Custom Manufacturing Wakes Up Robotics!

As we move into the winter manufacturing push, it’s time to wake up the robotics in the custom fabrication department at Chappell Central! Preparing for a busy winter, Lead Welder Troy Schoolmeester recently put the finishing touches on programming our welding robotics area. After taking the summer off, the robotics will be running two shifts a day until February.

This big increase in activity is a result of fulfilling the product needs of longtime customers like Willmar Fabrication and Groves, Inc. Chappell Central Salesman Mike Grossman will be busy working the floor to make sure schedules are met, and even running the machines if need be to ensure that customers get their product on time.deburring machine at chappell central

We continually strive to maintain and add state-of-the art machinery to our inventory, so that we may better serve our customers and their ever changing needs. Here is a sampling of the current manufacturing equipment available in our line-up.

Thanks to our great customers, along with the efforts of everyone on the manufacturing floor, and Mike’s thorough direction, the robotics area will be humming for the next several months.

If you would like an estimate on an upcoming custom fabrication project, request a free quote.

 

Chappell Central’s HVAC Highlights of 2012

With 2012 coming to an end, we thought we would share some of our favorite blog posts and happenings at Chappell Central in 2012. Some of the news at Chappell Central for 2012 includes starting the process to get ISO certified, adding a new deburring machine to our custom manufacturing department, eight people in our staff excelling in commercial HVAC training, adding a heavy-duty air duct cleaning servicevisiting the Carrier factories, hiring and promoting Chappell Central staff, and sending our manufacturing products to France. In January of 2012, Chappell Central also helped educate people on the dangers of radon and was featured in the West Central Tribune.

Our Customers

Chappell Central crew from Willmar MN ready to install Lennox furnaceTeaming up with Lennox and “Heat Up Minnesota” helps families in Sacred Heart  and Willmar

Pat Walsh of Murdock, MN shares his story of upgrading his HVAC Equipment 

HVAC Service and Expertise Important to Willmar Schools

Making Fabricated Metal Components for Custom Roto-Mold (CRM)

 

Our Commercial HVAC Projects

Minnesota School Systems 

Dust Collection Systems in Commercial Settings

Government Buildings

Wastewater Treatment Plants

 

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Resources

Smart Thermostat Controls 8 Zones (even from your Smart Phone)

5 Indoor Air Toxins to get Rid of Now

Understanding your Home’s Efficiency and HVAC (Infographic) 

6 Ways to Keep you Cooling Bill Down 

How to Choose your Air Conditioner Filter 

How to Read the Energy Guide Label on your Furnace

Radon Risks in West Central Minnesota

Thank you to all our readers and customers for another great year!  We look forward to serving you in 2013 and beyond!  Do you have any questions about air quality, heating and cooling, or home comfort that we can answer for you?  If you have any topics or questions you would like us to write about in 2013, please let us know in the comments below or contact us directly.

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Message from Craig Meyer, Chappell Central Owner

We made it through another summer push in the HVAC department. All of those large school projects we questioned on how they would get done before school opened are in fact done. A huge kudos to our foremen, who along with our core group of guys and 40 men off the union bench, pulled it all together in order to meet and even beat all deadlines.

Now that the scramble to get work done in the Commercial HVAC Department is over, the scramble to solidify winter work for this area continues. Although the backlog is better than it has been in recent years, it’s pretty spread out leaving significant gaps to be filled.

Construction seems to be attempting a breakout, but just can’t get off the dime in our area. I have a feeling when it busts loose it’s going to break big; it just needs a catalyst. Hopefully, now that the political “silly season”has wrapped up, it will make a difference.

Just the opposite is happening for Chappell Central’s Manufacturing Department. After a summer slump, the backlogs are building, along with it the pressure to get all the work completed. Chappell Central’s Sales staff is seeing an uptick in fabrication quoting, which Merry Christmas from Chappell Centralbodes well for the next few months.

The HVAC Service Department has had a great year and is ahead of 2012 projections. As a matter of fact we’re looking at adding additional staff to our already great group of technicians. I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping for an “old fashioned” Minnesota winter this year, both for our businesses sake and the local economy.

2012 is soon coming to an end, and the Christmas Season is upon us. Thank you to all of Chappell Central’s HVAC and Custom Manufacturing customers for a great year! Enjoy the Christmas season!

Craig Meyer, Owner
Chappell Central Inc. 

New HVAC Technology from Carrier

Technology is always improving, and Heating and Cooling Technology is no exception.  A while ago, we told you about the new Smart Thermostat available – called the Carrier Infinity Touch Control.  The Infinity Touch Control can do amazing things such as control 8 different zones in your home, and even be controlled from your smart phone!

Today we want to tell you about a few more products, such as the Carrier Infinity System that keeps Chappell Central and Carrier ahead of HVAC industry trends and global initiatives.

Greenspeed Intelligence: When the Infinity Touch Control is combined with a Carrier Infinity green speed intelligence furnace from carrier infinityfurnace or Heat Pump featuring Greenspeed intelligence, homeowners get high-precision comfort.  Greenspeed matches the heating and cooing demands of the home, reducing energy use and temperature swings.

Ideal Humidity: When the Infinity Touch control system and Infinity variable speed furnaces or heat pump is combined wit the Carrier Ideal Humidity System you have enhanced control over the humidity levels in your home.  Even when your home is not in need of heating or cooling, you will feel cooler at higher temperatures in the summer and warmer at lower temperatures in the winter.

Hybrid Heat:  The Hybrid Heat dual fuel system pairs a gas furnaces with an electric heat pump to deliver peace of mind in regards to unpredictable utility costs.  The Hybrid Heat system will automatically switch between electric and gas to keep your home comfortable while maximizing efficiencies of each fuel option.

The Infinity Touch Control thermostat, Greenspeed Intelligence, Ideal Humidity, and Hybrid Heat are just a few of the amazing products available to you from Carrier.  Chappell Central is a proud dealer of Carrier products and would be happy to help you determine which heating and cooling products are available for your home, depending on your budget, current HVAC equipment, and size of your home.

Contact us today at 320-235-2151 for a free estimate!

Sacred Heart Family Benefits from “Heat Up Minnesota”

Las week, we told you about the “Heat Up Minnesota” Campaign. The Lennox Campaign offers the donation of 100 new, high-efficiency furnaces to be installed in homes of Minnesota families in need. Lennox donates the furnaces and a local Lennox dealer (Chappell Central of Willmar, MN) donates the labor and materials needed to complete the furnace installations.

Chappell Central was proud to have two winners of the “Heat Up Minnesota” campaign in their service area.  The first was Dianne Parker of Willmar, Minnesota (read her story here).  The second winner was Mark and Ellen Sorgatz of Sacred Heart, Minnesota!

Mark and Ellen Sorgatz - Sacred Heart, MN

The furnace installation crew who headed over to Sacred Heart replaced a 35-year-old old fuel oil burner at the 142-year-old home of Mark and Ellen Sorgatz. Ellen Sorgatz suffered a brain aneurysm and two strokes about four years ago and has difficulty staying warm due to her medical conditions. Mark also has some medical challenges with a heart attack last fall. With a family of four, the new furnace has been a blessing. Ellen told the West Central Tribune, “We are very fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to get a new furnace.”

The Chappell Central staff was excited to do such meaningful work, and the families who received their new high efficiency furnaces were very appreciative. Randy Sather, residential Sales Representative for Chappell Central Inc., said, “It’s great to be able to help people who have had tough times.”

 

Willmar Family Benefits from “Heat Up Minnesota”

Chappell Central Inc. teamed up with Lennox International to help local families in need of furnaces as part of the “Heat Up Minnesota” Campaign. The Lennox Campaign offers the donation of 100 new, high-efficiency furnaces to be installed in homes of Minnesota families in need. Families are nominated by friends or family members and selected based on need. Lennox donates the furnaces and a local Lennox dealer (Chappell Central of Willmar, MN) donates the labor and materials needed to complete the furnace installations.

Chappell Central Inc. is proud to have been part of two local “Heat Up Minnesota” furnace installations locally – for families in Willmar and Sacred Heart. Here is the first story, about Dianne Parker of Willmar, Minnesota. Next week, read about Mark and Ellen Sorgatz of Sacred Heart, Minnesota.

Dianne Parker – Willmar, MN

In Willmar, the Chappell Central crew replaced Dianne Parker’s 32-year-old furnace in a 1950’s era home with older appliances. Diane told the West Central Tribune, “This is Christmas early at our house.” Dianne is a divorced mom of two and purchased the home last fall. Her co-workers at the Jennie-O Turkey Store nominated her, but they did not tell her until after she was nominated and a finalist. Dianne said, “I need to say a huge thank you to my co-workers… from me and my kids.”

Congratulations to Dianne Parker for winning a free furnace from the “Heat Up Minnesota” campaign!  Thank you Lennox for helping our local families.  Chappell Central Inc. is proud to be a part of this meaningful program.

Thank You Chappell Central Customers!

Chappell Central HVAC People's Choice from West Central Tribune

Chappell Central Inc. was recently awarded the “Readers Choice” Award for Heating and Cooling by the readers of Willmar, Minnesota’s West Central Tribune.  The West Central Tribune invited their readers to vote online, and Chappell Central was chosen as number one in the Heating and Cooling category! This is an incredible honor and we sincerely Thank You!

This Thanksgiving week, we want to say “Thank you” to all of our residential, commercial, and manufacturing Chappell Central customers across Minnesota and beyond.  We greatly appreciate your business and loyalty.

 

We wish you and your family a warm and relaxing

Thanksgiving weekend, from all of us at Chappell Central!

 

A Homeowner’s HVAC Experience

For years, Pat Walsh, a rural mail carrier has had Chappell Central Inc of Willmar do annual maintenance on his central air conditioning unit.  Pat, who is from Murdock, Minnesota, has always noticed, “We had very good luck with the doing the annual tune-up and had less problems with the air conditioner.” But the reality was, that his air conditioner was 29 years old. Even though it was not giving him any trouble, it was not energy efficient. Since his home was built over 100 years ago, it also had fuel oil heat.  Pat remembers, “It cost an arm and a leg to heat the house with the rising cost of fuel, plus it was just getting old and worn-out.”

Pat started talking with Paul Krueger at Chappell Central about upgrading his home’s heating system and air conditioning.  He noted, “Paul Krueger was great to work with.  He came and measured my house, looked at my current HVAC system, and offered options for equipment that would be ideal for my home.  In the end, I asked Paul, ‘What would you do if it was your home?’ He answered honestly and that is what I got.” Pat ended up purchasing a Carrier 2 Speed Air to Air Heat Pump and a Carrier 2 Stage Furnace with a ten year parts and labor warranty. It was great that Pat’s purchase also qualified for a rebate from his local co-op power provider for $630.

This spring, Chappell Central came to Pat Walsh’s home in the early morning to install the new furnace and heat pump.  By 3pm, Pat had new heat coming out of the furnace.   Pat was very impressed with the installation crew who came to his home.  He noticed, “The installers were very nice and said they would remove the old 260 gallon fuel barrel as part of the installation. They had to cut it in two to do it, but the room was still as clean as a whistle.  They swept and scrubbed the floor and there was not a drop of fuel oil on the floor.”

From start to finish, Pat was very satisfied with the experience. Now, with the new furnace and heat pump, Pat is heating is home much more efficiently.  Not only is his furnace rated for 96% efficiency, but his heat pump helps him to warm his home on the mildly cool days very affordably.  Another unexpected benefit and cost savings that Pat noticed, is that he does not have to run his dehumidifier as much now. The heat pump takes some of the moisture out of the air, reducing the need to run the dehumidifier, which can be very expensive.

Overall, Pat could not be happier with his new heating and cooling system in his house, and the service he received from the Chappell Central crew. Pat shares, “Even with the rebates, I didn’t have to do a thing.  They filled out all the paperwork and did all the leg work….I am very satisfied with Chappell Central’s work and would highly recommend them to a friend.”

Minnesota School HVAC Projects

Over the summer months, our commercial HVAC crew is often busy with school projects, such as with Willmar Public Schools. While students are enjoying their summer vacations, we work hard to get their schools ready for improved air quality and comfort when they return.  Here are some of our recent school and college projects in the area.

 

Mankato State University

Chappell Central, Inc. worked as a subcontractor to DMC Plumbing & Heating to complete this project last spring. Interesting fact – there were over 200 fan coils necessary on this project to provide heating and cooling to individual spaces.

 

Southgate ElementarySouthgate Elementary HVAC project

This fast-paced HVAC upgrade posed a big challenge – a 12 week completion date. The size of this project made this a daunting task. Chappell Central worked in conjunction with General Contractor JD Driver, Paape Controls, Xcellent Insulation and System Management and Balancing to complete this job on time.

 

 

Hawthorne ElementaryHawthorn Elementary HVAC

Hope it fits! This 50 foot unit was installed on the roof of Hawthorne Elementary. No matter how many safety precautions are put in place, until a unit this large is sitting safely in place it’s a bit nerve racking. We are happy to report that installation went smoothly.

 

Woodson Kindergarten

Woodson Elementary

This was another HVAC upgrade project with a tight summer schedule to adhere to. Despite a very full and hectic schedule, Chappell Central’s project coordinator Jim McCormack did an excellent job keeping this job staffed and the HVAC portion on schedule.

 

Want to see more school projects that Chappell Central has tackled? Click here.

If you have an upcoming commercial or residential HVAC project, contact us for a bid! Chappell Central does HVAC jobs big and small!

5 Indoor Air Toxins to Get Rid of Now

Most of us spend a lot of time indoors, especially as the temperatures get cooler and winter sets in. Modern homes can be airtight – we count on them to keep us warm, comfortable and safe, after all. But despite our good intentions, energy efficient homes could also be keeping dangerous air toxins, such as dust mites, mold, secondhand smoke, radon, or carbon monoxide inside. Indoor air pollutants can be especially dangerous to kids, people with allergies or asthma, and the elderly. Some of the effects of repeated exposure to indoor pollutants don’t appear until years later, such as radon.

 

Here are Indoor Air Toxins you can Avoid or Minimize:

 

Dust and Pet Dander

dusty cob webKeep your home clean: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, followed by a microfiber mop to clean up toxins, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites in your home. A HEPA air filter on your air conditioner and furnace can also help minimize the spread of allergens.

Mold

Keep humidity down: Use a dehumidifier, open your windows, and use exhaust fans to keep moisture at 30-50%. Monitoring humidity in your basement and throughout your home will help keep mold and dust mites under control.

Secondhand Smoke

Make your home smoke free: If you smoke, consider stopping or commit to smoking outdoors only. Secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous to children living in the home.

Radon

Test your home for radon: Radon is odorless, colorless and can be in both new and old homes. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it. Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking.

Carbon Monoxide

Use a carbon monoxide detector: Carbon monoxide is deadly and every home should have a carbon monoxide detector for the family’s safety. Ensure your furnace is safe by scheduling an annual furnace tune-up.

If you are concerned about the indoor air quality in your home, contact Chappell Central for help. We can test your air quality for a variety of toxins, and tell you what levels are in your home and how to remedy the problem.