How Much Training Does an HVAC Technician Need?

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When you hire a contractor to work on your HVAC system, you just assume that the technician sent to your home will be properly trained. But what does that mean? How much training is required to work properly on these complicated pieces of equipment? This article will take a closer look at this topic.

To hire Greensboro HVAC technicians that you can be sure are trained to meet all accepted standards, turn to Berico. A leader in HVAC in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding area, Berico is always up to the challenge and will make sure every technician who works on your property is fully qualified to get the job done.

The Importance of Sufficient Training
It is crucial to make sure any technician that works on your system is fully trained and ready for the challenges that they will face. This is important for a variety of reasons, but first and foremost is safety. HVAC equipment can be dangerous when not handled correctly, so proper training is needed to make sure repair and maintenance work is done safely and no one is put in jeopardy.

Also, good training means your equipment will be treated with care, and the work will be a success in the end. You don’t want to have low-quality work take away from the performance of your system, and you certainly don’t want to reduce the lifespan of the equipment by not hiring the right technicians. Go with a trusted name in the industry so you don’t run into any unexpected problems.

Various Licensing Levels
There are three general levels of HVAC licensing offered in the state of North Carolina. Those are referred to as H1, H2, and H3. The basic licensing level, and the one you will want to be sure is in place for a technician working on your home, is H1. This permits the license holder to do work on single-family homes, and other buildings like commercial and industrial facilities (if the technician has a Class 1 license within the H1 category).

Going up to the H2 and H3 levels of licensing is relevant for technicians who plan to work on larger systems. For example, someone working on a forced air system over 15 tons will need to have an H2 license to do that work legally.

Passing the Exam
There is also a licensing exam to consider for those who work in this industry. With that said, technicians need to start working in the field to accumulate the necessary experience to take the exam and secure their licenses. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of license in question, but for a contractor exam, it’s necessary to have two years of work experience to sit for the exam, while the threshold is 18 months for a technician exam.

As a customer, you don’t need to get too caught up in the details of HVAC licensing in North Carolina, as long as you know that your chosen contractor is fully qualified to do the job on your property. For that, simply call Berico and you’ll be assured of working with a talented and experienced technician each and every time.

Residential Heating Oil Tank Maintenance Tips

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If you have a heating oil tank on your property, it’s essential that the tank is maintained properly over time. As the years add up, wear and tear can take a toll on the tank, and it could become a safety concern at some point. Knowing what maintenance points are important will help you avoid any trouble in the future.

 

To have home heating oil delivered by a reliable supplier that offers great service and affordable rates, trust Berico with your business. Berico is an active member of the NC Petroleum Marketers Association and offers rebates to customers interested in upgrading to a newer tank. Of course, if you need heating system repair or other services, Berico will be able to help with those issues, as well.

 

Know the Risks

While it might seem like a pretty stable system, and it is in many ways, there are some problems that can come up with a heating oil tank. One potential issue is when contaminants make their way into the tank and degrade the quality of the fuel that is added. If it doesn’t seem like you are getting great performance from your system despite the rest of the equipment being in good condition, a contamination of the tank might be to blame.

 

An older tank could also develop a leak if it is not maintained correctly over time. This would obviously create a messy, dangerous situation that you would prefer to avoid, if at all possible. Considering the modest requirements to maintain your tank, it’s more than worth it to pay attention to this matter and make sure your tank doesn’t degrade to a point where it becomes a problem.

 

Basic Maintenance Points

As a homeowner, there are some basic things you can do on your own to check on the condition of your heating oil tank. As a starting point, get into the habit of looking for leaks regularly – perhaps once a month or so. This is as easy as just visually inspecting the exterior of the tank, as well as any valves and the lines that are connected to the tank if it is an above ground take.  It should only take a few moments to look over the tank carefully and doing so could enable you to catch a small little leak before it has the chance to turn into a bigger problem.  If your tank is below ground, you will need a professional to do an inspection.

 

The other key point to check on, for a tank that is positioned above ground, is the support that holds up the tank. Sometimes, these legs will lose strength over time, or they will slightly shift out of position. It should go without saying that you don’t want the tank to fall down while filled with oil, so inspecting the status of the legs from time to time should be on your list.

 

Have It Checked

There is only so much you can do on your own when it comes to maintaining your heating oil tank. For everything else, turn to the professionals at Berico to have the tank maintained and checked for any issues. Of course, that same team will be able to perform the necessary repairs should any problems be located, and they can also recommend a replacement tank if yours is past the point of reasonable repair. Get in touch with Berico today to learn more.

What to Look for in a Propane Supplier

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A good propane supplier can make life a lot easier. Ideally, you don’t want to have to think much about your supply of propane and who delivers it. Rather, you’d like it to just show up when expected, and be provided for a fair price. Finding reliable propane suppliers can be tricky, so consider the advice in this article for help.

 

To set up propane delivery for your property with a supplier that you can trust, turn to Berico for help.

 

Look for Options

You’ll want to find a propane supplier who is going to be able to provide a service that meets your needs. Rather than adapting to what the supplier has to offer, you should expect them to have enough options available that you can find a delivery option that makes sense in your situation.

 

Two of the common formats for propane delivery are keeping the tank consistently full based on usage levels or calling for deliveries on demand. You should be able to choose whether you want to set up a delivery schedule that brings a truck to your house or business at predetermined intervals, or if you just want to make a call when you notice your tank getting low.

 

Pricing Matters

Of course, you will want to think about how much propane delivery is going to cost you with one supplier compared to another. Even small differences in price can add up a in a big way when you consider how much propane you consume over the course of a year. So, even if price differences look modest when shopping around, it’s still important to take them seriously.

 

Also, remember to consider not just the cost of the propane itself, but also any other fees that might be tied to the service. For instance, if you choose Berico, you may be eligible for a free tank swap out, meaning you could save on that cost when getting started. Try to see the big picture on the financial side of this decision and balance cost savings with other important factors.

 

Go with an Experienced Propane Supplier

One of the best ways to select a propane supplier is to look at the history of various suppliers and see who has developed a loyal following over many years. That’s not to say that all new companies in this space can’t be trusted, but you don’t have as much proof to work with as you do with a company that has been around for a long time.

 

Other Available Services

Even if you plan on using the supplier you select mostly for just delivering propane, it’s nice to know that there are some other services available, if you should need them. That way, when something comes up, you don’t have to go looking for another contractor – you’ll know that you have a company you can trust for things like repairs, system tune-ups, and much more.

 

Don’t waste any more time looking for propane suppliers near me – just give Berico a call and set up your first delivery. You’ll see right away that this is a supplier that has earned its reputation as one of the best in the business.

What Does Propane Delivery Cost?

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On the surface, the idea of having propane delivered just sounds expensive. In fact, having just about anything delivered to your home comes with a sizable cost, so why would propane deliveries be any different? If you have never before had to refill propane tanks on your property with a propane delivery, you might be surprised to find just how affordable it can be.

 

If your home uses propane heat and you need regular deliveries from a reliable supplier, Berico is the right choice. Contact Berico today to learn more about pricing and delivery schedules. You are sure to be impressed!

 

No Additional Charge

When you order your propane from Berico, the delivery of the propane is built into the price of the propane – so there will be no additional charge for delivery to your property. This is the case for any customers in their service area, which includes areas in and around Greensboro, Eden, Burlington, High Point, and more. So, if you live in an area that Berico serves, you can plan on ordering propane without having to pay any unnecessary delivery fees on top of the prices of the fuel.

 

The Many Benefits of Berico

With delivery built into the price of the propane, you may already see how you can save when working with Berico for your propane service. But that’s just the start of what you’ll enjoy by going with the trusted team that has been serving this region for many years. Some of the other advantages of using Berico include:

 

  • Free tank swaps. If you are a new propane delivery customer with Berico, you may be eligible to have an existing propane tank swapped out. It should be noted that in some cases, underground tanks will require an installation fee to be swapped – contact Berico directly for more information.

 

  • Use service plans. It’s important to have service performed regularly to keep everything in working order, and doing so with Berico can help you save even more money. That’s because signing up for a service plan can make you eligible for a propane discount.

 

  • Emergency assistance. Berico is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help with repairs. It’s important to get problems solved right away so your system can get back to working as it should, and that’s the kind of service you’ll get from this experienced and proven partner.
  • Referral program. If you know someone who needs to set up propane delivery service, put them in touch with Berico and you can benefit in the form of a referral credit. In this case, everyone wins – you get to save some money and your friend or family member gets to work with a reliable, affordable supplier like Berico.

 

In the end, propane delivery service is something that can make life a lot easier when it is executed correctly. The key is to team up with a supplier that has experience in the business and will always put your safety and satisfaction at the top of the priority list. Get in touch with Berico today to learn more.

 

 

Six Tips on How to Lower Your Utility Bills

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There is never a bad time to save money. Whether the economy is going strong or in a recession, it’s always smart to cut back where you can in order to leave more money in the bank at the end of each month. This article will look at some simple steps you can take to cut back on utility spending for your home. Even modest savings can add up in a big way by the end of the year.

 

If you need reliable AC service in Greensboro, turn to Berico for help. As one of the leading HVAC companies in the area, Berico can provide HVAC installation, AC repair, regular maintenance, and much more.

 

1 – Consistently Change Your Air Filter

This is one of those cases where you need to spend a little bit of money to save more money in the long run. It’s important to regularly change the air filter in your HVAC system because a fresh filter allows your system to perform at its optimal level. When the filter gets dirty, airflow through the system is reduced, and it does not perform as well. In other words, the HVAC system winds up using more energy than necessary to achieve the desired level of heating or cooling. Keep up with changing out the filter and you’ll keep your system running as cost effectively as possible.

 

2 – Smart Programming

It’s important to set the program that controls your HVAC system so that it accurately mirrors the realities of your life. If the thermostat is set to cool the home down in the summer when you are at work, you might want to consider having it run a little less cool when you know no one will be home. Check on the timing of your program each time the seasons change to make sure your current plan makes sense for your lifestyle and the schedule of everyone in the home.

 

3- Replace Old Appliances

Our “test-everything-and-record-the-results” friends at Consumer Reports have the data that shows that replacing your old appliances with newer more efficient ones is a great way to lower your utility bills. And there is an added bonus that it can also reduce greenhouse gases.

For Example; Newer Energy Star washing machines use 25 percent less energy and up to 75 percent less water than machines that are just 20 years old according to Consumer Reports.  And while we are on the topic of replacing appliances, your HVAC system is your largest appliance and if it has some age on it, replacing it might reduce your energy consumption considerably. If you want to have it evaluated

 

 

4 – Be flexible with a little higher and lower temperature

You might be tempted to crank your thermostat way down into the 60s on a scorching hot summer day, but that’s just asking to spend a ton of money on energy. As a good rule of thumb, don’t ask your air conditioner to bring the indoor temperature down more than 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. So, if it’s going to be 95* outside, set your thermostat in the mid-70s and you should still be quite comfortable.

 

5 – Annual Maintenance Matters

Here is another point where it’s important to spend some money to help your system work well and run efficiently. Call in a team like Berico for an annual maintenance visit to keep your equipment running properly and avoid the kind of inefficiency that can lead to mounting utility bills. Also, keeping up with annual maintenance should help your equipment last longer, which is another way to save money in the long run.

 

6 – Manage Your Vents

Whether you are running the cooling system in the summer or the heat in the winter, pay attention to the position of your vents to avoid wasting air on rooms that aren’t being used. For instance, if you have an extra bedroom or two in your house that are not regularly used, close the vents and don’t bother cooling them day after day. This will allow your system to conserve energy while still properly serving the parts of the house that are actively used.  You generally don’t want to shut off the vents to more than one or two rooms because it can create problems for the system if too many vents are closed.  So while shutting off one or two is OK, closing more than that is not recommended.

 

How Cold is the Air from My Air Conditioning?

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Having air conditioning in your home is a wonderful luxury during the hot summer months. Rather than having to move fans around your house and open up windows in search of a cooling breeze, as we used to have to do,  you can simply set your AC system at the right temperature and forget about it. But what temperature is the air that is produced by that system? And can you change it? This article will look at those interesting questions.

 

To work with a leader in residential air conditioning at your home, contact Berico today. Whether you are searching the internet for “AC repair near me” or you’d like to have a new system installed, Berico is up for the challenge and has been keeping customers comfortable in their homes for nearly a century.

 

An Air Conditioning Primer

Despite being in millions of homes and businesses, there is a general misunderstanding about how air conditioning works and what the system is doing when it is running. No, an air conditioner does not “make” cold air. While it might sound like a minor difference, what an AC unit actually does is pull heat out of the air, causing it to feel cooler when it is returned to the living spaces in your home.

 

So, within an air conditioning system, there are two streams of air – the air going into the unit, and the air coming out. Those are called “return” air – the air going into the HVAC equipment – and “supply” air, or the cooled air being supplied to the building. When trying to figure out how cold the air will be when it comes out of your air conditioning system, you first need to know what temperature the air was at when it started.

 

A Consistent Change

If you set your air conditioner to 68*, you shouldn’t automatically expect the air coming out of the vents to be precisely 68*. In reality, it might be warmer, or it may be cooler. It all depends on what temperature the air was when the system started running. When an AC system is working correctly, the supply air will be roughly 15* – 20* cooler than the return air. That’s the range that the system is capable of achieving when things are running properly and there are no leaks or other issues.

 

Based on the setting of your thermostat, the system will continue to run until the interior temperature of the space comes down to your desired level. This could take just a few minutes, or it could take quite a long time if you started with a particularly high temperature inside (or if the system is not running efficiently).

 

Spotting the AC Problems

If the air conditioning in your home doesn’t seem to be working properly, you can bring in the team at Berico to figure out what is wrong. One of the ways the system can be tested is to evaluate the temperature of the return and supply air to make sure there is a suitable difference between the two. If not, something in the system is not working correctly, and a repair will need to be completed. Call for assistance today to get your air conditioner back into working order.

Is Propane Really Clean Burning?

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One of the benefits of using propane that you will often hear repeated is that it is a clean-burning fuel. But is that really true? It’s one thing for a piece of information to be repeated often – it’s another thing for that point to be proven correct. This article will be examining whether propane is actually a clean burning fuel and if you should consider using it for your energy needs.

 

If you’ve been trying to search for a “propane supplier near me” with little luck, turn to Berico for help. Berico is a great pick to fill a propane tank in Greensboro, Burlington, Eden and many other locations in the area.

 

A Deserved Reputation

You have heard that propane is a clean-burning fuel because it is just that – burning propane is considered to be an excellent alternative to other fuels that produce pollutants as part of the ignition process. When you burn propane, you’ll have your energy needs met without some of the harmful side effects that can come along with other fuels.

 

Also, beyond the clean-burning nature of the fuel, it’s also safer to work with in terms of spills. While you never want to intentionally spill fuel, of course, no damage will be done to the environment if a spill does occur. You can feel good about using propane heat in your home because of both the way the fuel burns clean and because of the performance it offers.

 

Many Other Reasons to Choose Propane

You might be motivated at first to choose propane because of its clean-burning nature, but that’s actually just one of many motivations to pick this form of fuel. Some of the other advantages of propane include:

 

  • Storage tank. For convenience, and perhaps cost savings, you can have a large propane tank installed on your property that you can use to heat your home for an extended period. Propane tanks can even be buried underground, so you can have a large tank on your property without having it take up space or even be visible.

 

  • Save money. While energy prices will vary from time to time and place to place, you might find that you spend less overall to heat your home with propane than you would have to spend for an energy source like electricity. This is particularly true if you partner with a company like Berico that will offer meaningful discounts for recurring propane deliveries.

 

  • Lasting performance. Using propane HVAC equipment will often lead to a longer lifespan than what you would get from other types of equipment. That’s yet another way to save money, as you might be able to move the replacement of your HVAC equipment out further into the future.

 

  • Use for other purposes. You don’t have to just run a furnace on the propane that you are having delivered to your property – you can choose to run other appliances, such water heater, dryer, gas stove, gas logs, in your home on this same power source to make things convenient and more affordable.

 

By burning clean and offering a long list of performance advantages, propane makes itself an excellent pick for countless homeowners. Reach out to Berico today to find out about using propane in your home.

Best HVAC Systems for 2022

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Having a quality HVAC system operating in your home is essential to stay comfortable throughout the year. Whether it’s hot outside and you need effective performance from your air conditioner, or a cold snap has set in and you need to warm up quickly, good HVAC equipment is the key. This article will look at some of the best HVAC systems on the market in 2022.

For help with any type of residential HVAC project in Greensboro, Burlington, Eden, and the surrounding areas, reach out to the pros at Berico for assistance.

Put Your Trust in Leading Brands
While shopping for a new HVAC system can be complicated and potentially overwhelming, you can make it easier by sticking with some of the top brands in the market. Rather than turning to a lesser known name for your residential HVAC project, you’ll be on good footing if you decide to purchase from a brand that has been trusted in this market for years. Berico always wants to be sure that its customers are getting the best of the best, which is why four specific brands are used for the majority of projects:

• American Standard. One of the longest-standing names in the business; quality and variety are two calling cards of the American Standard name. Whether you need a new furnace for your oil heating system, heat pump, air conditioner, or anything else in the HVAC world, this brand can deliver.

• Lennox. When only the best will do, you’ll want to pay close attention to products bearing the Lennox name. Specifically, this brand tends to excel in the area of efficiency, so you can cut down on your monthly utility bill while still getting outstanding performance when you have Lennox equipment installed.

• Rheem. Again here, we find a brand that has been trusted for many years and brings a long list of products to the market. Rheem does an excellent job of blending quality with value, so most buyers will be able to find something in this product line that matches up with their needs.

• Thermo Pride. HVAC shoppers will also be impressed by the line of products produced by Thermo Pride. With decades of experience and plenty of quiet, energy-efficient options to pick from, this is another brand that Berico is proud to install.

Getting Help with Your Purchase
While the list of four brands above is an excellent starting point to pick out the right HVAC system for your needs, it can be tricky to know exactly which model is the right option. How many BTUs will be right for your space? What style of equipment is going to fit with your existing setup? There are more questions than answers in the early stages.

This is where it is so helpful to partner with an experienced team like Berico to find the right equipment in a timely manner. You don’t have to make this choice alone – you can get help directly from an expert team so you know the pick you make will be a good one.

HVAC Terms to Know

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When you talk about HVAC service with some contractors, it can seem like they are speaking an entirely different language. Whether you need furnace repair, AC repair, or something else entirely, it’s important to know what your technician is talking about, so you can make an informed decision.

Berico makes it a point to talk to customers in plain language, but it’s still helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the commonly used terms in this industry. The definitions below should be a big help.

Ductwork
Starting with an easy one, ductwork is the metal conduits, usually square, that carry heated or cooled air through your home. If you have damage to your HVAC ducts, the air won’t circulate as efficiently, and you’ll be using more energy than necessary to get the results you desire.

BTUs
The acronym “BTU” stands for British Thermal Units, and this is a measurement used to quantify what a piece of HVAC equipment is capable of producing. A single BTU is the amount of energy required to boost the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree. If you are in the market for new HVAC equipment, you’ll likely see BTU ratings listed for various models.

Compressor
Essential to the functioning of an air conditioner, the compressor is a piece of equipment that adds pressure to a refrigerant as it moves through the system. If the compressor in your system fails, it won’t be able to cool air until it is repaired or replaced.

Filter
Playing a critical role in HVAC equipment for either heating or cooling, a filter is used to keep airborne particles from reaching your equipment and clogging things up. Changing your filter regularly is an important task.

Refrigerant
In an air conditioning system, the refrigerant flows through a line and moves in and out of a building. When inside, the refrigerant takes up heat energy and then carries it outside where it can be transferred to the outside environment. Then, the newly cooled refrigerant flows back into the building to pick up more heat and do it all over again. Sufficient refrigerant in the system is essential to get good performance out of your air conditioner.

Thermostat
The thermostat that controls your HVAC system is the brain of the operation, so it’s important that it is in good working order. Upgrading to a newer thermostat model could go a long way towards optimizing the performance of the system throughout the year.

Zone system
Rather than treating the whole home as a single zone, a zoned HVAC system is able to deliver different levels of heating and cooling to various parts of the house. In the end, you are left with a system that is more efficient than a single-zone layout, and you’ll be more comfortable on even the hottest and coldest of days.

Heat pump
The name of this type of HVAC equipment confuses some people, but it’s actually quite simple. A heat pump can work to either heat or cool a space, depending on the time of year and the weather outside. During the winter, the heat pump can augment the performance of a furnace to get better results while using less energy. In the summer, the heat pump serves as an air conditioner, pulling heat out of the house and bringing down the temperature.

Furnace FAQs

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Many homeowners know little about how their HVAC system works, including the furnace that keeps them warm during the winter. You don’t need to be an expert on this topic, but understanding the basics is helpful – and this FAQ will provide some good information for you to understand the basics about your furnace. When you are ready to schedule HVAC service or furnace repair in or around Greensboro, call Berico right away.

Q: Should I upgrade to a smart thermostat?
A: Running your furnace, and the rest of your HVAC equipment, off of a smart thermostat is not necessary, but it is a nice luxury. When you have the ability to control your system from your smartphone, you can make small adjustments even when you are away from the house – potentially cutting down on energy usage while improving comfort at the same time. Smart thermostats are relatively affordable and have a lot to offer, so this upgrade is well worth installing.

Q: What should I do if my furnace stops working?
A: Calling a reliable contractor like Berico should be your first step when the furnace goes out and will no longer heat your home. Getting started on repair work as soon as possible is your best bet to avoid a delayed outage. Of course, if it is going to be an extended period before your furnace can be fixed, it will be necessary to secure a warm place to stay until the furnace is back up and running. Having your furnace well maintained is one of the best ways to ensure that you never deal with a broken furnace on a cold winter night. Berico offers maintenance programs that include a regular check and service of your furnace.

Q: How big should my furnace be?
A: Picking the right size furnace when having a new one installed can be tricky for the average homeowner. You don’t want to spend more than necessary on the purchase, but you also don’t want an undersized unit that struggles to warm the house. Your best bet is to trust Berico to analyze your situation and recommend the right unit for your situation.

Q: How can I save money while running my furnace?
A: The obvious answer here is to ask the furnace to do less work day after day. The warmer you set the thermostat, the more energy the furnace will need to use to reach that target temperature. Beyond just living in a colder home, you can choose to selectively heat the space by closing vents in rooms that aren’t used. That will allow the busy parts of the house to stay warmer while not wasting energy heating up spaces where no one is spending time. But you don’t want to close off more than one or two rooms because your system is set-up for the current square footage of your home. If you close off too many vents you are essentially decreasing the square footage and throwing the system out-of-balance.

Q: How long will a new furnace last?
A: As you might imagine, there is no set period of time that you can expect to get from a new furnace. However, if you have a quality piece of equipment installed by a professional team like Berico – and that equipment is then serviced properly over the years – you should expect to get well in excess of 10 years of service from that furnace. If things go well, that number could be as high as 20 years or more, although you’ll want to monitor the performance of the furnace in those later years to make sure it is still performing up to your expectations.