Air conditioner is one of the essential household electronic devices, especially in areas with hot climates. In such areas, air conditioning becomes indispensable in regulating the indoor air. However, sometimes we encounter the problem of getting shocked by static electricity when touching a blanket in the presence of an air conditioner. What is this phenomenon and how can we prevent it? Let’s find out more in this article by FPT Shop!
What is static electricity?
The cause of the phenomenon of getting shocked by static electricity when touching a blanket is the presence of static electricity. The imbalance of electric charges on the surface of a certain material creates an accumulation of electric charges on the material until it can be transmitted elsewhere through an electric current or discharge. In the case of two objects, to create static electricity, the electric charge of one object will transfer to the other object when they come into contact, causing an excess of negative or positive charge on one object.
The human body can generate a very small amount of electricity. Therefore, when we wear clothes in cold and dry weather, or when we sleep in an air-conditioned room and touch a blanket, the phenomenon of static electricity occurs, causing the blanket to give us a shock. The most noticeable sign is the spark and crackling sound when the skin comes into contact with the fabric surface, or when the hair on the skin stands up when near surfaces that cause static electricity.
Causes of static electricity when using an air conditioner
When we turn on the air conditioner, we usually close all the windows tightly. The circulating air in the closed room reduces the humidity of the air. In our bodies, we can generate a very small amount of electrical energy. When there is low humidity, the electrical ions in the body cannot be emitted through water molecules in the air to neutralize the electric charge. Therefore, when in friction with the surface of a woolen blanket or metallic objects and objects with low humidity, static electricity occurs.
The lower the temperature of the air conditioner, the drier the air in the room, leading to the occurrence of static electricity when there is friction between objects. Therefore, this phenomenon is more pronounced when the room temperature is low. When touching a blanket, pillow, metal door handle, or objects in the air-conditioned room with low humidity, we may feel a mild electric shock, causing the phenomenon of getting shocked by the blanket. Although the electric current from this static electricity is very weak and not enough to have any effects on the body or health, it still causes discomfort for the users.
5 measures to prevent getting shocked by a blanket
Use devices to humidify the air
Use devices such as misting machines, humidifiers, air humidifiers, or misting machines combined with essential oils to increase the humidity in the air of the air-conditioned environment. Typically, if the humidity is above 60%, the occurrence of static electricity is unlikely. Increasing the humidity in the room not only reduces the accumulation of excess charges on the body but also helps prevent health-related symptoms such as dry skin, reduced risk of throat inflammation, etc.
Limit wearing clothes and socks made of wool
Although wool is a familiar material for warm clothes in cold weather, materials such as wool, polyester, synthetic fibers, etc., are very susceptible to static electricity. To avoid the above situation, when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, use clothes or blankets made of natural fibers such as cotton to reduce the accumulation of electric charges on the fabric surface.
Avoid using rubber shoes or sandals
Although rubber has high insulation properties, it is also very prone to static electricity. Using cloth slippers or going barefoot in the bedroom or the area where the air conditioner is frequently used is a way to prevent electric shocks when using the air conditioner. You can also wear socks or go barefoot in the bedroom or the area where the air conditioner is frequently used.
Moisturize the skin
In addition to minimizing the risk of static electricity leading to getting shocked by a blanket, moisturizing the skin when sleeping in an air-conditioned room also protects the skin from drying out or cracking. Taking care of the skin, especially applying moisturizer to the hands, helps maintain proper skin moisture. Maintaining and enhancing moisture for the skin is an excellent way to avoid static electricity in dry weather conditions. If there are young children using the air conditioner, apply moisturizer for babies to help prevent dry skin and avoid allergies for sensitive skin.
Open windows when not using the air conditioner
To allow the air in the room to be more ventilated, not to have a stuffy smell of the air conditioner or lack of humidity, opening the windows when not using the air conditioner is the simplest and easiest measure to eliminate static electricity in the air-conditioned room. Air conditioning the room with natural air will increase the humidity in the room, and the phenomenon of static electricity in the bedroom will no longer occur.
Conclusion
This article has provided ways to help prevent the phenomenon of getting shocked by a blanket. FPT Shop hopes that these small tips will help everyone have a good and healthy sleep.
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