
Static electricity is a common annoyance during the chilly winters in the Twin Cities. As heating systems warm the air, humidity tends to drop, and static shocks become more frequent when it falls to 30 percent or lower. While irritating for everyone, static electricity can also harm home electronics with low-voltage components. To mitigate this issue, consider these methods to increase humidity in your home:
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Use Ventilating Fans Sparingly: Limit the use of kitchen and bathroom fans as they remove beneficial water vapor generated during activities like bathing and cooking. These fans also extract heated air from your home.
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Simmer Water on the Stove: Increase water vapor in the air by simmering a pan of water on the stove. Set a timer to remind you to check the pan regularly to prevent it from drying out.
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Incorporate House Plants: House plants not only evaporate water but also release oxygen through photosynthesis. Placing them on trays filled with marbles or small stones and water can enhance humidity.
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Use Humidifiers: Employ portable or central humidifiers to reduce static electricity. This is particularly important to prevent malfunctions or damage to electronics.
Increasing humidity in your home not only helps control static electricity but also promotes a healthier environment. Dry air can facilitate the spread of bacteria and viruses, and it may lead to damage in wooden products within your home.
For homes without forced-air heating, portable humidifiers are an option. However, if your home utilizes ductwork and a blower, a whole-house humidification system is the most efficient way to add moisture. These systems operate independently, introducing controlled amounts of humidity into your home, providing warmth during the heating season, and allowing you to lower the thermostat, thereby saving energy.
For more insights on managing static electricity, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. Serving the Twin Cities since 1974, we offer top-notch Brooklyn Center heating and cooling services.