Climate Masters Blog: Archive for December, 2014

The Composition of Snowflakes: Are No Two Alike?

Thursday, December 25th, 2014

“No two snowflakes are alike.” This is a statement nearly every schoolchild has heard at least once, either while crafting unique snowflakes with a sheet of folded paper and some scissors or while learning a lesson on the science of snow. While even most scientists don’t quite understand what causes a snowflake to form such complex and beautiful columns and points and branches, one thing is for certain, the composition of snowflakes guarantees that no two will ever be identical.  However, it is possible for two snowflakes to appear to be nearly exactly alike.

A snowflake begins to form when a piece of dust catches water vapor out of the air. Water is created when two hydrogen molecules attach to an oxygen molecule. The two hydrogen molecules are angled from one another in such a way that they form a hexagonal shape when they come together during the freezing process; thus, a snowflake begins as a simple hexagonal shape or as layers of hexagons called diamond dust. The emergent properties that follow from the original hexagon are what differentiate one snowflake from another, as the humidity, the temperature in the air, and many other factors (some of which remain unclear to scientists) allow each snowflake to form in an entirely unique way with a seemingly endless variety of shapes.

However, in 1988, a scientist named Nancy Knight claimed to have located two that were the same while studying snowflakes as part of an atmospheric research project. And it appeared to be so; when put under a microscope, the emergent properties looked nearly identical. But while it is feasible that two snowflakes can appear to be exactly alike on the outside, they are never identical on an atomic level. Deuterium is an atom that appears attached to about one in every 3000 hydrogen molecules in the air. Because there are millions of atoms that make up a snowflake, the random assortment of deuterium in any two snowflakes—even in two that so very closely resemble one another—simply cannot be the same.

Here at Climate Masters, we’d like to remind you to grab a cup of cocoa and relax with your family this holiday, perhaps by crafting some unique snowflake creations of your own. We wish you a very happy holiday season, from our family to yours!

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Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Appliances Extended!

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014

As part of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012, appliances meeting certain requirements for efficiency are eligible for tax credits. That program was recently extended thru this calendar year, so any of our customers that purchased a new qualifying system may qualify for this newly reenacted tax credit program. If you purchased a new HVAC system through us in 2014, you will want to find out if your unit qualifies and if so, you’ll need to provide your tax preparer with a copy of the invoice and the AHRI Certificate of Product Rating.

Please call us with any questions, don’t let this great opportunity pass you by and miss out on possible savings! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Climate Masters!

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Problems Caused by Damaged Ductwork

Thursday, December 18th, 2014

The ducts in your home are largely hidden from view, passing through the walls, floors, and ceilings in order to reach a vent that delivers conditioned air into your home. That’s why it’s important that the ducts in your home remain in stable condition, without any problems that could allow air to leak out from any random holes or cracks.

Damages in the ducts occur more frequently than you may think. The ducts are subjected to quite a bit of air pressure every day, and certain materials may actually begin to crack under the pressure. Ducts that are not completely sealed or professionally maintained can end up with any of the following problems. In most cases, the only solution is calling a professional for duct repair in St. Augustine.

  • Reduced Efficiency: As air leaks out of your damaged ductwork, it cannot move into your home. This means you’re paying money to condition a space like an attic or crawlspace while your unit continues to run at full force for long periods of time.As it attempts to get your home back to the right temperature, you’ll end up paying a lot more on your utilities.
  • Poor HVAC Performance: When air leaks out of the ductwork, your HVAC system will have to struggle in order to work as it should. Parts can become overworked as a result and wear down to the point that they need replacement.
  • Contaminants in the Air: Finally, damaged ductwork allows air from unoccupied spaces to enter your home. Air flowing through the ducts may suck in contaminants from unconditioned areas like the attic, and some of the dust or insulation material can be inhaled as it moves through your home, negating the purpose of the AC filter in your house.

It’s imperative that you have a professional repair your ducts, as they have the tools and expertise to find areas of reduced pressure in order to properly determine from which areas your ducts are leaking. Furthermore, they have the right types of sealants and tapes: standard duct tape is NOT a good solution for damaged ducts and could actually pose a fire hazard and emit some dangerous fumes when heated.

Climate Masters is the only company you’ll need for duct repair, duct sealing, and more.

Contact us today to schedule duct repair in St. Augustine if you suspect a problem due to heating inefficiency, strange noises, or any other suspicious activity.

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How Does Hybrid Heating Work?

Thursday, December 11th, 2014

One of the reasons people love heat pumps is because they offer both heating and cooling. But there can be some concern about the heating heat pumps can provide when the air temperature dips below 32 degrees. If you have concerns about using just a heat pump to heat your home, you may want to consider the installation of a hybrid heating system. Why? A hybrid heating system is comprised of a heat pump as your main source of heating, with a back-up gas furnace. This means that no matter what the temperature may be outside, you will always be warm and comfortable inside. First, let’s take a look at how a hybrid heating system works.

There are two main components of a hybrid heating system: the heat pump and the gas furnace. Heat pumps provide heat by absorbing the available heat in the outside air, concentrating it, then distributing it to your living spaces. As the air becomes colder, less heat is available in the air for the heat pump to absorb; this is why, when it’s 32 degrees or colder, your heat pump may not heat your home as well as you need it to. This is where the back-up furnace comes in. With a hybrid system, your heat pump is equipped with a sensor that is programmed with a set-point temperature that automatically switches your heating system from the heat pump to the furnace. Typically, this temperature is set a few degrees above the freezing point. A set-point temperature is also set to switch back to the heat pump. The switch is automatic and works in conjunction with your home’s dual-fuel thermostat.

Benefits of a Hybrid Heating System

  • Energy efficiency – with a hybrid heating system, you will still gain the energy-saving benefits of using a heat pump, which can improve your home’s overall efficiency levels.
  • Comfortable heating – with a hybrid heating system, you’ll never have to worry about a lack of heat as the gas furnace back-up ensures that heat is always available.
  • Heating and cooling – with a hybrid system, you can still enjoy the heating and cooling offered by a heat pump.

If you’ve been concerned about your heat pump’s ability to provide enough heat during winter, a hybrid heating system in St. Augustine may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Contact Climate Masters today and schedule an appointment with one of our installation experts.

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Don’t Wait for a Breakdown before Scheduling Heating Repair

Thursday, December 4th, 2014

A sudden heating breakdown can be a major annoyance during a particularly cool day. It’s especially a nuisance for those among us who have ill family members or other circumstances that require the temperature to remain consistent throughout the day and night. Whatever your situation, it’s important to pay attention to the signs that your heating system may be in need of repair so that you won’t be put out by a sudden system failure.

You may think that a seemingly minor problem can wait for repairs. Your heat pump or furnace may simply not produce as much heat as you’d like, or a small noise can be a bit of an inconvenience. However, it’s important to note that even the smallest of issues can signal major trouble for your heater. Problems can develop until the parts begin to wear down and, eventually, fail. Let’s look at a couple of examples.

Let’s say the lack of heat from your heat pump is due to a refrigerant leak. If you let the leak go on for too long, it can continue to drip out of the refrigerant line. Your compressor requires a certain amount of refrigerant to move through it at each cycle, so the leak may cause the compressor to become overworked and fail. Alternatively, imagine that the lack of heat from your furnace stems from a faulty fan. The fan will continue to attempt to run at high speeds, wearing down the motor and consuming a lot of energy in the process.

Not experiencing any heating problems? You should still consider calling a technician for annual maintenance sometime soon. Heating maintenance is vital in preserving your heating system for a long period of time and preventing repairs. A tune up can also keep your heater running more efficiently, saving you money every month. Besides, you may have a minor repair need which you had not noticed, and it’s better to know now than to wait for a breakdown later on.

Contact Climate Masters for fast and reliable repairs for your heating in St. Augustine. We offer 24-hour emergency service so you can get your heater back to normal as soon as possible.

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