Zak Of All Trades

02/23/2024

Help support one of the great sponsors of the Rosebud Ranch barrel racing and roping events!

Fully personalize your handmade custom belt buckles and celebrate tradition through true western designs. Best prices starting at $54.70!

07/22/2023

I have decided to open a new chapter in my life. I am no longer “Zak of All Trades". I am simply Zak, a dad, a man, a friend, and a teacher. My main focus, moving forward, is spending as much time as I can with my girls. I am also going to actively work on my maintenance text book, to enhance my teaching opportunities. I will continue to work, as time allows, as Zak Purdon, mechanical contractor, but I am going to be very selective on the jobs chosen. I have been truly blessed by the opportunities “Zak of All Trades" has given me over the years. I have been able to provide for my family, while being of service to many. The wide range of experiences has allowed me to train others, which is a highlight of my life. I look forward to whatever the future holds. My teaching at Washtenaw Community College will continue and I have some exciting opportunities with various apartment associations. Thank you everyone for your support over the many years. I don’t know if I can call this “semi-retirement", but it has a nice ring to it…

01/24/2022

Another day in the office. Perfect weather for a rooftop swap!

01/04/2022

Today's bad example...

01/03/2022

AIRFLOW AIRFLOW AIRFLOW! The proper amount of airflow is one of the most important factors in the performance of your heating and cooling system. A dirty air filter (furnace filter) can restrict airflow and cause many problems. Some of these are temporary and solved by a thorough cleaning and filter replacement. Restrictive air filters can also cause many serious issues requiring component or system replacement.

Temporary Issues; Excessive energy usage, Short cycling (overheating), Poor performance, Very dry air, System shut down / lock-out.

Serious Issues; Heat exchanger damage, Premature blower motor failure, Damage to A/C evaporator coil, and More!

I recommend “cheap” pleated filters. If you have 1” filters, they can generally be found for around 4 bucks at the big box stores. They should be replaced every 3 or 4 weeks when the system is used daily. 4” or 5” filters can double this timeline.

Filters are basically a media with “holes” in it. Air passes through the holes and contaminants get caught in the media. This causes the holes to get smaller and eventually blocked. This restriction process begins on day one. Pleated filters provide more surface area, and therefore more “holes”.

Expensive filters designed to reduce allergens, etc. have very small “holes”. These filters can restrict airflow, even when clean and become more restrictive quicker. The primary purpose of your furnace air filter is to protect the equipment. If you are concerned about airborne contaminants such as mold, pollen, odors, etc. then I recommend an iWave unit. www.iwaveair.com I have an iWave unit installed in my home.

Some other issues that can affect airflow are dirty blower wheel, restrictive A/C evaporator coil, plugged secondary heat exchanger, restrictive duct work, and inadequate return air.

All new furnaces are equipped with ECM blower motors. These motors are more energy efficient and are more effective at providing proper airflow than the older style. If you have central A/C, it is important to understand that the furnace blower motor is also the A/C blower motor. Upgrading your furnace generally results in better performance of your central A/C system. If it is time to replace your furnace, this is just one of the many benefits to discuss. During a furnace replacement, it is also the perfect time to add central A/C if you don’t already have it or upgrade an old unit.

I am available for all your HVAC service and installation needs, contact me today if you need anything.

01/03/2022

01/03/2022

Happy New Year! What's on your list that I can help you with?

12/27/2019

Merry Christmas and I pray the New Year brings all great JOY! I like to remind all this time of year that nobody should be without safe and reliable heat. If you or anyone you know in the area needs help, get in touch with me and we'll figure something out.

04/25/2019

Out with the old, in with the new!

04/05/2019

Another customer ready for summer! New furnace too, along with a water heater. Trifecta!