Is Propane Gas “Green”?

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Of the heating fuels available, propane is one of the most environmentally friendly. In today’s world many homeowners and business owners are doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. Climate change concerns are at an all time high, and heating fuels are a factor in that matter.

 

If you’re comparing heating fuels, it may help you to know that propane is considered a “green” gas. When choosing an option for a new home, it’s easy to get started with propane delivery in Burlington.

 

Propane Qualifies as a Green Fuel Because:

 

  • Propane Burns Clean. When propane is burned to create heat, it releases very little greenhouse gases into the air. Greenhouse gases are known to trap heat in the atmosphere leading to global warming. Propane is considered to be a green fuel because it’s greenhouse gas emissions are minimal, almost non-existent, earning it’s approval by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
  • Propane is Non-Toxic. Another green characteristic of propane is that it is non-toxic. It won’t contaminate soil, ground water, plant life, wildlife, or any part of the ecosystem where it is used or stored.
  • Propane Cannot Spill. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in a tank. If propane gets released from the tank, it immediately evaporates into the air and disappears. It doesn’t pool on the ground or soak into the soil, meaning it won’t contaminate the natural environment.
  • Propane is Efficient. Propane is an efficient source of energy, beating out natural gas and electricity in terms of the amount of heat it can create. Propane is created as a byproduct of natural gas from crude oil. Electricity is created by a variety of methods, one of which is burning coal, which is not environmentally friendly. As an energy source, propane is easy on the environment.
  • Propane’s Carbon Content is Low. Propane contains very low levels of carbon, which is why it doesn’t release greenhouse gases when it burns. A low carbon content is a key feature in a green gas, because it is the carbon that results in negative emissions when the fuel is burned.
  • Propane is a Renewable Resource. Current propane supplies are a product of crude oil, which is a limited resource. But engineers are currently perfecting the process of creating propane from plant oils, animal fats, and biomass, turning it into a renewable resource.

 

Propane is the Fuel of the Future 

By choosing to use propane as an energy source in your home, you are making a responsible decision for the future of the world, as well as your own personal corner of the world. You’ll have an efficient source of energy that can save you money over time and you can feel good about the fact that you are reducing your impact on the environment.

 

Berico is Burlington’s Propane Supplier

Are you ready to get started with propane? Berico provides propane delivery in Burlington, Greensboro, Reidsville, Eden and the surrounding areas. With the option for automatic refills and price lock in, you can save money and ensure you never run out. Propane prices fluctuate throughout the year, and if you let your tank get too low at an inopportune time, you could get stuck paying a higher price for a refill.  Propane delivery in Burlington is convenient with Berico.

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

Is it Easy to Install AC in an Attic?

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If you are in need of more living space for your family, but you don’t want to leave your current home, you may have thought about transforming the attic into a finished space where you can spend time doing various activities. With that in mind, adding AC to your attic would be a big help, as it would make the space comfortable even in the hot summer months. But how much of a challenge is it to cool this part of your home?

Working with Berico is the best way to overcome any HVAC challenge. Long respected as a leader in HVAC in Burlington and surrounding areas, Berico has the experience and knowledge necessary to take on even complex projects.

 

The Inherent Challenge

As a homeowner, you may not have a detailed understanding of how the HVAC works in your home. By default, the attic is typically not a climate-controlled space, meaning it isn’t serviced by the heating and cooling that moderates temperatures in the rest of your home. So, if you want to add air conditioning to the attic, there are some hurdles to overcome.

Specifically, the lack of ducts serving the attic is something that would need to be addressed. Depending on the design of your home and the current state of the HVAC system, you might be able to tie in new lines that can serve the attic. However, this will be expanding the number of square feet that your HVAC has to serve, meaning your current equipment might then be underpowered for the job.

 

Another Option

Going with a different kind of air conditioning system altogether might be the best bet if you want to cool your attic. A mini-split air conditioning system allows you to place air handling units in various rooms of the house, rather than cooling down the entire house all at the same time. So, for example, you could add cooling to a living room, a couple of bedrooms, and the attic, all through the same mini-split system. Without the need for ductwork, this might be a more manageable install than a traditional system.

 

Don’t Forget Insulation

Currently, your attic is probably not insulated like the rest of your home. So, if you were to add air conditioning without addressing the insulation, the cooling in your attic would be inefficient and rather ineffective. Before you even get to the point of putting in an AC system, be sure you have first addressed the insulation issue.

Proper insulation in your air-conditioned attic is important because of how hot an attic can get in the summer months. Sitting at the top of your home, the attic is naturally going to heat up quickly when the sun beats down – and without insulation acting as a barrier, even the best air conditioner is going to face an uphill battle. There are many considerations for turning your attic into a useable space, but Berico can work with you to either expand your existing HVAC or install one specifically for that space.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to Berico today, to get the help you need.

Is it Easy to Convert Electric Heat to Propane?

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If you have lived in your home for a long time, or if you have recently purchased an older home, you may have electric heat in place. While electric heat is rarely used today, it used to be an option for some situations. If you are still operating electric heat and would like to move away from that system and its cost, it’s worth learning more about converting to propane.

Berico is the ideal partner to change your home from electric heat to propane heat. With a proven track record of excellent service and competitive prices, you’ll love what Berico has to offer.

Two Main Pieces of Equipment

To make this switch, you will need two main pieces of equipment installed on your property. The first is a propane tank – and no, not the kind that provides gas to your grill. This tank will be much bigger, as it will have to provide enough energy to heat your home, along with possibly running other appliances. This big tank will be installed outside, and it can even be placed underground if you would prefer.

Along with a propane tank, you are also going to need a propane furnace. This new furnace will convert the propane that runs into your home into heat, so you will no longer be reliant on electricity as your source of warming energy. A new propane furnace should be expected to perform far more efficiently than your old electrical unit or electric baseboard heating, allowing for better performance and cost savings.

Adding Other Appliances

You can run other appliances in your home off of propane beyond your new furnace. Depending on the age and condition of your appliances, you may be able to convert some of them to propane, or they may simply need to be replaced with a new unit. Some of the possibilities for propane appliances include your oven, your washer and dryer, and more. The same efficiency and performance gains you enjoyed with your furnace may be available by upgrading other appliances, so it’s worth your time to consider each of them one by one.

A Professional Job

No matter how you look at it, the conversion from electric heat to propane is a job that needs to be left to an experienced team like the one at Berico. Installing a large propane tank and a new propane furnace alone is the kind of work that should not be trusted to a company without extensive experience in the industry.  The equipment required, and the potential risks involved, all point to the use of a trusted team to do the work.

With that said, while this is a job for a professional crew, it is not a complicated task. To answer the question from the title of this article, yes – it is easy to convert from electric heat to propane. By pairing with the right contractor from the start of the job, and having a plan for which appliances you would like to include in this conversion, your home can be running on efficient propane energy sooner rather than later.

What Really is the Optimal Setting for Your AC and Heat?

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One of the wonders of the modern world is the ability to control the temperature in your home with just a push of a button or even speaking into your phone or your smart speaker. It’s easy to take the control your thermostat gives you for granted, but this powerful tool has transformed the way we live. Given the control you have over your home’s climate, what temperature settings are optimal throughout the year? The right answer is a little different for everyone, but there are some guidelines you can follow.

To keep your home’s air conditioning and heating systems working properly all year long, contact Berico for Greensboro HVAC service. Ongoing maintenance from Berico can optimize efficiency and help you dial in the ideal temperature and avoid costly repairs.

Understanding the Goal

Whether you are heating or cooling your home, one important goal is to avoid major temperature swings in either direction. Trying to change the temperature of your home dramatically – by more than several degrees or more – requires your air conditioner or furnace to work very hard and uses a lot more energy. A better plan is to consistently maintain your home’s temperature in a comfortable narrow range so the air conditioner and the furnace never has to work too hard.

Managing Your Air Conditioning

When the temperatures outside soar into the 90s and beyond, it’s tempting to crank down your AC even lower to combat the additional heat. However, just like warming your home on a cold day, it will take a lot of energy to cool your home dramatically on a hot day. So, cranking the thermostat down is not recommended as it will not cool the home faster. It’s a good strategy to set your AC to a moderate temperature that is still comfortable without demanding too much from your air conditioner.

Try 72* F as a starting point for your AC setting. You might even be comfortable going up to 74* F or so, or you may find that 68* F is necessary to keep everyone happy. Once you determine where you are comfortable, set your air conditioning at that temperature and leave it there. Since your home could get rather hot at night with the AC off, making it harder to sleep, you’ll want to leave it set close to the same temperature throughout the day and night.

A Winter Heating Strategy

While you are awake in your home, you’ll likely want to have the temperature of your thermostat set somewhere around 68* to 70* F. This is a comfortable temperature for most people, but you and your family might like to keep it a little higher or lower, depending on your preferences.

With that said, there is likely no reason to maintain that temperature all night. Keeping the indoor temperature at higher than 70 * F when the weather outside is much cooler does require more energy. Some people allow their home temperature to drop to the mid to low 60s while they sleep, keeping warm with a blanket. As an added bonus, studies have shown that humans tend to sleep better in cool temperatures, so you might find that you get better sleep in a home a little cooler than you might think.

Is it Easy to Install AC in an Attic?

/in /by

If you are in need of more living space for your family, but you don’t want to leave your current home, you may have thought about transforming the attic into a finished space where you can spend time doing various activities. With that in mind, adding AC to your attic would be a big help, as it would make the space comfortable even in the hot summer months. But how much of a challenge is it to cool this part of your home?

 

Working with Berico is the best way to overcome any HVAC challenge. Long respected as a leader in HVAC in Burlington and surrounding areas, Berico has the experience and knowledge necessary to take on even complex projects.

 

The Inherent Challenge

As a homeowner, you may not have a detailed understanding of how the HVAC works in your home. By default, the attic is typically not a climate-controlled space, meaning it isn’t serviced by the heating and cooling that moderates temperatures in the rest of your home. So, if you want to add air conditioning to the attic, there are some hurdles to overcome.

 

Specifically, the lack of ducts serving the attic is something that would need to be addressed. Depending on the design of your home and the current state of the HVAC system, you might be able to tie in new lines that can serve the attic. However, this will be expanding the number of square feet that your HVAC has to serve, meaning your current equipment might then be underpowered for the job.

 

Another Option

Going with a different kind of air conditioning system altogether might be the best bet if you want to cool your attic. A mini-split air conditioning system allows you to place air handling units in various rooms of the house, rather than cooling down the entire house all at the same time. So, for example, you could add cooling to a living room, a couple of bedrooms, and the attic, all through the same mini-split system. Without the need for ductwork, this might be a more manageable install than a traditional system.

 

Don’t Forget Insulation

Currently, your attic is probably not insulated like the rest of your home. So, if you were to add air conditioning without addressing the insulation, the cooling in your attic would be inefficient and rather ineffective. Before you even get to the point of putting in an AC system, be sure you have first addressed the insulation issue.

 

Proper insulation in your air-conditioned attic is important because of how hot an attic can get in the summer months. Sitting at the top of your home, the attic is naturally going to heat up quickly when the sun beats down – and without insulation acting as a barrier, even the best air conditioner is going to face an uphill battle. There are many considerations for turning your attic into a useable space, but Berico can work with you to either expand your existing HVAC or install one specifically for that space.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to Berico today, to get the help you need.

Is it Easy to Install AC in an Attic?

/in /by

HVAC maintenance and tune upIf you are in need of more living space for your family, but you don’t want to leave your current home, you may have thought about transforming the attic into a finished space where you can spend time doing various activities. With that in mind, adding AC to your attic would be a big help, as it would make the space comfortable even in the hot summer months. But how much of a challenge is it to cool this part of your home?

 

Working with Berico is the best way to overcome any HVAC challenge. Long respected as a leader in HVAC in Burlington and surrounding areas, Berico has the experience and knowledge necessary to take on even complex projects.

 

The Inherent Challenge

As a homeowner, you may not have a detailed understanding of how the HVAC works in your home. By default, the attic is typically not a climate-controlled space, meaning it isn’t serviced by the heating and cooling that moderates temperatures in the rest of your home. So, if you want to add air conditioning to the attic, there are some hurdles to overcome.

 

Specifically, the lack of ducts serving the attic is something that would need to be addressed. Depending on the design of your home and the current state of the HVAC system, you might be able to tie in new lines that can serve the attic. However, this will be expanding the number of square feet that your HVAC has to serve, meaning your current equipment might then be underpowered for the job.

 

Another Option

Going with a different kind of air conditioning system altogether might be the best bet if you want to cool your attic. A mini-split air conditioning system allows you to place air handling units in various rooms of the house, rather than cooling down the entire house all at the same time. So, for example, you could add cooling to a living room, a couple of bedrooms, and the attic, all through the same mini-split system. Without the need for ductwork, this might be a more manageable install than a traditional system.

 

Don’t Forget Insulation

Currently, your attic is probably not insulated like the rest of your home. So, if you were to add air conditioning without addressing the insulation, the cooling in your attic would be inefficient and rather ineffective. Before you even get to the point of putting in an AC system, be sure you have first addressed the insulation issue.

 

Proper insulation in your air-conditioned attic is important because of how hot an attic can get in the summer months. Sitting at the top of your home, the attic is naturally going to heat up quickly when the sun beats down – and without insulation acting as a barrier, even the best air conditioner is going to face an uphill battle. There are many considerations for turning your attic into a useable space, but Berico can work with you to either expand your existing HVAC or install one specifically for that space.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to Berico today, to get the help you need.

Is it Easy to Convert Electric Heat to Propane?

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gas stove litIf you have lived in your home for a long time, or if you have recently purchased an older home, you may have electric heat in place. While electric heat is rarely used today, it used to be an option for some situations. If you are still operating electric heat and would like to move away from that system and its cost, it’s worth learning more about converting to propane.

 

Berico is the ideal partner to change your home from electric heat to propane heat. With a proven track record of excellent service and competitive prices, you’ll love what Berico has to offer.

 

Two Main Pieces of Equipment

To make this switch, you will need two main pieces of equipment installed on your property. The first is a propane tank – and no, not the kind that provides gas to your grill. This tank will be much bigger, as it will have to provide enough energy to heat your home, along with possibly running other appliances. This big tank will be installed outside, and it can even be placed underground if you would prefer.

 

Along with a propane tank, you are also going to need a propane furnace. This new furnace will convert the propane that runs into your home into heat, so you will no longer be reliant on electricity as your source of warming energy. A new propane furnace should be expected to perform far more efficiently than your old electrical unit or electric baseboard heating, allowing for better performance and cost savings.

 

Adding Other Appliances

You can run other appliances in your home off of propane beyond your new furnace. Depending on the age and condition of your appliances, you may be able to convert some of them to propane, or they may simply need to be replaced with a new unit. Some of the possibilities for propane appliances include your oven, your washer and dryer, and more. The same efficiency and performance gains you enjoyed with your furnace may be available by upgrading other appliances, so it’s worth your time to consider each of them one by one.

 

A Professional Job

No matter how you look at it, the conversion from electric heat to propane is a job that needs to be left to an experienced team like the one at Berico. Installing a large propane tank and a new propane furnace alone is the kind of work that should not be trusted to a company without extensive experience in the industry.  The equipment required, and the potential risks involved, all point to the use of a trusted team to do the work.

 

With that said, while this is a job for a professional crew, it is not a complicated task. To answer the question from the title of this article, yes – it is easy to convert from electric heat to propane. By pairing with the right contractor from the start of the job, and having a plan for which appliances you would like to include in this conversion, your home can be running on efficient propane energy sooner rather than later.

 

What Really is the Optimal Setting for Your AC and Heat?

/in /by

One of the wonders of the modern world is the ability to control the temperature in your home with just a push of a button or even speaking into your phone or your smart speaker. It’s easy to take the control your thermostat gives you for granted, but this powerful tool has transformed the way we live. Given the control you have over your home’s climate, what temperature settings are optimal throughout the year? The right answer is a little different for everyone, but there are some guidelines you can follow.

 

To keep your home’s air conditioning and heating systems working properly all year long, contact Berico for Greensboro HVAC service. Ongoing maintenance from Berico can optimize efficiency and help you dial in the ideal temperature and avoid costly repairs.

 

Understanding the Goal

Whether you are heating or cooling your home, one important goal is to avoid major temperature swings in either direction. Trying to change the temperature of your home dramatically – by more than several degrees or more – requires your air conditioner or furnace to work very hard and uses a lot more energy. A better plan is to consistently maintain your home’s temperature in a comfortable narrow range so the air conditioner and the furnace never has to work too hard.

 

 

Managing Your Air Conditioning

When the temperatures outside soar into the 90s and beyond, it’s tempting to crank down your AC even lower to combat the additional heat.  However, just like warming your home on a cold day, it will take a lot of energy to cool your home dramatically on a hot day. So, cranking the thermostat down is not recommended as it will not cool the home faster.  It’s a good strategy to set your AC to a moderate temperature that is still comfortable without demanding too much from your air conditioner.

 

Try 72* F as a starting point for your AC setting. You might even be comfortable going up to 74* F or so, or you may find that 68* F is necessary to keep everyone happy. Once you determine where you are comfortable, set your air conditioning at that temperature and leave it there. Since your home could get rather hot at night with the AC off, making it harder to sleep, you’ll want to leave it set close to the same temperature throughout the day and night.

 

A Winter Heating Strategy

While you are awake in your home, you’ll likely want to have the temperature of your thermostat set somewhere around 68* to 70* F. This is a comfortable temperature for most people, but you and your family might like to keep it a little higher or lower, depending on your preferences.

 

With that said, there is likely no reason to maintain that temperature all night. Keeping the indoor temperature at higher than 70 * F when the weather outside is much cooler does require more energy. Some people allow their home temperature to drop to the mid to low 60s while they sleep, keeping warm with a blanket. As an added bonus, studies have shown that humans tend to sleep better in cool temperatures, so you might find that you get better sleep in a home a little cooler than you might think.

What Really is the Optimal Setting for Your AC and Heat?

/in /by

One of the wonders of the modern world is the ability to control the temperature in your home with just a push of a button or even speaking into your phone or your smart speaker. It’s easy to take the control your thermostat gives you for granted, but this powerful tool has transformed the way we live. Given the control you have over your home’s climate, what temperature settings are optimal throughout the year? The right answer is a little different for everyone, but there are some guidelines you can follow.

 

To keep your home’s air conditioning and heating systems working properly all year long, contact Berico for Greensboro HVAC service. Ongoing maintenance from Berico can optimize efficiency and help you dial in the ideal temperature and avoid costly repairs.

 

Understanding the Goal

Whether you are heating or cooling your home, one important goal is to avoid major temperature swings in either direction. Trying to change the temperature of your home dramatically – by more than several degrees or more – requires your air conditioner or furnace to work very hard and uses a lot more energy. A better plan is to consistently maintain your home’s temperature in a comfortable narrow range so the air conditioner and the furnace never has to work too hard.

 

 

Managing Your Air Conditioning

When the temperatures outside soar into the 90s and beyond, it’s tempting to crank down your AC even lower to combat the additional heat.  However, just like warming your home on a cold day, it will take a lot of energy to cool your home dramatically on a hot day. So, cranking the thermostat down is not recommended as it will not cool the home faster.  It’s a good strategy to set your AC to a moderate temperature that is still comfortable without demanding too much from your air conditioner.

 

Try 72* F as a starting point for your AC setting. You might even be comfortable going up to 74* F or so, or you may find that 68* F is necessary to keep everyone happy. Once you determine where you are comfortable, set your air conditioning at that temperature and leave it there. Since your home could get rather hot at night with the AC off, making it harder to sleep, you’ll want to leave it set close to the same temperature throughout the day and night.

 

A Winter Heating Strategy

While you are awake in your home, you’ll likely want to have the temperature of your thermostat set somewhere around 68* to 70* F. This is a comfortable temperature for most people, but you and your family might like to keep it a little higher or lower, depending on your preferences.

 

With that said, there is likely no reason to maintain that temperature all night. Keeping the indoor temperature at higher than 70 * F when the weather outside is much cooler does require more energy. Some people allow their home temperature to drop to the mid to low 60s while they sleep, keeping warm with a blanket. As an added bonus, studies have shown that humans tend to sleep better in cool temperatures, so you might find that you get better sleep in a home a little cooler than you might think.

 

When to Call an Expert About Your Propane Tank

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Do you have questions about your propane tank? Whether you’re not sure how much propane you have left or your tank is making unusual noises, it is always best to call an expert. If you need a propane delivery or a repair of some kind, your propane supplier can help with these and other propane-related services.

 

Here are some situations when it would be best to call a propane expert.

 

Your Propane Tank is Low or Empty

Whether you know how to read the gauge or not, if you have reason to believe your propane tank is very low or empty, you should definitely call your supplier. It is best to call before the tank runs out completely because the lack of pressure inside the tank can cause problems. The best way to avoid an empty tank is to sign up for automatic deliveries from your propane supplier.

 

Your Tank is Making Sounds

If you hear a knocking sound coming from your propane tank, it indicates a potential problem, such as an imbalance of pressure. A hissing sound typically indicates a leak somewhere. A gurgling or humming sound may mean your tank was overfilled. Whether or not your tank was recently filled or it has been a while, contact your propane supplier if you hear noises.

 

There is a Propane Leak

If you hear a hissing sound or smell a rotten egg smell, you most likely have a leak somewhere in the tank or gas lines. Immediately call your supplier if you notice either of these.

 

Your Furnace is not Working Properly 

If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the furnace is not making warm air, it’s possible your tank may be empty or there may be some other issue. Call your supplier to get this resolved.

 

Berico Provides Propane Delivery and HVAC Services

Not all propane suppliers are HVAC experts, but Berico offers both services so you can get the help you need with one call.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule propane delivery today.