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What is the purpose of a heating system?

The purpose of a heating system is to provide comfort to occupants by regulating the heating temperatures in an enclosed space be it within an office, home, business, or another dwelling. This is typically done in combination with a ventilation and air conditioning system with a heating system that’s either central or distributed. The maintenance of ambient temperatures with a heating system will essentially serve the property’s mechanical, structural, and electrical systems as well. 

How do I choose a heating system?

A heating system should have the following factors considered according to your preferences,  property, or region specifications. First, you’ll want to determine the energy source or fuel type that you are using, the distribution system (such as forced air or hot water,) energy efficiency, overall cost, boilers, furnaces, electric heat pump, and more.

What is the most energy efficient way to heat a house?

The most energy-efficient heating system is considered to be solar heating as it draws energy through the sun. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid, either air or liquid and will then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or a storage system for later use. If at the case the solar system won’t be able to provide enough heating to a space an auxiliary or backup system will be active to provide the additional heat. 

What is the best home heating system?

One of the most well-regarded heating systems is a geothermal system. It’s one of the most efficient types of heating systems and is environmentally safe to operate. It can cut heating bills up to 70 percent which makes it a cost-friendly option as well.

What is the most economical heating?

The most economic heating system is electric fixed heaters with reverse cycle air conditioning (or heat pumps.) These provide convective heat and is one of the more energy-efficient electric heaters. The most efficient of these are 5-6 star units which are cheaper to run and can generate lower greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to gas heaters.

Is floor heating worth it?

An underfloor heating system is an energy-efficient and innovative way to heat your home as it works with radiant floor heating. Heating will be achieved through heated wires or heated water pipes underneath the floor that warm the objects in the room instead of the air. The cost of labor and the use of energy will be lowered with these systems.

What is the cheapest heating system to run?

The cheapest form of heating system is solar energy or gas-fueled systems. If you are living off of the grid, LPG is the most cost-effective option. Take full advantage of Economy 7 electrical tariffs to match LPG system running costs.

Is it cheaper to have heating on low all day?

According to experts of the Energy Saving Trust, having a heating system at low temperatures all day for cheaper costs is a myth. Essentially having the heat on all day is using energy all day so it’ll be a better idea to heat your home only when it’s needed.

What temperature outside should you put the heating on?

 Having your thermostat between 64℉-70℉ with your heating system is considered a good idea. If you have temperatures on the higher end of this range try turning it down two degrees to see if this is comfortable for you.

Contact A Qualified HVAC Company About Your Heating System 

In order to have a heating system that is right for your property, get in touch with a certified electrician. There are many different types of heating systems that may be of interest to you, so make sure you have the knowledge necessary before committing to a heating system that you will use for decades and more. Speaking with a professional will allow you to discuss which system will match your property specifications and operation needs. Get the heating system that’s best for you with a qualified HVAC company today.

To get assistance with heating system in Norco and New Orleans, LA call 985-764-8191 with Cajun Comfort!

Now that we have reviewed history and provide a more accurate, yet sketchy, accounting for who discovered electricity, let’s talk about home electrical basics and answer some questions.  While we may realize that you turn a light on, there light, but do you know what causes electrical failure? Electrical failure isn’t anything we want to deal with, but they happen, and those unplanned home electrical service failures are the worse! However, knowing why can often help prevent it from happening again. 

Electricity may seem simple, but the truth is, it has a level of danger about it too, especially with home electrical service failures. If you aren’t sure what is causing it, you could be creating the problem. So, with the info we have below, you’ll have some ideal what can cause a home electrical failure and possibly prevent it from happening. Some common home electrical faults are: 

• Excess load – Home electrical service wiring is meant to handle on a certain amount of power going through it, so when the circuit breakers and wiring have reached their capacity, it can throw the breaker due to overload. 
• Home Electrical load – In some cases, professional electricians find that incorrect installation or the circuit breaker or wiring has caused the home electrical service failure. More often though, it is incorrect use of the electricity. Incorrect use could be anything from a multi outlet extender and to plugging in multiple cords in one outlet. 
• Home Electrical Box Tightly Packed – Inside every type of home electrical box, the wires need a comfortable distance between them, 30 mm is the recommended distance.  This is the circuit breaker box, outlet box, light switch box. Why is this space needed?  Home electrical service wires heat up with use and if they are cramped together, they can overheat and overload the circuit. 
• Loose connections– Inside the main panel, there are breaker and neutral connections that must be installed securely. If any are left loose, they can short out inside the main panel and overload the electricity. This is one of the major reasons that professional home electrical service check is recommended.  

How do I know if my electrical is updated? 

Today, we all take electricity for granted. When need a light, we turn it on, we need air conditioning, we turn it on. The refrigerator keeps our food cold, and our televisions entertain us, all because of home electrical service. What most us don’t realize is the possible danger of an electrical fire hiding inside the walls of our home. So, how do you know if you have an electrical problem in your house?  Here are 10 indicators that you should be aware of that may be telling you there is a home electrical issue that needs attention: 

1. Unfamiliar odors: A new appliance will have a different odor when it is first turned on, and so does the heater the first time it is turned on. When a home electrical service outlet has an odd odor though, you need to unplug everything connected and call a qualified electrician immediately. The same is true about the breaker box or fuse box too. 
2. Arc faults: An arc is what electricity comes from and when electrical circuit deviates off the intended path, it is an arc fault, typically a wiring breach. This has been found to be the cause of many home electrical service fires. You can prevent this from happening though by having an AFCI installed by a professional electrician.
3. Counterfeit home electrical products: Extension cords, night lights, power cords that are purchased at a flea market are most likely a knock off and does not meet government or industry standards. These items may seem like a great deal price-wise, but they are incredibly dangerous. Never use anything that doesn’t have the UL seal of approval.
4. Sparking or Warm Switches and Outlet: If a light switch is warm to the touch or an outlet sparks when you plug something in, call a professional electrician. There may be wires needing repair or replacing.  
5. Buzzing, Cracking, Sizzling: Home electrical service switches and outlets should not make noise. If you notice any buzzing or cracking, or a switch sizzles when you flip it on, call your electrician immediately. 
6. Lights Flickering: If your lights are flicking, you have a power surge, but that isn’t always an emergency. Turn one or two things off and if the flickering stops, then you were putting too much demand on your home electrical service system. If the flickering continues, or it happens regularly, you should have a professional electrical inspection. It may be time to update your electrical power. 
7. Broken switches and loose outlets: When outlets and switches stop working or only  work intermittently, there is probably loose wiring inside the outlets, switches, or walls. This is a fire hazard and should be examined by an electrician immediately. 
8. Ceiling Fixtures Get Hot: It isn’t something you’d notice, you’ll have to reach up and check them but if they are feeling warm, they need more insulation. You should also check the wattage of the bulbs; you may have higher than the fixture is wired to handle. 
9. Critter, Insect and Rodent Droppings: Mice, rats, squirrels, and even insects chew and nest on home electrical service wiring. This damages and frays the wiring, creating a fire hazard. If you notice droppings or nesting activity, have a home electrical inspection done and then call a pest control service.
10. Circuit Breaker Issues: Circuit breakers trip when a circuit is overloaded, they are designed to this as a safety catch to prevent fires. If you’re having circuit breakers trip constantly, then you need a home electrical service inspection and find out what the issue may be, which could be having your circuit panel updated. 

We never would encourage home electrical service engineering to a homeowner that doesn’t have any type of home electrical experience. Electricity can be extremely dangerous, and it isn’t worth saving a few dollars and risking your life or your home. Where the weather can be questionable, like in the south with tornadoes and in the north with snowstorms, home electrical service with  backup systems are recommended. Otherwise known as generators, A backup system for your home electrical needs can keep your house functioning for a short time until the main power is back on. Call 985-764-8191 today.

What size AC do I need?

When it comes to determining the unit’s right size for your air conditioner installation, there are a few factors to consider, such as the ceiling height, the insulation type and thickness in the attic, and the house’s size. Central air conditioners are measured by tonnage, meaning a one-ton air conditioner can cool 12,000 BTU within an hour, and a two-ton air conditioner can cool up to 24,000 in one hour. 

To calculate whether you need 1 ton or 2 ton, you need to know your home’s square footage and then use math to figure it there.  The following is an example of a 1,500 square foot home: 

• 1,500 X 30 = 45,000 / 12,000 = 3.75 – 1.0 = 2.75

You would need a central air conditioner installation for a 3-ton unit. Your air condition installation contractor can help you with this calculation. It could vary for homes where the air is more arid or humid. 

Does Central AC add value to a home?

Maybe. Whether or not the system is brand new or relatively new won’t be noticed as much as not having it air condition installation or proper working system. Without any air conditioning in your home, especially here in Texas or any southern state, you’ll have a hard time selling. Real estate experts estimate a house with air condition installation already in place will get up to 10% more in selling price. This falls short of what a new air condition installation job cost, though. 

Is central air worth the cost?

That depends.  Are you having central air condition installation done for resale value (see the question above), or are you having it done for your comfort? Then you need to question the cost of a central air conditioner installation versus window units. Central air is considered superior by most people, but when you look at the cost of central air conditioner installation and repair and operating energy, window units give it central a run. 

1. Is There Existing Ductwork? With ductwork in place already, go with central air condition installation. You’re already ahead of the game!  
2. Do Want to See  Your Air Conditioner? A central air conditioner is hidden in a closet. The ductless system will be on the wall. 
3. How Big Is Your Home? A ductless system isn’t going to cool a home bigger than 2,000 square feet. 
4. Will Noise Bother You? The  ductless systems are going to be quieter.
5. How Budget Concerned Are You? Ductless air conditioning starts around $2,000 for a single unit. A central air condition system can cost $5,000 and up. 
6. Is Energy Efficiency Important to You? With a central air condition installation, if the ductwork isn’t done right, you’ll lose energy efficiency. With a ductless system, there aren’t any air duct concerns. 
7. Is Individual Zoning Better for Your Situation? 

Ductless is excellent for zone control air conditioning, and it is a cheaper way to go. 

Your home is a valuable investment. You want to choose the air conditioner installation that works best for your use and your budget and into your future. Ask questions, do research, and talk to neighbors, family, and friends about what they have and why it works for them. Call Cajun Comfort today at 985-764-8191 to get started on your air condition installation in Norco and New Orleans, LA.

How can I reduce my AC consumption?

There are several factors that determine how efficient your air conditioner for home is and the amount of power it takes. Those factors  are:

• The age and condition of the air conditioner
• The layout of your home
• The air ducts design
• How air-tight and insulated your home is
• Last, but not least, the weather

Here are eight suggestions on how to reduce your air conditioner’s power consumption: 

1. Raise the thermostat one degree

You won’t be able to tell the difference between 71 degrees in a room versus 72 degrees. So why bother? To save money! Raise the air conditioner thermostat one degree and see if anyone notices. 

2. Purchase a smart thermostat and program it! 

If your air conditioner isn’t running, it isn’t costing you money. A smart thermostat will keep your air conditioner from running when it isn’t needed. With a smart thermostat, you can set it to automatically cut off when nobody is home and cool down (or warm up) the house so it is comfortable when you get home from work. 

3. Clean air ducts gives clean airflow 

Your air conditioner will use less power and be more efficient when the air ducts and vents are clean. Make sure the furniture and other objects aren’t blocking the vents too.

4.Regular professional  maintenance schedule 

Even when you do everything you an as a homeowner, there are parts of an air conditioner that you don’t see or can reach.  A professional air conditioner technician will  check all the components, fix any connections or parts that need attention, and clean, grease, or oil anything that needs it. 

5. Change or clean air filters monthly

This is one thing that we cannot stress enough. A dirty air conditioner filter can’t filter the air as it needs, like a clogged sink can’t drain. The more clogged an air filter gets, the harder the air conditioner has to work, shortening its lifespan. 

6. Insulate your house 

To get the maximum  energy-efficiency from your air conditioner, keep your house insulated to keep the cold air in where you needed it. Check the attic for insulation and insulate around the ducts, outlets, and pipes. 

7. Retrofit your AC unit

Maybe your current air conditioner is working fine, but could it be more efficient? Ask your professional air conditioner technician about retrofitting more ventilation, a newer compressor or fan, and ask about retrofitting your air conditioner and purifier system too. 

8. Energy efficient upgrade 

If you have to buy a new air conditioner, make sure you get an upgrade model that is energy efficient. 

Should I turn my AC off at night?

As energy costs keep rising, everyone is looking for ways to cut back on their utilities. If you have window unit air conditioners, by all means, turn off the units in room where you aren’t at night. Central air conditioning can work harder and cost you more money if you turn it off and allow the house to get too warm before turning it back on. So, use caution with the HVAC air conditioner system. 

Can an air conditioner run 24 7?

Experts recommend that you do not run any air conditioner 24/7, even if it is the biggest unit on the market. Why? First, it is a waste of your energy cost, and the more the system runs, the quicker it is going to wear out. If you have an HVAC air condition system, buy a programmable thermostat, and utilize the feature to turn the unit off/on and up/down to keep your home at a comfortable level. 

These are the reasons it is also wise to have an HVAC maintenance plan with a professional HVAC service company. Too often, a homeowner feels that HVAC maintenance plans are a waste of money when they have a new system installed. While you shouldn’t need any additional maintenance or repair on the unit, later down the road, it could become evident why you should take that supplemental HVAC maintenance plan. 

What is HVAC maintenance?

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, HVAC for short, needs an HVAC maintenance program that has a trained technician perform the preventive maintenance to the complete system.  The monthly HVAC maintenance a homeowner does is essential, but the technician has training and experience to perform a more in-depth check of the air conditioning and heating components. The standard HVAC maintenance check will include these steps: 

The Furnace Inspection

1. Air filter replacement. 
2. Check the thermostat calibration. 
3. Inspect/tighten all connections; measure the current and voltage; lubricate the moving parts.
4. Inspect condensation drain and clear any blockage. 
5. Check system controls are in correct and safe working order.
6. Advise homeowner of any possible issues and repairs needed. 

The Air Conditioner Inspection

1. Check and clean condenser coil.
2. Check the thermostat reaches the required operating pressure.
3. Perform a wet bulb reading.
4. Check refrigerant, inspect the super heat and the sub-cooling.
5. Check motor amperage.
6. Advise homeowner of any possible issues and repairs needed. 

How often does HVAC need maintenance?

Experts recommend having an HVAC system checked by a professional once a year, minimum.  At the ten year mark, it is recommended twice a year for professional HVAC maintenance.  Monthly, a homeowner should do their maintenance, primarily changing or cleaning the filter and making sure the external component of the system is free of any debris and grass around the unit, and the lines running in the house are in good condition with foam insulation around them. 

How do you maintain an HVAC system?

We encourage our customers to consider taking an HVAC maintenance plan for professional care of their system. However, a homeowner needs to know how to HVAC maintenance in between the professional appointments. 

HVAC maintenance will protect the equipment and extend its lifespan. It also provides a level of protection for your family in the way of comfort and indoor air quality and helps the system operate correctly and using less energy. What should you do for your HVAC maintenance in addition to changing or cleaning the air filter? 

• Check and clean the air vents. If you notice any mildew or mold, clean with a bleach and water mixture, then schedule an air duct cleaning appointment. Mildew and mold on the exterior of the vents indicate mold and other pollutants in the air duct system that need to be professionally cleaned. 
• Any notice of musty odor coming from the vents, schedule an air duct cleaning appointment.
• Keep the exterior component free of debris and grass. 
• Keep the drain clear. 

There is also hard-wired smoke detector, installation is more detailed and complicated, which is why we recommend having them installed by a professional. You’re now asking yourself, “Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?” and the answer is it is not necessary, but it is our recommendation. Smoke detector installation should be taken seriously due to the nature of the matter. The National Fire Prevention Association reports that due to fabrics and materials that are in a home today, a household fire spreads quickly.

Your home’s floor plan will determine how many smoke detectors you should have and where they should be placed.  By having an electrician or a technician that is certified and licensed to work with electrical wiring complete your hard-wired smoke detector installation, you can be confident there is an adequate amount in the right places.

If your hardwired smoke detector installation isn’t done correctly, even with battery backup, they may not accomplish the intended purpose of having smoke detectors. If they are powered by the house’s main electrical circuit and have a battery backup, why wouldn’t they work? Ask yourself, when was the last time you changed the batteries in your current smoke detectors?

Where should smoke detectors be placed?

By having your hard-wired smoke detector installation done by a professional, you won’t need to worry with placement. They have been trained and know the correct placement according to the National Fire Prevention Association recommendations.

However, if you are using battery operated, or want to do the hard wiring smoke detector installation yourself, make sure there is one inside every bedroom or justoutside the door of the sleeping area, like a common hallway. 

There should be a smoke detector on each floor of your home and in the basement. The den or family room and near any stairways. You should have a smoke detector installation in the kitchen, near every bathroom, and in the laundry room. Other specific smoke detector installation areas recommended are:

• Recommended placement for a smoke detector installation in the basement is on the ceiling at the stairs leading out.
• Smoke detector installation should be installed within at least 10 feet of a cooking appliance to minimize any false alarms while cooking.
• Smoke detector installation for rooms with high ceilings should be one foot down from the ceiling, keeping in mind that smoke rises.
• With pitched ceilings, smoke detector installation should be within 3 feet of the top and no higher than four inches from the top of the peak.

Do smoke alarms need to be on the same circuit?

The electrical code may vary from city to city, but most do not require that there be a dedicated circuit for hard-wired smoke detector installation. However, if one chooses to have a new circuit installed specifically for hard-wired smoke detector installation, that is acceptable.

Do smoke detectors have to be wired in series?

It is recommended that hard-wired smoke detector installation, all hard-wired smoke alarms are wired so that thewarning is sent to every area of the home. By wiring them in a series, when one smoke detector goes off, the other smoke detectors will follow regardless where the smoke is originating from. If the electricity is affected and turns off during this time, the battery backup will override.

Can I install a smoke alarm myself?

Is a smoke detector installation possible for a homeowner? Yes, but there are differences in installing a hard-wired smoke detector vs battery operated. A battery-powered smoke detector installation is simple, and anyone can install one.

You’ll need a stepladder and drill, and typically, there are four screws to place the base plate of the smoke detector on the wall. Then you’ll install the required batteries where indicated on the base, the place the cover over that.

A hard-wired smoke detector installation is more complicated, and you should be comfortable handling electricity before you attempt this project. You must make sure the power is totally off first and then following these steps:

• Using a voltage tester, check to confirm the electric power is off.
• Connect the wires as shown in the instructions that come with the smoke detector.
• The new smoke detector will have a third wire that is referred to as “interconnect” and is usually orange or red. Do not connect it if the old alarm only had two connections.
• Turn the electrical power back on and push the test button on the detector.

How can I Reduce my AC Bill?

There are more ways to reduce your air conditioning energy charge to your electric bill which can save you money. Generally, it involves having a system of insulation assisting your air conditioner so that the cold air it produces remains inside and the hot air outside remains that way. This system can also support your heater in the colder months, but the focus at the moment is for air conditioning with measures like:

• Promptly replacing filters
• Insulate attic and walls
• Seal or upgrade windows
• Use fans on ceilings or in general
• Apply a thermostat that connects to your HVAC system

While some, if not all, of these seem like a no brainer to homeowners, that is not actually the case. There is a misunderstanding of how a ceiling fan works and why it actually supports an air conditioner rather than hinder it. While it is true a ceiling fan will in a matter of words “mix” the air in a given room, the air conditioner will gradually fill the room with cold air regardless of whether the fan is running or not. In fact, fans can allow air conditioners to faster cool a room by helping the circulation of the cold air. For that matter, once a room is sufficiently cooled, you can turn your air conditioner to a higher temperature (recommended by four degrees) and both keep your home cool and well regulated while saving money on your next electric bill because your air conditioner is not working as hard.

How do you tell if your AC is Broken?

Arguably, one of the most expensive parts about owning anything is the repair costs. Sometimes, that’s not exactly true for an air conditioner, which has several measures a homeowner can take to prolong its lifespan. However, when it does require repair you will definitely notice. The first sign generally points to that it is not doing its job, in fact, it likely is doing the opposite by blowing in warm air. Other signs may include:

• Sounds deemed unusual coming from your unit
• Excessive moisture or leaking from the air conditioner
• Odors coming from your unit or ventilation
• The thermostat is off or is not correct

Sometimes all the issue needs is a thermostat reset, but in fact, air conditioning does have a long list of problems that may occur and cannot be covered in a single post. Cajun Comfort calling one of us out to examine the problem closely, we can find the issue with your system and offer ways to solve it with our services.

• Ventilation systems that are improperly or inadequately maintained
• Contamination from chemicals, construction materials, fiberglass, glues, paints, particle boards, etc.
• The population inside a building
• Amount of indoor time

Any of the following symptoms are common among those affected by poor indoor air quality:

• Allergies
• Coughing and sneezing
• Dizziness
• Eyes, nose, skin, throat are dry and irritated
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hypersensitivity
• Nausea
• Sinus congestion

In the workplace, it can take a few hours of being inside the building before a person notices any of these symptoms or after they have left the building and feel better. Because other factors can cause these same symptoms such as the common cold or the flu, they are not always associated with poor indoor air quality. 

What causes poor indoor air quality? 

Indoor air quality is affected by the interactions within a building between the activities, furnishings, and materials within the building, the climate, and the occupants. Problems with indoor air quality may occur from any the following causes:

• Humidity, inadequate temperature, poor air circulation, ventilation system issues.
• Bacteria, chemicals, dust, fungi, gases, molds, odors, vapors
• Inadequate intake of outdoor air

How can I test the air quality in my home?

Indoor air quality is to easily and quickly overlooked. However, it matters to our health. Inside business and homes, there are chemicals and toxic agents that can spread throughout a business or home that is harmful and can make a huge impact on our health. There are ways you can check the indoor air quality in your home or place of business:

We hear about air pollution every day and we always think of it as pertaining to the outdoors. Surprising, corresponding to the EPS, when it comes to indoor air quality vs outdoor air quality, the indoor air quality can be up to more than 3 times worse than outdoor air quality, primarily due to airborne chemicals. So, don’t always base your decision on opening windows with concern to the outdoor air quality, it may be better for you than the indoor air quality.  For your indoor air quality needs in Norco and New Orleans, LA, call Cajun Comfort at 985-764-8191 today.

How does the generator start?

If you have ever survived a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, ice storm, or tornado, you may have also lost power to your home. That aftermath period can be stressful. Not only is the internet and television out, but the refrigerator isn’t getting power either. These are examples of when and why home generators are a convenience, not a frivolous purchase. 

Many homeowners that have gone through these types of things will purchase either gasoline or standby home generators, and that is what they do. They standby until we need them. A standby generator is left in and automatically turns on when the power goes out. They are like your own mini power plant. 

Gasoline-powered home generators are kept in the garage or other storage, some emergency crews will bring some into a devasted area. They require gasoline or propane gas to operate and start and run the same as a gasoline-powered lawnmower.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

Home generators are powered in a measure in watts, like a light bulb. Home generators with a power rating of 5000 watts to 7500 watts will supply enough electricity for the important household equipment. This is equipment essential to survival, like light bulbs, freezer, refrigerator, well pump, etc.

What size generator do I need to run a refrigerator and freezer?

To determine what size of the different home generators are the best for your ho, you need to pay attention to the starting watts of your refrigerator. This is the amount of power it takes to get your fridge started, which requires more than it will once you have it going again. The average refrigerators require between 2000 and 2500 starting watts and 700 running watts.

It is important for home generators to be large enough they can support these starting watts because of possible power spikes could damage the generator and the refrigerator. You should expect your refrigerator is safe on a generator for 8 to 9 hours.

Can you run a generator overnight?

They design some models of home generators to run for eight hours, other for 12 hours, and some home generators longer. However, it is recommended not to run home generators for long periods of time without allowing them to rest, partly because of how they are built.

Home generators are like any machinery with a motor. They require fuel and grease, and proper maintenance. When a generator runs out of gasoline or propane, it is nothing more than an oversized paperweight. If they run out of the fuel that is powering them, they shut off automatically.

With that being said, for home generators to run overnight, it requires making sure it has enough fuel to do that, or plan on getting up in the middle of the night to fill the tank again. Other issues running home generators overnight that you may entail:

• Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide isn’t visible and is odorless. Having a CO monitor in your home is recommended when depending on home generators for power.
• Noise – You’ll have a motor running inside or nearby.
• Theft – Often during disasters, theft is high for anything that can be carried off.

If we haven’t given you enough reasons to look at home generators, let us share the following reasons with you:

• Keep your critical appliances running
• Sump pump stays on
• Keep the lights for safety and convenience
• Peace of mind

If you live in a region prone to power outages due to high winds, hurricanes, or tornados, home generators are something you should give serious thought to buying.  Dial 985-764-8191 today for installation of your home generators in Norco and New Orleans, LA.

What is Involved in Metal Fabrication?

Custom metal fabrication services are important for many reasons. But what is involved in metal fabrication? As previously stipulated, metal fabrication is the process of building structures and machines from basic materials made of metal. Metal fabricators will cut, burn, weld, machine, form, and assemble the pieces together in order to construct the final product. What customers receive from metal fabrication shops is the centralization of many different processes. A metal fabrication shop will employ welders, ironworkers, blacksmiths, boilermakers, and various professionals that work with metal and are able to convert raw metal materials into polished final products.

What is a Fabrication Company?

Fabrication shops and machine shops tend to overlap in a variety of ways. It is important to understand that fabrication shops focus specifically on metal preparation and assembly. In contrast, machine shops cut metal but they focus more specifically on machine tools and parts. As a matter of fact, there are some machine firms that do both fabrication work and machine work. Examples of fabrication include blacksmithing, although that term is not considered synonymous. Welder-produced products are referred to as weldments and are examples of fabrication. 

What Tools Does a Metal Fabricator Use?

Metal fabricators use a variety of tools to create a substantive metal working outcome. Please review the following list to learn more about the tools that a metal fabricator requires.

• Oxy-gas torches. Oxy-fuel torches are used either to weld or to cut components of structural steel. Acetylene, gasoline, propylene, and hydrogen are all gases that can be used for torches.
• Magnetic drill. Magnetic drills are portable machines that are used to drill holes in structural steel objects. A magnetic drill machine has a permanent magnetic base. It is also known as a mag base, a magnetic drill, a magnetic broach cutter and more.
• Cold saw. A cold saw is a movable saw machine with a motor and a circular, toothy blade.
• Hem band saw. This type of saw machine can cut steel objects at 90, 60, and 45 degrees. This particular saw combines the control and flexibility of the metal fabricator as pressure is applied.
• Shot blaster. For cleaning, polishing, and hardening steel, the shot blaster is used. Specifically, the shot blaster uses spherical shots or balls.
• Plate processor. Plate processors are used for the automatic production of plate steel components. Any shaped holes, shape cutting and contour thermal cutting can be processed through this machine.

These tools and many more are used for metal fabrication purposes.

What are the Stages in Metal Work Fabrication?

There are four principal steps that are utilized in metalwork fabrication. The first step involves cutting. For cutting a large sheet into smaller pieces, shears are typically used. The shearing machine acts as a large pair of scissors. It has a long blade that will make a straight cut through the sheet. The second stage is bending. For this process, a press brake is usually used. Apparently one of the largest obstacles in bending is managing the spring back. Once this action is completed, the next step is assembly. The pieces will fit together and held with clamps or fixturing as appropriate. The tack welds hold everything together. The final step in metalwork fabrication is finishing. Finishing usually entails cleaning up welds or polishing to a mirror finish.

What is Light Metal Fabrication

There is a difference between light metal and heavy metal fabrication. Light metal fabrication generally involves both large and small components. Angles, brackets, cans, panels, shells, and plates can all be included in the category of light metal fabrication. Light metal fabrication processes include welding, forming, rolling, cutting and sawing.

What is Heavy Metal Fabrication

Heavy metal fabrication is known as the process of transforming metal, such as steel, into finished products for clients. Machining, molding, and casting are all parts of heavy metal fabrication. There are three categories of heavy metal fabrication: industrial, structural and commercial. 

What is Precision Metal Fabrication

One of the most common manufacturing processes in practice, precision metal fabrication is here to stay. This form of metalworking is used to describe any process wherein sheet metal is transformed into it’s finished form.

You need an HVAC company that knows how to perform quality metal fabrication in Norco and New Orleans, LA, that consistently delivers proven results. Call Cajun Comfort at 985-764-8191 to speak with our staff about making an appointment today!