How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

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There are some plumbing problems that are an emergency and need to be addressed immediately. For example, if you have a pipe burst, that’s not something that can wait to be dealt with – you’ll need to bring in a professional as soon as possible to resolve the matter.

 

The story is a little bit different when it comes to a leaky faucet. Sure, it’s annoying, and it’s wasting a bit of water, but it probably doesn’t qualify as an emergency. With that said, you definitely don’t want to allow it to linger for long, so you’ll need to either find a way to fix it yourself, or you’ll want to call in Greensboro plumbers like the team at Berico. The article below will take a closer look at how to deal with this situation.

 

Taking the DIY Approach

If you are determined to fix a leaky faucet on your own, it’s important to understand what is likely causing the problem in the first place. Commonly, it is a worn-out washer or gasket that is allowing water to leak out from the faucet. If you can find the right part to replace the one that has failed, swapping them out can sometimes be done with basic tools. The general steps to follow are listed below –

 

  • Turn off the water. Before you do anything, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to that faucet. The shut off valve will generally be found right below the sink.

 

  • Take off the handle. If you look carefully around the area of the faucet handle, you should be able to find a spot to use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to remove the handle. Pull it off once it has been loosened and set aside.

 

  • Swap out the right part. Once you have found the gasket or washer that is to blame for the leak, you can swap it out for a new one, clean up any “gunk” in the area, and reassemble everything you took apart.

 

  • Turn the water back on. Restore the flow of water to the faucet and test it to make sure the leak is now a thing of the past.

 

Using the Professionals

While it’s within the reach of many homeowners to fix a leaky faucet, you might find that the job is a little trickier than you expect. First, you have to source the right parts, then, you have to take apart and reassemble everything properly to avoid future problems with the unit. Given the quick repair time and modest cost of using a team like Berico for the job, you may find that the easier solution is just to call in a plumber and be done with it.

 

For the best plumbing repair Greensboro has to offer, whether it’s on a dripping faucet or any other kind of issue, take a moment now to call the friendly professionals at Berico. You’ll appreciate the fair pricing and honest service that the Berico team delivers, and you can look forward to all of your plumbing issues quickly becoming a thing of the past. Don’t wait any longer!

Are Newer HVAC Systems More Efficient?

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In essentially every market, equipment tends to get better as time passes. These improvements can come from advances in technology, new materials becoming available, better design, and on and on. Most of the time, it’s safe to assume that something new is going to be more effective in every way at getting the job done.

But does this line of thinking apply to the efficiency of HVAC systems? This article will explore that important question. When you are ready to have HVAC repair completed, or when you need to install a new Eden HVAC system, call Berico right away to put the right experts on your side.

 

A Definitive Answer

As you would expect, and are probably guessing, yes – newer HVAC systems tend to be far more efficient than systems from years past. If you are currently using a rather old, worn-out system and you have new equipment installed in your home, you can expect to enjoy a notable improvement in efficiency.

The exact size of your efficiency improvement is going to depend on many different factors, such as the age and condition of your current system and the new equipment you choose to purchase. It’s a virtual guarantee that you will experience more efficient performance, with that improvement ranging from moderate to downright incredible, depending on the circumstances.

 

What to Look for in Efficiency Ratings

If a major part of your motivation for upgrading your HVAC system is tied to efficiency, you’ll want to know how to shop for equipment to maximize the impact. The best way to do this is to check the SEER rating attached to any piece of equipment you may purchase. The SEER ratings are easy to understand, with higher numbers indicating a more efficient system.

New systems are all required to have a rating of at least 14, whereas you might still be using an older system that was rated at only 8 or 10. Investing in good equipment with a strong SEER rating will cut down on your energy consumption for years to come.

 

Look for Other Great Features

Efficiency is an important part of picking out HVAC equipment, but it shouldn’t be your only concern. There are many other factors that will influence which model you pick, such as additional features that can give you even better performance. Those include variable speed motors and the ability to control zones within the house. You may also want to attach your new HVAC equipment to a smart thermostat so you can control the system remotely and easily dial in the right settings for your needs.

There is a lot to like about being able to use a new HVAC system in your home. Of course, if you aren’t quite ready to upgrade and are still using an older system, you’ll likely need a trusted partner to keep that system in working order. For the best AC repair Eden has to offer, or any other kind of HVAC maintenance, make a call to Berico and know that you are in good hands.

What is a Common Failure for a Furnace?

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It’s frustrating to deal with a furnace that just won’t work in the middle of a chilly winter. Most of the time, your furnace will have no problem getting the job done – you just set the thermostat and forget about it. When that stops happening, however, you need to bring in a Burlington HVAC contractor who is going to be able to solve the problem and get you back on track in a hurry.

The article below is going to highlight some of the common reasons for a furnace to stop working. If you would like to jump right to working with the company that offers the best furnace repair Burlington has to offer, just call Berico now to get all the information you need from the friendly, experienced team.

 

A Common Problem – and Easy Fix

A great place to start this article is with a furnace problem that comes up often for many homeowners and is actually quite easy to resolve. Some of the issues discussed below are going to require the help of a professional, so it’s nice to know that there is at least one problem you can solve on your own.

That issue is a clogged air filter. When the air filter that serves your furnace goes an extended time without being changed, it will gradually get dirtier and dirtier, and eventually, it won’t allow enough air to flow through the system. This can lead to a strain on the furnace, and it may cause overheating and even failure. Obviously, the solution is a simple one – change out your air filter consistently. New air filters are cheap to purchase, and the act of changing them out takes just a matter of minutes.

 

Many Other Potential Problems

Beyond the air filter, there are a number of other matters that can lead to your furnace failing. That list includes the following –

  • Blower motor stops. Without a functioning blower motor, your furnace isn’t going to be able to move warm air throughout the house. It’s possible that the motor will slow down, or it could stop entirely. Either way, this is a problem that needs to be corrected by an HVAC professional.
  • Ignition problems. If you have a relatively new HVAC system, the furnace likely has an electric ignition system. This is a reliable component most of the time, but it’s possible for it to fail – and the furnace won’t be able to produce heat as a result.
  • Limit switch failure. The limit switch is the part of the furnace that turns the blower on and off, and it also can prevent the furnace from overheating by shutting things down when it gets too hot. Like any other component, this switch can malfunction, and it may need to be repaired or replaced.

You will certainly be in good hands if you opt to have your furnace repaired by the professionals at Berico. Of course, furnace repair is only a starting point for what Berico can do – AC repair and many other services are also available. Take a moment to reach out to Berico directly to learn more or to schedule your first appointment.

What Level of Humidity is Good for a Home?

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Nothing impacts human comfort quite like humidity. Sure, temperature has a lot to do with how comfortable you feel, as well, but humid conditions can make things miserable. Even a day with relatively mild temperatures can be miserable if the humidity is soaring.

 

With that said, problems can arise when indoor humidity dips too low, so it’s really about finding the right balance. Below, you’ll find some guidelines on the ideal humidity for a home. And when you are ready to work with a professional Greensboro HVAC team to dial in your humidity just right, reach out to Berico to get started. As one of the best furnace repair companies Greensboro has to offer, you’ll be in good hands with this team.

 

The Comfortable Range

In most homes, and for most people, the ideal humidity range is going to be somewhere between 30% – 50%. When the humidity in your house is within those limits, you are likely to feel pretty comfortable throughout the day and night.

 

Sometimes, the humidity in your house will naturally fall into that range and you won’t need to do anything to keep it there. At other times, however, the humidity may stray either too low or high, and you’ll want to consider using modern HVAC equipment to bring it back into the sweet spot.

 

Why Humidity Matters

The introduction mentioned how humidity plays a major role in human comfort, and that certainly is true. But the comfort of you and your family is only part of the reason that humidity is so important. Keeping your humidity levels under control will also help your HVAC system not work as hard throughout the year. It’s hard to cool moist air, and hard to heat dry air, so your HVAC equipment is going to have to work harder – and use more fuel – when your humidity strays from the ideal range.

 

It’s also possible to develop problems with things like mold and mildew when your indoor humidity remains high for extended periods. Having so much moisture in the air will make it possible for organic growth to occur in places where you don’t want it, and the damage to your home could potentially be serious.

 

A Seasonal Problem

Fighting the battle against humidity problems is a job that changes throughout the year. During the summer months in the Greensboro area, it’s all about keeping the moist air outside – the humidity rises throughout this part of the country during the summer, and you’ll want to have a solution like a dehumidifier to keep your house comfortable.

 

Then, in the winter months, the cooler air will be much drier, and you might find that your humidity levels dip surprisingly low. Residents of the Greensboro area don’t have to worry as much about low humidity as people in northern climates, but it’s still something to monitor.

 

The installation of a whole-home dehumidifier is a great step toward remaining comfortable all year long, and Berico is ready to take on that project as soon as you call. Of course, the Berico team offers much more, including Greensboro furnace repair and many other services. Get started right away!

Trending in Propane: Berico Fuels Celebrates 100-Year Anniversary

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From Trending in Propane, September 14, 2024:

Berico Fuels celebrates 100 years in business this year having started as a one-man operation collecting excess coal that fell from traveling trains into a wheel barrel to sell to neighbors. Today, Berico is a 115-employee operation selling multiple fuels from several locations throughout central North Carolina, delivered from 92 vehicles. Today’s Berico is a much more diversified and robust company not only with fuels, but propane, lubriants, HVAC and Plumbing services. In addition, Berico has a wholesale fuel company, Gateco, operating at multiple terminals in Greensboro.

“My Great Grandfather started the company selling coal,” said Will Berry, Berico’s current President. “His name was William Nathan Berry and as each of 13 of his children were born into his family, a new coal truck was added to the business. The company continues to follow the motto W. N. set; ‘Always Dependable.’ One of the 13 children, Joe Berry, my Grandfather, took over the business and added retail heating oil to the mix. He invested in a terminal in Greensboro.” Berry said that his father, current Berico CEO Tom Berry and a partner, John Fuquay, who was outside the family helped the business grow into propane, motor oil and lubricants in the 1990’s.

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BERICO FUELS CELEBRATES 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

When Should You Replace Your Ductwork?

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Of all of the components of your home that work behind the scenes, the ductwork that serves your HVAC system is probably the one you think about the least. The air just comes out of the vents when the system is running, and that’s the end of it – few people spend time thinking about the ducts that carry the air around.

 

At some point, however, those ducts will likely need to be replaced. How do you know when that time has come? Working with a professional team like those at Berico is a good start, as you’ll be able to get the best HVAC service Greensboro has to offer and you can ask any questions you may have. Get started today.

 

There’s No Expiration Date

The first thing to know about replacing ductwork is that there is no specific point at which the ducts will no longer be in good condition. In fact, there is a good chance that they will last well into the future, as they are typically tucked away out of sight and not at much risk of damage on a day-to-day basis. Of all of the parts of your HVAC system, the ducts are the component that generally needs the least attention.

 

With that said, you can’t necessarily count on your ducts to last forever. It is possible that they will run into some type of trouble along the way, such as a leak developing that makes your system less efficient and less effective. If you have a leak in one of your ducts, and those ducts are already pretty old, to begin with, it might make sense to simply replace everything at once rather than trying to have a repair completed. Those older ducts could just keep having trouble even after the repair is done, so taking that chance to run new ducts throughout the building may be a smart move.

 

Think About It When Installing a New Air Conditioner or Furnace

You don’t necessarily have to install new ducts when installing a new air conditioner or furnace, but this is a good time to review the situation and consider upgrading. In some cases, it actually will be necessary to upgrade your ducts along with the HVAC, as the new system may need ducts that match the size of the unit that is being installed. Of course, the expert team at Berico will be able to advise on this matter so you can make the right choice. If you wind up with both a new air conditioner and a new set of ducts, you’ll be all set on the HVAC side of things and should be able to enjoy years of reliable performance ahead.

 

Replacing ductwork is only one of many different things that Berico can do for you. Among the leading HVAC companies in Greensboro, Berico offers furnace service, new equipment installation, and on and on. Whatever you need, get started today with a phone call to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

Will a New Furnace Save Me Money?

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Installing a new furnace feels like a big expense that most homeowners want to put off for as long as possible. And, to be sure, it is a significant investment. But what if making that investment could actually start to pay off in terms of financial savings sooner rather than later? That just might be possible, and this article will take a closer look at the matter.

 

If you are ready for a new furnace installation, or if you decide that HVAC repair is actually the better way to go, Berico is the right team for the job in the Greensboro area. All it takes is one phone call to learn more about Berico and start addressing whatever issues you may be facing in this area.

 

It’s an Efficiency Game

When trying to decide what the most cost-effective way to proceed will be with your furnace, efficiency should be your top concern. In simple terms, an efficient furnace does a great job of converting fuel into as much heat as possible for your home. No system is perfectly efficient – there is some energy loss along the way in all heating systems – but good, modern equipment is incredibly adept at minimizing fuel use while maximizing results.

 

This is at the heart of why a new furnace may be able to save you money. If you spend the money on a new furnace now, you will start to enjoy energy – and money – savings each month moving forward. At some point, the money you have saved on energy will surpass what you spent on the new furnace, and you’ll be coming out ahead from that point on. It’s hard to say exactly when that will be, as variables like the cost of energy and the cost of the furnace come into play.

 

More Than Just Savings

The other important point that shouldn’t be lost here while talking about financial savings is that a new furnace will simply do a better job and make your home a more comfortable place to live. If you have a particularly old furnace at the moment, it is probably inconsistent and slow to heat your home (in addition to the excessive energy it is consuming). By upgrading to new equipment, you will be thrilled with the improved results and you’ll have a house that is more comfortable even on the coldest of winter days.

 

There is also the reliability factor to consider. Have you dealt with times in previous winters when your furnace just wouldn’t work and you had to suffer through a cold night? That’s extremely frustrating, but you can leave those worries behind when you have a brand-new furnace in your home. That piece of equipment can be expected to work reliably and you’ll be able to just flip the switch on the thermostat, sit back, and let the furnace do its job.

 

Greensboro HVAC is a competitive market, but Berico has risen to the top over generations through a commitment to quality, reliable service, and great pricing. You will always come away feeling like you got a great deal when you partner with Berico, so take a moment now to reach out and get started.

What Are the Different Types of Air Filters for AC?

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The air filter is simply one of the most important components in your air conditioning system. Without a good air filter in place, the air that flows through your equipment won’t be as clean as it should be, and the performance of your air conditioner will suffer as a result. Not only that, but you might run into the need for AC repair sooner than necessary, as well.

 

So, what types of air filters are out there, and which one should you use in your system? Those questions will be answered below. And, if you need to work with an HVAC contractor on any type of heating or cooling project in the Greensboro, High Point, Eden, or Burlington areas, remember to turn to Berico as your first choice.

 

A Few Options Available

For the most part, you don’t have to overthink the process of picking out an air filter. As long as you get one that is appropriate for your system and fits properly, you should be all set. On the bottom end of the spectrum, you will find basic fiberglass air filters, which are disposable and very affordable. While these will do a sufficient job of keeping big particles from passing through and reaching your HVAC equipment, they won’t do a great job of helping people in the house with respiratory issues breathe freely.

 

To upgrade your air quality and help people with asthma or other issues, consider looking for a HEPA filter. These will cost you a bit more, but they have the added benefit of screening significantly more particulate matter out of the air. If you want or need the cleanest air for your home, and you don’t mind paying a bit more when you swap out the filter, a HEPA model is the way to go.

 

Partner with Berico

Even once you know the importance of always having a good air filter – that isn’t too dirty – in your system, you still may struggle to keep up with the task of replacing yours regularly. Life is busy, you have a lot going on, and it can easily slip your mind.

 

This is why Berico is proud to offer an air filter subscription program so a new one will come automatically, and you can just put it in place when it arrives. Berico works with FilterFetch for this program, and it will make your life a little easier while making sure your HVAC is living up to its potential at the same time. The delivery cost of the filters is free, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting and going too long between changes. Once you know how to do it, each air filter change will take just a matter of moments.

 

Using the right air filter for your AC system is important, but so too is replacing that system when it has outlived its useful life. For professional AC installation that you can trust to be completed correctly and for a fair price, reach out to Berico right away to get started.

How Often Should an HVAC System Be Serviced?

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Berico understands that it is easy to forget about the needs of your HVAC system as you are going through the busyness of day-to-day life. Once furnace installation is completed, you just expect to have the system run in the background while you are doing other things. However, without the occasional furnace tune-up, some issues are bound to develop over time, and you might wind up facing expensive and time-consuming repair work.

 

For HVAC maintenance that is always going to keep you ahead of the curve, trust the Berico team. Take a moment today to make your first appointment and keep your system on track for a long and healthy life.

 

HVAC Maintenance – Twice a Year

In general terms, it is recommended to have your HVAC system serviced twice per year. While there are some situations that may call for more frequent maintenance, the schedule of two visits each year will work well for most homeowners. One of those visits should be in the spring to make sure the cooling system is ready to go for the hot summer months, and the other visit can take place in the fall with cold weather around the corner.

 

What Can Happen if You Skip HVAC Maintenance?

It’s easy to understand the temptation to skip your periodic HVAC maintenance when your system seems like it is working just fine. However, the system won’t keep working properly if you go ahead and skip regular maintenance, so look at each of these visits as an investment in the future. Without good maintenance, your system will gradually get less efficient, and small problems can turn into bigger issues that lead to the breakdown of major pieces of equipment.

 

Can HVAC Service Be a DIY Job?

In a word, no. Working on your HVAC system is something that should only be done by a trained, experienced professional. Not only are you likely to do more harm than good when trying to service your own HVAC system, but you may also put yourself in danger along the way.

 

One exception to this rule is the matter of changing out your air filter. It’s important to always have a fresh air filter in your system and this is a task that virtually every homeowner can handle on their own. HVAC air filters tend to be easy to access and take just moments to swap out with minimal tools required.

 

Getting Great Value

Worried about how much it might cost to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year? Berico understands that concern, which is why maintenance plans are available to help you keep up with this important task without spending too much on the work. Maintenance plans can not only save you money on maintenance visits but also come with other discounts on various Berico services that you may require.

 

To enjoy the best care for a furnace Greensboro has to offer, turn to Berico right away and get on a maintenance program that is right for your system. Call now to learn more!

How Do I Fix the Humidity in My HVAC System?

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Living in Greensboro, you already know one thing to be true – your comfort isn’t so much determined by the temperature as it is by the humidity. You can be comfortable at surprisingly hot temperatures when the humidity is under control. In humid conditions, however, it’s hard to be comfortable even if the temps are mild. So, how do you fix humidity problems with HVAC? A closer look is below.

 

Working with an HVAC contractor like Berico is the best way to solve any of your heating and cooling problems. With many services, fair prices, and a long track record of success, you can trust Berico to deliver.

 

Identify the Problem

While it’s high humidity that is the most uncomfortable, low humidity in your home can also be an issue. Without sufficient moisture in the air, you might regularly experience problems like dry skin and respiratory issues. Also, you may notice that your furniture and other items start to crack or peel as a result of the dry air. It’s a good first step to figure out if you are facing low or high humidity – or maybe both during the course of the year – so you can better determine how to proceed.

 

Some Simple Steps

As a starting point, you can try regularly running some fans in your home to help balance out the humidity levels throughout the building. You likely have exhaust fans in your bathrooms and laundry room, for example, and these can be a help in moving the air around effectively. You could also choose to go a step further by installing a whole-house ventilation system to move even more air.

 

Examine the Size of Your HVAC System

It’s always important for an HVAC system to be properly sized for the house it is serving. This is important for a number of reasons, including for humidity purposes. When an oversized unit serves a house, it might cool down the rooms too fast and it won’t run long enough to bring humidity down. On the other hand, if you don’t have a large enough system, it will just run and run and may struggle to get the house to a comfortable temperature. An experienced professional will be able to examine your current system to tell you if it’s a good fit for the house and your needs.

 

The Ultimate Solution

While other tweaks to your system can help, the single best way to address humidity levels is through the installation of a humidifier or dehumidifier. These are units that are designed specifically to manipulate the moisture levels in the air inside your home. You can have such equipment integrated into your existing HVAC system so it all works together and leaves you with excellent results.

 

Have you been searching online for “AC repair near me”  – without finding a partner that can meet your needs? Berico is ready to come to the rescue. Take a moment to call the Berico team today to discuss your needs and set up an appointment.