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HVAC Projects in Government Buildings

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Chappell Central has worked with a great team of architects, engineers, and contractors to become proficient in commercial HVAC installation in various settings such as waste water treatment plants, schools, hospitals, and most recently government buildings. Here are some of the most recent projects in county buildings across the state of Minnesota.

 

mille lacs county historic courthouseMille Lacs County Historic Courthouse

Chappell Central returned to the land of the Walleye to do the HVAC remodel project for this unique historical building. Two years ago Chappell Central installed the HVAC system in the new addition to the Mille Lacs County Historic Courthouse in preparation of vacating this existing building for the remodel. Contegrity Group was the Construction Manager charged with keeping all contactors working together to meet the sometimes-challenging requirements of working on a historic building.

Houston County Justice Center HVAC System

Houston County Justice Center

After a four-year hiatus since the Rice Hospital Project (the largest HVAC project for Chappell Central to date) we again teamed up with Knutson Construction for the Houston County Justice Center. The HVAC portion of this project consisted of four rooftop units, three air handlers, ductwork and a VAV control system.

Jackson County Government Center HVACJackson County Government Center

Although not as challenging as working on a historical site, Chappell Central was again privileged to work with Contegrity Group to complete this project. Chappell Central installed the Rooftop HVAC Unit, ductwork, and VAV system for this new facility.

It was a great pleasure to work with these facilities and put our commercial HVAC expertise in motion. Since Chappell Central is often known as being “Your Air Quality and Home Comfort Experts” it is nice contribute to the comfort and air quality in workplaces and government buildings as well.

Filed Under: Commercial, Customer Projects Tagged With: , , , , , ,

HVAC Service Agreement has Benefits in All Seasons

April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

After an unseasonably warm Minnesota winter, our service department is ramping up for spring/summer HVAC Service Agreements. Since the maintenance agreements have proven to be a win-win for both Chappell Central and our customers, we are making an extra effort in 2012 to show our customers the  added  benefits of committing to the preventative maintenance agreement in all seasons.

How do I Benefit from an HVAC Service Agreement?

A Service Agreement (aka Maintenance Contract, or Preventative Maintenance Agreement)  is a proactive approach to HVAC service offered by Chappell Central Inc.  With equipment that is more sophisticated and the requirement of extended warranties having annual maintenance, the service maintenance plan provides peace of mind and outstanding reliability for your HVAC equipment.

spring tulips in west central MinnesotaService Agreement Benefits include:

  • Better and more reliable HVAC equipment operation
  • Fewer “emergency” calls which can be expensive
  • Added comfort and peace of mind
  • “Preferred Customer” status and other benefits

Why Invest in an HVAC Service Agreement in the Spring?

Now, with summer looming, it is a great time to invest in a Service Agreement, because it covers more than your heating – it covers your air conditioning system as well. For many families, a reliable central air conditioning unit is nearly as important as the furnace.  The main benefits that apply year long are maintaining consistent heating and cooling comfort, and reducing expensive emergency repairs that could have been avoided.

In a normal year we’re waiting for the weather to warm up enough to check out cooling systems, which generally occurs at the same time as the new installation season. Normally this creates a conflict between getting the new equipment installed and completing our maintenance agreements. Not this year – we should be in good shape with our maintenance agreements before the summer push.

Call Ron or Brenda today at 320-235-2151 or contact Chappell Central online to learn of the benefits of “preferred customer” status that comes with a maintenance agreement.

Filed Under: HVAC Equipment, Maintenance, Residential Tagged With: , ,

A Day at Chappell Central – Manufacturing Division

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

By Craig Meyer, President

During this Thanksgiving week, I would like to take the time to say “Thank You” to all of the employees at Chappell Central and the customers we serve. I am grateful to get a chance to work with each of you.thank you from Chappell Central

Chappell Central is a diverse business, since we get to work with both home owners and business owners doing HVAC installation and maintenance, as well as help manufacturers with custom fabrication and manufacturing of component parts.

All business’ require a team effort and our manufacturing division is no different. Manufacturing is comprised of many roles and departments all carrying equal ownership and accountability for getting the orders delivered on time. I’d like to take a moment to recognize some of these functions and individuals necessary to grow our manufacturing business.

It starts with our sales people who have kept our drafter/coordinator, Kathy Schmiedeker, busy keeping up with critical part information necessary for production.

Our laser, press brake and welding department have been working additional hours and weekends through some uncomfortable conditions this past summer. I had to marvel at our welder’s perseverance. Geared up in leathers over a hot arch with heat indexes approaching 100 degrees they still got the product out. Thankfully fall is here now, which means some cooler temperatures for our welders to work in.

Shipping and Receiving keeps production stocked with materials and supplies. Gary Richert does a fantastic job keeping all the orders straight under some challenging delivery requirements.

All of this is done with the direction of our manufacturing manager, Matt Kelly. Matt should have a big “S” on his chest for managing an extreme work load, both on the floor and in the office.

Any glitches? You bet. There’s no way you can double your revenue without some bumps.  Fortunately, we have the people that are willing to make the extra effort necessary to meet  demand. It’s a privilege for me to be part of this growing manufacturing & HVAC team and to serve our customers throughout Minnesota.

Thank you again to our customers for your business, and to each Chappell Central employee for the hard work you have put in.

Photo Credit: by nateOne

Filed Under: Company News, Manufacturing Tagged With: , , , ,

Geothermal Heat – From the Ground Up

November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to heating your home, there are many options, including high efficiency furnaces, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP).  One option that is becoming more popular, especially with new home or business construction, is the installation of a Ground Source Heat Pumps,  which are also known as Geothermal Heat Pumps.

What is “Geothermal” Energy?

Explained simply, Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because it comes from Geothermal heat from grounddeep within the earth and is continuously produced.   If you remember Earth Science classes from when you were a kid, you may recall that the core of the earth is hotter than the sun’s surface.  To tap into Geothermal energy, we use that stable ground or water temperature from near the Earth’s surface to control the temperature of your home or building. A  Geothermal heat source can be used to both heat and cool your home.

The differences between using a standard furnace and a geothermal heat pump:

  • Geothermal Heat Pumps have  a higher upfront installation cost
  • Geothermal Heat Pumps have  a lower monthly costs over its operating lifetime
  • GeothermalHeat Pumps use a renewable energy source which is better for the earth

With the higher upfront cost, a Geothermal Heat Source is not the right solution for everyone, but it is well suited for some commercial applications and families who are building new homes.

At Chappell Central, we frequently install WaterFurnace brand of Geothermal Heating & Cooling products. If you are interested in learning more about your heating and cooling options, contact our staff at Chappell Central.  We would be happy to help guide you and find the right product for your needs and budget.

Filed Under: Commercial, Residential Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preventative Maintenance Plan Offers Peace of Mind

October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Just like your car or computer, your furnace or air conditioner may not run efficiently when it’s not properly maintained. Often, a breakdown can occur at times when you need it most. Anyone who has had their furnace breakdown in the middle of a Minnesota winter, or the air conditioning stop during the hottest day in July, knows how inconvenient it can be.

Minnesota winter

To help our customers combat Murphy’s Law of “if it can grow wrong, it will” and to extend the life of their heating and cooling equipment, we have developed a Preventative Maintenance Plan. It is designed to save you time, money, and headaches on your furnace and/or air conditioning maintenance.

Benefits of Chappell Central’s Maintenance Plan:

When you keep your furnace and air conditioner properly maintained with the Preventative Maintenance Plab, you will reduce expensive and unexpected costs down the road. Here are some of the benefits of being a Maintenance Plan Customer:

1. 10% discount on all work (during regular business hours)

2. No overtime rates charged – customer always receives “contract customer pricing” (which during overtime hours works out to about 53.4% discount)

3. No base fee charged – The base fee of $60 is typically charged on all calls during standard or overtime hours that is not pre-scheduled maintenance

4. Price lock on maintenance for 3 years

5. Free maintenance of accessory equipment in the home (includes humidifiers, air exchangers, garage heaters, parlor stoves, and electronic air cleaners)

6. Priority scheduling – customers on our maintenance plan receive top priority for all work (both maintenance or emergency repairs)

7. Records – you will be supplied with a copy of our completed maintenance checklist for your records & Chappell Central also keeps a copy in your file at our office.

The chill of winter is right around the corner. Now is the time to plan ahead for the heating season. For pricing of the Maintenance Plan, please call Chappell Central at 320-235-2151 or fill out this simple form.

Photo Credit: merfam

Filed Under: Maintenance Tagged With: , , , ,

Living (and bowling) United at Chappell Central

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There is more to the employees of Chappell Central than just knowledge of HVAC Systems and Metal Fabrication. They also know the value of helping their local community and even how to throw a bowling ball.

On Thursday, September 29th, 2011 the employees of Chappell Central and their families gathered at the Kandi Entertainment Center in Willmar, MN for some bowling and pizza.  In a bowling challenge between the Trott Avenue manufacturing employees and the Gorton Aveneue HVAC and office employees, the Trott Avenue staff proudly made more strikes and Chappell Central HVACspares. But even though the Trott  team  won in bowling, everyone there were champs, because the event has a much bigger goal in the end.

The bowling event was also part of a Kick-off for Chappell’s Annual United Way Campaign, where employees pledge how much they will give to the local West Central Minnesota United Way from each paycheck. This commitment of Chappell Central employees is something to be proud of, especially considering that they started giving to United Way over twenty years ago when the company had only about 30 employees, and now the company is 65 employees strong.

So far In 2011, the team at Chappell Central has donated $3,297.00 collectively. But the goal for 2012 is set even higher. Renee Nolting, Executive Director of the West Central Minnesota United Way expressed her gratitude, “Thanks to the donors at Chappell Central and other generous donors in West Central Minnesota, United Way is able to make a positive impact in the lives of over 47,000 people in our local communities.”

For more information on supporting your local United Way, please visit the Live United webpage or Facebook page.

To see more photos from the event, please visit the Chappell Central Facebook page.

Filed Under: Company News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Mobile and High-Tech HVAC Service (Coming Soon!)

September 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

At Chappell Central, Inc. we are always looking for ways to improve our customer service and get your HVAC needs done in a more efficient and accurate manner.   We are proud to announce that we are in the process of purchasing MobileTech software that will help us take this goal to the next level!

MobileTech  will help our service technicians take care of your needs faster.  For instance, if you have a heating emergency in the middle of the winter, we no longer have to rely on multiple phone calls to see which service tech can get you up and running the fastest.  The MobileTech software notifies the tech who is already on another job in your neighborhood that you need assistance- FAST!

We know the service that our technicians provide you is the prime indicator of your customer satisfaction with us. This is why our greatest asset at Chappell Central is our team of highly qualified, trained and customer-focused employees who have a “can-do” attitude.

Soon, we will have the technology to match! The MobileTech software will help our service techs provide you with a new standard of fast and accurate service you deserve.

Watch our website and Facebook page during the next couple months for updates on when Chappell Central will implement this new mobile technology!

 

Filed Under: Company News Tagged With: , , ,

DIY Tip for Homeowners – Changing Furnace Filters

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A clean furnace filter not only reduces the amount of allergens and dust traveling through your house, it also keeps your furnace running more efficiently resulting in reduced heating bills, and a longer furnace life.

Changing your furnace filter is a quick and easy task, that any home owner can tackle.  The video below walks you through how to remove the furnace door panel, find the filter, and replace it with a new one.  Replace your furnace filters once a month for best results.

How to Change a Furnace Filter For Dummies

YouTube Preview Image
Filed Under: Energy Saving Tips, Maintenance, Residential Tagged With:

Save the life of a Wood Duck!

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wood DuckWhile we work hard at Chappell, we also like to take an occasional break from the daily grind, and find ways to give back to our community organizations.  With numerous hunters and nature enthusiasts on staff, the love for the outdoors is very prevalent around here.

It’s this love for nature that inspired a simple, yet effective solution for protecting the wood duck population – Predator Guards.

Predator Guards, are a simple metal guard that you can install on a post to help protect nest boxes from raccoons and other predators. They are manufactured right here in our Willmar, MN facility and come in several sizes.

The proceeds from these Predator Guards are donated to Praire Pothole, one of our local chapters of the Minnesota Water Fowl Association.

To get more information on setting up your house with a predator guard, or to place an order, visit the Prairie Pothole website.

 

Creative Commons License photo credit: John Picken

Filed Under: Company News