It can be startling when you turn a doorknob and get zapped by a static charge, and it can be embarrassing when you touch another person and accidentally shock them. It is important to understand what static electricity shocks are and how the dry air of winter increases the likelihood a person may experience these uncomfortable jolts. Taking simple steps can help you reduce the number of static electricity shocks you may experience in the winter season in Delaware and Maryland.
Your Body and Static Electricity Shocks
An individual can experience a build-up of free electrons simply by walking or coming in contact with a household surface. Once the person comes in contact with a conductor, such as a metal object, the contact can neutralize the charge and result in a jolt of static electricity. One of the most common causes of a static shock is when an individual walks on a rug or carpeting and gathers up free electrons in the process.
Dry Air Promotes Static Electricity Shocks
In the winter season in Delaware, using your heating system may cause the air to become drier. You can cut down on the number of static electricity shocks you may receive simply by adding moisture to the air. Using a humidifier is a great way to circulate water particles in the air and add humidity to it. The device breaks up static charges on carpeting and other charged objects, making it less likely for you to pick up free electrons and thereby decreasing the number of static shocks you may experience. Keeping the relative humidity in the 40-50% range is beneficial. Other alternative methods of adding humidity to the air include boiling hot water and placing house plants throughout the home.
Wearing Clothing that Prevents Static Electricity Shocks
Different materials have an effect on the number of electrons that a person picks up. Wearing wool can cause a person to receive more static shocks than when the individual wears cotton. Material consisting of natural fibers is preferable over any synthetic material.
Since walking across carpeting is often the reason many individuals pick up excess free electrons, it is a good idea to go barefoot, when possible, or choose shoes that can reduce the transfer of these electrons. People who work in electronics in Delaware and Maryland and wear conductive shoes may experience less static electricity shocks than individuals who do not wear these specialized shoes. Some types of synthetic rubber or plastic soles can generate a great deal of static electricity, so choosing shoes with leather soles can make a huge difference when reducing the number of static shocks you receive in the winter season.
A static electricity shock can be painful, and experiencing them frequently can be frustrating. By hydrating the dry air inside your residence, you can reduce or prevent static shocks. Choosing clothing made of materials containing natural fibers and avoiding synthetic materials in clothing and shoes can also bring added relief. Understanding what causes the build-up of static electricity and how to avoid static electricity shocks can help individuals in Delaware and Maryland feel more comfortable in their heated homes in winter.
Consider consulting an HVAC professional to learn about the best winter heating systems for your home and lifestyle. First Class HVAC has been helping residents in Delaware towns, like Georgetown and Bear, and Maryland towns, like Berlin, choose top heating systems for more than 40 years. Contact us today to discuss which heating systems can keep your residence warm and inviting during the winter season.