Heating Help

Antarctica

@ August 27, 2009 5:33 PM in Off to Antartica!

So you're the new Frosty Boy.  You'll be everyone's favorite person, keeping the ice cream machine (Frosty Boy brand) going.  It freezes up a lot.  Last season I was in the same dept you're in as a furnace mechanic.  Surprisingly, using jet fuel doesn't make much difference over fuel oil.   I'll be back at McMurdo a month from now as an emergency communications person this time, and I'll look for you.

Antarctica

@ August 25, 2009 2:28 PM in Antarctica

Dan told me that someone recently posted that he is going to be working in Antarctica.  Does anyone know who and in what job?  I was there just a few months ago, and would like to connect.

@ April 29, 2009 11:08 PM in 24 volt transformers

I do know Day P&H! Sorry, you can't increase the voltage.

@ February 24, 2009 11:20 PM in Carrier Stat wiring help

guess I'd google carrier thermostats.

@ February 21, 2009 9:16 PM in Need Propane Hot Water Control Help

I can't be sure what your application is, but I'll take a guess based on how things usually are. Chances are that your gas valve already is a combination gas valve. Anyway, the valve doesn't control the temperature. It just controls whether or not there's gas available to make a flame. The temp controller is probably an aquastat. Unfortunately for what you have in mind, the temp range of an aquastat is often in the 15-20 degree range. You might need to find a plumber who knows controls to come up with a tighter temp controller.

heating bill

@ February 17, 2009 1:41 AM in programmable thermostats

I'm afraid I have never heard of a pressure troz in my 30 years in the heating biz. Suggest you post your question on the main part of "the wall" of this website and see what the guys say. Sorry. Sounds like a tough situation.

traveling

@ February 14, 2009 3:09 AM in programmable thermostats

Sorry about your question. I just got out of Antarctica and have been traveling in New Zealand and Australia--different place every day, and not often on internet. Post it again. If I don't catch it, email me at carol@carolfey.com.

email address

@ February 12, 2009 1:20 AM in Paging Carol Fey

My address is carol@carolfey.com. I "got off the ice" on Feb 4. I'd love to chat with your friend--has my admiration for doing Siple Dome. I'm In Nz right now, heading for Australia. Should have normal internet connection.

@ December 23, 2008 7:01 PM in Thermostat controlling one roon on a different floor?

Sure it's possible. Have him come back and fix it.

@ November 30, 2008 7:21 PM in two thermostatus, one zone?

It doesn't work very well. It's like having two light switches control one light bulb. If you wire them in series, both have to be turned on for the light to work. Turning one on does nothing. If you wire them in parallel, either can turn it on, even for the area that doesn't want it on.

@ November 20, 2008 2:22 PM in thermostat

I have no idea what an actuated programmable thermostat is. I think he made it up. The thermostat you have should be fine!

@ November 16, 2008 1:51 AM in burnham scg control problem

I would very carefully check the wiring again. Maybe even unwire completely and very deliberately connect each wire exactly as the wiring diagram shows.

@ November 10, 2008 10:36 PM in boiler zones

It's probably not a thermostat problem. It sounds like the thermostat isn't controlling the zone. Try to find out of the zone valve or the zone pump is stuck open. Or, is there another source of heat?

@ November 3, 2008 11:27 PM in heating in Antarctica

They closed down the nuclear.

@ November 3, 2008 11:26 PM in heating in Antarctica

Yes, lots of postcards.

@ November 3, 2008 11:25 PM in heating in Antarctica

Yes, we can check out skiis from the rec dept and take off on approved trails.

@ November 2, 2008 7:51 PM in heating in Antarctica

I was working on the ventilation in her dept just last week. It's 'way too hot in there! The building was designed in the '70's--before all that computer equipment that adds internal heat. I'll look for her.

@ November 2, 2008 7:49 PM in heating in Antarctica

The more economical way (about half the cost) to get fuel to the South Pole is what they call the South Pole Traverse. They put the fuel in large bladders and put those on sleds and pull them with bull dozer like equipment 1000 miles from McMurdo to South Pole. Takes many weeks to get there. Last year they built the road by filling in ice cravasses as they went. They expect this year to be easier.

@ November 2, 2008 7:03 PM in heating in Antarctica

M0st people love it here. I know several who have been here on and off for 20 years.

@ November 2, 2008 7:02 PM in heating in Antarctica

Your guesses are correct!

@ November 2, 2008 7:01 PM in heating in Antarctica

Yep. Internet is just like in the US. Maybe just a little slower at times.

@ November 2, 2008 7:00 PM in heating in Antarctica

We have three mechanics always on call. Luckily I don't know enough to be one of them! If a furnace goes out, they start working on it. No backups, though many of the buildings have more than one, and there are lots of portable heaters and generators.