Climate Masters Blog

Heat Pump or Furnace: Which Is Best for Heating?

January 8th, 2015

If you’re looking for a new central heating system in Florida, there are generally two options for you to choose from: heat pumps and furnaces. A heat pump is a heating and air conditioning system that uses refrigerant to operate. Furnaces are the most common heating systems found in homes in the U.S. When you’re choosing a new system for heating in St. Augustine, FL, it’s best to speak with a professional first. But here at Climate Masters, we’ve put together this guide as a starting point to choosing the best solution for you.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are praised for their efficiency in both heating and cooling applications. This is because less energy is required to move heat around than to generate it, and a heat pump uses refrigerant to pump heat from place to place. The technology used for this process is the same used in air conditioners, with refrigerant removing heat from the home and dispersing it outdoors. But with a heat pump, the flow of refrigerant can reverse, removing heat from the outside air and bringing it indoors.

Many people recommend heat pumps for home heating in Florida. This is because it seems unnecessary in some cases to have a separate heating and air conditioning system when you can combine these units into one. Furthermore, heat pumps are known to save homeowners money as the years go on.

Furnaces

But a furnace is still a great choice for heating installation as well. This is especially true if you don’t actually need a new air conditioner just yet and if you’ve already owned a furnace in the past. First of all, furnaces are less expensive that heat pumps in most cases. This is an important consideration for homeowners who are worried about the cost of an unexpected heating breakdown. And today’s furnaces are more efficient than ever before. The government requires that furnaces sold in the United States meet certain requirements, including having an AFUE of 80% or greater. The AFUE of your new furnace, short for annual fuel utilization efficiency, may even be well over 90%, whereas furnaces built decades ago had an AFUE closer to 50%, using a lot of energy to heat even a small space.

Still not sure which type of unit is best for your home? Call the heating experts at Climate Masters to find out more information about possibilities for your heating in St. Augustine, FL.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Heat Pump or Furnace: Which Is Best for Heating?

Why Is My Heat Pump Stuck in Cooling Mode?

January 5th, 2015

You press the “heat” button on your dual-mode thermostat only to feel cool air come from your heat pump. While we may not be as cold as other parts of the country, our nights are getting chilly, and no one wants to add to that chilly air with more chilly air. Why is your heat pump stuck in the cooling mode? Because something has happened with the reversing valve, and you’ll need to call for heat pump repair in St. Augustine.

What Is the Reversing Valve?

The reversing valve is a component that allows your heat pump to change from heating to cooling and back again by changing the directional flow of the system’s refrigerant. The reversing valve is a medium-sized metal tube with four nozzles – three on the bottom and one on top. There is also a small electronic component on top of the pump called a solenoid. This component helps push the sliding mechanism inside the reversing valve from side to side as needed so that the refrigerant flow can change direction.

A “Stuck” Reversing Valve

The reversing valve is a complex component, and sometimes it can get stuck, either in a mode or in between modes. There a few reasons why a reversing valve can become stuck:

  • A bad solenoid
  • A refrigerant leak
  • A problem with the dual-mode thermostat
  • An issue with the sliding mechanism

The main reason for a solenoid to malfunction is because one or both of the wires in the component fray or become corroded; the good news is that a solenoid can be replaced. But should a refrigerant leak develop within the valve, the valve will need to be replaced. Thermostats can also suffer from frayed and corroded wiring, and they can also malfunction due to too much dust or dirt on the instrumentation. In a worst-case scenario, the thermostat can also be replaced. Lastly, should the sliding mechanism malfunction, there is no way to repair it and the valve will need to be replaced.

If your heat pump is stuck in any way, call for heat pump repair in St. Augustine. The trained experts at Climate Masters can help with any issue you may have, so call us today!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heat Pumps | Comments Off on Why Is My Heat Pump Stuck in Cooling Mode?

12 Grapes for 12 Months: An Unusual New Year’s Tradition

January 1st, 2015

Across the world, many cultures have specific traditions to celebrate the transition from the old year to the new. In the U.S. and Canada, we associate New Year’s with the ball in Times Square, kissing at the stroke of midnight, resolutions, and singing “Old Lang Syne.” But for many Spanish-speaking countries, one of the key traditions has to do with eating grapes as fast as possible.

The “twelve grapes” tradition comes from Spain, where it is called las doce uvas de la suerte (“The Twelve Lucky Grapes”). To ensure good luck for the next year, people eat one green grape for each of the upcoming twelve months. However, you cannot just eat the grapes during the first day of the new year any time you feel like it. You must eat the twelve grapes starting at the first stroke of midnight on Nochevieja (“Old Night,” New Year’s Eve) as one year changes to another. And you have to keep eating: with each toll of midnight, you must eat another grape, giving you about twelve seconds to consume all of them. If you can finish all dozen grapes—you can’t still be chewing on them!—before the last bell toll fades, you will have a luck-filled new year.

Where did this tradition come from? No one is certain, although it appears to be more than a century old. One story about the Twelve Lucky Grapes is that a large crop of grapes in 1909 in Alicante, Spain led to the growers seeking out a creative way to eliminate their surplus. But recent research through old newspapers shows that perhaps the tradition goes back almost thirty years earlier to the 1880s, where eating grapes was meant to mock the upper classes who were imitating the French tradition of dining on grapes and drinking champagne on New Year’s Eve.

It can be difficult to consume grapes this fast, and the lucky grapes of New Year’s Eve have seeds in them, making the job even trickier. (Seedless grapes are not common in Spain the way they are over here.) For people to manage eating all the grapes before the last stroke of midnight requires swallowing the seeds as well and only taking a single bite of each grape.

Oh, there is one more twist to the tradition: you have to be wearing red undergarments, and they have to be given to you as a gift. The origins of this part of the tradition are even more mysterious, and it’s anybody’s guess why this started.

Whether you go for the grape challenge or find another way to ring in New Year’s, all of us at Climate Masters hope you have a great start to the year and a fruitful 2015.

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on 12 Grapes for 12 Months: An Unusual New Year’s Tradition

The Composition of Snowflakes: Are No Two Alike?

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!

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on The Composition of Snowflakes: Are No Two Alike?

Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Appliances Extended!

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!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Tax Credits & Rebates | Comments Off on Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Appliances Extended!

Problems Caused by Damaged Ductwork

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Problems Caused by Damaged Ductwork

How Does Hybrid Heating Work?

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on How Does Hybrid Heating Work?

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown before Scheduling Heating Repair

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Don’t Wait for a Breakdown before Scheduling Heating Repair

10 Facts You Should Know about Thanksgiving

November 27th, 2014

Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official holiday in the United States for over 150 years, so you may think you understand all there is to know about this family feast. Most of us have heard the story of the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 after arriving in North America on the Mayflower. But did you know that only about half of the people on this ship were actually pilgrims? This fact is one of ten things that may actually surprise you about the Thanksgiving tradition!

  1. Although we often consider Thanksgiving a holiday unique to the United States, many other countries and cultures celebrate their own set of harvest-time and thanksgiving traditions. In Korea, Chu-Sok (or “fall evening”) is put on in remembrance of forefathers on August 15th of every year. Brazil celebrates a contemporary version of the U.S. holiday. Chinese, Roman, and Jewish cultures all have a history of harvest celebrations as well.
  2. President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of a ceremony held before Thanksgiving during which the president receives a turkey. George H.W. Bush was the first to pardon the turkey instead of eating it.
  3. In Minnesota alone, farmers raise over 40 million turkeys a year. In fact, U.S. farmers produce about one turkey for every one person in the country.
  4. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American will gain about one to two pounds every year during the holiday season.
  5. On the other hand, turkey is naturally high in protein and has been known to support and boost immune systems to protect against illness and speed up healing. So feast on!
  6. Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation” in 1863, but a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale can be credited with the idea. While Thanksgiving had been celebrated at different times of year in many areas of the U.S. for years, it was Hale, prominent magazine editor and author of the rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” who urged Lincoln to finally establish the national event.
  7. President Franklin D Roosevelt once tried to change the date of Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of the month in order to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy.
  8. Only about half of the people on the Mayflower were what we would consider today as “Pilgrims.” The other (approximately) 50 people were simply trying to find a way over to the New World.
  9. Gobble, gobble! Click, click? While male turkeys make a gobbling noise, females (hens) do not; it’s often described as a clicking.
  10. Even though we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, the month of June has been declared National Turkey Lovers’ Month by the National Turkey Federation so you can continue the celebration in the summer as well!

From our family here at Climate Masters, we’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on 10 Facts You Should Know about Thanksgiving

Why Doesn’t My Pool Heater Provide Enough Heat?

November 17th, 2014

Pool heaters are one of the best parts of having a pool in the first place. After all, a body of water as large as a swimming pool takes a very long time to heat up on its own, and is completely dependent on the day’s current climate. You spent all that money for a pool, so you probably want to use it whenever you feel like it, not just when it’s a hot day out. As such, it’s really horrible to jump into your pool expecting it to be heated, only to find that it’s absolutely freezing. Let’s examine what might be causing your pool heater to malfunction, so you can see about getting fixed as soon as possible.

Thermostat

As with almost every heating problem, the very first thing you want to do is check the thermostat. It may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many heating problems can be solved through simple thermostat adjustment. If everything is set correctly but still isn’t working, you may also have a malfunctioning thermostat.

Pump Blockage

In order for your pool heater to actually heat the water, it needs to pump it through the system and back out into the pool. Debris can often block the intake for the heater pump, restricting the water flow and reducing the amount of water it can heat. Be sure to check your pump intake and clear out anything that may be obstructing it.

Pilot Light

Just like most heating systems, a lot of pool heaters are gas-powered. This means they have a pilot light, and it can blow out just as easily as any home heating pilot light. Check to make sure that your pilot light is lit, if you have one. If it isn’t, you can either relight it yourself (if you know how) or have a professional do it for you. If you’ve relit your pilot light several times and it keeps blowing out, you may have some more serious issues.

If you’re having problems with your pool heater, contact Climate Masters. We conduct pool heater repairs throughout St. Augustine.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Pool Heaters | Comments Off on Why Doesn’t My Pool Heater Provide Enough Heat?