Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning Repair’

3 Ways to Lower the Risk of Air Conditioning Repair

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

With summer on the way, you’re going to need your air conditioning system to perform at its best day in and day out. Repairs can be miserable when they take place in the middle of a heat wave, and while emergency repair services are sometimes available, no one wants to take that chance. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning in Fresno is always on the job, but rather than waiting for a point in which you need them, consider the methods you can use to prevent that call in the first place.

Here Are 3 Ways to Lower the Risk of Air Conditioning Repairs

A/C Maintenance. Routine maintenance services are designed to clean the dust off of internal components, as well as recharging refrigerant and performing other small tune-ups. As a result, your air conditioner suffers less strain and doesn’t need to work as hard to do its job. Not only does that lower the risk of repairs, but it can save you money on monthly bills to boot. (Above and beyond professional maintenance, make sure you change your air filter regularly and ensure that it doesn’t get too dirty.)
Upgrades. Minor upgrades like zone control systems and programmable thermostats are a worthwhile investment for the same reason that a maintenance session is. Zone control systems let you shut off the air to parts of the house you aren’t using. New thermostats provide remote options that let you turn off the air when you aren’t at home. Both features reduce the strain on your system, leading to less of a chance of repairs as well as lowering monthly bills.
Home improvements. You can take steps around your home to help the air conditioner perform more effectively. For example, see about adding more insulation to your roof and sealing cracks around the doors and windows with weather stripping. They will help you home retain cool air better and reduce the stress on your air conditioning system.

For more ways to lower the risk of air conditioning repairs, or to schedule a repair session for your home, contact the pros at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We handle all kinds of air conditioning repairs in Fresno and throughout the Central Valley, so give us a call today!

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Air Conditioner Repairs to Look Out for this Spring

Friday, April 4th, 2014

One of life’s sweet moments: That first day during the spring when you turn on your AC and hear its gentle hum. You know for certain then that summer is on the way.

One of life’s less sweet moments: That first day of boiling summer weather when you turn on your AC and hear it screech, groan, and stop. You know for certain then that a repair call to a professional is on the way… and you’ll have to sweat it out until then.

In these early spring days, pay close attention to your air conditioner to see if it has any malfunctions that need professional attention. Make sure that you AC is ready and able to handle the summer stress. When you know you need professional air conditioning repairs in Fresno, CA, call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We’ve kept the Central Valley cool since the Summer of ’52!

Watch for these repair needs

Leaking refrigerant: The refrigerant that circulates through your AC is crucial for the system to work. During normal operation, the refrigerant does not get “used up” as it moves between the evaporation and condensing stages. However, it can start to leak from the coils of the compressor, and when this happens the air conditioner will quickly lose its ability to cool your home. If you notice frost developing over the indoor coils, call for repairs: this is often a sign of leaking refrigerant.
Bad capacitors: Capacitors are cylindrical metal devices that serve as short-term batteries. They store up an electric charge to send to the fan and compressor motors to start them or keeping them running. When a capacitor begins to fail, you may notice a clicking sound from the cabinet as the AC starts up. If the system struggles during start-up (“hard starting”) and occasionally trips a circuit breaker, then a failing capacitor is the likely reason. A technician will replace the old capacitor with a new one.
Fixed compressor: The compressor supplies the energy to the refrigerant that sends it through the indoor and outdoor coils; it functions in a similar way to the heart in an animal. Its construction resembles a piston engine, and like a piston engine it can became fixed because of dirt or lack of lubrication. Technicians can sometimes repair this; otherwise they will replace the compressor.

When it comes to AC repairs, those who hesitate are left in the heat! Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is on call 7 days a week to help you when your AC starts to wobble. We’ll deliver the air conditioning repairs in Fresno, CA you need to have a great summer.

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How A Bad Capacitor Affects Your Air Conditioner

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

When you set your thermostat to a certain temperature you expect that your air conditioning system will automatically turn on and start to remove heat from your home. But if your system won’t turn on or if only parts of your system are running it could be the fault of the capacitors in your HVAC system. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is proud to offer a full range of air conditioning repair services in Fresno, CA and we wanted to share a little bit with you about capacitors. Give us as call today if you have any questions or if you’re having any problems with your air conditioning system.

Fresno Air Conditioning Repair FAQ: Capacitors

Capacitors are kind of like an energy booster for the motors in your air conditioning system. They store energy and deliver it to the motors when they need. Your AC has a couple critical motors that use capacitors: both the fans each have their own capacitors and the compressor motor also has its own. If any of these capacitors fail then those motors won’t be able to start up. As a homeowner, you can determine which capacitor is out by listening to your system. If you hear a low, electronic hum coming from any of your components it could be the motor trying to start up on its own and failing. Also, if you only hear certain components running then you can determine that the capacitor for the failing component needs to be replaced.

Also, if you aren’t getting enough cooling in your home it could be the fault of the capacitor. For example, your compressor is there to compress a refrigerant that is used to remove heat from your home. If the compressor doesn’t start up then the AC can’t remove heat. If the fan motors’ capacitors aren’t working then the system won’t be able to push cool air into your home which will likely leave you uncomfortable.

For any air conditioning repair service that you need, call the Fresno air conditioning specialists at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

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Replace vs. Repair: How to Make the Call

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

This summer you’re going to be running your air conditioning system a lot to stay comfortable in the heat. This increased use can result in you requiring more repair for your AC system. If your AC is in need of repairs make sure that you call the Fresno air conditioning repair technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. There are a few common issues that can arise and we wanted to put together a quick explanation of how you can know when you need repair and when it’s time to replace it.

Common Air Conditioning Repairs

If you’re having any of the following issues with your air conditioning system make sure that you call for repair immediately.

Not enough cooling – If your air conditioning system is blowing warm air or if it isn’t producing enough cooling, it likely means that your home is uncomfortable and that you need repair. It could be that the coils in your air conditioner are dirty, that you have low refrigerant, that the filter is clogged or the compressor is leaking.
Strange noises – If you start to hear any new noises from your air conditioner or if it starts to operate at a higher volume it usually means that something is wrong. Squealing can indicate that your fan motor belt is old and needs replacing. Hissing often means that you have a refrigerant leak somewhere. Gurgling can signify that you have low refrigerant.

Fresno Air Conditioning Repair Tip: When Should You Replace Your AC?

But when should you replace your air conditioning system as opposed to repairing it. Here’s a general guide for homeowners to use when they start to have issues with their air conditioner.

Age – Consider the age of your air conditioning system when it starts to break down. If your AC is old and it needs to be fixed, it could make a lot of financial sense to replace your system instead of paying to repair it.
Frequent repair – When you start to notice that your air conditioning system is requiring more frequent repair it could mean that it is on its way out and needs replacement.

If you need air conditioning system repaired or replaced, call the Fresno air conditioning specialists at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

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How To Minimize The Need For Air Conditioning Repair Service

Thursday, July 18th, 2013

Are you looking for a way to improve your cooling performance while also minimizing repair needs? With professional installation, you can make sure that your air conditioning performs properly and efficiently for years to come, but only when paired with the appropriate maintenance. Your air conditioner is comprised of various components, including a compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and the blower motor, not to mention the lineset, weatherized housings, and electrical parts, among others. All of these parts have a role to play, and they all must cooperate in order to produce the cool air that you enjoy on a daily basis. But there comes a time when repairs are necessary and inevitable. Call the Fresno air conditioning repair technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today for all of your AC repairs and maintenance service.

So, how do you minimize the need for air conditioning problems? Let’s have a look:

Clean and replace your air filter. The air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other debris on sensitive system components. That is its sole purpose, although there are some supplementary indoor air quality benefits as well. In order to do its job well, however, it needs to be kept clean. A dirty or clogged air filter can actually begin to work against your cool air instead of protecting it. Make sure you clean your filter regularly and replace it about once a month during the cooling season.
Keep your outdoor unit free and clear of debris. Whatever type of air conditioning system you have, some of your components are located in the outdoors, and for that reason, they are subject to much different environmental conditions. Dirt, dust and debris inside the housing should be cleaned by a professional, but make sure that you keep the surrounding area clear of debris that can get in the way of the refrigerant cycle.
Enroll in routine maintenance. There’s no substitute for pro maintenance. During these maintenance visits, your AC will be cleaned, tuned-up and thoroughly inspected to maximize cooling performance and efficiency.

Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today for excellent air conditioning repair and maintenance services throughout the Fresno area.

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How Dirt and Dust Cause The Need For Air Conditioning Repair Service

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

Are you suffering from inadequate cooling or stuffy air in your home? When was the last time you had your AC cleaned? Dirt and dust are the major causes of many air conditioning problems that can develop within your HVAC system, no matter what type it is. Professional installation should be followed up with routine maintenance if you want to make sure you get the most out of your AC for the years to come, but occasionally, such wear and tear takes a toll and repair needs become necessary. Make sure you hire a reputable Fresno air conditioning repair technician to take care of your repair needs. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today.

Here are some common problems caused by dirt and dust:

Dirty condenser coils. For most types of air conditioning systems, your condenser coils are located outdoors where the compressor resides. Because of their location, they are subject to all kinds of debris and when the coils become dirty, they can no longer effectively dissipate thermal energy into the outdoor air. Because they play such an essential role in keeping your home cool, your coils must be kept clean at all times.
Frozen evaporator coils. The same goes for your evaporator coils. These indoor coils are also subject to dirt and dust accumulating on their surface. But the primary cause of frozen coils is also caused by debris accumulation. Your air filter is designed to protect the components of your AC, but when it becomes excessive dirty or clogged with debris itself, it can trap cold air inside the air handler, which can lead to frozen coils. By keeping your air filter clean at all times (check it at least once a month) during the cooling season.

Like any other mechanical system, your AC will simply not work well when it is subject to dust, dirt, and other debris. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today for air conditioning repair service in Fresno, CA. We can handle any job, large or small.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: Typical AC Repairs

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Is your AC making a strange noise? Does it only turn on intermittently? During the summer in Madera, CA, you need to make sure that your air conditioning system is in top shape, so that you achieve uninhibited comfort on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this is the season that can present challenges to air conditioners everywhere. With high temperatures and long days, there may come a time when you need air conditioning repair service. Even with professional installation and routine maintenance, your AC is still subject to general wear and tear over the years, and some repairs are inevitable. Call the Madera, CA air conditioning specialists at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today for repair services throughout the area.

Let’s take a look at some typical AC repairs that you may come across this cooling season.

AC won’t turn on. Make sure you do things before you call for professional repair. Double-check your thermostat to make certain that it’s calling for cool air and that the fan is on. Also, check your circuit breaker panel to see if it has a tripped. If neither of those works, then you may need professional assistance. You could have a bad capacitor, the device that helps the compressor start up.
Frozen evaporator coil. The indoor evaporator coil circulates cool, liquid refrigerant, whose interaction with the warm indoor air changes the refrigerant into a gas (hence the name). But there are various imbalances and issues within the cooling cycle that can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. It could be low refrigerant or a clogged air filter that is trapping cold air in the air handler. Not only will your coils need to be defrosted, but also the root of the problem needs to be fixed.
Inadequate cooling. This is probably the most common indication that something may be wrong with your AC. When your cooling system is no longer cutting the heat and humidity, then you need professional diagnosis to figure out the root of the problem. It could be an airflow issue, or it could be related to low levels of refrigerant circulating through the coils.

Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Madera, CA.

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How Dirt, Dust, and Debris Can Impact Your Air Conditioner

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

When the heat of summer is upon us, the last thing that you want to deal with is a broken down air conditioning system. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize that there are a number of issues that can develop with their air conditioning system that can really take a toll as the summer progresses. One such problem is the buildup of dirt, dust and debris on various components of your air conditioning system. We all like to maintain high indoor air quality in our homes to keep comfortable, but airborne pollutants can actually hinder the operation of your AC as well. Here are a few examples of this from the Fresno air conditioning repair technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

One major way that dirt, dust and other debris in the air in your home can impact the performance of your air conditioner is by clogging up the air filter in your AC system. While it is true that the whole purpose of this air filter is to trap such pollutants, many homeowners are mistaken as to why it does so. The purpose of this air filter is not to improve indoor air quality, but rather to protect the condition of your AC. It prevents dirt and debris from accumulating on the interior components of its system to keep it operating properly.

If, though, you do not change your air filter regularly, particulants may bypass the filter, free to build up within your system. The added airflow resistance a clogged filter creates can also decrease the efficiency of your system, as it works harder to force air through. This increased strain can damage your system.

When dirt, dust and other debris builds up on vital components, such as your evaporator coils, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home efficiently or effectively. Your condenser coils can ice up, which will prevent them from functioning properly. Do not let dirt on your coils hinder the performance of your air conditioning system.

For more information about the impact of dirt and other pollutants on your air conditioning system, contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today. We have the tips you need to cool your home effectively and reliably. Let our Fresno air conditioning repair pros help you keep your cool this summer.

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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.

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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!

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