How To Never Run Out of Propane

gas stove litPropane is a versatile energy source. It can be used for home heat, water heaters, cooking, and other household appliances. If your home uses propane in any capacity, you have a tank that exists somewhere on your property. Some tanks are above ground and some are buried. They come in different sizes based on your needs. But the bottom line is that one tank can only hold a finite amount of propane, so you will need refills now and then to keep from running out.

If you’re new to propane use you may be wondering, who delivers propane? A propane home delivery service in your area can provide you with automatic refills so that you never run out.

 

How Do Automatic Refills Work?

A Berico technician can evaluate your home to determine how much propane you will use over time. The number of propane appliances you have, the square footage of your home, the temperatures in the area, and other factors are used to calculate the amount of propane you will need. If you already have a Berico tank in place, refills can begin immediately. If your tank belongs to another propane supplier, Berico will swap it out for free.

 

Berico will schedule your refills according to your predicted usage. You will only pay for the amount you receive and not a full tank if your tank was not empty.

 

How Do I Pay for Automatic Propane Refills?

Propane customers may be used to paying for propane in full at the time of purchase. Some customers even carefully plan and calculate pricing to determine the best time to buy propane to save money. With automatic refills this is not necessary. Berico takes the stress out of purchasing propane by offering a monthly payment system to make the cost of propane more affordable. Berico also offers a pre-buy price protection plan and a fixed price plan that allow you to take advantage of low propane prices.

 

Benefits of Automatic Propane Delivery

When you sign up for automatic propane delivery, you have a lot to gain:

 

  • Peace of mind. You never have to worry about running out of propane on a cold day. Berico has you covered.
  • Save money. Automatic refills will save you money over time, reducing the overall cost of your propane.
  • Easier budgeting. When you combine automatic refills with a monthly payment plan, it’s easier to budget your monthly bills.
  • Additional perks. Combine your automatic propane deliveries with an HVAC maintenance plan, and you’ll get a discount on both as well as discounts on repairs and credits toward new equipment.

 

Berico Provides Propane Home Delivery Service 

If you live in the Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Reidsville, or Eden area, Berico can provide propane delivery service to your home or business. Berico’s service area is wide and includes a large part of the Piedmont Triad and surrounding areas. Wondering who delivers propane to your area? Call Berico at (336) 273-8663 or fill out the new customer order form.

 

How Heat Pump HVAC Systems Work

Heat pumps are a popular type of HVAC system. They are known for being energy-efficient and providing effective home comfort. A heat pump is different from a furnace in the way that it operates, yet the cooling portion is basically the same.

You may have heard good things about them, but if you’re thinking about buying a heat pump, you should know how they work before you make your decision.

 

How a Heat Pump Warms Your Home 

A heat pump transfers heat rather than creating heat. A furnace uses some type of fuel (propane, heating oil or natural gas) to create heat that is dispersed throughout your home. But a heat pump collects heat from the outside air (even when it is cold outside), draws it in, and disperses it throughout your home.

 

How does it collect heat when the air outside is cold? The key is pressure. Refrigerant is used to absorb heat from the outside air. As the refrigerant warms up and the pressure increases, it evaporates into gas form. As the heat is blown out through the forced air system to warm your home, the refrigerant is cooled and is ready to absorb more heat to repeat the cycle.

 

How a Heat Pump Cools Your Home 

The cooling cycle of a heat pump is simply the reverse of the heating cycle. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside of your home. As the refrigerant warms and pressurizes, it is moved outside of your home where it is cooled down. Then the blower distributes the cool air through your ducts and out through your vents.

 

Heat Pumps Transfer Heat

The essence of a heat pump is that it transfers heat from the outside to the inside when you need to warm your home, and it transfers heat from the inside to the outside when you need to cool your home. This is what makes heat pumps so efficient. They make good use of the heat that is available.

 

Benefits of Heat Pumps

 

  • Heat pumps are extremely energy efficient because they transfer and maximize available heat energy.
  • Heating and cooling in one system. A heat pump uses the same equipment for both the heating and cooling cycles, minimizing parts and footprint.
  • Reduce carbon emissions. Heat pumps use electricity rather than heating fuel, which means they create less carbon emissions than furnaces.
  • Low maintenance. Heat pumps require less maintenance and cleaning than fuel furnaces.
  • Long lasting. A heat pump can last for up to 50 years depending on the quality, installation, and maintenance.

 

Top Brands of Heat Pumps

If you’re thinking about buying a heat pump, there are a few brands that stand out in terms of quality and longevity. A Carrier heat pump is one of the most environmentally friendly HVAC systems on the market. Lennox heat pumps are known for efficiency and affordability when compared to Trane, which is also efficient but tends to be higher in price. So do your research before deciding whether it’s worth it to pay more.  Standard, Lennox, and Rheem are reliable and efficient systems with an excellent track record.

 

Berico Provides Reliable Heat Pump Installation 

To get the most efficient operation from a heat pump, it needs to be installed properly. The experienced technicians at Berico will install your heat pump for optimal energy efficiency and long lasting performance.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule service today.

How To Choose a Propane Supplier

Gas flameAre you in need of a residential propane supplier? If you have a propane furnace or if any other appliances in your home use propane, you must have a propane tank somewhere on your property. That tank, whatever the size, can only hold a certain amount of propane before needing to be refilled. Whether you’re a new propane customer or you’re thinking of switching suppliers, you may be wondering what to look for in a propane supplier. Here are the most important things to consider.

Ask for Recommendations for a Propane Delivery Company 

Talk to your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and anyone else you know and ask if they use propane and who their supplier is. Neighbors are an excellent source for this because you will know that their supplier already serves your area. Ask what they like about their supplier and why they continue to be customers.

Check Safety Ratings 

Propane is a fuel, and although it is only flammable at very high temperatures, it must be handled safely. All propane suppliers are issued a safety rating based on a variety of factors regarding safe transport and storage of propane. Any reliable supplier should easily be able to provide you with their current safety rating.

Do They Provide Automatic Refills?

Give yourself the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will never run out of propane. Find a supplier that offers automatic refills based on the size of your propane tank and your home’s projected usage. When properly calculated, your tank will never be empty.

 

Do They Offer Payment Plans?

Would it help to be able to pay for your propane on a monthly basis rather than in one lump sum? Look for a supplier that offers monthly payment plans so you can budget your bills and expenses more accurately.

 

Can You Pre-Buy or Lock-In Your Propane Price?

Propane prices fluctuate throughout the year and over the long term. If your supplier offers a pre-buy or price lock-in option, you can take advantage of low prices when the market value drops. You can purchase your propane before you need it when the prices are low, or lock-in a low price by committing to a certain amount of propane and paying monthly.

 

How Do They Handle New Customers?

If you currently have a propane tank but you want to switch suppliers, choose a new supplier that will swap out your tanks for free. Switching suppliers can be easy when your new supplier is willing to do the work in order to earn your business.

 

Why Choose Berico as Your Residential Propane Supplier? 

Berico is a reliable residential propane supplier in Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Reidsville, Eden, and the surrounding areas. When you ask for recommendations, the name Berico will come up again and again. Berico offers pre-buy and price protection plans as well as monthly payments to make propane more affordable. Automatic refills will ensure you never run out of propane when you need it. And when you become a Berico customer, the switch is easy for you with a free tank swap out.

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 or fill out the new customer order form.

What’s the Difference Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump?

Two of the most common types of home heating systems are furnaces and heat pumps. They both work to produce heat to warm your home and ultimately they achieve the same purpose, though mechanically they work in very different ways.

Furnaces and heat pumps do have a few things in common. They require a duct system and blower in order to disburse heat throughout your home. They are both capable of highly efficient operation. And they both perform best with regular maintenance.

When it comes to Greensboro HVAC systems, furnaces and heat pumps are both widely used in the area. If you’re trying to decide which type would be best for your home, the following information should help you understand the difference so that you can make an informed decision.

Furnaces Use Fuel to Create Heat
The source of heat for a furnace comes from a fuel of some kind. Natural gas, propane, and heating oil are the three main types. Natural gas comes from a local source and reaches your home through a gas line under the ground. Propane and heating oil are stored in tanks and delivered to you by a fuel supplier.

A heat pump is an electric heating system that does not require any fuel. Although the energy source is electricity, heat pumps are highly efficient, much more so than electric heating systems of the past.

Heat Pumps Transfer Heat Energy
Rather than creating heat by burning fuel as a furnace does, a heat pump transfers air from the outside to the inside and vice versa. A heat pump moves cold air outside and collects heat from the outside air and brings it inside, all through the use of refrigerant filled coils. This is what makes a heat pump so efficient, the way it transfers heat and maximizes whatever available warmth there is.

Heat Pumps Can Have a Backup Furnace
Heat pumps work best in temperatures no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them best suited for moderate climates where winters are mild. However, heat pumps include a backup heating option for use when temperatures fall too low. This makes them a viable Greensboro HVAC option because temperatures do fall below the 40 degree threshold for only part of the year in this area.

Furnaces Only Create Heat, Heat Pumps Provide Both Heating and Cooling
A furnace is only capable of creating heat. An additional air conditioning system must be used during warm weather to cool your home. However, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling. The process used to transfer heat simply reverses when your home needs to be cooled. This makes a heat pump efficient for use in all seasons.

A Furnace Can Make Your Home More Comfortable in Cold Weather
Propane and heating oil both create more heat per unit than natural gas or electricity because they burn at extremely high temperatures. The type of heat created by heating fuel is a radiant heat, which is known to create a cozier feel that lasts longer than other types of heat.

Berico Can Install and Service Both Furnaces and Heat Pumps
Whatever type of HVAC system you choose, Berico provides installation and service for both types, as well as heating fuels such as propane and heating oil. Berico is a Greensboro HVAC service providing complete home comfort services. Call 336-273-8663 today or schedule a service appointment.

How Can I Reduce My Heating Bill?

Does your home need a furnace? Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or you’re building a new home that will need a furnace, it is important that you choose the right one. The wrong furnace could leave your home feeling chilly, humid, or dry. You could also end up paying too much for heating energy.

There are a variety of factors that should be considered when choosing a home furnace. A reliable Burlington furnace installer can evaluate your home and give you a professional recommendation. Here’s what to take into consideration.

Size
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a furnace is the size. It is crucial that you get a furnace that is the right size for your home. The size of the furnace needed is calculated based on the number of square feet you need to heat. Another factor is the climate where you live, because of the average temperatures and humidity. The quality of your insulation and windows will also play a part in the size of furnace your home needs. It is necessary to purchase a furnace that can produce enough heat with all of those factors considered.

Efficiency Rating
Heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The number of BTUs a furnace can produce determines how many square feet it can heat. Another rating to consider is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), which is the amount of heat delivered divided by the amount of electricity used to produce it. This number is typically used for heat pumps, which are electric.

Heating Energy Source
There are a few different sources of energy used for heating, the most common of which are:

• Electricity. A heat pump uses electricity to absorb heat from the outside air. It is not the same as a furnace that burns fuel of some kind to create heat. Heat pumps work particularly well in milder climates where the temperatures do not get below freezing as often. They are usually equipped with a backup furnace for extreme cold.
• Natural Gas. One of the most common heating fuels is natural gas. If your home has access to natural gas, it is an efficient heating energy source. Natural gas is usually delivered through an underground pipeline connected to a local source. You pay for it monthly based on your home’s usage.
• Propane. An efficient, clean burning option for those who don’t have access to natural gas or who simply want the benefits, propane is delivered to you and stored in a tank on your property. Propane produces more heat per unit than natural gas. It also provides a warm, resonating heat that lasts.
• Heating Oil. Heating oil is also highly efficient, producing more heat per unit than any other heating fuel. New furnaces are designed to burn oil very cleanly without producing soot the way old furnaces once did. Oil can be delivered to your home and stored in a tank on your property.

Manufacturer and Model
Some furnace manufacturers are known for making quality equipment. Lennox, Goodman, ThermoPride, Armstrong, and York are just a few of the top brands of HVAC systems. Do your research and read reviews on some of the makes and models that are available.

Ask the Experts at Berico
Choosing the right furnace is not a decision to take lightly. Get a professional recommendation from a Burlington furnace installer you can trust. Berico can evaluate your home and offer a few different options for systems that will work well for you.

Call (336) 273-8663 or request a quote today.

What is a Cracked Heat Exchanger?

HVAC maintenance and tune upThe heat exchanger in your furnace plays a vital role in warming your home to a comfortable temperature. Simply put, without the heat exchanger, your furnace would not be able to do its job. With that background, it’s easy to understand why a cracked heat exchanger would be a problem. But what does this component do, exactly and why would it crack? This article will dive into those questions and more.

If you need professional furnace repair in Burlington, NC for a great price, contact Berico today to make an appointment. Berico offers a knowledgeable team of friendly experts who will get your system back up and running right away.

Understanding a Cracked Heat Exchanger
A cracked heat exchanger is a unit that has developed a crack large enough to interfere with normal, safe operation. When the heat exchanger becomes cracked, it is likely that the flame within the unit will struggle to remain lit, or will flutter significantly. As a result, the furnace system will notice a safety risk and turn itself off. Therefore, if you have a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger, you may be dealing with a situation where you have no warm air flowing in your home.

You may be wondering why a heat exchanger would crack in the first place? Isn’t it designed to deal with heat? Yes, it is, but when it gets too hot, the unit can crack. Normally, proper airflow will keep the exchanger from reaching temperatures that are dangerous to its health. However, if that air is not flowing as it should, temperatures will rise and a crack may develop. This is why it is so important to regularly replace the air filter that serves your furnace. When a dirty filter remains in use, airflow will be reduced and the temperature of the heat exchanger could get out of control.

Can a Cracked Exchanger Be Repaired?
No – once it is determined by a professional that the heat exchanger has developed a crack, it will need to be replaced. The challenge that comes with replacing a heat exchanger is not found in the process of swapping it out for a new one, but rather the task of gaining access to that part of the furnace. Most of the unit will have to be taken apart to get to the heat exchanger, meaning labor costs for this kind of project can be expensive.

May Lead to a Furnace Replacement
You might be surprised to learn that in some cases, it’s better to simply replace the entire furnace than it is to have a new heat exchanger installed. Between the cost of a new exchanger and the significant labor expense to have it put in, going with a new furnace may be the better choice. Remember, with a new furnace, you’ll get the latest technology, improved efficiency, and likely some warranty coverage. Talk to the professional team at Berico to determine whether it is better to replace your heat exchanger or have a new furnace installed in your home.

Why Is My Thermostat Blank?

As the main control panel for your HVAC system, you come to rely on your thermostat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. And, most of the time, it will do just that. So, it can be rather alarming to head to your thermostat and find that the screen is blank. If your thermostat is currently displaying no information on its screen, there are a few potential problems to consider. Explore the article below to see if you can solve this issue on your own or if professional help will be required.

To bring in professional help with furnace repair in Eden or any other type of HVAC task, call on the team at Berico today. In addition to HVAC service, Berico also offers fuel delivery, tank installation, and more.

Reasons for a Blank Thermostat
You may be dealing with a blank thermostat for one of the reasons below –

• It needs new batteries. If you have a thermostat that runs on batteries as opposed to power provided by the electrical system, it’s possible that those batteries are dead. It’s quick and easy to pop new batteries into the thermostat, so this is the best place to start when trying to solve the problem.
• Safety issues. As a protective measure, your thermostat may include the capability to shut itself down when a problem is detected in the HVAC system. In other words, if something is wrong with your furnace or air conditioner, the thermostat may shut off so you can’t continue trying to use the equipment. This type of problem would need to be addressed by a professional team like that at Berico.
• Tripped breaker. Another good place to look for a solution is in your electrical panel. As the breaker that serves your HVAC system tripped? If so, reset that breaker and see if the thermostat comes back to life.
• It’s broken. Unfortunately, a blank thermostat will sometimes mean that the unit is simply broken and in need of replacement. While that’s probably not what you want to hear, the good news is that a replacement thermostat is relatively affordable and easy to install. Also, if you have been using an older model thermostat for many years, you may enjoy upgrading to a modern device with advanced features.

Why Update Your Thermostat
Whether your current thermostat is broken or just in need of a simple fix like new batteries, it’s still worth considering upgrading that model to a newer version. With a new thermostat, you can pick up features like detailed programming, smartphone control, and more. Being able to exert more control over how your HVAC system operates will not only help you keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, but it could also help you save money on energy by running the system more efficiently. Reach out to Berico to learn more about what modern thermostats have to offer and whether or not a new unit would be a good choice in your situation.

How to Pick the Right Furnace for Your Home

Does your home need a furnace? Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or you’re building a new home that will need a furnace, it is important that you choose the right one. The wrong furnace could leave your home feeling chilly, humid, or dry. You could also end up paying too much for heating energy.

 

There are a variety of factors that should be considered when choosing a home furnace. A reliable Burlington furnace installer can evaluate your home and give you a professional recommendation. Here’s what to take into consideration.

 

Size

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a furnace is the size. It is crucial that you get a furnace that is the right size for your home. The size of the furnace needed is calculated based on the number of square feet you need to heat. Another factor is the climate where you live, because of the average temperatures and humidity. The quality of your insulation and windows will also play a part in the size of furnace your home needs. It is necessary to purchase a furnace that can produce enough heat with all of those factors considered.

 

Efficiency Rating

Heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The number of BTUs a furnace can produce determines how many square feet it can heat. Another rating to consider is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), which is the amount of heat delivered divided by the amount of electricity used to produce it. This number is typically used for heat pumps, which are electric.

 

Heating Energy Source

There are a few different sources of energy used for heating, the most common of which are:

 

  • A heat pump uses electricity to absorb heat from the outside air. It is not the same as a furnace that burns fuel of some kind to create heat. Heat pumps work particularly well in milder climates where the temperatures do not get below freezing as often. They are usually equipped with a backup furnace for extreme cold.
  • Natural Gas. One of the most common heating fuels is natural gas. If your home has access to natural gas, it is an efficient heating energy source. Natural gas is usually delivered through an underground pipeline connected to a local source. You pay for it monthly based on your home’s usage.
  • An efficient, clean burning option for those who don’t have access to natural gas or who simply want the benefits, propane is delivered to you and stored in a tank on your property. Propane produces more heat per unit than natural gas. It also provides a warm, resonating heat that lasts.
  • Heating Oil. Heating oil is also highly efficient, producing more heat per unit than any other heating fuel. New furnaces are designed to burn oil very cleanly without producing soot the way old furnaces once did. Oil can be delivered to your home and stored in a tank on your property.

 

Manufacturer and Model

Some furnace manufacturers are known for making quality equipment. Lennox, Goodman, ThermoPride, Armstrong, and York are just a few of the top brands of HVAC systems. Do your research and read reviews on some of the makes and models that are available.

 

Ask the Experts at Berico

Choosing the right furnace is not a decision to take lightly. Get a professional recommendation from a Burlington furnace installer you can trust. Berico can evaluate your home and offer a few different options for systems that will work well for you.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or request a quote today.

 

What to Do if Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Light

As the temperatures fall, homeowners start turning on their gas fireplaces for a little extra warmth and ambience. Many will do this without any inspection or maintenance of their gas logs. Some will find that their gas logs won’t light this year.

 

Are you having trouble getting yours to light? Wondering why and what to do about it? HVAC companies in Burlington can inspect, clean, and tune-up gas log fireplaces so that they operate easily with the flip of a switch. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule an appointment.

 

In the meantime, here are some troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces.

 

Make Sure the Gas is Turned On

The first step is to make sure the gas line to your home is turned on. If your home uses the same gas source for your furnace, water heater, or any other appliance, it is most likely already turned on. If not, turn on the gas to your home. If you have propane, make sure the valve on your propane tank is open.

 

Next, make sure the fuel supply to your gas logs is turned on. Once it is on, you may smell a subtle scent of gas in the area of your fireplace. This is a good indication that you at least have fuel coming to your logs.

 

Vent the Tubing 

There is a possibility that there is air trapped in the tubing leading to the logs. Hold down the pilot button for a couple of minutes to let the air out. Then attempt to light the pilot again. When the pilot is lit you will see a blue flame under the logs. You can then flip the switch and flames should come up from the logs.

 

If Your Gas Fireplace Still Won’t Light: 

There may be a problem that needs an actual repair, such as:

 

  • If there is a spark igniter, it may be failing to create a spark to light the pilot. This may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Does the pilot light, but then go out again? This indicates that there could be a problem with the thermocouple, the part that measures the temperature.
  • There could be a problem with the electrical wiring somewhere within the gas fireplace system. This will need to be repaired in order for it to light and stay lit.

 

The Importance of Gas Fireplace Maintenance

You can avoid this problem by scheduling yearly maintenance for your gas fireplace. As with your furnace and your air conditioner, having it inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year will keep it working properly so that it starts right up when you’re ready to use it. If you wait until it doesn’t work on the first chilly day, you may miss an opportunity to use your logs while you wait for a repair appointment. You are most likely not the first one to turn on your fireplace only to find that it isn’t working.

 

Berico Provides Gas Fireplace Maintenance

If you’re looking for HVAC companies in Burlington that sell and service gas log fireplaces, Berico is your local provider. Berico can repair your existing gas fireplace or replace it with a new set of gas logs if needed.  Berico can also provide yearly maintenance for your gas fireplace.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or request a quote today.

Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water in Winter?

When it’s working properly, your furnace is not something you have to think about often during the winter months. You simply set your thermostat and let the furnace come on and off automatically based on those settings. Unfortunately, like all other pieces of equipment, furnaces can run into trouble from time to time. One type of trouble you may encounter with your furnace is water leaking from the unit. The article below will offer some insight into why this can happen and what it may mean.

If you need the best HVAC service Burlington has to offer, contact Berico today for assistance. Whether it is furnace repair, replacement, or any other HVAC task, you can be sure that Berico is up to the challenge.

Why Does My Furnace Leak Water?
There are a few potential causes of a furnace water leak, including the following –

• The hose that is meant to carry away the condensation from the unit could be leaking. This hose may leak as a result of damage, or it could be clogged up, giving the water no way to pass through to the drain.
• A drain line is used to get the water away from the furnace. Like the drain hose, the main drain line could leak if it is damaged or clogged, or it could not be properly attached.
• It’s also possible for the pump that moves the condensate could leak. Specifically, if the drain that serves this pump is blocked up, the water will collect and leak.

Why in the Winter?
The reason that you may deal with furnace leaks in the winter is simply that your furnace is working so much harder during the winter months. In the summer, it probably doesn’t come on at all, and it may only need to run from time to time in the spring and fall seasons. In the winter, however, your furnace jumps to the foreground and it puts in plenty of working hours to keep your house comfortable. Knowing that it will be working hard on cold days, be sure to check in regularly to make sure no leaks have occurred.

A Specific Type of Furnace
The type of furnace that you need to worry about developing a leak is a high-efficiency furnace. This type of furnace uses two heat exchangers, and that design introduces the development of condensation. A single heat exchanger model won’t create condensation, so water leaks are not a concern. More and more homes and other buildings feature high-efficiency units these days, so leaks are something that the average homeowner should monitor if they have a high-efficiency model.

Consider Other Possibilities
It’s worth noting that there is a possibility that your water leak is not coming from your furnace. If you have an air conditioner in the same space as the furnace, that unit could actually be the cause of the leak – although it is not likely operating during the winter months. Also, it could be something completely unrelated, like a roof leak that happens to be coming through the space where the furnace is located. Getting the help of a professional team like Berico will allow you to get to the bottom of the problem and have it resolved as quickly as possible.