Employee Spotlight – Jacob Davidson  

May 19th, 2014
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Jacob enjoys drinking “Rockstar” each morning.

Our first employee spotlight will be about Jacob Davidson. Jacob officially started work at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning in 2009. We say “officially” because Jacob has been part of the Purl’s family since the day he was born and spent many hours at the shop with his father Kurt Davidson.

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Jacob with his parents,   Kurt and Lisa Davidson.

Jacob enjoys many other outside activities. He spends two nights a week working with the youth group at his church. He and his family own a desert off road racing team and enjoy weekends racing. He has volunteered at Algeria Guild Day in the Country since 2007 to raise money for Children’s Hospital Central California. In his free time, he enjoys air soft sports with friends.

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Jacob is proud to be a part of Purl’s family.

Jacob says his favorite thing about his time at Purl’s Sheet Metal is the family aspect of the business. He said he loves the teamwork and family . Over the years Jacob has worked in many capacities at the shop. He started out tearing down old units, washing and refueling trucks. He learned to fabricate flashing and custom pieces and became a lead in our computerized plasma cutting technology. He learned how to service units and change out equipment. He also currently handles onsite company IT and security.

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Jacob at work.

One of the most important things he feels he has learned at Purl’s Sheet Metal is how to work with people and communicate effectively. He has learned many life lessons during his time at Purl’s Sheet Metal. He learned the importance of honesty and fairness from his father Kurt. He also has learned the valuable art of negotiation from his Dad. Brian Driggs taught him how to research everything so you make smart, informed choices.

 

 

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When is it Time to Install a New Air Conditioner

May 16th, 2014

The question can haunt a longtime homeowner: when is it time to install a new air conditioner? Such a project can cost a great deal, and for prudent residents of Fresno, air conditioning installation is often something that can wait in favor of more pressing matters. On the other hand, our punishing summers can be extremely hard on older systems, and sometimes even the most reliable air conditioner needs to be put out to pasture in favor of something more efficient. Only you can decide when the time has come to make a change like that, but a few simple guidelines can help you out.

In the first place, you have to measure the unstated cost of keeping your old system versus the up-front cost of installing a new one. Old air conditioners usually feature worn parts and components, which reduce the system’s efficiency and raise the cost of monthly cooling bills. Over time, that cost can become so large that a new system becomes the only practical option. The savings in monthly bills may be enough to significantly offset the cost of installation.

Along those lines, the frequency and severity of repairs can impact the decision as well. Every air conditioner needs repairs every now and then, but your existing unit may be suffering more breakdowns than you’re prepared to handle. Alternately, it may suffer a breakdown so severe that repairing it simply means throwing good money after bad. It may be more attractive to put that money into the cost of a new unit instead of trying to spruce up the old one.

Finally, pay close attention to the overall age of your unit. If it’s been well maintained, it may last months or even years past its expected replacement date. On the other hand, if it’s more than 10 years old and costs start piling up as outlined above, that’s probably the sign you need to consider a replacement.

And when you do, be sure to contact the Fresno air conditioning experts at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for help. Air conditioning installation is one of our basic services, and our trained staff can guide you through the process when it’s time to install a new air conditioner. Pick up the phone and call us today to make an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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How Powerful an Air Conditioning Should I Install?

May 9th, 2014

Installing a new air conditioning system is more complicated than it may appear. It’s not like buying a TV or a refrigerator, where you just look for the options you want at a price you can afford. An air conditioner is a major investment in your home, and needs to be properly sized in order to function as it should. By “size,” we mean cooling power rather than physical size. It’s perhaps the most important aspect of any new air conditioning system. “How powerful an air conditioning should I install?” you ask. A brief answer can be found below.

The exact formula for determining an air conditioner’s power is complicated. It starts with the square footage of your home, which requires approximately 25 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of power for every square foot you have in your home. That’s a rough estimation, though most air conditioners list the recommended square footage on the box. There are countless variables to consider as well. For example, you need to determine how well your house is insulated, and whether your doors and windows have any cracks that could leak air. You need to factor in sunlight exposure, which can warm the house considerably in sufficient amounts, and whether air flow facilitates a rise or a loss in temperature. A trained professional can make those calculations for you and provide an ideal power level for your home.

Why? If your air conditioner is too small, it won’t do the job and if it’s too large, it will cycle on and off rapidly, using a lot of energy and causing a lot of wear in the process. (Air conditioners use huge amounts of energy powering up and down.) An ideally-sized unit will perform at maximum efficiency, increasing its lifespan and lowering your monthly bills in the process.

For more details on how powerful an air conditioning system you should install, contact the experts a Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We understand the ins and outs of air conditioning installation in Fresno and other towns throughout the Central Valley, and we know how to get you the system that works best for your home. Contact us today to make an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Spring

May 1st, 2014

We don’t often think about repairing our air conditioners in the spring. Here in Madera, air conditioning problems don’t usually make themselves known until we’re deeper into the summer, when temperatures rise and you need your system every day. But that doesn’t mean you won’t face common air conditioning problems in the spring. Indeed, dealing with those problems before the summer hits can save you a great deal of trouble.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the things to look for.

  • Low refrigerant. Refrigerant gas is the foundation of your air conditioning system. It cycles through the system, shifting first into a liquid state and then back into a gas before starting again. The results pull heat from the surrounding air, which is what allows your air conditioner to cool your home. Refrigerant levels need to be at a set amount, as determined by your precise air conditioner model. If a leak springs up, refrigerant will leak out, causing your unit to struggle and causing excessive wear and tear on other components. This is an especial concern in the spring, since you won’t detect a leak after your air conditioner sits idle all winter.
  • Dust and dirt. Dust and dirt clog air filters, which reduce the flow of air and make it harder to cool down your home. They also can coat other interior components, increasing friction on moving parts and causing more wear on the system as a whole. Again, dust and dirt usually accumulate after not running the air conditioner for several months, which typically happens during the winter.
  • Clogged drain line. The drain line is connected to a drain pan, which collects condensate and moves it out of the system. They can become clogged after a period of little use, which will cause the pan to overflow when you start using the air conditioner again.

You can address common problems in the spring by scheduling air conditioning maintenance with Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We work in Madera, air conditioning maintenance is a standard service of ours and we can make sure that your unit is ready to go as soon as temperatures start to rise. Call us today to make an appointment!

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Summer Air Conditioner Start Up Tips

April 30th, 2014

Summservice pageer temperatures have arrived Fresno, CA and the Central Valley. Many people will be turning on their AC for the first time in the next few days as temperatures are expected to reach the mid 90’s for the first time this season. Here are a couple of tips to help keep you cool and to get your HVAC system ready for the summer months.

Replace air filters

It is a good idea to replace your air filters at the start of the cooling season. This will help your cooling system to operate at peak condition. (Filters should be changed every 3 months).

Service System Regularly

Servicing your home’s heating and cooling system is as important as changing the oil in your car. Schedule a seasonal service appointment to have your unit checked and cleaned for the summer season. Efficiency decreases when the system is dirty. Service Technicians will also check your condensate line to make sure it is draining properly. A clogged and dirty condensate drain can cause water damage to your home.

Program Thermostat

Program your thermostat for the summer season. Avoid making large thermostat adjustments during peak cooling times. If you turn your system completely off it can take many hours to bring the indoor temperature back down to your comfort level. Set your thermostat to 78 or whatever is comfortable while you are home and raise the temperature level while you are away.

Visual inspection of your system

Remove any debris or plant growth from outdoor condensing units. Make sure any outdoor winter covers are removed before turning on your unit. Keep area around units clean

Check to make sure all vents are open

Make sure all of the supply vents in the home are open for cooling.

Test your system

Turn on your HVAC system and let it run for about an hour. Make sure the vents are blowing cold air. If Heating Pagethe vents are blowing warm or hot air you may need refrigerant for your system. You can damage the cooling system components if you operate the system when it is low on refrigerant. Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to schedule a service appointment in Madera or Fresno, CA.

It is a good idea to do a visual inspection and to run your HVAC system through a test cycle at the beginning of every season. It is also recommended to have your system serviced routinely to keep it clean and to spot any possible problems before they lead to an unexpected breakdown. Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with one of our service technicians today.

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Should I Wait to Repair My Furnace Since I Won’t Be Using It Until Next Winter?

April 29th, 2014

Furnaces provide a valuable, often essential, service during the winter months. But as spring changes into summer, furnaces drift away from people’s minds. Homeowners focus their attention on their ACs until winter returns again. It’s easy during this time to neglect taking care of any lingering repair needs a furnace may have.

However—and this applies to all heating systems as well as air conditioning systems—you should call for repairs the moment you know you need them. Delay can lead to inferior heating, further malfunctions, and energy waste. Act on your needs for furnace repair service in Madera, CA now with a call to Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. We are available 7 days a week to help keep your furnace in good condition.

So, in answer to the question, “Should I wait to repair my furnace since I won’t be using it until winter?”…

1. No, because you might actually need to use it before winter

California summers are known for their warmth, but there’s no guarantee that we won’t encounter a few chilly and rainy days. Once we reach September, the chances will climb even higher that uncomfortable weather will strike and your furnace will need to come on to keep you comfortable. You don’t want the repair you neglected back in spring to impair the furnace’s performance or cause it to break down.

2. No, because spring is an ideal time to schedule service

The best time to have a furnace repaired is when you don’t need it to heat you. It’s much easier to have repair technicians shut down your furnace for short time during a warm spring day when you have no need for the furnace to be on in the first place. Spring is also one of the less busy times for HVAC technicians, between the emergency calls of winter and summer, so it’s simpler to schedule a convenient time to have the repair work completed.

3. No, because the problem may worsen

Winter weather arrives, and it’s time to ignite your furnace once more. But… it doesn’t come on, and you end up needing to make an emergency repair call. This is a likely scenario when you allow a repair problem to go unattended: the malfunction won’t magically repair itself, and it will likely grow worse—especially if you needed to turn the furnace on a few times during the summer and fall. Don’t take this risk; have repairs done as soon as you know about them.

Whatever issues you noticed with your furnace at the end of winter, you can trust the technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning to fix it. We’ve served the Central Valley since 1952, and any furnace repairs throughout Madera, CA will be in good hands with us.

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Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Proud Sponsor of Little League

April 22nd, 2014

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning is proud to be a sponsor of a baseball team in the Madera National Little League. At the mid-season mark, the team is currently undefeated in their league.

Madera National Little League began operation in the 1954 season. For more than 60 years, thousands of children have been fortunate to learn the basic fundamentals of baseball through Madera Little League. It takes the work of many volunteers and strong community and business support to continue to offer this level of baseball. Games are played at Lions Town & Country Park in Madera.

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Angie’s List

April 18th, 2014

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Here’s the Deal:

  • $299.61 for the purchase and installation of a new Respicaire electronic air filter and an HVAC system diagnostic
  • Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning will provide a free estimate for any needed repairs by one of their expert service technicians

The Real Deal: Upping your home’s air quality can cut back on allergies and sickness for your family. Replace your current filter with an electronic air filter to help clean and purify your indoor air!  See Angie’s List offer for complete details.

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Angie’s List Deal

April 18th, 2014

hvacDeal Details

Here’s the Deal:

$91.65 for the purchase and installation of a new programmable thermostat and a free HVAC system diagnostic service

  • Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning will provide a free estimate for any needed repairs by one of their expert service technicians

The Real Deal: Your thermostat keeps you comfortable, but inefficient operation can lead to costly energy bills. Install a new programmable thermostat for less, and maintain reliable, effective temperature control with this refreshing offer!   See Angie’s List for Offer details.

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Benefits of a Maintenance Session at the End of Heating Season

April 9th, 2014

The heating season is coming to a close and with it comes a reduced need to keep your heater running every day. As temperatures warm up, homeowners will turn their attention towards air conditioning systems, especially in the Central Valley where summers get incredibly hot. In Madera, the heating system technicians at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning also offer maintenance service: a sort of tune-up for your heater that addresses little issues such as dust build-up and loose bolts. The benefits of maintaining your heater at the end of heating season cannot be overestimated.

Here in Madera, heating services are provided by Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, and we can handle a maintenance session with professionalism and pride. Call us today to make an appointment!

In the first case, it’s an easy time to remember. Many homeowners engage in spring cleaning every year at about this time, and you can add a maintenance session for your heater to the list to things to do. That helps you get a jump on any dust or debris that have built up over the winter, as well as addressing any little issues that you didn’t have time to deal with when the heater was running every day.

Along those lines, spring time gives you maximum flexibility. In the winter, you’re likely running your heater every day or thereabouts, which leaves precious little time to deal with anything but a major problem. In the spring, you don’t need your heater as often, and can set a schedule for a maintenance session that works best for you, instead of scrambling around during an emergency.

Perhaps most importantly, a maintenance session now ensures that your heater will be ready to go next season, eliminating potential worry and keeping your furnace in good shape. Dust and dirt, for example, can clog the burners and increase friction on moving parts. That might not be a big problem now, but it definitely could create one if it’s left unaddressed. An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure as they say, and the benefits of a maintenance session at the end of heating session will pay dividends in the long term.

Call Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for professional heating system maintenance in the Madera, CA area.

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