Modern air conditioning systems are complicated machines that require a balance of components working in peak condition: the compressor, fans, coils, capacitors, motors, etc. All of these parts play vital roles in providing a home with cool temperatures. If one of the parts starts to fail, it can mean a drastic drop in efficiency and effectiveness.
Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category
Air Conditioning Question: What Does Refrigerant Do?
Monday, May 4th, 2015Spring Is the Right Time for Air Conditioning Installation
Friday, April 10th, 2015Spring is the season when homeowners should schedule professional maintenance for their air conditioning systems to make sure they are ready to handle the summer weather. It is also the ideal time for homeowners to install new air conditioners if their current ones have doubtful futures.
If you are considering replacing the aging air conditioning system in your home, now is an excellent time to have the work done—even if your current AC is still performing at an “adequate” level. You can contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to arrange for regular maintenance that will help you decide if it is time for new air conditioning installation in Fresno, CA. We will help you pick the best model to suit your cooling needs and have it installed quickly. You will then be ready to take on whatever temperatures the summer might send your way.
One of the reasons that it is a wise idea to arrange for air conditioning installation during the spring is that scheduling the work is easier. Spring is a slower time of the year for HVAC professionals: they are not busy with winter heating system repairs or responding to calls for summer air conditioning emergencies. Technicians spend this season helping homeowners get ready for the summer heat with maintenance services and new installations. When you arrange for a new air conditioning installation during the spring, you should have few problems scheduling a time that is convenient both for you and your contractor.
Spring installation will also see that your house is ready ahead of the worst heat waves. Delaying with putting in a new air conditioner only increases the chances that your current system will have to turn on to cope with a hot day—only to finally break down. It is better to play it safe and have the ailing AC replaced before the arrival of summer. Your new air conditioner’s superior energy efficiency will also see that you start saving money right away.
For new air conditioning installation in Fresno, CA, trust to the company that has served the Central Valley since 1952: Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.
Some Air Conditioning System Warnings Signs to Watch for in the Spring
Monday, April 6th, 2015Spring is the season when you should arrange for professional air conditioning maintenance. This service will see that your home’s AC is cleaned, tuned-up, and any potential malfunctions caught before they become serious problems. Annual spring maintenance is the best way to protect your home comfort through the summer.
But even with the best maintenance possible for your air conditioning system, you must pay special attention to warning signs from it during these early spring days. Odd behavior can point to developing faults that may lead to an inefficient cooling system or even repairs down the road. If you notice any of the following from your air conditioner while it is running during the spring, give the professional service technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning a call right away. Our expert team is ready 7 days a week to look into any problem with your air conditioning system.
- Out of the ordinary noises: You probably have a good idea of the sounds that your air conditioner makes while it’s running normally. When something that doesn’t sound right interrupts this regular series of sounds—such as mechanical grinding, hissing, or clicking noises—it probably means something is wrong with the AC that needs attention.
- Ice on the indoor coils: Although ice may seem like something normal for a system that sends out cold air, it isn’t. If the indoor coils of your AC begin to develop frost, one of a number of problems is affecting the system, and all of them are serious. Get service technicians on the job right away for repairs.
- Odd smells from the vents: If you notice acrid, musty, or moldy scents coming from the air vents, don’t hesitate to contact HVAC professionals to look into it. This could indicate a motor that is overheating, or it may point toward ductwork damage that will require repair work from ventilation specialists.
It’s crucial that you never ignore unusual behavior from your air conditioning system. These aren’t “quirks”: they are the way that your AC warns you it requires the service of professionals.
Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for the AC services you need to prepare for the coming hot season in Fresno, CA and throughout the Central Valley. Quality is the cornerstone of our success, and has been for over 60 years.
Ways Faulty Ductwork Can Affect Air Conditioning
Friday, September 19th, 2014Not all the trouble that can plague an air conditioning system comes from inside the AC cabinets. Often, a faulty thermostat can cause a cooling system to work incorrectly. Another common source of air conditioner problems are faults in the ductwork connected to it, such as air leaks and breaks.
It is often difficult to tell the source of a malfunction in an AC if you are not a trained technician. Don’t attempt to guess at what has gone wrong when your air conditioner starts to lose its cooling ability, generate strange noises, or show other signs of working incorrectly. Call on HVAC experts to look into the problem, locate the source, and fix it.
Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has served the Central Valley since 1952. If your air conditioning system is suffering from problems due to faulty ductwork, you can trust to our team to handle the necessary repairs and duct sealing to restore your cooling.
How Faulty Ductwork Impairs an Air Conditioning System
Well-designed ventilation systems are airtight. This prevents loss of air pressure as the conditioned air from the AC moves toward the vents. Even a small leak along the ductwork can cause a drop in air pressure that will lower the airflow from the vents and lead to a loss of cooling in the rooms.
As an air conditioner loses air pressure because of faulty ducts, it will also start to work harder in order to maintain its target temperature. This places extra strain on the system, which increases the chances of it malfunctioning. The increased stress level on the mechanical components will also make the air conditioning system age faster and possibly need premature replacement.
Breaks along ducts often permit outside contaminants into the ventilation system, and subsequently into the AC. Even if this extra dust and dirt gets caught in the system’s air filter, the filter will rapidly clog up to the point that it will cause a large increase in the strain on the air conditioner. Clogged filters may also lead to ice developing along the indoor evaporator coil.
Call Us for Ductwork Sealing
When you suspect that your air conditioning system is suffering due to leaks in the ductwork, contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to schedule AC service in Fresno, CA. All of our technicians are NATE and EPA-certified, and they are on call 7 days a week for your convenience.
How to Get Your HVAC System Ready For Colder Weather
Friday, September 12th, 2014It may seem early to talk about readying your HVAC system for fall and winter, especially when your air conditioning may still be running, but in a few short weeks our temperatures will be significantly cooler. Preparing your HVAC system for winter now can get you ahead of potential problems without disrupting your household. Since 1952, Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has helped multiple customers prep their HVAC systems for the coming season, and we can help you, too.
Suggestion 1: Make Needed Repairs
Did you glide into this year’s cooling season without making needed repairs to your heating, or are you ignoring a current repair need for your AC? Such problems rarely go away, and they usually tend to get worse. Take advantage of the upcoming comfortable fall weather and get these issues inspected and repaired.
Suggestion 2: Schedule Maintenance
The two best times of year to schedule maintenance are spring and fall, because you can get ahead of the coming season. Maintenance helps prevent repairs, increases energy efficiency and helps extend the life of your HVAC unit. Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning includes the following in HVAC maintenance appointment:
- Check and clean indoor air filter
- Check contactor for wear
- Check capacitor
- Check time delay
- Check & clean outdoor condenser coil
- Inspect indoor evaporator coil
- Inspect evaporator metering device
- Check compressor start & run amp draw
- Check for proper line & low voltage at A/C
- Check all line voltage electrical connections
- Check condenser fan motor running amperage
- Check and oil outdoor fan motor if applicable
- Check suction and liquid line temperature
- Verify proper refrigerant charge
- Verify indoor & outdoor temperatures
- Check A/C temperature split
- Inspect indoor blower
- Check & clean condensate pan & flush condensate line
- Check indoor thermostat for proper operation
- Explain any repairs that may be needed
Suggestion 3: Have Your Air Filter Changed
Clogged air filters can cause issues with air flow that can affect your whole system. By changing out the air filter in your HVAC system, you can easily prevent such issues.
Your air conditioning may have a few weeks left to work, but the cool air is coming. Get ahead of the season and get your system ready for colder weather by scheduling your HVAC maintenance or repair in Fresno with Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning.
Benefits of a Packaged Unit
Friday, September 5th, 2014If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, there are many efficient options available, and a technician can help you find the right choice for you depending on your home and lifestyle. Here at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we want to help you learn about the different types of air conditioning systems so you can decide which one is right for your home. In this guide, we will discuss the benefits of packaged air conditioning systems, an alternative to the traditional split-system air conditioner.
There are two types of HVAC systems that are currently used. Split systems have components separated with the condensing unit outside the home and the furnace and evaporative coil inside the home, attic, or possibly the garage. A packaged unit has all the components packaged together, and it is typically mounted outside on the roof or on the ground.
Space
While split-system air conditioners are the most common systems found in homes, some unique home designs do not have the space for installation of an indoor unit. In this case, a packaged unit is often the best option. Because your packaged unit will be connected directly to the ductwork of your home, there is no need for indoor installation. Furthermore, the cabinet may be located on the rooftop, saving space outdoors as well.
Accessibility
Because all of the parts of the system are located in a single cabinet, packaged systems are easily accessible. If you need repairs or if you schedule maintenance, a technician can access your system without moving back and forth between units, as every part is in one location. And because a packaged unit is often located on the rooftop, the technician stays out of your way, so your daily life can continue as usual while you wait for repairs or maintenance to be completed.
Packaged units are just one of the options for air conditioning in Fresno available from Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Call us today to talk to an expert about the best option for your home.
3 Common Problems with the Condenser Unit
Friday, August 22nd, 2014Recurrent repair needs are a strong sign that it may be time to consider a new air conditioning installation. Sometimes various problems can occur, or you may deal with one part of your system breaking over and over again. Today we’re going to discuss common problems with your condenser unit and how they can affect your system. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has trained experts for both repair and installation, so if it’s time to repair or replace, call the technicians you can trust.
What Is the Condenser Unit?
The condenser unit resides in the outdoor cabinet of your air conditioning system. The condenser is comprised of the condenser coils and condenser fan. The main job of the condenser unit is to release the heat from the refrigerant after it’s pressurized in the compressor. The condenser is the middle part of the refrigerant cycle, and when there are problems with the condenser, it can cause system-wide imbalances.
Common Problems with Condenser Unit
There are several common problems that can occur with condenser units:
Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant passes through the narrow tubing of the condenser coils, releasing heat as it makes its way toward the indoor evaporator coils. Leaks can develop in the coils, throwing off the delicate balance of the refrigerant. The refrigerant facilitates the transfer of heat in your system, so if the level is reduced due to a leak, the entire heat release/cooling process can malfunction. Problems that can occur from low refrigerant are warm air blowing, icing and compressor issues. Leaks need to be repaired in order to restore proper functioning.
Dirty Coils
It is natural for the condenser coils to attract dust and dirt. However, if the dust and dirt aren’t cleaned from the coils at least once a year, these particles can develop a layer that will act as insulation on the coils. This inhibits the heat release of the refrigerant, and can create problems with the entire cooling process in your system.
Condenser Fan Issues
The fan on your outside unit is known as the condenser fan. This fan helps remove the heat released from the condenser coils and blows it outside; it also helps with airflow. Different problems can emerge with a fan, such as a worn fan belt, motor issues and problems with wiring. All can affect how a fan operates, which can have a direct effect on the heat release process.
If you see recurring problems with your condenser unit, it may be time to consider a new air conditioning system. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today and schedule an air conditioning installation in Fresno with one of our installation experts.
How Do Heat Pumps Cool?
Friday, August 15th, 2014Although the word “heat” is included in the term “heat pump,” this high-performance system does more than keep people warm. While these systems can move heat into a home, they can also move heat outside, allowing cool air to blow into a house through the vents. Heat pumps are actually very effective cooling systems because they work exactly like standard air conditioners, but with one key difference: the reversing valve that allows for dual functions.
Much like any other air conditioning system, a heat pump cools a home using a chemical blend called refrigerant. The system is only called a heat pump because it pumps heat into your home during the heating season and pumps heat out of your home in the cooling season. Refrigerant is responsible for the thermodynamic process that allows for this heat exchange to occur.
When you turn on your heat pump during the cooling season, refrigerant first leaves the compressor as a high-pressure gas and makes its way to the condenser. Here, heat releases into the outdoor air during the condensation process that changes the refrigerant into a liquid. The expansion valve allows the pressure of the liquid to drop. Finally, it flows to the evaporator coil, where the liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gas and absorbs heat in the process. An indoor fan then blows cool air into your home.
The reversing valve is the part that differentiates the heat pump from a standard central air conditioner. When you switch the thermostat to heating mode, refrigerant actually flows in the opposite direction, a process unavailable with most central air conditioning systems. When the thermostat engages the reversing valve, refrigerant flows in the opposite direction. When this happens, refrigerant pulls heat from the outside air and moves the heat indoors.
Heat pumps can be very efficient systems for both heating and cooling. Many heat pumps have high SEERs (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios), and a high HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). These rating systems give an indication of a system’s average energy use, so you can save money selecting a more efficient system. If you want help selecting energy-efficient heat pumps in Madera, call the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!
Air Conditioning Upgrades That Help with Energy Efficiency
Thursday, July 31st, 2014Achieving better energy efficiency in your home is one of the best ways to alleviate high utility bills and reduce the strain on your household appliances. Since a large amount of your electrical budget during the summer goes toward operating your air conditioning system, it is important to focus on ways that you can maximize its efficiency.
One way to increase the energy efficiency of your air conditioning is to invest in upgrades that will make the system draw less power but without sacrificing your comfort.
Here are a few suggestions from Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for upgrades that can lower the energy your air conditioner uses while working its best to keep you cool.
An Upgraded Thermostat
Thermostats have a larger effect on AC efficiency than you probably realize. Older manual thermostat models are often imprecise and inaccurate, that means you will often set them to energy-draining temperatures without realizing it. The current crop of digital programmable thermostats not only increase precision, but they allow you to control the AC when you are not at home. You no longer have to waste power running the air conditioner all day so you can come home in the afternoon to a cool house: instead, you program the AC to turn on a half-hour before you come back.
A Replacement Condensing Unit
If your AC seems to be losing more and more efficiency with the years, you can have the outdoor condensing unit replaced with a new one, instead of replacing the entire air conditioning system. The new condenser will restore the efficiency of the system, and may even make it better than before.
Install a Zone Control System
This upgrade is done to your ventilation system. Technicians fit dampers inside the ductwork that control the flow of air to different parts (“zones”) of the house, and then connect the dampers to individual thermostats. This allows you to shut off cooling to parts of the house that do not require it, such as empty guest rooms. With zone control, you no longer have to expend power cooling down the whole home when only a few locations need it.
Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning and talk to one of our NATE-certified and EPA-certified technicians for more ideas on how you can increase the energy savings from your AC. We have served Fresno with air conditioning services since 1952, and we can help you get the most from cooling system.
Can I Do Maintenance During the Summer?
Friday, July 25th, 2014Many homeowners seek air conditioning maintenance at some time around the beginning of spring. Air conditioning maintenance is a valuable service that can improve the performance, efficiency and overall well-being of your air conditioning system. This makes spring seem like the ideal time to schedule service as you can protect your AC for the rest of the cooling season.
However, summer can also be the perfect time to call for air conditioning maintenance. In the summertime in Fresno, your air conditioner is at a high risk of sudden failure, which may be prevented with a maintenance visit. There’s still plenty of time left in the season, so here are a few of the reasons you should schedule air conditioning maintenance today!
Reduce the Chances of Future Repairs
During the summer, your air conditioner runs for long periods of time and works very hard to keep you cool. This may mean, however, that your system begins to develop wear and tear which may seriously damage your system. If your air conditioner receives regular maintenance, you may be able to catch repair needs early on to prevent further damage to your system. During maintenance, a technician performs a full inspection of your AC. If any damaged part of your air conditioning system threatens its well-being, your technician will let you know so that you can schedule repairs early on.
Improve Performance
Air conditioning maintenance also improves the performance of your air conditioner. Low refrigerant levels, dirty parts, or a frozen evaporator coil may all affect the cooling ability of your air conditioner. With maintenance, a technician checks refrigerant levels and cleans the coils so that your AC will continue to cool your home as it should.
Restore Efficiency
When your AC has to work harder due to dirt and debris, a frozen coil, low refrigerant levels, or damage to the system, efficiency often suffers. Air conditioners that receive regular maintenance often maintain a high percentage of efficiency over time, so your bills are likely to be lower than they were before maintenance.
To schedule certified maintenance for your air conditioning in Fresno, call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!