Does Humidity lend to Electrical issues in Residential dwellings?

If you’ve ever been to the San Antonio area, or South Texas in general for that matter, you know what Humidity is.

It’s that warm; moist air, that makes you feel like you’re in a sauna!

But what exactly is Humidity you ask? Humidity is simply water vapor that is very present in the air. If you’re growing plants in a greenhouse, humidity is a plus, but when it comes to Electrical components, wiring, switches…etc., humidity can be quite problematic. 

The Humidity that builds up inside of our homes; can come from the most basic of activities:

Bathing/ Showering – Washing Dishes – Drying Laundry – Cleaning.

Additionally, a leaking pipe under a cabinet or within the walls of the residence can also be very troublesome, and your HVAC System can contribute to moisture levels rising in the home too. If you have a lack of proper ventilation; the air can be full of water vapor aka Humidity.

In the winter months, walls, doors and windows that aren’t properly insulated, can contribute to humidity through condensation. Water droplets accumulate on surfaces, and they run down to major electrical components, and that can cause corrosion.

Humidity can also affect your electrical wiring and your switches as well. Excess moisture can impair the contacts through rusting, and if you didn’t already know it; copper and aluminum wires are highly susceptible to rust. In the end, the rust eats up the cables and switches, leaving the wires bare and dangerous.

Another issue… moisture can enter into and throughout the panel box which can result in deterioration of your circuit breakers. Your electronic items such as TV’s or Laptops/ Computers can also be at risk to humidity as well.

What are the signs you’re dealing with the effects of humidity?

Tripping Circuit Breakers

Once corrosion of wiring or electrical contacts takes place, circuit breakers will begin to trip, and any unnecessary moisture built up in appliances such  refrigerators and hairdryers lead to the appliance needing to pull power at a higher wattage, can often be the cause of Tipping Breakers as well.

When your circuit breakers begin tripping, you should first eliminate the possibility that your appliance might be the culprit. Try plugging the appliance, if at all possible; into another outlet on a different circuit in the home to see if that circuit has a trip when the appliance is plugged into it. If your tripping issue turns out to be something other than your appliance, you should call out an experienced electrician to troubleshoot the issue.

Shocks

It’s super easy for water vapor to settle on your electrical equipment in a humid residence. In the event you happen to touch these devices, you just might experience an electric "shock". Water conducts electricity and gets electrically charged. Touching wet electrical devices exposes you to electrostatic discharge. An electrical shock can sometimes be life-threatening, so in the event you do notice that an appliance is wet, please refrain from touching this appliance with your bare hands if at all possible.

High Electricity Bills

High energy bills can be a result of power surges from humidity in the dwelling. Damaged wires due to corrosion can and will lead to higher energy costs. When your HVAC is running continuously due to hotter temps and corrosion of wiring, that can result in higher power consumption.

 Short-circuiting is another reason you may be paying costly electrical bills. Due to high moisture levels, an expert might read incorrect energy consumption figures.

Ways to Control Humidity in your Residence

A great way to alleviate humidity in any dwelling is with a dehumidifier. This will clear the air of water vapor that could be causing the aforementioned issues. With crucial areas; such as bathrooms and the kitchen; you will require usage of a dehumidifier for certain. You'll also want to keep the interior doors open if at all possible, for better circulation of the air.

The experienced and trustworthy Electricians here at Bolt Electric in San Antonio, are very well versed in Troubleshooting electrical issues

such as - Circuit Breaker Trips, bad switches, non-working outlets...etc. As well as installing or replacing them.

If you're having problems such as the issues listed above, we certainly hope the information in this blog

helps you to combat the affects of humidity in your home. 

 If you're needing assistance with your electrical, please don't hesitate to call on us. We can't wait to work with you!

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

188947 Redland Road, Suite 105

San Antonio, Texas 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)