Get Rid of Static Electricity This Winter

Originally published Dec. 19, 2019, updated Jan. 17, 2022.

Every Morganfield, Kentucky, homeowner relies on their heating system to stay warm in the winter, but nobody enjoys those static electric shocks that always seem to be a constant. Learn how you can get rid of static electricity in your home this winter and find out the role your HVAC system plays preventing static shocks we’d all rather avoid.

What Is Static Electricity?

Static electricity is the result of free electrons, or subatomic-sized negatively-charged particles. When you pick up these electrons, they tend to jump from your body to conductive surfaces — like metal doorknobs — and that causes you to get shocked.

Why It Happens in Winter

Winter tends to be a dry season. During more humid weather, your body doesn’t effectively pick up these electrons, which sort of drop away from you naturally. When the air is dry, however, the electrons can stick to you more easily.

Preventing Static Shocks

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the chance of getting an electric shock in your home. Wearing natural fibers (or leather soles) or going barefoot inside are effective ways to reduce the chance of collecting those free electrons and prevent static shocks.

Using skin moisturizer is also a good way to avoid static shocks, and it has the bonus of keeping your hands soft! You can also keep more live plants in your house. Plants tend to help humidify your air so that the conditions are less conducive to free electrons.

Get a Humidifier

Another outstanding way to keep your air more comfortable and avoid static shocks is to install a whole-home humidifier. A humidifier can be set to maintain an ideal level of humidity in your home. This will help you avoid static, itchy skin, and sinus issues in the winter.

If you’d like more information about how an HVAC installation with a humidifier can help your home in Morganfield, KY, or to just add a whole-home humidifier, call E&M Heating, Plumbing, & Air Conditioning today.

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