7 Signs You May Need to Call a Professional for Furnace Repair

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Most of the time, your furnace operates in the background while you go about your life. As long as the thermostat is set properly, you don’t need to worry about anything – the system just runs when it should, and the house stays comfortable. When problems pop up, however, you might need to call for prompt repair to get back on track.

 

For Burlington furnace repair that you can trust to be fair and professional, turn to Berico right away. While there are plenty of options for furnace maintenance in Burlington, Berico stands above the competition thanks to its experience and proven performance in this market.

 

1 – Your Furnace is Loud or making weird noises

Even if you don’t pay particularly close attention, you probably know what your furnace is supposed to sound like just from living in your home day after day. If the furnace starts to make unusual noises when it is running, that’s a likely sign that there is something going wrong in the system.

 

2 – Your Home is Cold

This might be the most obvious sign of all. As they say, a dead giveaway. The furnace is supposed to heat up the house, so if it can’t get that job done, the time may have come to have it looked at by an experienced professional. There is no way to know what kind of repair will be required until an HVAC pro checks it out in person.

 

3 – Strong Smells Coming from the Furnace

As with the sound that your furnace makes, you probably also know if it usually generates any kind of smell. If there is suddenly a strong smell coming from the area where the furnace lives, or through the vents while the air is being moved around the house, something may be wrong.

 

4 – Costs Go Up

Pay attention to your energy bills to make sure you aren’t using more energy than expected based on the weather conditions outside. Any bill you receive will include not only the dollar amount that you need to pay, but also the units of energy you have consumed. Monitor those numbers and look into repairs if they keep climbing.

 

5 – It’s Been a While

No furnace will continue running indefinitely without encountering problems. If you know that your furnace hasn’t been serviced or inspected in a long time, schedule an appointment to have it checked out from top to bottom.

 

6 – It’s Always On

Your furnace shouldn’t be running all the time, even if it is cold outside. If it seems like the furnace is constantly turning on and running during the day, even if the cycles are short, it might not be functioning correctly.

 

7 – Dirty Air

Have you noticed that the air quality in your house has declined recently? When that happens, it’s another potential sign that your furnace needs some kind of repair. The air that comes out of your vents while the furnace is on should be clean, and if it’s dirty, you’ll want to get to the bottom of that issue as soon as possible.

 

To have your furnace checked out and tuned up before you experience any of these issues give your friends at Berico a call today: (336) 226-9371

The Benefits of Installing an Energy-Efficient HVAC System

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Energy efficiency is a popular topic these days, and for good reason. There tend to be plenty of benefits associated with becoming more energy efficient, although those benefits will vary from one situation to the next. This article is going to look specifically at HVAC systems to see what kinds of advantages can be gained by upgrading to a more efficient system than the one that currently serves your home.

To hire an Eden HVAC company that you can trust to do good work for excellent prices, turn to Berico. Whether you need AC repair in Eden or any other kind of HVAC work performed promptly, Berico is the easy pick.

It Starts with Money

Plain and simple, the motivation for many people to upgrade to an energy-efficient system is going to come down to saving money over the long run. Yes, there are plenty of other advantages – including those listed below – but cutting down on how much you spend on energy month after month is sure to be a primary driver of this decision.

The math here is pretty easy. When your system is more efficient, it will use less energy to achieve the same result as an older, less-efficient system. And, when less energy is consumed in the process of heating or cooling a building, utility bills go down. The exact savings enjoyed here will depend on factors like the size of the building, the type of energy being used, and more, but it’s sure to add up quickly as the months pass.

Better HVAC Performance

Along with saving money, you should also find that your new HVAC system delivers better performance day after day. Have you noticed that there are warm and cold spots throughout your house with your current system? That’s a common problem with older HVAC gear, and it can be improved on with an upgrade to a higher efficiency setup. Also, the unit will likely not need to run as long each cycle to produce the desired results, so you’ll be left with a quieter house that is more comfortable to enjoy with your family.

 

Be Kind to the Environment

Another popular reason for seeking efficient HVAC equipment is to reduce the impact that warming or cooling the space has on the environment. All types of HVAC gear use some form of energy, and the consumption of that energy is going to have an impact on the environment in one way or another. So, by using less energy, that impact will be reduced – and the effect will be magnified greatly as more and more continue to switch over to more efficient systems.

Whether it’s time for a new HVAC system or you need to have your existing system maintained or repaired, Berico is ready to do the work. Reach out today (336) 623-9741 to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you may have for the team.

What You Should Know About Different Types of HVAC Systems

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To someone who doesn’t work in the industry, HVAC systems can appear extremely complicated. Not only are there plenty of complicating factors within a single system, but there are also many differences between types of systems. You don’t need to be an expert to have the right system installed in your home, but it is helpful to understand the basics – and that’s what this article is here to offer.

As a leader in HVAC in Greensboro NC, Berico is the easy choice when you have any type of installation or maintenance project to handle. For the best Greensboro HVAC service available, simply call Berico today to get started.

The Industry Leader – A Split System
If you own a home that was built in the last 20 or 30 years, it’s very likely that the HVAC system that serves your home is what’s known as a split system. With this type of system, you can have both heating and cooling capability in your home, although the work will be done by separate units. This is an impressively efficient and affordable system, which is why it has become the standard throughout most of the country.

So, how does it work? In simple terms, there is a unit to manage the heating of air and another to manage the task of cooling it down. The heater will typically be in the house, located somewhere out of the way like an attic, basement, or small closet. When the thermostat tells the system that the home needs to be warmer, the unit will kick on and move air through the heater and out through the ducts to warm up the space.

The process is similar with cooling, only the unit that manages cooling will be found outside. Refrigerant is pumped through a line that runs out to the outdoor unit, where it will be cooled, and the heat will be dumped out into the air. Then, that cooled refrigerant makes the trip back inside, where air moves over it and is cooled down. You’ll only need a single thermostat to manage all of this activity, and the end result should be a home that stays comfortable throughout the year.

Many Other Possibilities for HVAC Systems
Covering all of the other various options available for HVAC systems would far exceed the limitations of this article. However, we can take a moment below to highlight some of what you’ll find out there on the market today, as one of these might end up being a better solution for your needs.

• Zoned system. This can still operate as a split system as was described above, however, the home (or another type of building) is divided up into zones that can be heated or cooled individually.

• Ductless HVAC. In this case, ductwork is not used to distribute heated or cooled air, and instead, there is a dedicated unit placed in each room in the house that needs to be temperature controlled. This is a good option for an older home that doesn’t have ductwork and has never had air conditioning.

• Heat pump. A heat pump is an outdoor unit that can provide both heating and cooling capabilities, depending on the season. So, it can function as an air conditioner in the summer, and when winter rolls around, it becomes an auxiliary heater that supplements the main heating unit.

The best way to resolve any questions you may have about HVAC systems is to contact Berico directly to learn more about the options. Get started today!

4 Factors Affecting the Cost of Installing or Replacing an HVAC System

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When you need to have your HVAC system replaced, it’s easy to be confused by the various terms, components, and costs involved. Why does the system cost what it does? This experience can be frustrating for many buyers, so this article will aim to bring some clarity to the situation.

 

If you need to have some HVAC maintenance performed right away, call Berico and schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Of course, if it is HVAC installation that you are after, Berico would be proud to handle that task for you, as well. Get in touch today to learn more.

 

1 – The Size of the System

This is the big one, so it’s the obvious place to start. The size of the HVAC equipment you need to purchase for your home is going to depend directly on the size of your home – a bigger house requires more powerful equipment to serve it properly. And, of course, a bigger HVAC unit is going to be more expensive than a smaller one of similar quality. So, one of the first things you’ll do when working with an HVAC company is to determine how big the system needs to be to properly serve your house in the years ahead.

 

2 – Installation Details

Simply put, some HVAC installation projects are easier than others. If it is an easy install that only requires a new unit to be swapped in where the old unit was housed, the labor costs will be relatively modest, and the job will be done quickly. That’s not always the case, however. If you are going to be making some changes that require work to be done to the ducts, for example, that will be more involved and costs will rise as a result.

 

3 – Efficiency Rating

The efficiency of an HVAC system is designated by the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. If you decide that you want to purchase a unit with a high SEER rating, you’ll wind up paying more for the purchase because of the upgraded quality of the system compared to those with a lower rating. So, why would you make such a choice? That higher rating means your system will use less energy and you will spend less on your utility bills each month. So, this is a case where you may decide to spend more upfront in order to save in the long run.

 

4 – Do You Want Zone Control?

One of the popular trends in HVAC in recent years is the addition of zone control to get better performance out of a system. With zone control, you can dial in the temperature of various parts of the house more accurately, eliminating the frustrating warm and cold spots that many traditional units produce. This is a great feature and one worth considering, but it does come at an additional charge.

 

For an accurate quote on the installation of a new HVAC system in your home, reach out to Berico today for assistance.

Tips for Evaluating Potential HVAC Companies

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When you are in the market for a new HVAC company to work with on a repair or replacement project, you’ll quickly find that there are plenty to choose from in the region. Sorting through the seemingly endless options can feel like an impossible task, but it’s not as hard as it seems. This article is going to present some simple tips to help you evaluate the options and pick out a winner that is right for your needs.

 

Ready to get started without the need for further research? No problem – just call Berico for HVAC repair right away. This choice will leave you with a friendly and knowledgeable partner that is ready and willing to resolve all of your HVAC issues.

 

It Starts with Experience

There is no way around the value of experience in this industry. When picking from the many options available, be sure to pick a company that has stood the test of time and has been serving customers successfully for generations. For example, Berico has been in business for nearly 100 years and has left a trail of happy customers in its wake. You don’t have to wonder whether or not the Berico team is up to the challenge of handling your HVAC systems, as their capability has been proven over and over again for the last century.

 

Plenty of HVAC Services Available

You’ll also want to find a partner that is going to be able to handle anything that comes up with your HVAC system. In other words, you want to build a relationship with a company that can solve every problem you have, so you can avoid needing to go back out and look for a new contractor each time you have an issue with your system. Of course, it’s no coincidence that the companies that have been around the longest also seem to have the most services available, so these first two points usually come in the same package.

 

Read Some HVAC Company Reviews

Online reviews are a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, reviews can be a helpful way to gain some perspective on the kind of work a given company offers. At the same time, you can’t verify the legitimacy of these reviews, and even the best companies are sure to have a few problematic customers along the way. Even former employees can leave reviews; So, when it comes to reviews, use them for an overview of the quality of the company, but don’t put too much stock into one individual comment.

 

Make a Call

It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing all of your research online, and that is certainly a good starting point. But that method will only get you so far – at some point, you’ll want to make a call and see what kind of customer service you are offered. If an HVAC company is willing to take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns on the phone, there is a good chance that they will continue to offer good service after you become a customer.

Is Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel the Same as Diesel?

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Diesel fuel is a major player in the U.S. market. While it is primarily used in commercial applications, there are also plenty of private passenger vehicles that run on diesel. Specifically, bigger pickup trucks often come equipped with diesel engines, largely due to the pulling capacity that a diesel engine can produce. If you have come across the term “ultra-low sulfur diesel” when looking for fuel, you may be confused as to what that means and why it is important. This article will clear up any confusion and set the record straight.

 

When looking for commercial fuel delivery that is timely and offered for an excellent price, turn to Berico for assistance. Whether you need diesel or any of the other services that Berico has available – such as kerosene delivery – you’ll be in good hands with this experienced team and nearly one-century old company.

 

They Are the Same – Except They Aren’t

So, the answer to the title question for this article is a bit confusing. Basically, the standard for diesel in the United States today is for all diesel fuel that is sold commercially to be ultra-low sulfur diesel, or ULSD. In other words, if you were to stop by a gas station and use a pump to get diesel, you would be getting ultra-low sulfur diesel – there is no other option available today.

 

Historically, diesel fuel had a higher level of sulfur content. This led to dangerous emissions when the fuel was burned, so a variation that was lower in sulfur was developed to address this problem. By cutting back on how much sulfur is in the diesel that is used by vehicles and engines in other machines across the country, the volume of harmful emissions produced has been reduced dramatically. Both on-road and off road diesel (and heating oil) is now ultra low sulfur and is the only type Berico sells.

 

In the end, the history of diesel and the transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel doesn’t matter much for the average fuel user. All you need to know is that when you ask for diesel fuel, whether it is being delivered or you are using a pump, what you will receive is ultra-low sulfur. You don’t need to ask for ULSD specifically because this is the only type of diesel available.

 

Reliable Diesel Delivery

What is important for many businesses is that their supply of diesel arrives in a timely manner at predictable intervals to keep everything running smoothly. If your business relies on a steady supply of diesel for operations, be sure to turn to Berico to set up a delivery plan. Thanks to generations of experience, Berico understands that running out of fuel is simply not an option for your business. Their team won’t make excuses or let circumstances get in the way – instead, they’ll simply make sure you have your fuel time after time.

 

Not only can Berico keep your tanks full, but you’ll also be getting a great price at the same time. The savings are significant when you opt for fuel delivery, and working with a proven name in this industry will take one more worry off of your plate. Reach out to Berico today to learn more.

How Does Propane Heat Work?

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There are many different forms of energy that are used to heat buildings in the modern world, including electricity, natural gas, and more. Propane sometimes gets overlooked in this conversation, but it can be an outstanding fuel source for effective and affordable heating. The article below is going to look at the basics of how propane heat works and why it is an appealing choice for property owners.

 

When a propane furnace is used, consistent delivery of that propane is essential – and Berico is the right partner for that task. With reliable delivery schedules, excellent pricing, customer loyalty benefits, and much more, Berico is a smart pick to keep your propane furnace burning steadily all winter long.

 

An Efficient, Effective Solution

Using a propane furnace in your home is a great way to heat the space without breaking the bank. Propane heat works essentially the same way that any other type of furnace works – the only difference is that propane is the energy source used to create heat and warm the air in the home. Here’s a breakdown of the basics of how a propane furnace gets the job done –

 

  • When your furnace kicks on because the temperature in your home (as measured by the thermostat) drops below a set point, the propane ignites and is used to heat up the heat exchanger

 

  • Next, air will be pulled into the system, through an air filter and into the area where the heat exchanger ix. This has the obvious effect of heating up the air that has been pulled into the system from the home

 

  • The newly warmed air will now be forced out by a blower fan and sent through the ducts and out the vents into your house.

 

  • The system will continue to run until the house has been properly heated based on the settings of the thermostat, and it will then shut off. This cycle repeats throughout the cold months of the year to keep your home at a comfortable temperature

 

Is a Propane Furnace a Good Choice?

If you are currently shopping for a new furnace, you might be trying to decide on what type of energy you’d like to use to heat your home. You could opt for propane, or you might be tempted by electricity to just be able to plug your furnace into the grid like the rest of your appliances.

 

While a variety of energy types can work for a furnace in your home, propane is a great pick for many reasons. It tends to be more affordable than other energy sources – like electricity – and propane furnaces usually last quite a long time. Also, there is the added benefit of the clean-burning nature of propane, making it a great choice for the environmentally minded.

 

Whether you already have a propane furnace for heat in your home, or you might go in this direction soon, be sure to reach out to Berico to find out about their propane delivery service and their furnace installation. With a trusted name like Berico on your side, you’ll always get a great price on fuel and your tank will never run out.

How Do I Choose an Oil Company?

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Working with the right oil company can make your life a lot easier. And, of course, the opposite is true – picking the wrong company is sure to lead to frustration, along with unnecessary added costs and potential downtime. Fortunately, picking the right heating oil company is a pretty simple process when you know what to focus on and what to ignore. Consider the points in the article below to make sure you are on the right path.

 

If you are searching for the best “oil companies near me,” that search can be put to rest now that you’ve found Berico. Reach out to the Berico team today to learn more or to schedule your first delivery.

 

It All Starts with Reliability

Before you get into any of the other important factors in picking an oil company, you need to make sure any company you are considering has a reputation for reliability. The last thing you want is to be waiting on a heating oil delivery while your supply quickly runs out and you can no longer heat your home. Berico has been in this business for generations (nearly 100 years) and the only way to remain in the market for that long is to consistently deliver for customers time after time.

 

Fair, Transparent Pricing

You shouldn’t have to pay more than what is the fair going market rate for heating oil, and there shouldn’t be any surprise fees when you receive your bill, either. A good heating oil company is going to help you understand why the oil costs what it does, and you will be charged exactly what you expected to pay.

 

Other Services Available

Even if the primary service you need from a heating oil company is to deliver that oil, it’s nice to work with one that provides some other valuable services. That way, if anything comes up, you already know who to call and who you can trust with the project. For example, if you need to have your tank inspected or even replaced, you can reach out to your supplier and put that job in motion right away.

 

Loyalty Rewards
If you are going to purchase heating oil from the same company over and over again, you should be rewarded for your loyalty in the form of discounts and other benefits. Berico values each and every ongoing customer and provides benefits as a way of showing appreciation for their ongoing business.

 

Check Service Area

This might be an obvious point, but be sure to check the coverage area for any heating oil delivery company to make sure that your address falls within their stated range. Take care of this point early in the process when considering any delivery company so you can exclude those who aren’t going to be able to serve your location.

 

The Advantage of Size

Working with an established, proven heating oil company that serves a long list of customers will provide some stability that might be missing if you go with a smaller supplier. A larger company will have the ability to remain properly stocked with oil and other fuels, so you don’t face a shortage at exactly the wrong time.

 

To team up with an oil delivery company that checks all of the boxes and will make your life just a little bit easier, turn to Berico today to get started.

Are Gas Logs Expensive to Use?

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If you have been considering using gas logs in a fireplace to add some warmth and ambiance to your home, you may be wondering about the cost of operating this kind of cozy fire. Sure, it’s an enjoyable feature to add to a living area, but is it going to be too expensive to use the fireplace frequently? This article will take a look at expected costs and how a gas fireplace compares to the traditional option of burning wood.

 

When working on creating a new gas fireplace, one of the first purchases you’ll need to make is a set of quality gas logs. These “logs” are what provide the look and feel of a regular wood fire, yet they last for years. Order yours from Berico today and this project will be one big step closer to coming to life.

 

Set Your Cost Worries to the Side

To simply answer the question posed in the title of this article, no – gas logs are not at all expensive to use. Once you have purchased some gas logs and had all of the necessary plumbing work performed to get your gas fireplace ready to go, the cost of running it will be minimal.

 

While the cost of natural gas or propane varies from time to time and from place to place, it will often be the case that you’ll be spending less than $1 per hour to run your fireplace. And, in some cases, the cost will be well under that $1 mark. So, if you are drawn to the many benefits of having a gas fireplace – some of which will be highlighted below – don’t let the cost of running that beautiful warm cozy fireplace give you second thoughts.

 

So Much to Love

Knowing that running a gas fireplace won’t be expensive, you can really lean into all of the advantages that this feature brings to your home. Some of the selling points include the following –

 

  • Ease of use. This is a big one, and it is the primary motivation for many people to make the switch to gas. Building a wood fire is often a laborious process – one that includes gathering up wood, cutting that wood down to manageable sizes, lighting some paper or other tinder under the wood pile, tending to the fire as it grows, and more. While the occasional wood fire can be a satisfying experience, it’s not something you want to do day after day.

 

  • Clean and tidy. Bringing wood into your home makes a mess. There is sure to be some bark and splinters that come off the wood in transport, and a few spiders may come along for the ride, as well. Gas fireplaces eliminate those problems, so there is no cleanup to consider after you are done with the fire for the night.

 

  • Looks great. A visually appealing gas fireplace can be a nice addition to a living room or another space in your home. Modern gas logs look quite similar to the real thing, and you’ll be able to pick from many different designs to select something you love.

 

Order a set of gas logs from Berico today, or reach out to the team if you have any questions. Berico helps make all types of gas logs affordable with great financing options.  Our team will be happy to go over these with you. In addition to gas logs, Berico can also set up a reliable gas delivery schedule to make sure your tank never runs dry.

How Does a Furnace Heat a House?

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Central heating is one of the best possible features to have in a home. Simply by adjusting the thermostat, the furnace will jump into action and bring the space inside the home up to a comfortable temperature for you and your family. It’s a function that most people take for granted, but do you actually know how it works? Learn a little more about furnaces in the article below.

 

When you need to bring in an expert team for furnace repair – or any other kind of HVAC service – make a call to Berico to schedule an appointment. Berico is a leader throughout the Greensboro, Eden and Burlington areas and will be happy to take care of whatever issues your system may be facing.

 

A Simple Concept

While the inner workings are anything but simple – which is why a professional technician is always required for furnace repair – the idea behind how a furnace heats your home is pretty straightforward. First, it pulls air into the furnace unit from a central location in the house, and that air passes through a filter to make sure it is as clean as possible. Then, the air goes into the heat exchanger, a unit that has been warmed by using one of a number of potential energy sources. Furnaces can be powered by natural gas, propane, electricity, oil, and more.

 

Once the air has been heated by going through the heat exchanger, a blower will push it out into the ducts and toward the vents that are placed in rooms throughout the house. This creates an ongoing cycle of cool air being gradually warmed – and that cycle will continue until the home has reached the desired temperature. The process is controlled by a unit known as a thermostat, which can be set for not only what temperature you want the house to reach, but also what times of the day (and days of the week) you want it to run.

 

Potential Issues

Most of the time, your furnace will work nicely without requiring much attention from you. As long as the thermostat is set correctly, you’ll be comfortable. With that said, there are some things you need to pay attention to in order to get good performance throughout the cold part of the year. Here are two important points –

 

  • Having enough fuel. Depending on the fuel source required for your furnace, you might keep a tank on your property that is used to run this appliance. In that case, work with a company like Berico to stay topped up with propane or heating oil to make sure you don’t find yourself stuck in the cold when your tank runs out.

 

  • Dirty air filter. It’s easy enough to forget about changing the air filter in your furnace system, but that’s one of the most important HVAC tasks – and one that most homeowners can handle on their own. Change out the filter frequently to make sure clean air is flowing through the system.

 

Berico not only offers reliable and affordable fuel delivery but also furnace repair and installation work. Get in touch with the team today to learn more.