Fresno and Madera, CA area Heating and Air Conditioning Blog | Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning

Some Air Conditioning System Warnings Signs to Watch for in the Spring

April 6th, 2015

Spring 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.

Chowchilla Western Stampede 2015

March 20th, 2015

We congratulate Kylie Bowe on being crowned the new Chowchilla Western Stampede Queen. Kylie was crowned Chowchilla Western Stampede Queen last week. She is now part of the Chowchilla Stampede Royalty for the 2015-2016 year. Kylie earned her title by competing in a contest based on sales of event sponsorships and raffle tickets for the Annual Chowchilla Western Stampede. Stampede Royalty and their court will represent the Stampede Committee over the next year at many events, including other local rodeos and community events. The Famous Cattle Drive down Robertson Blvd in Chowchilla began in March of 1958. Cowboys and Cowgirls drive cattle down the main street in Chowchilla as the official opening of the 3 days of old time rodeo action. Events include barrel racing, team roping, calf roping and much more. This 58 year tradition is part of Chowchilla’s history and serves as the official opening of the Chowchilla Western Stampede. The Chowchilla Western Stampede is held each year at the Madera County Fair Grounds in Chowchilla. The annual event attracts top roping contestants and visitors of all ages. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is proud to be a sponsor this historic event. We congratulate Kylie on her community accomplishment as the new Stampede Queen.

Why Regular Duct Cleaning Is Important

March 11th, 2015

It is easy to forget about the ductwork attached to your forced-air comfort systems (furnace, heat pump, package unit, central air conditioner) since most of it remains hidden from sight behind the walls and in the ceilings of your house. However, this ductwork needs to receive routine maintenance service from professionals to keep it clean and free from the dust and debris that will naturally start to accumulate inside it. Duct cleaners will use special equipment and techniques to do a thorough job.

How often you need to have this service done depends on your home. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning and our Fresno, CA duct cleaning experts will help you arrange a schedule to keep your ductwork in excellent shape.

Why you need to have routine duct cleaning

There are a number of important reasons to keep the ductwork in your home as clean as possible. First, ducts that become clogged with excessive amounts of dust, lint, and other debris will create a drop in energy efficiency for the HVAC system. Even a thin layer of dust will place resistance against the airflow through the ducts. As more dust and dirt accumulates, your forced-air systems will need to work harder, creating a rise in your heating and cooling bills. If you have detected an increase in costs to run your HVAC system, it’s often a sign that you are overdue for duct cleaning services.

Second, dirty ductwork can cause damage to your forced-air heater and central air conditioner. If debris enters the cabinet of a furnace, heat pump, or AC, it can cause problems with motors, electrical connections, evaporator coils, and more. This will lead to repairs and possibly a shortened life for the system.

Third, when the ducts have too much contamination in them, it will result in a decline in your indoor air quality. When you consider that the average 6-room family home can circulate 40 lbs. of dust through the HVAC system every year, you’ll understand why cleaning the ducts will do so much for helping reduce indoor air pollution. It’s especially important to keep the ductwork clean if you have people living in your home who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Contact us to schedule duct cleaning

At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we offer professional duct cleaning for Fresno, CA and the surrounding areas. Our technicians are NATE-certified and EPA-certified, so you will know that you are receiving the highest quality work. Give us a call today to schedule service.

Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Important

March 4th, 2015

What is one of the key steps you need to take whenever your transfer a load of wash from the washing machine to the dryer? You must check the lint catcher in the dryer to make sure that it is cleaned out. Unless the lint catcher is clean, the dryer will have a harder time removing heat from the clothing load, resulting in damp clothes at the end of the drying cycle.

However, issues from lint go deeper than the lint catcher. The vent to the outside of your home that exhausts the heat from the dryer will start to collect lint over time, and eventually the hose from the dryer and the vent will become congested with clothing fibers. It is important that you have routine dryer vent cleaning to remove these obstructions, as we will explain below. You can call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for excellent dryer vent cleaning in Fresno, CA. We will be glad to perform this crucial service for you.

A clean dryer vent will prevent fire hazards

The main reason you need to schedule regular dryer vent cleaning is to prevent the danger from fires. Clothing lint is highly flammable, which is why hikers often carry it to use as a catalyst for starting campfires. If too much lint collects inside the dryer vent, it can ignite due to the high temperatures of the exhaust, starting a fire that will spread rapidly. A large number of house fires begin this way every year, but with routine vent cleaning you can keep your home safe.

A clean dryer vent means shorter drying times

If you keep the lint catcher clean, but it still seems that you have to keep the clothing in the dryer for longer periods to properly dry them, you probably have a clogged dryer vent. You will continue to encounter problems with lengthy drying times until you have the vent professionally cleaned.

A clean dryer vent reduces wear and tear on the dryer

A congested dryer vent will make a dryer work harder. This will both increase your energy bills and also shorten the dryer’s service life. To make sure that you receive many years of quality and energy-efficient performance from your dryer, arrange for regular dryer vent cleaning.

The trained technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning can clean your dryer vent quickly using powered vacuums and air cleaners. You can set up a regular cleaning schedule with us to ensure that the work always gets done when necessary. Call us today to arrange for dryer vent cleaning in Fresno, CA and the surrounding areas.

Angie’s List Super Service Award

March 3rd, 2015

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning
Earns Esteemed 2014
Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.

“We are proud to have earned the Super Service Award from Angie’s List and to have earned an “A” rating based on customer reviews.” said Brian Driggs of Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

“Only about 5 percent of the HVAC, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning companies in Fresno, CA and Madera, CA have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between nearly 3 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Welcome Brian DaSilva to our team!

February 25th, 2015

Meet our newest employee!

Brian DaSilva – Installation Technician

Brian joined the Purl’s Sheet Metal in 2015 as an installation technician. He enjoys working with his co–workers and learning new things. Brian feels he has the opportunity to work with the best in the business! In his free time Brian enjoys working on his truck and playing guitar. He also enjoys spending his time with his girlfriend and his dogs. (Brian’s favorite movie is “The Sandlot”).

When Is the Best Time for New Furnace Installation?

February 25th, 2015

No matter how well you take care of your furnace, you will eventually have to replace it with a new one. Parts break down, wear out, and even go out of production. Eventually, the cost of repairing all of your furnace’s problems will outweigh that of a new furnace installation. The sooner you recognize that your furnace has reached the end of its service life, the more money you can save by replacing it. If you have any questions regarding whether you should repair or replace your furnace, call the skilled technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

Let’s take a look at some of the indicators that you should have a new furnace installed.

Increase in Repairs

Every system will occasionally run into problems that require professional repair. As a system ages, however, the frequency and cost of those repairs will increase. As wear and tear accumulates on the furnace, the individual parts of the system will begin to fail. Since each part wears out at a slightly different rate, this will eventually result in multiple parts failing in rapid succession.

Decrease in Efficiency

Not all drops in heating efficiency are a sign that a furnace needs replacement. There are several different issues that could contribute to a loss of heating ability. However, a furnace that seems to be permanently handicapped, even after multiple repairs, is a sign that you should replace the furnace with a new one.

Age

An older furnace doesn’t necessarily need replacement, but you need to take age into consideration when other symptoms, like those above, start to appear. If your furnace is older than its manufacturer’s estimate lifespan and experienced other performance issues, it’s a good idea to look into replacing it. If you have an older furnace and that is still performing fine, make sure you continue with regular professional maintenance and consult with your technician about when a replacement is cost-effective.

If you think you need a new furnace installation in the Madera area, call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment.

Lupercalia: The Origin of St. Valentine’s Day

February 14th, 2015

Many people may think of Valentine’s Day as a holiday essentially created by card and gift companies, but the truth is that the holiday has long-standing roots going back to the Roman Empire. The name “Lupercalia” has its origins in the word “lupus”, which means wolf, and the reason for this is that according to Roman pagan religion, the she-wolf Lupa nursed the two orphaned infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

The Festival

The Festival of Lupercalia spanned two days each February, from February 13^th to 15^th. The festival was about fertility and was led by Luperci priests, known as “brothers of the wolf”. The festival was serious with intention (fertility) but was executed as quite a romp for both the priests and citizens of Rome. The process was this: two male goats and a dog were sacrificed at the beginning of the festival by the priests; two young Luperci were then anointed with the blood from the animals, and the hides of the animals were cut into straps. As food and drink flowed, the male priests would run around the city wearing nothing but thongs made from the animal skins, and they also carried a strap from one of the sacrificed animals. The strap was used to strike the palms of Roman women waiting for the priests in the city, as it was believed that being hit with the strap could help with infertility issues and a safe, healthy labor for women who were pregnant.

The Transition to St. Valentine’s Day

The Christian influence of the holiday came around the 5^th century. The Roman Empire was still strong, but Christianity was rapidly taking hold throughout the world. It is believed that to try and remove the paganism from the holiday, the deaths of two men, supposedly both named Valentine, were added into the mix. During the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, a law created by Claudius II forbade young men eligible for military service to marry, because Rome wanted a strong army. The two men named Valentine were priests, and married young couples in secret. Both were found out and executed on February 14^th, although in separate years. The Church made Valentine a saint (they chose one), and Lupercalia became St. Valentine’s Day.

Here’s wishing you and your loved one a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning NEW Barbeque Smokers

February 12th, 2015

Friday barbeques are a tradition at Purl’s Sheet Metal. Our team of employees, customers and invited guests enjoy the weekly Friday lunch at our Madera office. Every week there is something different on the menu. After searching for a BBQ smoker, we decided to fabricate our own. What started as a passion to create the best “smoked” meats for our weekly lunch, quickly turned into a prototype of the new barbeque smoker.

The food from our new smoker was so delicious, our employees and our customers started asking to order one for their personal use. After much testing and sampling of great meals, we came up with a well-designed prototype.

Each barbeque smoker body is custom fabricated in our sheet metal shop in Madera, CA. Each smoker contains a top vent, side vents, chrome plated steel cooking grill, meat hanging hooks, removable fire basket, and temperature gauge. It is assembled with care and precision in the USA in Madera, CA. We are proud to announce they are now available for purchase and special order. Options are available for special orders, so give us a call at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for all the details.

Why Furnace Repair Is Not a “Do It Yourself” Job

January 21st, 2015

We understand that many homeowners want to save money where possible, and that often means picking up a toolkit and an instruction book and attempting to handle repairs around the house on their own. Going “do-it-yourself” is fine for some jobs, such as trying to fix a doorbell or repair broken hinges on cabinet doors. But there are limits to what amateur work can do—and what amateur work should do. A good example is repairing a furnace. On no account should you ever attempt to fix a broken or malfunctioning furnace on your own. We’ll explain why.

It’s not difficult to receive qualified and professional service for a furnace that is having trouble. You can just pick up the phone and call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We have handled furnace repair in Fresno, CA and the surrounding areas for many decades, and our NATE-certified technicians will deliver quality work to quickly restore warm heat to your home.

Why you must leave furnace repairs to professionals

The most common type of furnace found in homes is the natural gas furnace. Any type of appliance that uses natural gas must be left to licensed professionals when it comes to service: installation, repairs, maintenance. In most jurisdictions, it is illegal for a non-licensed individual to work on an appliance connected to a gas line. The reason for this is that gas leaks are extremely hazardous, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of explosions. If you tamper incorrectly with a gas furnace, you can create a dangerous slow leak and not even realize it. Never take these types of risks: have professionals with years of experience handle the work so you can relax in peace in your home.

Even without the dangers from carbon monoxide, furnaces would still be problems for amateurs to fix. Modern furnaces are more complex. Trying to track down the cause of a malfunction is difficult to diagnose without proper training. It is even more difficult to fix without the right tools and proper knowledge. Making the wrong repair is often worse than failing to find the reasons for the malfunction. You shouldn’t take a chance with furnace repairs, so be sure to have licensed service heating technicians work on your furnace.

Finally, professional repairs will go much faster than any amateur work. If you need to have your heat working as soon as possible, the quickest route is call the professionals. Call the team of trained and skilled professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Fresno, CA. Contact us when you need help with your home’s furnace.

Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog

Some Air Conditioning System Warnings Signs to Watch for in the Spring

Chowchilla Western Stampede 2015

Why Regular Duct Cleaning Is Important