“Snap, crackle and pop!” Being so close to Battle Creek, we know all about the Rice Krispies ad slogan. But the same phrase could also apply to an unpleasant aspect of the long Michigan winter. Walk across the room, touch a light switch and you get your own snap, crackle and pop.
What causes static electricity? Low temperatures cause your furnace to run more. Mechanical Extremes’ Harold Wilkes explains, “that takes the humidity out of the air and creates the perfect environment for static electricity.”
What else happens? When humidity falls below 20%, air can dry out your skin, and make the room seem chillier than it really is. Remember last summer’s sweltering heat when you heard, “it’s not the temperature, it’s the humidity?” Yes, a bit more humidity in frigid weather can have the effect of gently warming the room—and you.
The proper amount of humidity in the winter, according to Harold, is between 25 to 30%. Can you make that happen without hanging wet towels all over the house? Yes. Most furnaces can be retrofitted with a humidifier that delivers a daily dose of 12 to 18 gallons of water into the air. How? The device taps into a water line. The flow passes over a miniature honeycombed water fall. The furnace blower circulates the air through it, and relief is on the way.
Systems vary depending on your furnace. Mechanical Extremes can answer questions to see if a humidifier is right for you. Your call will be welcomed, just like a warm summer breeze (517) 812-2484.
