Why Is My Thermostat Blank?

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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

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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

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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?

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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.

Does Home Heating Oil Evaporate and Other Questions

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Are you considering trying heating oil for your home? Or perhaps you’ve moved into a home that has an oil furnace. Either way, you may have some questions about heating oil if you’ve never used it before. Consider the following common questions home heating oil suppliers are used to being asked in order to help you gain a better understanding of this fuel and its benefits.

 

Does Home Heating Oil Evaporate?

Heating oil reaches its vapor point at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It won’t evaporate until it is heated to that point, whether inside or outside of the tank. Heating oil ignites at 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that in its liquid form it won’t light. You could drop a match into a cup of heating oil and it won’t ignite.

 

Does Heating Oil Smell? 

Heating oil does have a smell. It is a diesel product, so it smells just like diesel fuel. However, you won’t typically smell the oil. If your tank was recently refilled or when you first turn your furnace on in the fall, you may smell oil for a short time. It will dissipate quickly. If the smell lingers, contact your home heating oil suppliers.

 

Can Heating Oil Freeze?

Heating oil has a freezing point that is below that of water. Heating oil won’t start to freeze until the temperature dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It won’t necessarily become a problem unless it freezes enough to clog up your lines or filter. Installing the filter indoors can help prevent a freezing problem, as well as insulating the outdoor lines, but in this area of North Carolina it is not a problem at all.

 

Is Heating Oil Efficient?

Heating oil is very efficient. It burns hotter than natural gas, allowing it to create more heat for your home in a shorter amount of time with less fuel. A single gallon of heating oil creates 125,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units), which surpasses propane at 84,000 BTUs and natural gas at 20,000 BTUs. And on top of that, heating oil furnaces operate more efficiently than ever before.

 

How Does Heating Oil Compare in Price?

Pricing of heating fuels always varies due a number of factors from supply and demand to the weather conditions of the season. In general, heating oil usually costs more per unit than propane or natural gas, however, it goes further. Although you may pay more up front to refill your tank, that tank of oil will last a long time. And many home heating oil suppliers offer payment plans to make refills more affordable by spreading the cost out into monthly payments.

 

How Long Does an Oil Furnace Last?

Heating oil furnaces have the longest lifespan of home furnaces. You can expect to get 30 years or more out of your oil furnace, which is significantly longer than a propane or gas furnace is expected to last.

 

Need a Heating Oil Supplier? Berico is Reliable and Affordable

Berico has been supplying heating oil to Greensboro and the surrounding area for decades. Automatic refills and payment plans make it more affordable than ever to heat your home with oil. If you have additional questions, the experts at Berico would be glad to answer them and help you make the best decision for your home.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to inquire about heating oil delivery or schedule a delivery.

Is My Furnace Getting Ready to Break Down?

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The last thing you want to experience is a broken furnace on a cold winter day or night. Sometimes furnaces break down without warning, but in many cases there are signs that indicate your furnace may not be working properly.

Avoiding an unexpected furnace breakdown is always preferable, so how can you prevent it? According to the best heating and air in Greensboro, here’s what to look for so you can be prepared.

 

Repeated Cycling On and Off

Does it seem as if your heat comes on, turns off, and turns on again without much time in between? Perhaps it doesn’t run very long each time before shutting off, then comes right back on again. This is a sign that something is not working correctly within your furnace. It could be that there are parts in need of cleaning, repair, or replacement. There may be a problem with the blower motor. Any number of mechanical or electrical issues could cause this to happen. If you notice this, it’s time to schedule a service appointment.

 

Uneven Temperatures Throughout Your Home

Do some rooms feel warm and others cool? Uneven heating is another sign that your furnace is not operating properly. It could be failing to produce enough heat to effectively warm your entire home. There could be issues with air flow through the ducts or other problems that could prevent heat from disbursing evenly. Start by checking your filters and replace them if necessary. If the problem persists, contact the best heating and air in Greensboro, Berico.

 

Unusual or Increased Noises

Have you noticed more noise or unusual noises coming from your furnace or vents? You may think it’s just in your head, but it’s probably not. You get used to the way your HVAC system sounds when it runs, and if you’re suddenly noticing it when you didn’t before, the noises are probably new. Excessive or strange noises coming from your furnace could mean any number of mechanical problems from loose parts to electrical issues. Schedule a service appointment to have your system evaluated.

 

High Energy Bills

Your furnace may run on natural gas, propane, heating oil, or electricity. If your gas or energy bill seems to keep going up, it may be a sign that your furnace is not operating properly. A properly working furnace should operate efficiently, depending on its efficiency rating. Regardless, soaring energy bills are not normal and may indicate that your furnace is on its way out.

 

How Will I Know if My Furnace Should be Repaired or Replaced? 

When your HVAC technician inspects your furnace they will diagnose the problem as well as assess the condition of your system.

 

They will most likely recommend repair if:

 

  • Your furnace is less than 10 years old.
  • The repair is easy and inexpensive.
  • The overall condition of your furnace is good.

 

The technician may recommend replacement if:

 

  • Your furnace is more than 10 years old.
  • The repair required is a major, expensive part.
  • The overall condition of your furnace is poor.

 

Want to Avoid a Breakdown? Have Your System Assessed by Berico

If you’re concerned about the performance or condition of your furnace, call 336-273-8663 today to schedule a service appointment. Find out why customers consistently rate Berico as the best heating and air in Greensboro.

Homeowners Associations and HVAC Systems

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Living in a neighborhood or residential community that is governed by a homeowners association (HOA) has its advantages. The HOA establishes and upholds specific rules and regulations that residents in the neighborhood must uphold. The main purpose of an HOA is to preserve the value of the homes in the neighborhood.

 

Can your homeowners association control the type of heating and cooling systems you use in your home? Yes, in many cases it can. This means that any HVAC equipment you install in your home or on your property must meet the HOA guidelines for your neighborhood. Before you call your Burlington furnace repair service, here are some of the specific ways that your HOA may dictate the type of HVAC equipment you can have.

 

Air Conditioning Systems

The number one rule that HOAs tend to have about air conditioners is that window units are forbidden. Because of the way they extend outward from the window, it is decidedly unattractive. Some HOAs may allow them in windows of the home that are in the back or less visible. Contact your HOA if you have questions about window AC units.

 

Another typical HOA regulation on air conditioners pertains to the outdoor unit. The HOA may dictate where, how many, and what type (noise can be a factor) of outdoor units you can have for your central air conditioning. Again, contact your HOA or review the bylaws before having any new HVAC equipment installed to make sure you are keeping within your neighborhood’s regulations.

 

Heating Systems 

Most central air furnaces are primarily contained inside of the home but may have an outdoor unit as well. Ductless mini split systems connect to an outdoor unit and your HOA may regulate where the outdoor unit can be installed.

 

Another consideration with heating systems is fuel. If your neighborhood has natural gas lines supplying the homes, you likely won’t have anything to worry about. However, if you wish to have a propane or heating oil furnace, your HOA may have regulations regarding the placement and size of the fuel tank. Contact your HOA or carefully review the bylaws to be sure of the neighborhood regulations before choosing a type of heating fuel or switching fuels.

 

HVAC Systems and HOA for Attached Communities

If you live in a patio home, townhome, or some other type of residential community where the homes are attached in some way, your HVAC system may be shared with other units. Before any repairs or maintenance can be done, you may need to contact your HOA to make sure it is within the regulations. You may not even have the freedom to hire your own HVAC company for Burlington furnace repair if you live in a multi-unit residence.

 

Berico Will Work with Your Homeowners Association 

If you need repair or replacement of any HVAC equipment, Berico will work within the limitations of your homeowners association. Berico technicians are familiar with many of the typical HOA bylaws and will help you ensure that any equipment installed meets your neighborhood requirements.

 

Call 336-273-8663 for Burlington furnace repair or schedule service today.

 

Can an HVAC Purchase Be Financed?

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HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment can be expensive. Whether you need a repair or a complete replacement for your heating or cooling system, the cost may be more than you can pay out of pocket. But HVAC financing is a potential option to make the cost more affordable.

 

Your HVAC system is not just a luxury, especially during the winter months. You need a heating system to keep your family warm on cold days and nights. No one should have to go without heat, which is why financing is available to help pay for repairs and new equipment.

 

HVAC Financing Options

There are a few different types of loans that can be used to finance HVAC equipment, including:

 

  • Financing through your HVAC company. Most HVAC companies offer financing through a lender they partner with in the area. This is typically a good option because approval is highly likely and there is often a promotional rate negotiated to encourage the business partner relationship. In many cases you can apply and be approved in minutes for same day service.
  • Credit card. Most types of credit cards can be used to pay for anything, including HVAC equipment. You can use a credit card you already have or apply for a new card to pay for your HVAC repair or replacement. Some credit cards offer a zero rate for a promotional period, but be sure to pay it off before it starts accruing interest, as the rate may be high when the promotion ends.
  • Personal loan. A personal loan can be used for HVAC purchases. It is usually established as a set amount for a specific purpose. You make payments each month until you have paid off the full amount, then the loan is usually closed. It is not a revolving line of credit like a credit card.
  • Home Equity line of credit. A home equity loan allows you to use the equity you have in your home as collateral for a line of credit. The limit can be as high as the total amount of equity you have in your home at the time of the application. Home equity loans are most often used to pay for home improvements, and HVAC system replacement would qualify. However, this type of loan can be risky, because if you fail to make payments you could lose your home.
  • Federal loan programs. There are loan options under FHA (Federal Housing Administration). The PowerSaver loan program allows you to use the equity in your home up to $7,500 to finance energy-saving upgrades without risking your home as collateral. Replacing your HVAC system with a new, energy-efficient system, would qualify in most cases. Just be sure to check the requirements and purchase a system that qualifies.

 

Berico Offers Affordable Options for Financing HVAC Equipment

If you need an expensive repair or a system replacement, you can finance it through Berico. Berico partners with Wells Fargo to offer affordable financing with competitive rates and convenient monthly payments. Your home can be comfortable again in no time with the help of Berico services and financing.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or apply for financing today.

 

What if My Furnace Won’t Run After a Power Outage?

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Power outages can happen for any number of reasons from storms to accidents. It can be frustrating, but if you’re lucky your power will be back on before too long. When it does come back on, there’s a possibility your furnace won’t restart automatically. If your home is still cold after a power outage and your furnace isn’t back up and running, don’t panic. This is actually quite common.

You may be tempted to immediately call for furnace repair in Burlington, but wait. There are a few things to try first.

 

Check Your Thermostat

The first step should always be to check your thermostat. Make sure it is on, set to heat, and that the temperature is set to something below the current indoor temperature. Notice if there are any warnings listed on the screen that would indicate that something is wrong with the system. If all seems well, proceed to the next step.

 

Check the Circuit Breakers

Sometimes when the power goes out, it causes a power surge that can trip circuit breakers. Locate your electrical box and notice if any breakers are flipped the opposite way from the others. If your electrical box is labeled, find the breaker that is labeled “furnace” or “HVAC system.” If it is flipped to the off position, flip it back the other way to the on position. This should allow your system to turn on if that was the problem.

 

Check the Pilot Light

If you have an older furnace, it may have a pilot light that stays lit during the cold weather months. Newer furnaces automatically light the pilot light when the thermostat calls for heat. But if yours is the older variety that typically has a permanently lit pilot light, check to see that it is still lit. If not, relight it. If it won’t stay lit, there may be a separate problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.

 

Reboot Your Furnace

If the breaker wasn’t already tripped before, you can restart your furnace by flipping the breaker off, waiting a few minutes, and then flipping it back on. This gives the system an opportunity to reboot itself and start fresh, which will sometimes do the trick.

 

Call Berico for Furnace Repair in Burlington 

If you’ve tried everything and your furnace is still not running, call for furnace repair in Burlington. Berico can inspect your system to determine why it is not restarting. There’s a possibility that something was damaged in your furnace or the electrical system, especially if the power went out due to lightning. If the power is back on for the rest of your home, your furnace should be back up and running as well. Berico provides repair and replacement services for all HVAC systems, including gas, propane, and oil furnaces.

 

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

 

Understanding HVAC Techno Babble

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Have you ever had a service technician of some kind in your home and had difficulty understanding what they were saying because they used a lot of technical terms you didn’t know? This can make you feel confused and maybe a bit unsure of what you’re paying for. Before you call for furnace repair in Eden, here are some technical HVAC related terms you might want to know.

 

HVAC: This is the abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system is also known as central air or a forced air system.

 

AFUE: Stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE rating tells you how efficient a furnace is.

 

BTU: Stands for British Thermal Unit. This is the measurement for the amount of heat created by a specific heating fuel, such as propane or heating oil.

 

Capacity: This is the amount of heat or cool air your HVAC system can produce. It is used to determine what size system a home requires.

 

Condenser Coil: This is part of your outdoor air conditioner unit. It allows heat to transfer out of the AC unit to cool it down.

 

Ducts/Duct Work: The ducts or duct work are metal tubes that connect your HVAC system to all of the vents in your home. This is how the warm or cold air is distributed throughout your home.

 

Evaporator Coil: An important part of your air conditioner, the evaporator coil is a metal tube filled with refrigerant that absorbs heat and cools the air.

 

Heat Exchanger: An important part of your furnace, the heat exchanger creates warm air. The heating fuel burns to warm up the heat exchanger which heats the cold air as it passes over.

 

Heat Pump: This is a specific type of heating and cooling system that transfers heat back and forth between the inside of your home and the outside. It is highly efficient and works best in mild temperature climates.

 

Refrigerant: Otherwise known as coolant, this is the liquid substance in HVAC systems that absorbs heat and creates cool air.

 

SEER: Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating of an air conditioner tells you how efficient it is. A system with a 16 SEER or better is considered to be highly efficient.

 

Thermostat: This is the panel on your wall that measures the temperature in your home and tells your HVAC system when to run in order to achieve the desired indoor temperature. Some thermostats are programmable, which allows you to save energy by setting different temperatures for different times of the day.

 

Zone System: Homes can be divided into zones for heating and cooling. This allows you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home.

 

Technicians You Can Understand 

Berico technicians won’t confuse you with techno babble when you call for furnace repair in Eden. It is of utmost importance that you understand what your system needs and the estimate to repair it. If a technician needs to replace a part, it is clearly explained so that you know what is happening. Berico technicians are happy to answer any questions you have to make sure you have no concerns about the service being done to your HVAC system.

Call 336-273-8663 or schedule service today.