Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

A Brief Guide to Installing a New Air Conditioning System

Thursday, August 29th, 2013

If your air conditioning system has failed permanently or if you’re moving into a brand new home, make sure that you call a Fresno air conditioning installation professional. Getting your new AC installed by the professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is one of the best ways to make sure that the new system works well and lasts for as long as possible. We often get asked by our customers about how the installation process actually works. Here’s a quick description of what the process is like. Give us a call if you have any questions.

Fresno Air Conditioning Installation Process

One of the most important decisions that needs to be made is what type of air conditioning system you want to have installed in your home. There are a number of different types of AC systems available on the market and our technicians will help you figure out which system is right for your home. You’re probably familiar with central AC systems but there are others out there such as heat pumps, package units which contain both a heater and AC system, and ductless mini split systems that allow you to dispense with ductwork.

Once you decide what type of system works for your needs, you need to determine exactly what size system is good for your home. Different air conditioning systems have different cooling outputs. If you get an AC that is too powerful or too large for your home it could negatively affect the comfort and efficiency of your home. Likewise if your AC is too small it won’t be able to cool your home. Our experts will run all the necessary calculations to determine exactly what size system is right for your home.

Next, our specialists will install your new air conditioning system at your home. The years of training and experience that we have will allow us to provide you with the quality and speed of service that you deserve. There are huge benefits to calling your local contractor for professional Fresno air conditioning installation services. Not only will the job be completed faster, but it will also be completed with high quality.

No matter what kind of AC unit you want installed, call Fresno air conditioning specialists Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation services that you can trust.

Tags: Air Conditioning Installation, Fresno
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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.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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Meet Our New Ford Focus Fleet Member!

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is proud to introduce our newest fleet member: the Ford Focus “Speedy”! Our new Ford Focus is fuel efficient and eco-conscious, which suites the Purl’s Sheet Metal philosophy perfectly. We want to do what we can to take care of our environment. Needless to say, we are all very excited about the new addition and wanted to share the news with you!

Tags: Eco-conscious, Ford Focus
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How Does a Thermostat Work?

Friday, August 16th, 2013

The thermostat serves as the control panel for your air conditioning system, allowing you to set the temperature and cool your house. Older thermostats used mercury switches to function, while newer ones are almost exclusively digital: allowing them to add convenient features like automatic activation. You may wonder how exactly they work, especially in an area like Fresno where temperatures climb during our hot Central Valley summers. The specifics depend on the type of thermostat you have.

Older thermostats placed several wires in a small vial which contained a measure of mercury. One wire stays in contact with the mercury at all times. The other two sit on either side of the vial and are attached to thermometer coils on the ends. When you adjust the heat or the cooling controls, the thermostat tips the vial, putting the mercury in contact with one of these wires and activating the heating or cooling cycle. The coils unwind until they tip the vial again, moving the mercury and shutting the system off.

Digital thermometers are much more complex, utilizing electronic components to perform the same function as mercury thermometers. Specifically, they use a device called a thermistor, which permits shifts in electrical resistance when the temperature changes. A microcontroller can gauge the level of resistance in the thermistor and convert that to an actual number. When that number is hit, the system turns the heat or the cool air on and off as needed. That allows users greater control over the process. For instance, they can set the thermostat to automatically turn on at a specific time, then turn off again when the goal temperature is reached.

When thermostats break down, it pays to call on an air conditioning professional in Fresno to enact repairs. The mercury in older thermostats is hazardous and requires a qualified air conditioning technician to approach properly. Newer thermostats may utilize a number of different components, and still require the proper know-how to properly connect to your air conditioning system. If you are experiencing problems with your thermostat, or you’d like to replace an older model with something more up to date, contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Our service technicians can travel to anywhere in the Fresno, CA area and can handle whatever air conditioning needs you may have.

Tags: Fresno, Thermostats
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New Residential New Construction Air Conditioning Installation

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Are your building the home of your dreams? Or just constructing a second home that you can rent out? Whatever your plans are for that new plot of land, you need to make sure that it has the HVAC it needs to offer comfort year-round. During the summer months, it gets hot in Fresno, and your air conditioning system needs to be able to fend off the heat of the sun. The best way to start off your home on the right foot is with a professionally installed air conditioning system that matches the unique needs of your new home. At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we offer excellent new construction air conditioning installation throughout the Fresno area, for homes of all shapes and sizes.

There are various considerations to keep in mind when thinking about your new HVAC system. Here are just a handful:

Size. When it comes to new HVAC installation, few things are as important as the size of the system. Your HVAC project manager will look closely at various parameters when determining how much cooling you need to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient. A load calculation of the living space will take into consideration not only the volume of indoor air, but also the condition of the windows and doors. When that’s done, we can then recommend a variety of system and brand options depending on your cooling preferences.
Budget. Another important consideration must be your budget. How much are you willing to spend? How important is long-term energy savings to you? When it comes to choosing a new system, it can make things a lot easier when you have a ballpark range for how much you can spend on your HVAC system. Working in consultation with a professional to figure out an accurate estimate is also essential.
Ducts or no ducts? New residential HVAC construction has a certain advantage over working on existing systems. Installing ductwork when the walls are open and there is plenty of space is often far easier than having to replace ducts that were installed years ago. But you also need to decide whether you want ducts at all, or whether you would like to opt for a ductless system.

Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning today. We can make sure that your Fresno air conditioning services are well taken care of.

Tags: Fresno, New Construction
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Heart of California Quilt Show Kept Cool with Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Support

Monday, July 29th, 2013

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning loves to support our local community. From fundraising for the Camp Fire Heart of CA kids program to assisting with the recent Heart of California Quilters’ Guild show, our goal is to build long lasting relationships with local organizations and community members.

We were recently called on to assist with an air conditioning set up for the Heart of California Quilt Show. Given the high temperatures, it was evident that the show attendees would need to be cooled down in order to safely enjoy the show. So, Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning helped out with a portable air conditioner!

Here is a sweet note we received thanking us for the assistance:

Dear Mr. Davidson,

Thank you so much for setting up your air conditioning system at the Heart of California Quilt Show. We so appreciate your quick response to Mike Giersch’s call. It made a world of difference to all of us.

Over the two days, there were approximately 360 individuals who attended the show along with our guild members and vendors. The chairs that were set up in the front of the air conditioned “cool zone” were some of the most popular in the building. I heard many people comment that your air conditioning made all the difference in their enjoyment of the event.

Once again, we appreciate your support of our organization and the Quilt Show.

Sincerely,

Patty Huff

Show Treasurer

Tags: CA, Heart of California Quilt Show, Heart of California Quilters' Guild, Madera
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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.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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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.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Fresno
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2013 Business Extravaganza!

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Big thank you to all who came out to the Madera Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business Extravaganza last month! It was quite a success and great to see some familiar faces as well as some new folks. We hope everyone enjoyed the cool booth with our ductless mini split setup as well as the complimentary popcorn! Here are a few photos from this years event in case you missed it:

Tags: 2013 Business Extravaganza, Ductless Mini Split, Madera Chamber of Commerce
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