Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for May, 2013

Memorial Day

Monday, May 27th, 2013

During the final Monday of May every year, we commemorate those military personnel who have died in service to their country. Formerly known as Decoration Day, probably because of the way that graveyards were decorated with flowers, Memorial Day came to prominence in the wake of the American Civil War, which left the country war-torn, with many casualties on both sides. Since that time, it has been a day of remembering those who have given up the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

As you go about town on your day off from work, you’ll probably see an abundance of flags and flowers, as well as public commemorations such as parades. While this day has been turned into the last leg of a three-day weekend, it’s important to reflect on the way that our military personnel have shaped our country, and to remember their contribution to the way we live today. We at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, wish you all the best on Memorial Day.

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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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Spring & Summer HVAC tips to help you reduce your energy bills and save money

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

There are several ways to reduce energy bills, save money and avoid costly repairs.  Here are 10 ways from Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to help you reduce your spring and summer cooling costs in Madera and Fresno, CA.

  1. Schedule your air conditioning system to be serviced and ready for the summer season.  This will ensure you are running at peak efficiency.  Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning has a NATE certified and trained team of service technicians to help you get your air conditioning system ready for the HOT summer in Fresno, CA.  When your cooling system does not have to work extra hard it will save you money.  The best time to have your air conditioner serviced in Fresno, CA is before the hot temperatures become extreme.
  2. Install a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy costs.  Set your thermostat for your family’s home comfort level when you are home, and decrease temperatures in the when you away.  If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, raise the thermostat level in your home by several degree’s while you are away to cut energy consumption.  New advances in technology offer Wi-Fi capable thermostats for additional cost savings.  For a full line of energy saving thermostats, visit the experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning in Madera, CA.
  3. Change the air filters for your HVAC system regularly.  A dirty air filter can increase energy consumption and damage your equipment leading to poor performance or early failure.   Make sure your air filter is the sized properly for your system.
  4.  Keep the shades and window coverings closed to reduce radiant heat from the sun.
  5. Consider sealing your cooling ducts in the attic.   Sealing your duct work can improve air flow and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 20 percent.  Purl’s Sheet Metal specialists can test your duct work for airflow leakage and seal the duct work if needed.
  6. Turn off electronic appliances when not in use.   Use the dishwasher, washing machine & dryer in the evening and in “off” peak energy hours.
  7. Plant trees or shrubs to shade the southern facing windows.
  8. Keep the ducts and vents in the house open to assure good air flow.
  9. Check the weather stripping around the windows, doors and attic.   Seal any area’s where air may be leaking.
  10. If you have older cooling equipment, (10 yrs. or older), you might consider replacing it with a new high efficiency cooling system.  If your system is not keeping your home comfortable, contact our professional team at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to find out what new options are available.   In Fresno CA, the hot weather can be extreme and last for months.  Upgrading your home cooling equipment is a great way to cut your annual energy bills.  In the summer months there are often great factory rebates and financing options available.

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Air Conditioning FAQ: What is a Zone Control System?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Living in Fresno, CA is a great experience, but it can make keeping cool during the hottest time of the year quite a challenge. Keeping your home cool and comfortable in the most efficient manner possible can be even more difficult. If you are unsatisfied with the performance or efficiency of your air conditioning system, there are a few different upgrades to consider that can help you use it more effectively and affordably. One of the most enticing is a zone control system installation. To schedule any Fresno CA Air Conditioning services, contact the AC professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.

A zone control system utilizes dampers in your ductwork system to help you direct the flow and use of cooled air in your home with greater control. By using a control panel, you can decide which areas of your home to cool independently of others. In taking this added control over your air conditioning system and energy usage, you can enjoy increased comfort in your home while potentially lowering cooling costs.

At some point you have probably gone into an unoccupied room and noticed that it was just as cool as the rooms in which people were gathered. This is not an efficient use of the energy that your air conditioning system consumes. With a zone control system, there is no longer any need to cool unoccupied bedrooms just to keep the kids cool and comfortable in the living room. Simply cool the living room independently, and shortly before bed you can gradually bring down the temperatures in the bedrooms. This can help to save you money without sacrificing any comfort.

In fact, a zone control system can make your home a more comfortable place to live. Different people prefer different temperatures. When you can cool rooms independently of one another, you can keep everyone comfortable and happy. This will also help eliminate any arguments around the thermostat.

Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today to learn more about how a zone control system installation works. Our Fresno, CA air conditioning professionals are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call now to schedule service.

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