Battling Winter Woes: Dry Air and the Shocking Static Saga

Jan 30, 2024 | Furnace | 0 comments

It’s absolutely THE WORST feeling when you get static-shocked in the winter. Who knew folding a sweater could be so dangerous?

We all have our favorite winter companion to thank for that – dry air.

Families can actually be in a lot of discomfort in the winter months because of this. Between sinus issues, nose bleeds, and dry skin, there are plenty of folks looking for solutions to a balmier home.

Here’s Why Dry Air is Ruining Your Winter

Reduced Humidity Levels: Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and as temperatures drop, so does the humidity. Heating systems further exacerbate the issue by drying out the indoor air.

Sealed Homes: To keep the cold out, we tend to seal our homes tightly. While this is excellent for energy efficiency, it also traps dry air inside, creating an environment conducive to static electricity.

How HVAC Systems Can Help Combat Dry Air

1. Humidity Control

HVAC systems, especially those equipped with humidifiers, can be a game-changer. They introduce moisture into the air, maintaining optimal humidity levels and mitigating the discomforts associated with dry air.

2. Regular Maintenance

Ensuring your HVAC system is well-maintained is crucial. Clean filters and properly functioning equipment contribute to a more efficient system, allowing for better humidity control.

(Psst… If you’re interested in being exceptionally lazy about your HVAC maintenance… and if you’d like to jump to the front of the line for repairs and emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year… AND if you’d like for your low monthly membership cost to include TWO HVAC tune-ups a year… then you should totally check out our Reliant Comfort Club.)

3. Sealing and Insulation

While addressing dry air, consider sealing any gaps or leaks in your home’s insulation. This prevents the infiltration of dry outdoor air, helping your HVAC system maintain a balanced indoor environment.

The Humidifier Hero: A Solution to Combat Dry Air Woes

Check out a few reasons why investing in a whole-house humidifier can make your life much less shocking. (See what we did there?)

  1. Whole-House Humidification: Say goodbye to the sudden wake up call of a 2:00 AM nosebleed. An HVAC humidifier integrates seamlessly with your heating and cooling system, distributing moisture throughout your entire home. Modern HVAC humidifiers even come with advanced controls, allowing you to adjust humidity levels based on your comfort preferences.
  2. Health Benefits: Adequate humidity levels not only reduce static electricity but also provide relief from dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues.
  3. Energy Efficiency: Properly humidified air feels warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat and potentially save on heating costs.

If you’re ready to fold sweaters without shocking yourself into the future, give us a call to chat about whole-home humidifiers.

Our team of small-town friendly HVAC techs have been doing furnace repair for years, for companies as big as the “big auto brand in Marysville” (which we clearly can’t directly name)… and as small as tiny homes. There’s no issue we haven’t seen. And we’d love to help solve your furnace issues and make sure your home feels warm this winter. Without the static.