Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What You Need to Know About Your Air Conditioning Installation

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

When it comes time to have a new air conditioning system installed there are a few considerations that you need to make. The Fresno air conditioning installation professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning have years of experience installing all different makes and models of AC units and we can help you pick out a new system that matches your home’s needs and your budget. We wanted to help our customers with their new AC system by putting together a few of the things that they should consider before getting an air conditioning installation.

Fresno Air Conditioning Installation

Whether you’re having a new air conditioning system installed in a new home or if it has come time to replace your current system, getting professional installation for your new AC unit is normally recommended. One of the most common causes of air conditioning problems is poor installation. There are a number of things that can go wrong with your new air conditioning system if you don’t get professional air conditioning installation in Fresno. These are a few of the things that you may want to think about before you decide which system to get for your home.

SEER rating – The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) describes how much cooling a unit produces and how much energy they use to do that. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system is. Typically, a SEER rating of 14 is required to receive Energy Star certification.
Cooling capacity – You want to make sure that your new air conditioning system is capable of providing enough cooling for your home. But you also don’t want to get one that is too large. Finding the right-sized system is one of the most important steps in the process and one that a professional contractor will help you with.
Type of system – When it comes to air conditioning systems, there are a variety of systems to choose from. Of course there is the standard central air conditioning system. But there are a couple other types that you may want to consider.
- Heat pumps – If you’re interested in a high-efficient and convenient system that provides both heating and cooling then a heat pumps is a great option. These types of systems are very durable and offer consistent heating and cooling.
- Ductless mini split systems – Ductless mini split air conditioning and heating systems are another high-efficiency type system. They allow homeowners to avoid the energy loss that is generally associated with ducts. They also provide zone control so that homeowners can control the temperature in different sections of their homes independently of each other.

No matter what kind of system you want, the Fresno air conditioning installation experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning can get the job done fast and with good quality.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Installation, Fresno
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Air Conditioning Repair: The Hazards of Dirt and Dust

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

With a high-quality air conditioner, teamed with a professional installation and routine maintenance, you can get a great performance from your home cooling system. Of course, there is no way to keep your air conditioning system completely problem free forever. Eventually you are going to have to schedule service with a professional Fresno air conditioning repair technician. When you do, call the pros at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Our team has the skill and training necessary to ensure that you are able to operate your air conditioning system with the consistency and quality that you deserve. Here is some information to consider about how even dirt and dust can impact the performance of your air conditioning system.

All homes have some amount of dirt, dust and other airborne pollutants within. If you live near a major roadway or construction sites you may have a higher concentration of such substances in your home. While dirt and dust may see like a minor annoyance of everyday life, it is actually possible for these pollutants to seriously damage your air conditioning system. That is why it is so important that you change the air filter in your air conditioning regularly.

Most homeowners do not realize that the air filter installed in their air conditioning system is not really intended to improve indoor air quality. Rather, it is there to protect your air conditioning equipment itself. If dirt and dust are allowed to build up within your air conditioner, it can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the system. If, for instance, dirt is allowed to build up on the coils of your air conditioning system, it can cause them to freeze over. Your comfort will suffer, as will the condition of your air conditioner.

If your air filter is too dirty, it can also make it difficult for your air conditioner to force air throughout the system. This increased airflow resistance can put extra strain on your AC, forcing it to work harder than it should have to in order to cool your home. This will cause it to work less efficiently, and eventually your AC may be damaged by the wear and tear caused by the extra work.

To learn more about the effects of dirt and dust on your air conditioning system, contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today. We have the answers to all your questions. When it comes to your Fresno air conditioning repair needs, you can always count on Purl’s.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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Spring & Summer HVAC tips to help you reduce your energy bills and save money

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

There are several ways to reduce energy bills, save money and avoid costly repairs. Here are 10 ways from Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to help you reduce your spring and summer cooling costs in Madera and Fresno, CA.

Schedule your air conditioning system to be serviced and ready for the summer season. This will ensure you are running at peak efficiency. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has a NATE certified and trained team of service technicians to help you get your air conditioning system ready for the HOT summer in Fresno, CA. When your cooling system does not have to work extra hard it will save you money. The best time to have your air conditioner serviced in Fresno, CA is before the hot temperatures become extreme.
Install a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy costs. Set your thermostat for your family’s home comfort level when you are home, and decrease temperatures in the when you away. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, raise the thermostat level in your home by several degree’s while you are away to cut energy consumption. New advances in technology offer Wi-Fi capable thermostats for additional cost savings. For a full line of energy saving thermostats, visit the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning in Madera, CA.
Change the air filters for your HVAC system regularly. A dirty air filter can increase energy consumption and damage your equipment leading to poor performance or early failure. Make sure your air filter is the sized properly for your system.
Keep the shades and window coverings closed to reduce radiant heat from the sun.
Consider sealing your cooling ducts in the attic. Sealing your duct work can improve air flow and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20 percent. Purl’s Sheet Metal specialists can test your duct work for airflow leakage and seal the duct work if needed.
Turn off electronic appliances when not in use. Use the dishwasher, washing machine & dryer in the evening and in “off” peak energy hours.
Plant trees or shrubs to shade the southern facing windows.
Keep the ducts and vents in the house open to assure good air flow.
Check the weather stripping around the windows, doors and attic. Seal any area’s where air may be leaking.
If you have older cooling equipment, (10 yrs. or older), you might consider replacing it with a new high efficiency cooling system. If your system is not keeping your home comfortable, contact our professional team at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to find out what new options are available. In Fresno CA, the hot weather can be extreme and last for months. Upgrading your home cooling equipment is a great way to cut your annual energy bills. In the summer months there are often great factory rebates and financing options available.

Tags: Energy Savings, Fresno, Madera, Spring, Summer
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Air Conditioning FAQ: What is a Zone Control System?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Living in Fresno, CA is a great experience, but it can make keeping cool during the hottest time of the year quite a challenge. Keeping your home cool and comfortable in the most efficient manner possible can be even more difficult. If you are unsatisfied with the performance or efficiency of your air conditioning system, there are a few different upgrades to consider that can help you use it more effectively and affordably. One of the most enticing is a zone control system installation. To schedule any Fresno CA Air Conditioning services, contact the AC professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

A zone control system utilizes dampers in your ductwork system to help you direct the flow and use of cooled air in your home with greater control. By using a control panel, you can decide which areas of your home to cool independently of others. In taking this added control over your air conditioning system and energy usage, you can enjoy increased comfort in your home while potentially lowering cooling costs.

At some point you have probably gone into an unoccupied room and noticed that it was just as cool as the rooms in which people were gathered. This is not an efficient use of the energy that your air conditioning system consumes. With a zone control system, there is no longer any need to cool unoccupied bedrooms just to keep the kids cool and comfortable in the living room. Simply cool the living room independently, and shortly before bed you can gradually bring down the temperatures in the bedrooms. This can help to save you money without sacrificing any comfort.

In fact, a zone control system can make your home a more comfortable place to live. Different people prefer different temperatures. When you can cool rooms independently of one another, you can keep everyone comfortable and happy. This will also help eliminate any arguments around the thermostat.

Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today to learn more about how a zone control system installation works. Our Fresno, CA air conditioning professionals are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call now to schedule service.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Fresno, Zone Control Systems
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Air Conditioning FAQ: What Does The “Whole-Home” Approach To Home Efficiency Involve?

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Ensuring that your home is cultivating the most efficient approach to its energy usage is a great way to reduce your utility bills and to reduce your environmental impact. There are steps you can take that do not involve massive renovations to your existing home. As we approach the summer and the peak usage times of our cooling systems, it’s important to take stock of the ways we can improve our current air conditioners. For more information about energy efficiency and your air conditioner, call the Fresno CA air conditioning experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!

Air conditioning replacement. Whatever type of AC you currently have, if it is over 10 years old or requires frequent repairs, it may be a good time to consider replacing it with a high-energy efficiency model. Professional air conditioning installation can allow you to improve the way your home uses energy on a daily basis. Today’s air conditioners and heat pumps have SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) over 20, which makes them substantially more efficient than models produced just a decade ago. Ductless mini split air conditioning systems can offer SEER ratings of up to 26. While there are other factors involved in the whole-home approach, such upgrades can provide significant energy savings.
Duct cleaning and sealing. If you have a forced air distribution system, then you rely on ductwork to deliver cool air throughout your home. Unfortunately, over time your ducts can accumulate debris and develop cracks and loose connections. Professional duct cleaning and duct sealing are excellent ways to improve your whole-home energy efficiency, by eliminating costly leaks and obstructions.
Install a programmable thermostat. The EPA estimates that a programmable thermostat may save you up to $180 every year on your energy bill. If you have a conventional model, then consider upgrading it, so that you can customize your indoor climate, as well save energy when your home is unoccupied.

For more information about our whole-home approach to your energy efficiency, whether you’re interested in a new air conditioning system, ductwork improvements, or need a complete residential HVAC solution. For more information about your Fresno, CA air conditioning, contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Installation, Fresno
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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Common AC Repairs

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Whether you have a central split, heat pump, or ductless mini split air conditioning system, it will need professional repair at some point in its life. Even if you received excellent installation and routine maintenance, repairs are inevitable. There are a lot of factors to consider when evaluating an air conditioner for repair, not the least of which is separating the problem from the root cause of the problem. You need to make sure that all AC repairs are handled by qualified Fresno air conditioning professionals in order to make sure that your air conditioner continues to run effectively and efficiently. For Fresno, CA air conditioning repair, call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!

Let’s take a look at a few common AC repairs:

AC short cycling. If your AC turns on and off frequently, that’s known as “short-cycling”. It can occur for several different reasons, one of which is that your air conditioner is too large for your living space. When the size of the AC overpowers the size of the living space, it tends to turn on and off again. It may also become excessively or unevenly cold in your home. Another cause of short-cycling is due to an electrical problem with the blower motor that sends cool air out of the air handler.
Refrigerant leak. Your system requires an appropriate amount of refrigerant at all times. If a section of the refrigerant line or one of the coils has become damaged, refrigerant may begin to leak. This disrupts the entire refrigerant cycle, which depends upon pressurized movement between the coils, the expansion valve, and the compressor. It can lead to inadequate cooling.
Thermostat fault. You thermostat is the user interface of your cooling system. It’s responsible for communicating the setpoint (your desired temperature) to your air handler and sensing the temperature inside the home. Much depends upon the effective operation of the thermostat, so if it becomes damaged, or isn’t calibrated properly, it can cause your AC to short-cycle, to fail to operate, and inadequately cooling.

For more information about what you should look out for this spring as you prepare your AC for the summer, make sure you contact the Fresno, CA air conditioning repair experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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Things to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Tips in choosing a HVAC contractor in Fresno, CA

There are several things to check before you hire a heating or air conditioning contractor in Madera or Fresno, CA.

Hire only a licensed contractor. Check the CA state License Board and do an instant license check to confirm that the contractor has a current license status of “ACTIVE”.
Check to make sure they are classified under HVAC C20 (warm-air, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) and are qualified to do the job.
Check to be sure they are fully insured and bonded and can provide you with insurance information upon request.
Get several bids and make sure you are comparing the same equipment, service and options.
First Impressions… Is the company representative properly identified and professionally dressed? Do they have the proper tools to perform the work in your home? Check reputable review sites such Angie’s List.
Choose a licensed contractor who will get the job done right the first time. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can seem like a good deal in the beginning, but ends up costing you more money, more time and hassle in the end.

Choosing Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning as your Contractor… Experience the Difference!

Reputable & Reliable

When you need reliable heating or cooling repair service or new equipment installation in Madera or Fresno, CA, call the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning. Our clients experience the difference of professionalism when they choose Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We have been in business since 1952 and have an outstanding reputation in the Central Valley. Our technicians can repair any make and model of HVAC system. With our years of experience, our customers recognize they have hired a qualified and licensed contractor from the start.

Prompt Service

We take pride in a quick response time. Our team will evaluate your needs and schedule the right person to help you get your HVAC system running again. You will recognize our team the minute they pull up to your home or business in Fresno, CA. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning vehicles are well maintained, clean and easy to identify. Our trucks and vans are stocked with the parts and tools needed to complete the job and get your home comfort level back on track.

Professional

Upon arrival our customers can easily identify our team members. At Purl’s Sheet Metal our sales teams, service & installation technicians are professionally dressed. They all have photo identification badges to let our customers know who we are. Our customers can also access our webpage (purlsheetmetal.com) to meet the entire team with and view employee photos before we visit their home or business. Our guys wear booties over their shoes while working in your home to keep the work area neat and tidy. At Purl’s Sheet Metal our entire team is invested in the relationships we build with our customers and take pride in every aspect of our work. We invite you to experience the Purl’s difference.

Tags: Angie's List, CA, Contractor, Fresno, Licensed Contractor, Madera, Professional, Reputation
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Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame

Friday, March 15th, 2013

Check out this video clip talking about the history of our great company, Purl’s Sheet Metal. We are truly a family here and we love our customers and community just the same! We are honored to have been interviewed as recipients of the Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame Award.

Tags: Carrier Dealer Hall of Fame, Community Service
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Air Conditioning Tips: Important AC Maintenance Tasks

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for Madera, CA air conditioning maintenance services. Routine tune-ups help to maintain AC efficiency prevent repairs or equipment failure. If you want to ensure that your air conditioner is up to the task this summer, be sure that you schedule your annual maintenance visit before the cooling season begins.

In addition to annual check-ups, we’ve put together a list of tasks you can do that are both important and easy. Don’t hesitate to call the Madera air conditioning experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning if you have further questions or would like more AC tips.

Change Air Filters

When you change your air filters regularly, it ensures that there isn’t anything blocking the airflow, such as dirt or other particles clogging the filter. In addition to maintaining efficiency, changing or cleaning your filters often may also help improve indoor air quality. In homes that have pets or people who have allergies or other sensitivities, you may want to change filters more often or at least once a month. If not, you may be more susceptible to symptoms that cause respiratory issues.

Keep Your Air Conditioning System Clean

Another way to help prevent equipment failure or early replacement is to make sure your AC system is clean. Dirty coils and other components can put excess stress on the compressor. During an annual tune-up, your Madera air conditioning technician should provide a professional cleaning; however, this does not include a duct cleaning, which is a separate service, and it will be easier to maintain if you keep it clean throughout the year. This includes the outdoor unit as well.

Call for AC Repair in Madera CA

If you do have an issue with your AC system, it is important to call for a AC repair as soon as you can. The sooner our Madera air conditioning repair technicians can get to your home, the sooner we can fix the problem and prevent further damage. If you need to schedule an AC repair or annual tune-up, call the Madera air conditioning specialists at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Madera
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New WirelessThermostat

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Check out this video showing just how easy it is to use the new Wireless Thermostat! Give us a call today or request an estimate online to have us install this new technology in your home. You will save money by ensuring that your home is temperature controlled at all times from anywhere you can access the internet from your mobile device.

Tags: temperature control, Thermostat, Wi-Fi Enabled, Wireless Thermostat
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