Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

When New Year’s Day Was Not on January 1st

January 1st, 2015

Some holidays fall on shifting calendar days for every year, such as Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) and Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon to occur on or after March 21). Other holidays, such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween, are fixed. No holiday has a more solid calendar date attached to it than New Year’s Day. It has to fall on January 1st because it celebrates the first day of a new year. That only makes sense…

…except that, like most things that at first appear obvious, there is a bit more to the story. The beginning of the year was not always on the first of January. As with an enormous numbers of traditions in the Western World, the establishment of January 1st as the inaugural day of a new year goes back to the ancient Romans.

The modern solar calendar is derived from the Roman model, but the earliest Roman calendars did not have 365 days in a year spread over 12 months. Instead, there were 304 days spread over 10 months. The Romans believed this calendar originated with the mythical founder of the city, Romulus. If Romulus were a real person, we can credit him with a poor understanding of the seasons, as this abbreviated calendar soon got out of sync with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Numa, one of the Kings of Rome (probably also fictional) receives credit for creating a longer year with two added months, Ianuarius and Februarius, bringing the number of days in the year to 355. The new month of Ianuarius, named after Ianus (Janus in contemporary spelling), the god of beginnings, would eventually be known in English as January. But when this new calendar was instituted, January was not the first month. March, named after the god of war, remained the first month, and March 1st was New Year’s Day.

This extended calendar still did not keep in synch with the seasons. In 45 BCE, Julius Caesar instituted reforms to align the calendar correctly according to calculations of astronomers, with an additional 10 days distributed across the year. January also became set as the first month, and offerings to the god Janus on this day started the tradition we now know as New Year’s. The date still fluctuated during the ensuing centuries, with a number of Western European holy days treated as the beginning of the year instead. It wasn’t until the next calendar reform in 1582, the Gregorian Calendar, that the date of the New Year was fixed at January 1st.

However you choose to celebrate the beginning of the current calendar, everyone here at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning hopes you have a wonderful 2015!

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Why Do We Hang Up Mistletoe?

December 25th, 2014

Of course, you probably know part of the answer to this question already. You hang up mistletoe so that the people standing underneath can share a romantic holiday kiss! But what you may not realize is that the origin of this longstanding ritual predates many of the other holiday traditions we celebrate today. Why would a plant that has many poisonous varieties (most types sold for use in the home have few negative effects, but you can wrap it in netting to prevent children from consuming any fallen berries or leaves) be used as a symbol of holiday affection?

There are a couple of ways to explain the positive associations of (potentially hazardous) mistletoe. For one, this semi-parasitic plant has long been hailed as a treatment for illnesses and pain. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to cure cramps, epilepsy, and more. Even today, mistletoe extracts are one of the leading alternative medicines studied for their effectiveness in killing cancer cells. And because the early Celtic Druids saw it as a sign of healing and life, they may be the first to bestow upon the plant its romantic associations, deeming it worthy of treating the infertile.

But it is Norse mythology that is likely responsible for a majority of the modern traditions associated with this small hanging bunch. One of the powerful Norse god Odin’s sons, named Baldur, was said to be invincible due to an oath his mother took to protect him from harm. But Loki, a god who often set out to make trouble for the gods, set out to find the one thing that could do some damage, and eventually discovered that Baldur’s mother Frigg had never included mistletoe in her invincibility oath. When mistletoe was finally responsible for her son’s demise, the grieving Frigg vowed that the plant would never again be used to hurt another living thing, and that she would plant a peaceful kiss upon anyone who walked underneath it.

And that is one of the reasons that, today, kissing under the mistletoe is viewed as a source of good luck. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe holiday season, and we hope that you and your family are full of joy and good fortune—mistletoe or not! Happy holidays from Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning!

 

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3 Common Signs that It’s Time to Schedule Furnace Repair

December 18th, 2014

Have you noticed anything unusual with your furnace lately? Oftentimes, homeowners sense something strange with the furnace, but they still don’t suspect their system is in trouble. This means they’ll end up waiting to schedule repairs until later on assuming that there is no risk for their unit at the present time. But many of these same people end up discovering this is not true in the most jarring way—when a sudden heating breakdown occurs.

When you notice any type of problem with your unit, small or large, it’s time to call for heating repair. A furnace problem is indicative of a single part or many parts that are wearing down, and when this happens all of the other parts have to work a little bit harder to keep up. This means that the other parts could become worn down as well until a component failure causes your entire unit to stop working. Look for the following warning signs and call a technician at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning for heating repair in Woodland Park.

  • Low Heating Capability: If you feel some heat, but the unit never quite seems to reach the temperature you desire, you may think that heating repair can wait. But this means that something in the unit is not quite right, and an eventual failure is unfortunately inevitable.
  • Unusual Noises: Strange noises are indicative of a number of problems, from a faulty electrical control (often a buzzing noise) to a gas buildup in the furnace (a banging noise which can be very dangerous).
  • Short Cycling: “Short cycling” is a term used to describe a heating system that starts up only to shut down shortly afterwards. If your system is short cycling, it could be for number of reasons. You may simply have a faulty blower motor or a malfunctioning thermostat. Or your flue gases are not venting properly, causing the safety control to shut off the unit after running for only a short time.

Don’t delay! Contact Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service with quality technicians heating repair in Woodland Park today!

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When Is an Energy Recovery Ventilator Necessary?

December 11th, 2014

You know that your heater or air conditioner will have to work much harder if you open up the windows for a bit of fresh air. Unfortunately, we keep our homes sealed up tight to prevent our air conditioners and heaters from consuming too much energy. If your HVAC system runs for too long, your bills will skyrocket and the parts may wear down far too quickly. While this may help us to save quite a bit of money, it can have consequences to our health and comfort.

Most home comfort systems circulate the air from inside the house in order to consume as little energy as possible. While this is useful in preventing your air conditioner from becoming overworked, poor ventilation is responsible for many indoor air quality problems. Improper ventilation results in stale air and a general feeling of discomfort, but can also allow for a lot of pollutants to remain in the home.

An energy recovery ventilator is necessary whenever improper ventilation allows for less-than-satisfactory conditions in your household. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) brings in fresh air from the outside and pre-heats or pre-cools it so that it is conditioned for your home. The stale indoor air is simultaneously vented to the outside. And don’t worry; the outside air will go through the same filtration process as the indoor air that circulates through the home, and will ultimately be cleaner to breathe in than the air that recycles through the house. Besides, the sealed heat exchanger allows for very little heat to escape, meaning you won’t notice an impact on your bills.

An ERV is also useful when you have a problem with humidity in the home. High humidity levels can allow moisture to buildup in the home, ruining furniture, walls, and structural components, and allowing for a dangerous buildup of mold and mildew. Although it is not technically a dehumidifier, an ERV will transfer moisture from the indoor air to the outdoors to keep the home feeling more comfortable and preventing the possibility of structural damage.

You might choose an energy recovery ventilator when you notice conditions in the home have become uncomfortable. But ultimately, you should ask a trained technician whether this type of unit is right for you.

Contact Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about installing energy recovery ventilators and to gain some control over your indoor air quality today.

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Gain Control over Your Home with Woodland Park Home Automation Services

December 4th, 2014

We’ve all been in this situation before: you leave the home and are halfway to the office, your kid’s school, or the grocery store before you remember you forgot to switch off (or turn on) an important electrical device. This may be an air conditioning or heating system, a security system, or just the lights, but in any case, there is little you can do to control the situation. You can call a friend or neighbor, but this isn’t always a reliable system, and seems a bit extreme if you’re just worried about saving a little bit of money on your energy bills.

But in today’s world, new advancements in technology allow you the ability to control your home even from very far away. At Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re proud to announce that we install, repair, and maintain home automation systems so that you can keep track of your electrical appliances and your home security no matter where you are.

What’s Included in Home Automation?

A home automation system works through an app installed on your smart phone or tablet, or by logging into your home automation system account on any computer with internet access. With this system, you can control a wide range of features of your electrical system. Turn off a light as soon as you realize you’ve forgotten. Shut off your heating and air conditioning system, as these are some of the biggest energy hogs in your home. Or, turn on the thermostat, delay the automatic settings, or raise and lower the temperature so that you’re greeted by a temperate, comfortable home as soon as you arrive.

Home automation can also help you to monitor your home security. Did you leave the garage door open when you left? Find out via the app, shut it immediately, and make sure your home security system is activated while you’re at it. If you have a technician install a compatible door lock, you can even lock or unlock the doors.

To get all of these features, you’ll have to install fixtures that are compatible with your home automation system, and only a trained technician has the skillset to do so.

Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning to find out how you can get home automation services in Woodland Park today.

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Will Thanksgiving Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

November 27th, 2014

We’ve all heard it before: you feel so sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal because of the main event: the turkey. For years, people have credited extraordinary levels of tryptophan in turkey as the reason we all feel the need to nap after the annual feast. But contrary to this popular mythology, tryptophan is probably not he largest responsible party for your post-meal exhaustion.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it’s something that our bodies need but do not produce naturally. Your body uses tryptophan to help make vitamin B3 and serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends chemicals to the brain to aid in sleep. But in order to get this essential amino acid, we have to eat foods that contain it.

Turkey has somewhat high levels of tryptophan, but so do many other foods, including eggs, peanuts, chocolate, nuts, bananas, and most other meats and dairy products. In fact, ounce-for-ounce cheddar cheese contains a greater amount of tryptophan than turkey. In order for tryptophan to make you feel sleepy, you would have to consume it in excessive amounts, and serotonin is usually only produced by tryptophan on an empty stomach.

The truth is, overeating is largely responsible for the “food coma” many people describe post-Thanksgiving. It takes a lot of energy for your body to process a large meal, and the average Thanksgiving plate contains about twice as many calories as is recommended for daily consumption. If anything, high levels of fat in the turkey cause sleepiness, as they require a lot of energy for your body to digest. Lots of carbohydrates, alcohol, and probably a bit of stress may also be some of the reasons it feels so satisfying to lay down on the couch after the meal and finally get a little bit of shut-eye.

If you feel the need to indulge in a heaping dose of tryptophan this year, go ahead! Turkey also contains healthy proteins and may even provide a boost for your immune system.

Here at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and contentment this year. Happy feasting!

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Commercial Heating Installation: A Job Best Left to the Professionals

November 17th, 2014

Replacing an older commercial heating system is a tough decision that takes a lot of careful consideration. You may have just begun to notice reduced heating capability or other problems with your business’s heating system. Or, maybe multiple repair needs in recent years have led to the decision to replace. But finding the right technician for the job can be a stressful situation when you’re not certain how to find someone you can trust.

When you finally make the choice to replace your older commercial heating system, be sure to call on specialists with experience in commercial units. This is simply the only way to ensure that the installation is done properly and that there are no safety hazards remaining after installation. Ask your technicians about their previous experience on large commercial units or search through their website to find out more information about the company. While it may seem as though any heating technician will be sufficient, only a select few know the ins and outs of large commercial units.

One of the foremost reasons to have your commercial heating system installed by a specialist is sizing. Commercial systems can be very difficult for the average technician to size, as there are a lot of factors that must go into the decision. Technicians make precise calculations based on the size of the business, the number of rooms, units, or offices, and the number of people in the building, as well as factors like insulation and the placement of windows. Whether or not you need zone control to vary the temperature throughout the building is also an important consideration that a residential technician may not be prepared for. If your heating system is too small, you won’t get enough heating power, while if it is too large, it will consume too much energy and may have a problem due to short cycling.

Another reason to only rely on trained and experienced technician is time constraints. For a busy commercial property, you want heat restored as soon as possible so that you can get back to work and keep your customers, clients, employees, and/or tenants happy and comfortable.

When you want installation completed quickly and thoroughly, choose the experts on commercial heating in Colorado Springs. Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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3 Common Reasons for Boiler Repair

November 10th, 2014

Boilers may operate in different ways than most other heating systems, and maintaining them requires specialized knowledge. Our team of boiler experts brings years of experience in boiler repair, maintenance, and installation, ensuring reliable and comprehensive solutions for both residential and industrial clients. We understand the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and prompt repairs to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance and inspections help identify issues early, including internal corrosion and safety hazards. We also offer to inspect your boiler as part of our services to ensure optimal performance and safety. Reliable boiler repair services are essential for maintaining comfort and safety in homes and businesses, especially during cold seasons when a functioning boiler is crucial for warmth and comfort. Regular maintenance helps maintain steady temperatures and lowers heating costs. As part of comprehensive HVAC solutions, we also address cooling needs to ensure year-round climate control.

They are still imperfect, however, and that results in their occasional need for repairs. Older boilers are more prone to frequent repairs and may eventually need to be replaced for improved efficiency and reliability. The cost of boiler repair and maintenance can vary depending on several factors, so understanding these costs is important for homeowners and businesses. Below, we’ll take a look at three of the most common reasons for boiler repair, and what can be done about it.

Introduction to Boiler Systems

A well-functioning boiler system is the backbone of efficient heating and hot water for both homes and businesses. These systems are made up of key components—including the boiler itself, a burner, and a series of controls—that work together to deliver reliable warmth and comfort throughout your property. Whether you rely on steam boilers, combi boilers, or hot water boilers, each boiler type offers unique advantages tailored to different heating needs and building requirements.

To keep your boiler system operating at its best, regular boiler maintenance is essential. Routine checks, cleaning, and timely repairs help prevent common boiler issues such as leaks, uneven heating, or loss of hot water. By investing in professional boiler repair services, homeowners and business owners can ensure their systems remain safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

When unexpected problems arise, having access to emergency boiler repairs is crucial. A reliable boiler service provider can deliver prompt assistance, minimizing downtime and restoring comfort quickly—especially during the coldest months. Whether you’re facing an emergency boiler breakdown or simply want to schedule routine maintenance, it’s important to contact experienced professionals who understand the complexities of modern boiler systems.

Understanding how your boiler system works and prioritizing regular maintenance not only helps prevent costly repairs but also improves energy efficiency and extends the life of your equipment. By partnering with trusted repair services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your heating system is in expert hands, ready to provide efficient and dependable service whenever you need it.

The Importance of Boiler Safety

Boiler safety is essential for ensuring your heating system operates reliably and efficiently throughout the year. A malfunctioning boiler can pose serious risks, including gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and even the potential for explosions. Technicians conduct initial safety checks for gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions before starting repairs. That’s why it’s critical for homeowners and businesses to make sure their boiler system is functioning correctly and receives regular boiler maintenance from professional boiler repair services.

Routine maintenance and annual inspections are key to preventing emergency repairs and keeping your boiler running at peak performance. As part of routine maintenance, inspecting and testing safety valves is crucial to ensure safe and efficient boiler operation. Professional service technicians can identify and address minor boiler issues—such as mineral buildup, pilot light issues, or pressure problems—before they escalate into costly emergency boiler repairs. Regular maintenance not only helps avoid uneven heating and strange noises but also improves energy efficiency, which can lower your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your boiler.

When your boiler starts acting up, having access to reliable boiler services for prompt emergency repairs is extremely helpful, especially during the cold winter months. Companies specializing in chicago boiler repair and emergency boiler services are equipped to handle urgent situations, restoring heat and hot water quickly to keep your home or business comfortable and safe.

If you’re considering a new boiler installation, it’s important to work with experienced technicians who understand the unique requirements of different boiler types, including steam boilers, combi boilers, and hot water systems. Only certified personnel should handle gas-powered boiler repairs to ensure compliance with safety codes. Professional installation ensures your new boiler is sized correctly, installed safely, and set up for maximum efficiency. Several factors—such as boiler size, combustion system, and internal components—must be considered to provide efficient and reliable heating.

Understanding your specific boiler type and its maintenance needs can help you spot potential problems early. Whether you have an older boiler or a modern unit, being proactive about repairs and maintenance is the best way to prevent leaks, corrosion, and other common issues. Reliable boiler services can also assist with burner repairs, thermostat adjustments, and warranty support to keep your system functioning correctly.

In summary, prioritizing boiler safety through regular maintenance, prompt service, and professional assistance is the best way to protect your investment and ensure customer satisfaction. Don’t wait for an emergency—contact your go-to partner for professional boiler repair services to schedule your annual maintenance and keep your heating system running efficiently all season long.

Kettling

Over time, minerals in the water can build up in the heat exchanger of your boiler. After a few years, these minerals can form deposits large enough to actually restrict or even block the flow of water through your boiler’s heat exchanger. This causes a massive buildup in pressure, as the water evaporates and expands inside the heat exchanger. Kettling is often associated with pressure issues in the boiler system. The result is a rumbling sound, called “kettling.” Other unusual noises indicating potential boiler issues include banging, whistling, gurgling, and grinding. If left alone, this condition can cause extreme damage to your boiler. If your boiler is making this kind of noise, turn it off and call a professional immediately.

Normal operating pressure for a boiler is typically between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold, and low or high pressure can indicate a problem. Low boiler pressure is indicated by a gauge reading below 1 bar, which often requires repressurizing due to leaks. Common signs a boiler needs repair include unusual noises, pressure issues, strange smells, leaks or drips, inconsistent or no heat or hot water, a yellow or extinguishing pilot light, low pressure, and higher energy bills. Inconsistent water temperature is another key indicator of boiler problems, as maintaining proper temperature is essential for system performance and safety. Strange noises from a boiler can indicate underlying issues that may eventually require replacement.

Leaks and drips around the boiler indicate corrosion, mold risk, and potential damage, requiring immediate attention. A yellow pilot light indicates inefficient combustion or a carbon monoxide risk. A sudden spike in energy bills without increased usage suggests the boiler is working harder and is less efficient.

Pilot Light Won’t Stay On

If your pilot light won’t stay on, chances are you have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple is a metal wire that acts as a sensor for the pilot light. When it senses the heat from the pilot light, it opens the gas valve to keep fueling the flame. A bad thermocouple has often lost the ability to sense the heat from the pilot light. As a result, the gas valve stays closed and smothers the flame.

Boiler Keeps Turning Off

If your boiler keeps turning itself off shortly after being turned on, it is likely that something in the system is triggering a safety measure. Usually, these measures trigger when the system is in danger of overheating or even exploding. Honestly, though, you’ll need an HVAC professional to determine the exact cause for you. The typical boiler repair process includes initial diagnostics, explanation of issues, component repairs or replacements, and safety testing. It is quite possible that your boiler is overheating or experiencing a pressure spike. It is equally possible, however, that a malfunctioning thermostat or blocked water line is the cause. Common boiler repairs can include cleaning components, replacing faulty parts, or recommending a full replacement for older boilers with frequent issues. Either way, it’s not something you should ignore.

If your boiler is old or has frequent issues, a technician may recommend replacement. After deciding to replace an old or faulty boiler, professional technicians will properly install the new unit to ensure safety and efficiency. Making informed decisions about boiler replacement involves considering the long-term plans for the property, and the decision to replace or repair a boiler impacts both functionality and budget.

If you are experiencing problems with your boiler, call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide boiler repair services throughout Fountain, CO.

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The Steps of a Professional Heating System Tune Up

November 3rd, 2014

Have you thought about the state of your heating system recently? Your heater works hard to keep you warm all winter long, which means parts may wear down and reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of your unit. You can prevent this from happening by scheduling a heating system tune-up from a skilled contractor every year. A heating system tune-up can help reduce your utility bills, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure that you need few repairs over the years. It can also improve the performance of your heating system. In this guide, we’ll go over the steps of professional heating maintenance so that you can feel confident that scheduling your next heating tune-up with an experienced technician is well worth the time.

Full Inspection

The first step of a heating system tune-up is a thorough inspection of all of the major and minor components. This includes starting the unit to check for proper ignition capabilities monitoring the flue draft and checking for any leaks, and measuring the voltage. Besides inspecting your issue for proper operation they will also look for any safety concerns. A cracked heat exchanger may leak carbon monoxide into the home, a health hazard you cannot afford to ignore. Technicians will check any safety controls as well and look for any signs of gas leaks.

Cleaning and Adjustment

Additionally, a heating system tune-up involves some cleaning and any adjustments that can be made on site. Technicians will lubricate all moving parts, adjust the thermostat if necessary, and tighten any electrical connections. Finally, they may also clean and adjust the burner assembly, blower components, ignition assembly, and may change or clean your furnace filter, although you should also change this yourself every 1-3 months.

At Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer a thorough precision tune-up annually or semi-annually for your heating system and air conditioner when you sign up for our Residential Energy Savings Agreement.

You’ll get a 15% discount on repairs and many other great benefits for your unit when you join. For a thorough heating system tune up in Fountain, CO, give us a call!

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Why It’s Good to Change Filters Regularly

October 27th, 2014

If you have a furnace in your home to provide winter warmth—and chances are high that you do; furnaces are the most common form of home heating system—one of its essential components is the air filter. The air filter is there to protect the inside components of the furnace cabinet from debris that can come in through the return vents. If your furnace shares the same cabinet with the air conditioning system, the same filter will work to protect both.

It’s important that you change the air filter on a regular basis (or clean it regularly if your furnace uses a permanent filter). During the winter, when the furnace will run frequently, you should change out the filter once a month. At other times of the year when the comfort system isn’t working as often, you should change it every two or three months. Doing this is an important part of keeping a furnace running efficiently and effectively, and it will help you avoid unnecessary repairs in the future.

You will still need to schedule annual maintenance for your furnace from professionals, however. Call Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, where we have more than 40 years servicing furnaces in Colorado Springs, CO.

The benefits of changing the furnace filter regularly

It only takes about a month of regular operation for a furnace filter to trap enough debris inside it that it will start reducing the airflow into the cabinet. This will become a serious problem for the furnace, because it will force it to work harder to circulate air. The strain will cause an increase in your heating bills, and it will also mean a reduction in the airflow from the vents. You will start to notice a drop in comfort as this happens, so you will end up paying more money to receive less comfort.

Worse, a clogged air filter can start allowing debris inside the furnace cabinet. Dust and dirt in a furnace will damage components such as the blower motor and spread grime over the burner or the pilot light, causing them to fail. If dust develops inside the furnace, the stress on the motors will eventually cause them to burn out and require replacement. In some extreme cases, a furnace filter can become so clogged that it actually collapses and falls into the furnace, causing a large amount of damage. We hope you never allow your furnace to reach this level of congestion!

Changing the furnace filter is one of the few maintenance tasks for your heater that you can do on your own. For the rest, you must contact technicians.

Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning offers a Residential Energy Savings Agreement for furnaces in Colorado Springs, CO that will give your heating system the tune-up and cleaning it needs.

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