Cold Wave
Cathy came out of the hallway and mentioned that the furnace was having a hard time keeping up with the cold. A setting which normally keeps the temperature in the house at about 68 degrees F was barely keeping it at 64. Then she pointed out an odd optical effect out the back window. Little sparkles were flickering against the backdrop of the rising sun. Its really cold this morning, as a quick check of Terry Healy’s site at BNL confirmed its about 4 degrees (not counting any wind chill).What could the little sparklies be? Something that isn’t burning completely in the oil furnace and freezing as it comes down? Perhaps water or oil? I haven’t bundled up yet to go out and investigate. I wonder how I could collect a sample? I tried to film it, and got a little digital mpg which looks a lot like really fine snow falling. Should I be worried about this?
I guess I should let you know that its a clear day. Here’s the current forecast (TODAY
SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 15. NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH. WIND
CHILL VALUES AS LOW AS 20 BELOW THIS MORNING.). You can only see the ice particles against the backdrop of the sun so its impossible to say if they are only visible in my own backyard.
Last night was even colder, going down to 1 dgree F. Thank goodness we replaced most of the old windows last year! I heard a disturbing police call on the scanner of a woman and an infant walking along Sunrise highway, thank goodness the police were reponding though.
Comment posted on 1-18-2004
Hey Nate,
I remember after my burner problems, reading a web page about a solvent that can be placed on a dip stick that will change color only if it comes in contact with water that maybe sitting on the surface of the oil. If water is discovered, it can easily be removed. Another possibility (A costly one) is a pin hole between the burner chamber and the hot water pipes that run through the burner. good luck!
Mike
Comment posted on 2-16-2004
What was that about Global Warming?
Comment posted on 2-16-2004
Geologically, I think we are in an \"interglacial\" period right now. Look for colder weather again in about 10,000 years.