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

It’s Right in Our Name: We Fabricate Sheet Metal

August 8th, 2014

The majority of our customers come to us for our quality work installing, repairing, and maintaining air conditioners, heaters, and other indoor comfort systems. But these customers are often confused at the name of our company and the “sheet metal” part. The truth is that Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning started out exclusively in the sheet metal business way back in 1952. This is not completely unheard of in the air conditioning world: developing the sheet metal used for ventilation construction often leads to working with the air conditioners that hook up to them.

Sheet metal fabrication is still an important part of our business, and we currently handle the work in a Madera, CA sheet metal fabrication building that covers 24,000 square feet. The technology we use has advanced tremendously since the 1950s, and our cutting-edge computer-controlled tools allow us to produce a high volume of unique products. We handle sheet metal fabrication for different industries and purposes: agricultural products such as irrigation systems and processing ventilation systems; customized roofing to fit any kind of space; hoods for kitchen ranges; and spiral ductwork that has recently gained popularity in both homes and businesses. We also manufacture the sheet metal we use in our new construction installations for heating and air conditioning.

One of the key tools in our sheet metal fabrication building is a computer automated plasma cutting table. We can program into the computer the different shapes and sizes of the pieces we need cut for a project. The plasma table then automatically configures them to make the maximum use of the material and cuts the shape using a plasma torch. A plasma torch is device that blasts out an inert gas through a nozzle at high speed and then changes it into plasma with an electric arc; the resulting plasma can move through metal rapidly for smooth cutting. We also use the plasma table to cut out standardized pieces, such as boots, that we use in new construction.

If you contact us for installation of a heating system, air conditioning, or ductwork, we will take care of all the necessary fabrication for the job. But you can also contact us when your need customized sheet metal in Madera, CA for a specific project. Our years of experience and up-to-date technology make us one of your best resources for sheet metal fabrication in the Central Valley.

Air Conditioning Upgrades That Help with Energy Efficiency

July 31st, 2014

Achieving 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?

July 25th, 2014

Many 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!

What Do Strange Noises from My Water Heater Mean?

July 18th, 2014

Strange noises coming from any powered appliance is often a sign of trouble, and your water heater is no exception. When an unexpected sound starts to interrupt the standard operation of a water heater, you should call for professional technicians to look into the issue and see what needs to be done. Ignoring the problem puts you at risk of losing your hot water supply when the water heater breaks down.

Here are some of the more common noises that you may hear from a malfunctioning water heater. Please don’t try to do any close diagnosis yourself: call up a water heater repair service and describe the situation, and then let the professional technicians handle it from there.

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is on call 7 days a week to handle repairs for water heaters in Fresno. You can put your trust in our more than 60 years of quality service to the Central Valley.

Some Water Heater Warning Noises and What They May Mean

Popping and banging sounds: Although these noises can be startling, they may simply indicate that you have the water pressure set too high. If that’s not the case, then the high pressure is coming from another source, such as the water overheating, and you will need to call for repairs from a technician.
Rumbling: This often indicates that you have excessive levels of sediment at the bottom of the tank. Sediment gathers from particles in the incoming water (particularly if you have hard water), and unless the tank is regularly flushed, the sediment layer will decrease the volume in the tank and create that rumbling sound. Call for technicians to flush out the tank, which should take care of the problem. Another possibility is that a broken dip tube is causing the incoming cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of the tank. Technicians can replace the broken dip tube.
Hissing and whistling: These are worrisome sounds, and for good reason: they indicate extreme high water pressure in the heater that could pose a danger. Call for a repair person immediately.
Sound of constantly running water: This is often an issue with the pressure relief valve, which is designed to prevent spikes in water pressure by occasionally leaking out water. But if the relief valve breaks, it will start leaking water regularly and create this sound of constant running water. You will need professionals to replace the valve.

Sometimes, an odd sound from a water heater is normal, but you do not want to take any chances. Always call for professional repairs if you notice strange behavior from your water heater. At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we offer full service for water heaters in Fresno, CA that includes repairs, installation, and maintenance, and we can handle whatever ails your water heater.

How to Save Money on Air Conditioning During a Heat Wave

July 11th, 2014

When the summer heat strikes in Fresno, it can slam down on us like an anvil. You need a sturdy and reliable air conditioning system to help you through the long heat. And just as important, you need to have a reliable HVAC service company to help with maintenance and repairs to make sure your AC keeps you cool all the way through the summer.

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has served the Central Valley since 1952, we have the experience necessary to help you get the most efficient and effective cooling from your air conditioning system.

Of course, keeping the air conditioner working during the heaviest heat can be costly. However, there are ways to keep those costs under control; here are some tips for how to save money during the summer heat waves.

Don’t overwork the AC

It’s tempting to pull the thermostat down to its lowest possible setting when the heat soars. However, this is not only expensive (it keeps the compressor running almost constantly) but it will put tremendous stress on the components that risks a breakdown. You should not set your thermostat lower than 72°F, which is a comfortable temperature that will keep your bills in check and your AC from overworking.

Shut off all non-essential heat-producing appliances

One of the best ways to reduce air conditioning use during heat waves is to lower the amount of heat your air conditioner must combat. If you shut off appliances that generate extra heat during the day time, you can often reduce your air conditioner use by 10% or more. Avoid cooking during the day with stoves and ovens. Do not use indoor laundry facilities. If possible, avoid taking daytime showers, which produce high levels of moisture that makes the heat feel worse.

Schedule maintenance for your air conditioning

This is planning ahead: you should always have a maintenance visit from an HVAC technician once a year to make sure that your air conditioning system is working at its best and provide necessary adjustments, tunings, and cleanings. This will not only make sure that your air conditioner is not costing you extra money to run, but it will also catch potential repair issues that might turn into major repair problems during the stresses of a heat wave. Maintenance is the best preparation you can have for a long summer.

Get started saving money and preparing for the heaviest heat the summer can offer with a call to Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Sign up for our Ultimate Service Agreement, which includes two seasonal tune-ups for your air conditioner and your heater from NATE-certified technicians, plus preferred customer states and discounts on repairs and upgrades. We are here to help you save money on air conditioning in Fresno, CA all year long.

What Are My Water Heater Options?

July 8th, 2014

Water heater replacement job in Fresno

Even though it is summer and our daytime temperatures are around 100 degrees, running out of hot water because of a water heater malfunction is still something no one wants to deal with. If you’ve had to do a lot of recent repairs on your water heater just to keep it operating, it may be time to consider the purchase of a new one. The good news is that there are several options available for homeowners when it comes to purchasing new water heaters in Fresno, so replacing an old water heater may actually be better for your home. And remember: it’s best to have a professional company like Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning install your water heater to ensure that it goes in correctly.

Types of Water Heater Upgrades Available

There are several types of water heaters currently on the market:

Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters have been the norm for many years, and still remain a very popular choice among homeowners. Conventional water heaters are cylindrical-shaped storage tanks that heat and hold water for usage in your home. These types of water heaters come in different capacity sizes to accommodate a range of properties, holding anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of water at a time. Different fuel types can heat the water, including electricity, natural gas and oil. While great strides have been made to increase energy efficiency with this type of water heater, it still may not be as energy efficient as others on the market, and the average lifespan is 10 to 12 years.

Upgraded to a tankless water heater

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters have become very popular over the last few years, and for some very good reasons. One of the main appeals of tankless water heaters is that they heat water on demand; this means there is an endless supply of hot water for your property. Secondly, as the name indicates, there is no need for a storage tank to hold the hot water. With a tankless system, the hot water is heated directly when the hot water tap is turned on; the cold water is instantly heated by a heating element that uses either natural gas or electricity. This feature makes tankless hot water heaters very energy efficient.

One of the main drawbacks to tankless water heaters is that the flow rate of the water is typically lower than that of a conventional water heater. A second drawback can be the initial cost, but on average, tankless water heaters last longer than conventional ones and they can save money on a monthly basis through utility bills.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump technology can be used for a wide range of household appliances, which is one of the reasons we like them so much here at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Using the same type of process for heating and cooling your home, a heat pump water heater removes the heat from around its space to heat the water in your home. Storage tanks are used with this system, and can store up to 50 gallons of heated water. Heat pump water heaters are recommended for geographic areas that don’t get colder than 40 degrees, and they require at least 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air space, (approximately a 10-foot x 10-foot x 10-foot room) for installation.

Is it Time for a New Water Heater? Call Us Today!

Since 1952, Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has been helping customers with their water heaters in Fresno. If it’s time for a new water heater in your home, call the people you can trust: Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

Leading the Way with Independence Days!

July 3rd, 2014

The term “Fourth of July” is the popular name for the U.S. federal holiday officially known as Independence Day. It isn’t surprising that we would come up with a different name from the official one, since “Independence Day” is one of the most common holiday names across the globe. Most of the nations in existence today won their independence from another power, whether through wars, treaties, or long transitions.

What might surprise many people is how old U.S. Independence Day actually is compared to the similar holidays of other nations. Although the U.S. is still considered a young nation, it was one of the first to make a full break for its colonial master with a new constitution. Most countries that celebrate a national Independence Day are commemorating events that occurred in the second half of the 20th century, when many older empires at last relinquished control over their colonies.

How substantial is the difference in time for the U.S.A. and the rest of the world? U.S. Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776, making our country unusual in that almost no existing nations celebrate an independence event from the eighteenth century.

In terms of age, there is only a tiny handful current countries that celebrate an independence day that occurred earlier than the United States. Switzerland celebrates its independence from the Holy Roman Empire of the Germans in 1291 with “Swiss National Day,” held every August 1—although this only gained status as a national holiday in 1994. Sweden Celebrates “National Day of Sweden” to commemorate events in 1523 and the election of King Gustav I during the War of Liberation against Christian II of Denmark and Norway. Romania comes almost a hundred years after U.S. Independence, with its 1877 freedom from Turkish rule.

The most recent Independence Days to come into existence are for Montenegro, which gained independence from Serbia in 2006 and celebrates the day on May 21, and South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and celebrates the day only a day after the U.S., on July 5.

Does anyone else celebrate a literal “Fourth of July,” an Independence Day that also falls on the fourth day of the seventh month? Yes: Abkhazia, a small Central Asian country that declared its independence from the Republic of Georgia in 1999 (although not all countries recognize it). Coming a day (like South Sudan) on July 5 is the independence of the small Atlantic island nation of Cape Verde, which became free from Portugal through signed agreement in 1975.

Everyone at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning hopes you and your family enjoy a vibrant Independence Day/Fourth of July this year!

Problems Caused by Dirty Air Filters

June 27th, 2014

Every air conditioner has an air filer, deigned to catch particles of dirt and dust and keep them from moving through the system. Air filters need to be changed periodically (though some models have reusable filters that can be washed instead of being replaced) or else they can cause a considerable number of problems. Here in Fresno, air conditioning services can usually treat the problems cause by dirty air filters, but the more you know about the issue, the better you can prevent such problems from starting in the first place. Call us today if you need your air filter replaced in Fresno.

Dirty air filters tend to clog the flow of air through the system, which means your air conditioner needs to work harder in order to do its job. Not only does this increase strain on the entire system (raising the risk of repairs), but it forces your AC unit to expend more energy, which results in higher monthly bills. In addition, the excess dirt blown through the system will spread throughout your household via the air ducts. If you have sensitive family members, such as the elderly or those suffering from asthma, this can constitute a health risk, and even in healthier family members, the excess dust can result in a scratchy, irritated throat and lungs.

On top of that, the excess dust can coat the inside components of your air conditioning system itself. This can create friction in moving parts, increasing the overall wear and tear and raising the chances of a more serious breakdown in the future. It can also create ice on the evaporator coils, clog lines and other key components, and cause no end of slow, long-term damage over time.

You can reduce the risk of problems caused by dirty air filters by having them changed regularly, ideally as part of a larger maintenance session from the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We have the skills you need to do the job right, and we can help you stop a number of issues before they start.

Here in Fresno, air conditioning systems are an absolute necessity during the heat of summer. Give us a call today and let us make sure it’s ready when you need it!

3 Air Conditioning Problems You May Encounter This Summer

June 20th, 2014

One of the last things you want to happen during a hot summer day in the Central Valley is for your air conditioner to shut down. Emergency service will get to you as soon as possible, but that still means a few uncomfortable hours without cooling. The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure that your AC receives its regular maintenance and that you call for repairs for smaller issues the moment you detect them.

Here are three air conditioning issues you may encounter during the summer that must be looked at and fixed right away before they grow worse and jeopardize your home’s cooling. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is on-call 7 days a week to handle your requirements for air conditioning repair in Fresno, CA. You can trust in our over 60 years of experience for whatever work you need done.

Take care of these 3 air conditioning problems right away

Hard starting: This describes when your AC has difficulty coming on or switching into cooling mode. You’ll hear the system stutter and struggle to turn on, and often shut down soon afterwards. This is often because of trouble with the motors or the capacitors. If this continues, it can cause severe damage to the compressor, and it will place stress on other components and drain excess power. Technicians can replace the parts causing the hard starting or install a “hard-start kit” to overcome the issue.
Icing along the coil: Your air conditioner blows out cold air, but it should never develop ice anywhere on it. If you notice ice growing along the indoor coil of your AC, you have a serious problem somewhere in the system. It could be a clogged air filter, a loss of refrigerant, or a build-up of grime along the coil. You can’t solve this problem by scraping the ice off the coil (and you might damage the coil in the process): call for professional repairs.
Fan damage: The outdoor fan can sometimes sustain damage from debris entering the cabinet. (Make sure to keep the area around the condenser clear for at least a foot to reduce the chance of this occurring.) If the fan blades become bent because of debris, they will start to strike the fan casing, causing additional damage. When you hear any sort of loud striking sound from the condenser, call for repairs right away.

If you haven’t had a maintenance visit for your air conditioner yet this year, make sure you take care of that as soon as you can. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to sign up for our Ultimate Savings Agreement, which will deliver you two tune-ups a year and provide you with preferred customer status and discounts on repairs and upgrades. Maintenance will help keep your needs for air conditioning repair in Fresno, CA to a minimum.

What Happens When Your AC Condenser Needs Repairs

June 12th, 2014

The AC condenser array is the component that starts the air conditioning cycle: applying heat and pressure to the refrigerant gas before releasing it into the compression coils where it reverts to a liquid state. (The evaporator coils return it to a gaseous state, which cools the nearby air and completes the air conditioning process.) When your AC condenser runs into problems, it can cut off power to your entire system, as well as reducing its cooling potential and similar dire issues. Here in Fresno, air conditioning repair companies can usually correct the issue with due speed.

Here’s A Brief Outline of What Happens When Your AC Condenser Needs Repairs

In some cases, the problem is electrical in nature. Either the circuits and wires providing power to the motor have gone bad or some component in the condenser motor itself has been damaged. In these cases, the air conditioner won’t start up at all. This is a valuable safety feature since it prevents further damage to the unit. However, you’ll have to get the electrical problem fixed before you can run the system again.

Another problem can occur if the condenser becomes excessively dirty, or the vent to the condenser unit is blocked. In some cases, this will result in the condenser working inefficiently. The AC unit won’t cool the air properly, and your system will have to work much harder in order to do its job. Alternately, the dirty condenser may result in rapid cycling, or turning the unit on and off very rapidly. Air conditioners use far more energy turning on and off than they do just running, so the conditioning needs to be addressed quickly.

Regardless of what happens when your AC condenser needs repairs, you’ll probably notice the effect fairly readily. When you do, you need to contract the professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Air conditioning systems need to perform at their peak during the hot summer months. We have the skills and experience to handle most any problem, so give us a call today to schedule air conditioning repair service in the Fresno area. You’ll be glad you did!

Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog