Winter is here and along with the cooler temperatures comes drier air and irritating static electricity. Static is not only a nuisance but can also damage your electronic devices. In your North Carolina home, static can have your hair sticking out in all directions and giving you a shock when you touch something.

Here are some helpful tips to reduce these static electricity problems:

• Install a whole-house humidifier. This will allow you to increase the humidity throughout your entire home and therefore decreasing the effects of static and the occurrence of shocks. Properly humidified air also helps protect your electronic devices and reduces your heating expenses since the air will be more comfortable, requiring less conditioning. Whole-house humidification systems also provide health benefits to those with respiratory issues.
• Use everyday household products reduce static electricity. Use dryer sheets in the dryer to reduce static, and remember that these sheets can also be rubbed onto clothes and hair to help defuse static. Place a damp towel in the dryer about 15 minutes before the cycle ends to maintain moisture, and use lotion after a shower to maintain the moisture in your skin. To help around the house, make a spray for carpets and furniture using liquid fabric softener and water. Use a spray bottle and mix 1/8-cup fabric softener and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Spray as needed.

For more advice about preventing static electricity, whole-house humidifiers and other issues related to home comfort, please contact Smoky Mountain Heating & Air. Serving both residential and light commercial customers in the Asheville and surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about static electricity and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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