Static Electricity - What is that?
Ever heard of static electricity? Even if you haven't heard of it, you must have experienced it without knowing what it the phenomenon called. Static electricity is basically a phenomenon that occurs due to the imbalance of positively and negatively charged particles in a material. To understand the whole phenomenon, take into view this description:
All matter is made up of atoms, remember that school lesson? And the atoms are made up of three types of particles called the protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons are positively charged while the electrons carry a negative charge. As far as the number of both these particles remain the same and atom remains neutral, however, when due to friction, rubbing or close contact, the loosely bonded electrons of an atom leave it to join some other atom, the process makes the atom an ion with a positive charge when it loses electrons and negatively charged when it accepts electrons. There create positive and negative ions and a charge is created. And that’s what is called Static Electricity. These charged surfaces then wish to make themselves neutral and look for some other material to share their charges with. When such a material comes in contact with these charged materials, a sudden transfer of electrons takes places which create a shock.
Static Electricity in Winters:
Static Electricity occurs more in Winters than in Summers and there's a reason of that. In Winters, the air is dry and dry air is not a good conductor of electricity thus fails to transfer charges that build up. These charges suddenly transfer when they come in close contact with a suitable material. An electric shock takes place. Although these shocks aren't harmful, they can be very irritating and sometimes painful too. So, here are some ways to tackle the static electricity in Winters.
How to reduce Static Electricity?
Open Windows
Simple is beautiful they say, but simple is economical too. So, instead of using other ways that would cost you some dollars, you can choose to simply open up your windows sometime in the day to let the charges disperse in the air. Well, please be careful to not open the doors because by doing so, you may disperse the charges successfully, the robbers may find an opportunity to enjoy some warmth and wealth at your home. Just saying!
Use carpet sprays and fabric softeners:
Many companies have developed chemicals that are good to reduce static electricity. Use the carpet sprays in particular since most of the static charge is created due to dragging feet on carpets. Moreover, fabric softeners that you use while washing the clothes also reduces the possibilities of Static Electricity.
Use Humidifiers
Here come Humidifiers. Humidifiers are good both in Summers and in Winters but are particularly good to combat the dry and rude air of Winter. Just turn your Humidifiers on and see the moisture tackling with these static shocks. When there's an increased humidity, the moisture allows the charges to disperse easily without creating static electricity.
In addition to the above-mentioned ways, try the following as well;
1. Keeping plants inside the home is a wonderful natural way not just to improve indoor air quality but also for combating static electricity.
2. Wearing cotton clothes instead of wool help reduce static electricity
3. Using leather footwears helps as well
Incorporating the described ways can help avoid static electricity, itchiness and dryness and consequently can help you enjoy wonderful Winters. Though we can't help you in following all these techniques, there's one thing we can surely help you in; Humidifiers. We sell, install, service, repair and replace Humidifiers of renowned brands. In order to have our Humidifier service, call us at 905-822-9375