Repairs Your Gas Furnace May Need

October 17th, 2014

Furnaces are one of the more common ways to provide heat for homes. A properly cared-for furnace can deliver high heating levels and operate for many years with only occasional repair needs. If you have a furnace installed in your home, make sure that you schedule annual maintenance for it during the fall to lower the chance that you will have to call for repairs during the winter.

There is no way that you can avoid all repair needs for a furnace, no matter how well you keep the system maintained. Below are some repairs that a furnace may require during its service life to keep it working efficiently, effectively, and safely. If you notice an issue with your furnace—such as a drop in heating levels or strange sounds coming from the cabinet—call for furnace repair service in Fresno from Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We have 60 years of experience servicing heating systems in the Central Valley.

Some Common Furnace Repair Needs

  • Replacing cracked heat exchangers: The heat exchanger is the component of a furnace responsible for transferring heat from the combustion gas to the air from the blower. If a heat exchanger starts to develop corrosion with age, it may lead to cracks and exhaust gas escaping from the furnace. This is a potentially dangerous situation, and a technician will need to replace the exchanger should it happen. Technicians will notice issues with the heat exchanger during a regular maintenance visit and arrange for the repair work to replace it.
  • Ignition repair: Most modern furnaces no longer use a standing pilot light, but instead ignite the gas jets along the burner using electronic ignition. This ignition can malfunction or fail, which will result in either delayed ignition or the furnace burners not coming on at all. Don’t try to repair this problem on your own: call for professional assistance to repair or replace the electronic ignition.
  • Blower motor repair: The motor that runs the blower can overheat if it develops too much stress on its mechanical parts due to dust, dirt, or lack of lubrication. An overheated motor will burn out and stop working if it doesn’t receive repair work. If you detect airflow issues or discover that the blower will not turn on at all, call for repair technicians right away.
  • Recalibrating the thermostat: Sometimes what seems like a furnace malfunction actually comes from a miscalibrated thermostat that is reading temperatures incorrectly and turning the furnace on and off at incorrect times. Skilled technicians will know how to track down the trouble to the source and fix it.

We must emphasize that you should never attempt repairs to a gas furnace on your own because of the potential safety risk. Call on the experienced team at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for your heating repairs in Fresno, CA. We are on call seven days a week.

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3 Repairs for Heating You Need to Take Care of Before Winter

October 10th, 2014

Before the steady low temperatures of winter arrive, you should know if your heating system has any malfunctions that may impair it or even cause it to break down. The best way to know if you need to schedule repairs is to take the heater for a brief “test run” during a warm day to see if you notice anything wrong.  Afterwards, arrange for the heater’s annual maintenance visit from an experienced HVAC service technician.

Below are three common repair issues that heating systems may need before winter starts. You can call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning seven days a week to handle any of these troubles, as well as to sign up for our Ultimate Service Agreement to handle maintenance. We are here for all your needs for HVAC repair in Fresno.

3 Common Heating Repair Issues before Winter

  • Gas line problems: You don’t want to turn on a gas furnace at the start of winter and discover that the gas isn’t flowing to the burner. If during your test run on a gas furnace you discovered that the burner wouldn’t ignite, even though the pilot light or electronic ignition was working, than you probably have trouble in the gas line. As with any device hooked up to natural gas, you never want to attempt repairs on your own. Only trust to experienced professionals.
  • Broken ignition/failed pilot light: Everything else in a gas furnace may be operating well, but if the pilot light will not remain on, or the electronic ignition has failed, nothing will happen. Dirt across the burner can cause a pilot light to keep going out, or not come on at all, and electronic igniters can fail for a variety of reasons. Repair technicians can clean off the burner or replace the igniter to restore the furnace’s operation.
  • Low refrigerant: This is an issue with heat pumps, which use the circulation of refrigerant to provide both cooling and heating throughout the year. The refrigerant in the system will not “get used up” during normal operation, but leaking can cause the level of the refrigerant (its “charge”) to begin to drop, which will affect its heating ability and could also lead to serious damage to its components. Because this affects the cooling ability as well, you shouldn’t ignore a dip in air conditioning power from the heat pump during the end of the warm season, since this decline will carry over to heating mode. Professionals will locate the refrigerant leaks, seal them, and recharge the refrigerant to its proper level.

During a maintenance visit from one of the experienced technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, you will learn about any repair troubles your heating system has. We will arrange for the repair work to take care of the malfunction so you will have your heating system ready in time for the winter cold. Trust in us for any repairs in Fresno, CA for your HVAC heating system needs.

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Signs You Need a Furnace or Heating System Replacement

October 3rd, 2014

The fall is one of the best times of the year to schedule heater or furnace replacement. The weather is still warm enough that you won’t need the heater running yet, giving you time to arrange for installation and to find out if the new system has any operational problems. You can also take advantage of this slower period for HVAC professionals to schedule the most convenient time for the installation job. You will be all set with your new heating system before the first cold weather arrives.

You should only replace your heater if it’s necessary, however. A few targeted repairs from skilled professionals will often keep a malfunctioning heating system running smoothly for another few years. But you need to pay attention to signs from an aging heater that it is moving past the point where repairs and maintenance will keep it working. If you are unsure about whether you should replace your heater or continue with repairs, call the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We have handled heating replacements in Fresno, CA since 1952.

Watch For These Signs It Is Time for Heating System Replacement

  • Noisy operation: Any strange noise from a heating system, especially a gas-powered heater, needs immediate investigation from skilled technicians to see if it requires repairs. If a heating system constantly makes loud and obtrusive sounds when it runs, then the issue probably runs deeper than what a single repair can handle: the system has worn down to the point that replacing it is the more cost-effective solution.
  • Numerous repairs: If a heating system receives regular maintenance, it helps increase the life span of the heating unit and reduce future repair costs. Most heaters need the majority of their repairs during the last two years of service, so when the repair bills start to pile up, you need to consider heating replacement as an option. Any repair that would cost half the price of replacing the system is too expensive, and replacement is the better option.
  • Corrosion: This applies to gas-powered furnaces, the most common type of heating system. The reaction of combustion gas with metal in a furnace will eventually create corrosion, especially if the unit is having trouble venting adequately. When corrosion begins to appear on a furnace, it indicates that age has caught up with it and you need to install a new furnace. Corrosion is potentially hazardous since it can lead to cracks in the heat exchanger and gas leaks, so do not hesitate to call for professionals when you spot this.

Replacing an old heating system is easier than you might think. When you contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for heating replacement service in Fresno, CA, you’ll receive the highest quality service from professionals with years in the business. We can handle the work for you, done fast and right the first time.

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Heating Guide Should You Repair or Replace Your Heating System?

September 26th, 2014

Although manufacturers of heating systems build their products to last for many years, a heating system will eventually reach a point in its service life when it can no longer do an efficient or effective job of keeping a home warm. Although regular maintenance and prompt repairs will help a heater endure for as long as it can, a time will come when you will have to make a choice about whether it is worthwhile to continue to repair the system, or to have it replaced with new installation.

You do not need to make the choice on your own, however: heating professionals like the staff at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning are available to help you choose between “repair and replace.” When it comes to heating installation and replacement in Fresno, you can trust in our many decades of experience to guide you toward the best choice for comfort and long-term savings.

When Is Replacement The Best Option?

To get started with answering this question, you need to check the age of system against the manufacturer’s expected lifespan for it. If the heater is at or over the estimated lifespan, then you should already be considering replacing the unit—even if it is currently working well. The system is at the age where it will likely soon begin to decline, and getting a head start on a more efficient new heating system. If the heater is still a few years away from the end of its lifespan estimate, you should keep repairs as an option, but call for a technician to look over the system to give you a better idea.

If you have started to call for repairs on a regular basis for the heater, you will probably save money if you retire the system and replace it with a new one. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a necessary repair will cost half of what it will cost to replace the heater, you should replace instead of repair.

A rise in your heating bills that will not come down no matter what repairs or maintenance you have done is usually a strong sign that the heater has entered into an irreversible decline. When you call for repairs, the technician will be able to tell you the best route to take.

All of the heating technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning are NATE-certified, and when you call on their services, you will receive the answer you need to find out whether it’s time for repairs or new heating installation and replacement in Fresno, CA.

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Ways Faulty Ductwork Can Affect Air Conditioning

September 19th, 2014

Not 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.

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Another Fun Night at the Hot Dog Dinner at the Madera Fair!

September 17th, 2014

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning along with Randy and Sheryl Berry and friends hosted the Annual Hot Dog dinner on Sept 2, 2014. The 4H and FFA kids were busy preparing to show their livestock animals the day before the Madera Fair opened. PrIMG_4692oviding dinner is a fun way to support our local hardworking kids and their families. Randy and Sheryl and friends started this tradition over 25 years ago. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning partnered with Randy and Sheryl over 10 years ago on this great event. Our crew barbecued more than 500 hot dogs that evening. Dinners were complete with drinks, chips and all the hot dog fixings’. This is an annual tradition in Madera that everyone at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning looks forward to attending and gives us a chance to visit with the kids and their families.

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Coats for Kids 2014

September 16th, 2014

Start saving those winter coats from last year!

coats for kids Coats for Kids 2013 kicks off their local campaign November 3rd – December 7th. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is proud to join Kiss Country and The Salvation Army as a collection location for the 2014 Coats for Kids drive. Each year the community and local businesses work with The Salvation Army to collect gently used or new winter coats to keep kids warm in the cold winter months. For more than 30 years this campaign has brought together organizations, schools, businesses and members of the community with the single goal to donate to children in need. Kiss Country has been part of Coats for Kids in the Central Valley for more than 20 years. Their efforts to bring this issue and coat drive to the forefront, has made a real difference in the lives of so many young children. We are open to the public as drop off location for coats Monday – Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. We are located at: 232 South Schnoor Avenue, Madera, CA 93637. We encourage our customers and members of the community to get involved and help keep the kids in our Valley warm. Our goal is to collect hundreds of coats in the hope that no child will have to be cold!

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How to Get Your HVAC System Ready For Colder Weather

September 12th, 2014

It 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.

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Benefits of a Packaged Unit

September 5th, 2014

If 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.

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The Very First Labor Day Celebration

August 29th, 2014

Labor Day as a federal holiday, held on the first Monday of September, has been with us now for 120 years. President Grover Cleveland signed the law that made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894. Ever since then, the three-day weekend has provided people in the U.S. with the opportunity for vacations, time with their families, shopping trips, and a general celebration of the conclusion of summer and the beginning of fall.

However, there were twelve years of Labor Day observations in the U.S. before it became an official holiday. The first Labor Day celebration took place in 1882 in New York City on September 5. According to the accounts from the time, it had a rough start and almost didn’t happen.

The main event planned for that first Labor Day was a parade along Broadway that was to start at City Hall. However, the parade ran into a bit of a snag early on. The marchers started to line up for the procession around 9 a.m., with a police escort to make sure the event went peacefully. However, the problem of the day wasn’t rowdy members of the parade—it was that nobody had remembered to bring a band!

With people ready to march, but no music to march to, it started to look like no parade would happen at all, and the first Labor Day would have ended up a failure. But just in time, Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union—one of the two men who first proposed the celebration—ran across the City Hall lawn to the Grand Marshal of the parade, William McCabe, to inform him that 200 men from the Jeweler’s Union of Newark were crossing the ferry to Manhattan… and they had a band!

At 10 a.m., only an hour late, the band from Newark walked down Broadway playing a number from a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera. They passed McCabe and the other 700 marchers, who then fell in line behind them. Soon, the spectators joined in, and an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people marched through Lower Manhattan.

According to the New York Times, “The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization.”

The parade concluded two hours later when the marchers reached Reservoir Park. But the party was only getting started. Until 9 p.m., some 25,000 people celebrated with picnics and speeches and beer kegs. It was an enormous success, and all thanks to the speedy arrival of jewelers carrying band instruments.

If those musicians from Newark hadn’t shown up, perhaps we wouldn’t have the holiday opportunity that we now have every year. However you celebrate your Labor Day, our family at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning wishes your family a happy end of summer.

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