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

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

Friday, 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

Friday, 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?

Friday, 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

Friday, 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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How to Get Your HVAC System Ready For Colder Weather

Friday, 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

Friday, 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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3 Common Problems with the Condenser Unit

Friday, August 22nd, 2014

Recurrent repair needs are a strong sign that it may be time to consider a new air conditioning installation. Sometimes various problems can occur, or you may deal with one part of your system breaking over and over again. Today we’re going to discuss common problems with your condenser unit and how they can affect your system. Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has trained experts for both repair and installation, so if it’s time to repair or replace, call the technicians you can trust.

What Is the Condenser Unit?

The condenser unit resides in the outdoor cabinet of your air conditioning system. The condenser is comprised of the condenser coils and condenser fan. The main job of the condenser unit is to release the heat from the refrigerant after it’s pressurized in the compressor. The condenser is the middle part of the refrigerant cycle, and when there are problems with the condenser, it can cause system-wide imbalances.

Common Problems with Condenser Unit

There are several common problems that can occur with condenser units:

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant passes through the narrow tubing of the condenser coils, releasing heat as it makes its way toward the indoor evaporator coils. Leaks can develop in the coils, throwing off the delicate balance of the refrigerant. The refrigerant facilitates the transfer of heat in your system, so if the level is reduced due to a leak, the entire heat release/cooling process can malfunction. Problems that can occur from low refrigerant are warm air blowing, icing and compressor issues. Leaks need to be repaired in order to restore proper functioning.

Dirty Coils

It is natural for the condenser coils to attract dust and dirt. However, if the dust and dirt aren’t cleaned from the coils at least once a year, these particles can develop a layer that will act as insulation on the coils. This inhibits the heat release of the refrigerant, and can create problems with the entire cooling process in your system.

Condenser Fan Issues

The fan on your outside unit is known as the condenser fan. This fan helps remove the heat released from the condenser coils and blows it outside; it also helps with airflow. Different problems can emerge with a fan, such as a worn fan belt, motor issues and problems with wiring. All can affect how a fan operates, which can have a direct effect on the heat release process.

If you see recurring problems with your condenser unit, it may be time to consider a new air conditioning system. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today and schedule an air conditioning installation in Fresno with one of our installation experts.

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Air Conditioning Upgrades That Help with Energy Efficiency

Thursday, 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.

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Can I Do Maintenance During the Summer?

Friday, 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!

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What Do Strange Noises from My Water Heater Mean?

Friday, 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.

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