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

Are you Ready for Heating System Replacement?

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

In Fresno, CA, heating systems don’t see nearly as much use as they do in colder climates, and accordingly don’t tend to wear out as quickly. With proper care and maintenance, a heater can last a long time here in our warm and pleasant Central Valley, providing reliable comfort when the temperatures start to drop. Sooner or later, however, the time comes when you need to replace you old unit with a new one. The question becomes when. Are you ready for heating system replacement? A few key factors can help you decide.

The first and most important is basic cost vs. benefits. A new heater can carry a larger up-front cost, which means that the benefits need to outweigh the investment you will make. If your old heater is turning into a giant cash drain, that becomes a lot easier to determine. Look at your monthly heating bill. Is it going up even though you’re not using your heater any more than normal? If it is, it means your heater is losing efficiency and those costs will continue to rise until you replace the unit. Multiple repairs, too, can signal a heater whose time has come. If your unit isn’t warming your house the way it should and it seems like you’re calling a repair service every few weeks, a replacement unit may be just what you need.

Another sign that you’re ready for heating system replacement is if your heater’s AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating is lower that you’d like. The rating is measured in a percentage, which represents the amount of energy used for actual heating (instead of being lost to inefficiency). The federal government mandates that all furnaces have an AFUE of at least 75%. (Units with a rating of 90% or greater receive an EnergyStar label, providing an easy way to determine he most efficient new unit.) If your furnace’s rating is below these numbers, especially if it’s more than 10 or 15 years old, it may be time to find a new one.

In Fresno, CA, heating systems fall under the purveyance of Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Are you ready for heating system replacement? If you are, or even if you just need some good advice on how to proceed, contact our trained staff of Fresno, CA heating replacement technicians today.

Tags: Fresno, Heating Replacement
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Common Heating Repair Needs

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

People who live outside of California don’t often associate our state with snow or frigid weather (unless they’re thinking about ski resorts). But in the Central Valley, the temperature can dip to unpleasant lows during late fall and winter. In Fresno, CA, heating repair is something you need to consider during the coming months. Whatever kind of heater you have, no matter how durable or well-maintained, it will at some point need the attention of an HVAC repair specialist. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has served the Central Valley with heating repair services for over six decades, so when you need assistance with a malfunctioning heater, contact us right away.

Here are a few issues you might encounter with different heating systems that require professional attention:

Heat pumps: Heat pumps are a popular option in Fresno, CA because they can handle our mild winters and offer great cooling during the summers. Since heat pumps operate in the same way as an air conditioner, they can suffer from similar problems. Common repairs that technicians perform on heat pumps are replacing fan belts and compressors, cleaning the heating and condensing coils, and sealing leaks and replacing the refrigerant.

Furnaces: Many older homes have a furnace already installed, usually one that runs on gas or propane, while newer homes may have an electric furnace. Furnaces often require cleaning and unclogging of their air filters, a problem that can threaten to damage the internal mechanisms and will reduce air flow. Furnaces sometimes need repairs to their motors and fan belts. Electric furnaces have multiple heating elements that can break down and require replacement, while gas furnaces can develop leaks or blockages along their gas lines that need professional attention to seal them.

Thermostats: This applies to most systems, since you need a thermostat to communicate with your heater. Thermostats can develop electrical trouble which impedes their ability to control temperature. A faulty thermostat is often the cause behind uneven or insufficient heating, and sometimes can cause the heater to not turn on at all. Common thermostat repairs involve fixing their wiring or upgrading the unit entirely.

Although there are simple steps you can take to solve some of your heating problems—like regularly changing the filters of your furnace or heat pump—most repair needs won’t be diagnosed accurately or done properly unless you bring in an experienced heating repair technician in Fresno. If you start to experience heater malfunctions, call on the Fresno, CA heating repair professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to get it working for you again.

Tags: Fresno, Heating Repair
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New Construction Subdivision

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Purls Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has launched into another big project with a residential subdivision in Madera, CA. Take a look at the photos below for a glimpse at the work we have done so far. The images show ductwork, plenums, and return air vents that have been constructed and installed by Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We are very proud of our team for their hard work and the quality they bring to all they do!

Tags: CA, Ductwork, Madera, Plenums, Residential, Return Air Vent, Subdivision
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How to Keep Your Energy Bills Low this Upcoming Heating Season

Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

In Fresno, CA, heating becomes less of an issue than it might be in colder parts of the country. Our California sunshine keeps the winters very mild, and while temperatures may dip below freezing on the coldest nights of the year, our heating bills are fairly tame when considering other communities further east. Even so, no one likes to pay more than they need to for reliable heating. Here’s a few tips on how to keep your energy bills low this upcoming heating season.

Common sense steps. Saving money in the winter starts with a few simple options. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees during the winter months. You won’t feel much difference in January if the temperature is 68 degrees instead of 72. Open curtains to any windows facing the sun, which will warm the nearby area. Seal doors and windows to prevent air from leaking out and dress warmly while inside as an alternative to running the heater.
Check your ducts and let a professional take a look at your furnace. You lose a great deal of warm air when your ducts aren’t properly fitted or have sprung a leak. A professional can spot any points of trouble and seal the leak, allowing the warm air to pass through your home more efficiently. Similarly, a regular maintenance call from a qualified professional can keep your furnace running at its best and eliminate any small problems before they grow into large ones.
Consider upgrades. While installing a new furnace may be beyond your current financial status, you can still take steps to improve the efficiency of your heating system and cut down on costs. For instance, consider adding insulation to uncovered ductwork in your house. Or, if you sometimes forget to turn your thermostat off when you go to work, think about adding a “smart” thermostat that lowers the temperature automatically.

Whatever your situation, you’d probably be very happy with a lower heating bill. The professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning work throughout Fresno; heating systems are a part of our repertoire and our skilled heating professionals can handle both repair issues and installation of new components. Call us today to see how to keep your energy bills low this upcoming heating season.

Tags: Fresno, Heating
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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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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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Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostats: Why Use Them?

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

Manage your home or business comfort level remotely from anywhere with a smart phone, computer or tablet. With a new wireless, Wi-Fi enabled thermostat installed by Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning in Madera and Fresno, you have the ability to control your heating and cooling needs quickly and efficiently from anywhere.

At Purl’s Sheet Metal in Madera and Fresno, we can professionally install this new technology in your home or business. These thermostats have large color touch screen programmable displays and are easy to use. Screens have customizable backgrounds and screen savers to display up to 100 of your home or business photos. The “at a glance” heat and cool indicators offer instant status information on the heating and cooling of your HVAC system.

Benefits

Set reminders for scheduling service and air filter changes. Some thermostats can send email alerts when there is a potential problem or break down with your HVAC system. Many thermostat systems have the ability to show you how much energy are saving and offer monthly energy comparisons.

One of the most valuable features of this thermostat is instant access and control. Have you ever left home and forgot to adjust your HVAC system? With a Wi-Fi enabled system you can remotely make changes to the settings of your thermostat. Want to make sure your employees have not over adjusted your thermostat settings and then left for a long weekend? You can quickly log on to monitor and adjust your system for anywhere in the world.

Cost

The initial purchase cost of a Wi-Fi, wireless programmable thermostat can cost more than a standard programmable thermostat. But the benefits in energy savings and cost savings in Madera and Fresno should off-set the original expense in a short amount of time.

At Purl’s Sheet Metal our sales team and service technicians are qualified and trained to help you choose the right thermostat for your home or business in Madera or Fresno. They will take the time to teach you how to use your new Wi-Fi enabled thermostat and make sure you are getting the most benefit possible.

No need to wait, give us a call or schedule service online to install the new Wi-Fi enabled thermostat today!

Tags: Energy Savings, Thermostat, Wi-Fi Enabled, Wireless Thermostat
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Heating Installation FAQ: Signs You Need Furnace Installation

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Even though the Central Valley is known for its hot weather in the summer months, there are a few months in the year when you need to flip on your furnace. Our heaters might not get that much use, but eventually they still need to be replaced. Knowing when that time has come can be difficult. At Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning we provide complete heating installation in Fresno CA. We wanted to help out our customers by putting together a short list of some of the signs that can indicate you need to have a new furnace installed.

Signs You Need Heating Installation in Fresno CA

Here are some of the signs that you should keep an eye out for that could indicate that you need heating installation in Fresno, CA for your new furnace.

Rattling noise – If you start to hear a rattling sound from your furnace you should turn it off immediately. This can be a sign that you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home from a cracked heat exchanger. If this has happened it likely means that you need to have a new furnace installed at your home.
Furnace age – Most furnaces are designed to last about 25 years. If your furnace is around that age and has started to require more repairs, it might make more financial sense to have a new furnace installed at your home in Fresno.
Blue or wiggling flame – If you see that the flame on your furnace’s burners are blue or if they are wiggling it could mean that your heat exchanger is cracked. Again, this is a big problem and normally leads to new furnace installation.

Benefits of New Heating Installation in Fresno CA

Getting heating installation in Fresno, CA isn’t something that many homeowners enjoy. It can be intrusive and inconvenient. However, there are a few attractive benefits to getting a new furnace installed at your home.

Efficiency – When you get a new furnace installed you will likely enjoy more efficient heating. This is especially true if your old furnace was over 10 years old. New furnaces typically have much higher efficiency ratings than older models. You should notice a reduction in the amount of energy that you use to heat your home.
Fewer repairs – If your old furnace required a lot of repairs or maintenance, you’ll likely be able to avoid those things by installing a new furnace.

For all your heating installations in Fresno, CA call the friendly professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning.

Tags: Fresno, Heating, Heating Installation
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Heating Repair FAQ

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Many homeowners, especially new homeowners, have a lot of questions about caring for their homes and their home comfort systems. It can be a lot to keep track of, and it is understandable that all of this responsibility may be a bit overwhelming. At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning we want to help take some of the stress and guesswork out of home ownership. If you have any questions about proper heating repair protocol or services, just call the Madera heating experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We can help you make the right decisions about repairs for your Madera heating system.

One of the most common heating repair questions that homeowners have is just when they should contact a professional Madera heating service provider for heating repair service. At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we know that the right time to call for a heating repair in Madera is as soon as you have reason to believe that there is a problem with your heater. The longer a heating repair is postponed the more time that problem has to develop and worsen. You may be hesitant to schedule professional heating repair, but you will only wind up paying more a bit further down the road. Schedule heating repair service today.

Another question that homeowners grapple with is just when a heating repair service call is really necessary. Again, as soon as you even suspect a problem with your home heating system you should schedule maintenance repair service. Do not trick yourself into thinking that a problem with your heater is too minor to justify heating repair services. Even minor issues such as strange noises during the operation of your heater may be indicative of a more serious problem with your heater. Only a qualified professional can decide for sure. Contact your heating repair service provider whenever you have a heating problem, no matter how “minor.”

Don’t let minor problems or damages to your home heating system develop into more serious headaches. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to schedule heating repair in Madera right away. We can help get your heater back on track.

Tags: Heating, Heating Repair, Madera
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