When you’re looking for a new appliance, whether an air conditioner or toaster, you’ll notice many items have a blue sticker on them that says ENERGY STAR. You’ll probably guess this means the device uses less energy than one that doesn’t have the label—but if you’re curious about what the it actually means, and how it can help you when it comes to new installation of an air conditioning system or heating system, we can shed some more light on this common label.
Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for August, 2018
What Does the ENERGY STAR Label Mean?
Monday, August 27th, 2018Friday Blog 8/27/18
Monday, August 27th, 2018
Wild Fires & HVAC systems
The air quality in the Central Valley has been greatly affected by the many wild fires burning in our area. We can look out our window and see the smoke in our Valley. Smoke mixed in the air from wild fires often includes a lot of small particles. When you run your HVAC system in these conditions some of these partials can enter your home and affect your indoor air quality. It is important to service and clean your system and to change your filters more often in these conditions. You may consider upgrading your filters to a higher MERV rating for finer filtration.
If you are in a heavy smoke filled area you may consider cleaning the ductwork in your home or office to refresh your entire system. This is something you can seek advice from one of our indoor air quality specialists.
Enjoy all the perks of summer in the Central Valley
Homegrown by Purl’s Sheet Metal employees! Nothing beats home grown vegetables, especially tomatoes! Lucky for us, Sheryl Berry and Pat Reese both have amazing gardens full of delicious vine ripened tomatoes. They are kind enough to share with everyone! Here are a couple of our Purl’s Sheet Metal favorite recipes!
BLT Bites
Slice Tomatoes cross wise- Stuff with shredded lettuce, top with bacon and drizzle some homemade buttermilk ranch across the top! Salad in a tomato…Amazing! For an added bonus top with Feta or Blue cheese!
Don’t forget your pets on these hot days. Have a cool place for your pets with plenty of shade and fresh water. Hot surfaces can burn their paws and many pets can overheat easily. A little water in a kiddie pool is also a good choice for many pets.
Our best summer tip for your indoor home comfort is to make sure you air conditioning system is serviced by a professional HVAC technician so you are prepared for the long summer. It is a good idea to call for preventative maintenance to avoid any major breakdowns during the peak season. Our service technicians are trained professionals and will get your air conditioning system ready for the triple digits temperatures in Fresno, CA and the surrounding area.
Spotting Heat Emergencies (And a Filter Reminder!)
Tuesday, August 14th, 2018
We’re currently experiencing triple-digit weather here in the Central Valley—and this can make a faulty air conditioner a critical emergency! Weather this hot can lead to major health problems, such as heat stroke and dehydration, that can be life-threatening if emergency steps aren’t taken. We have a few tips for spotting heating emergencies during this time to help keep you safe.
Watch for heat stroke: Heat stroke (aka sunstroke) is when the body overheats beyond 104°F. It’s a medical emergency that can cause damage to the nervous system if not treated, so if you suspect you or someone near you has it, call 9-1-1 immediately. It’s most dangerous for people over age 50. Fortunately, heat stroke doesn’t hit all at once: there’s a progression of symptoms you may notice that can give you advanced warning. Watch for people who seemed confused, disoriented, feel nauseous or are experiencing vomiting and trouble breathing. Watch out for these signs in yourself: throbbing headache, dizziness, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Dehydration: You’re always losing water from your body, but you usually replace it by drinking and eating. But extreme heat can lead to losing water faster than it’s replaced. Mild dehydration is common and not a serious problem—just drink some water! But major dehydration during brutally hot days will cause dizziness, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, fainting, rough skin and chapped lips. As with heat stroke, this is a medical emergency that needs treatment, not just water!
Please Remember to Change Your Air Filter!
The Yosemite fire has brought a steep drop in the air quality in our area. Because of the amount of smoke in the air, the air filter in your home’s HVAC system is going to get dirty extremely quickly. If you usually change your filter every few months, we strongly urge you to change it now, no matter what your regular schedule is. This isn’t just our recommendation, either! The CDC urges regular changing of the air filter to prevent the circulation of outside smoke through your home during times of major fires.
If you need AC help to get through this intense summer weather, or you’re looking for indoor air quality assistance, call on Purl’s!
Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning: Quality Is the Cornerstone of Our Success Since 1952!
Friday Blog 8/10/18
Friday, August 10th, 2018
The hot weather has arrived in the Central Valley. One of the ways our team stays cool at Purl’s Sheet Metal is with cool snacks and treats. This week it was homemade popsicles. We made strawberry watermelon popsicles from fresh fruit. This is a healthy and refreshing summer treat that everyone loved. It’s easy and so good for you. Make your own variation for some extra fun.
2 cups of watermelon
2 cups of strawberries
Juice of 1 lemon
Blend ingredients together until liquefied. Once liquefied pour into your favorite molds.
Freeze for 4-6 hours and then ENJOY!
Don’t forget your pets on these hot days. Have a cool place for your pets with plenty of shade and fresh water. Hot surfaces can burn their paws and many pets can overheat easily. A little water in a kiddie pool is also a good choice for many pets.
Our best summer tip for your indoor home comfort is to make sure you air conditioning system is serviced by a professional HVAC technician so you are prepared for the long summer. It is a good idea to call for preventative maintenance to avoid any major breakdowns during the peak season. Our service technicians are trained professionals and will get your air conditioning system ready for the triple digits temperatures in Madera, CA and the surrounding area.