At the top of the “amazing chemicals” list is one that makes life on Earth possible.
That chemical is none other than water with its familiar chemical makeup of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Water is unique in that it can exist as a gas, a liquid, and a solid at the same time as with melting snow in a misty rain. But the most amazing characteristic of water is that when it freezes, it forms rigid hexagonal crystals that take up slightly more space than do the flexible liquid bonds. The result is that ice is less dense than water and thus, it floats instead of sinking to the bottom. If ice sank, all bodies of water would freeze from the bottom up making aquatic life and eventually all life impossible. Water, in its gaseous form, is an important part of the air we breathe and is a big consideration with the design of HVAC systems. The relative humidity in a room affects the comfort of people almost as much as the temperature does. HVAC fans are influenced by the humidity level and water condensation on the cooling coils is an ongoing concern of any homeowner. In winter, the furnace plays a big role by providing the needed thermal energy to keep water pipes above the freezing point. If that did not happen, that “unique characteristic” of water expanding when it freezes could result in burst water pipes and a huge headache for the homeowner. The best way to prevent that is to keep your furnace in tip-top condition with a tune-up every year by a qualified HVAC technician before the cold winter months arrive.
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