Ever been shocked by a rug or have your clothes cling to you all day long? Sounds like a classic case of ESA: excessive static air. Static electricity running rampant in your home can cause discomfort or even mild shocks when interacting with certain materials or surfaces. This is due to the buildup of electric charges on objects in a dry environment…AKA your home. So, how do we fix it? Here are some easy ways to zap that static out of your home:
Bring On The Humidifier
Dry air is one of the main culprits behind static electricity. The most effective way to minimize static electricity in the home is to install a humidifier. Added air moisture can significantly help reduce static buildup in a room. You can alternatively place a bowl of water near a heat source. Both will increase the amount of humidity in the air, leading to added comfort in your home.
De-Shock Your Rugs & Carpeting
We don’t want you walking in fuzzy socks to be a shock hazard, but sometimes the static electricity is too much. Using an anti-static spray on the synthetic materials of both rugs and carpets can get the job done quickly. Products like these contain chemicals that neutralize the electric charge on objects, preventing the charge from building up.
Turn Over A New Leaf
Adding some indoor plants to your home or office, such as peace lilies or ferns. They can help increase humidity levels, as they naturally release moisture into the air. You can add to your home decor AND lessen the static charge. Win-win!
Remember to monitor humidity levels in your home to avoid over-humidification. This can cause problems like mold growth (and no one wins there).
De-Cling Your Clean Clothing
Synthetic fabrics tend to create more static than natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. Wearing natural fibers can help reduce static buildup on your clothing. Dryer sheets and fabric softener can also help eliminate static electricity from your clothes, whether or not the fabric is synthetic or not. If you have the time, pull your clothes out of the dryer while they are still damp and hang to dry.
If you do end up with a problem that needs a bit more professional help, we’ve seen and fixed it all here at Reliant Home Heating and Cooling and we’re available 24/7. We’re a small-town, friendly company that’s developed some serious, big-city skills over the last 40-years, serving the likes of Marysville, Powell, Dublin, Plain City, Hilliard, Delaware and more.