- Electric shocks when you touch a light switch or doorknob.
Static electricity can also cause damage to computers and other sensitive electronics if it builds up to significant levels, so it’s a good idea not to let it get out of hand. That’s where humidifiers come in.
You’ve probably noticed that static isn’t usually a problem during the more humid summer months. That’s because moisture in the air discourages the buildup of static electricity. By maintaining a proper humidity level in your house – somewhere between 35 and 50 percent – you can greatly reduce static. Humidification has other benefits as well:
- It makes you less susceptible to colds and helps you recover more quickly.
- It prevents chapped lips, dry skin, itchy eyes and other physical symptoms of dry air.
- It makes breathing easier for asthma sufferers.
- It protects wood furniture and flooring in your home from drying and cracking.
You basically have two options when you consider humidification for your house: portable humidifiers or a whole-house humidification system.
- Portable humidifiers are inexpensive, but have limited capabilities, and you essentially need one in each room to humidify your entire home.
- Whole-house humidification systems are more costly and require professional installation, but once in place they work with your furnace to humidify your entire home. Whole-house humidifiers are also low maintenance, and operate out of sight and away from your living space.
If you’d like to find out more about home humidification options, contact Ernst Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving the Metro-East area since 1951.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about static electricity and other HVAC topics, visit our blog.
Ernst Heating & Cooling services Hamel, Illinois and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offersand get started today!Â
| Humidifier image via Shutterstock |