Let’s talk about the mid-summer flight when the pilot told passengers your plane was heading into turbulence.  You see a flash, hear a crackle, and the flight attendant calmly explains it was a “static discharge.”  In street-level English, we know it as lightning and thunder.  But in the wisdom of the corporate airline manual, no need to frighten the fearful woman seated in 23B with images of danger.

This time of year, you can experience mini-lightning in your home when you reach for the light switch.  Did you pay attention during your high school science class?  If so, you recollect that you build up a static charge by walking on carpet.  The excited electrons have to go somewhere, so when you get close to a conductor like a light switch, door knob, or faucet, POW!

In the humid days of summer, lightning only accompanies storms.  But, in the depth of winter, watch out.  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 is below 20%, air can dry out your skin, and make the room seem cooler 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 can have the effect of warming the room and creating a gentler feel.

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 magic occurs.   Ah…you can feel the relief just thinking about it.

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, as if by a warm summer breeze.