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.

 

What Are the Benefits of Heating Oil?

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Heating oil may seem like an old fashioned option for home heat, as many older homes are equipped with oil furnaces and storage tanks. However, heating oil is still one of the most popular heating fuels for a variety of reasons. What are some of the benefits of heating oil?

 

Clean Burning

Heating oil is a clean burning fuel. It produces significantly less soot than in years past. And its greenhouse gas emissions are so small and insignificant that the Federal Clean Air Act doesn’t regulate the emissions for heating oil. Current oil furnace systems even reburn oil, further reducing its emissions and improving efficiency.

 

Economical

Heating oil can save you money in a variety of ways. For one, you get more heat out of a smaller amount of heating oil than you do from natural gas. Heating with oil is a wise financial choice for your home.

 

Efficient

As stated above, you can get a lot of heat out of a small amount of heating oil. Oil burns 300 degrees hotter than natural gas, meaning a single gallon of heating oil offers 125,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units, the standard unit of measurement for home heat). Natural gas comes in around 20,000 BTUs per pound, making it significantly less efficient. Since the early 1970s, heating oil has become 95% more efficient thanks to advancements in technology.

 

Safe

Heating oil is extremely safe. You can store it safely inside or outside of your home. There are no carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in oil. It won’t burn in liquid form, as it must be converted to a vapor by your furnace before it can be burned to create heat. Leaks are uncommon, but easy to detect as heating oil is stored as a liquid.

 

In Supply

Don’t believe the myth that heating oil is no longer available. Heating oil is a petroleum based product that is still commonly processed. Supplies far surpass the demand for oil, which also helps the price per gallon stay within a reasonable range.

 

Oil Furnaces Last a Long Time

Another benefit to heating oil is that oil furnaces last longer than other types of furnaces, like natural gas furnaces. Oil furnaces have been known to last for 30 years or more, where others need to be replaced after an average of 10 to 15 years.

 

Heating Oil Delivery is Convenient

Heating oil is delivered directly to your home and stored in a tank on your property. Whenever you need a refill you can schedule a delivery, or sign up for automatic deliveries from your heating oil supplier. Your supplier can calculate how much heating oil your home will need and schedule refills accordingly to ensure you never run out.

 

Berico is Your Local Heating Oil Provider

Berico has been providing heating fuel and home comfort services to Greensboro and the surrounding area since 1924. If you want reliable service and automatic refills to ensure you never run out of heating oil, Berico is your supplier. Berico also provides yearly furnace maintenance as well as air conditioning services.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 today or request fuel delivery.

Are Washable Air Filters Good?

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A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system requires air filters to operate effectively. Air filters are placed in the intake vents through which the system draws in air or near the air handler unit. The filter removes dust, dirt, and other particles from the air to prevent them from getting into your HVAC system and ducts.

 

Most air filters are disposable, but you can purchase reusable air filters that can be washed. Both types of filters have pros and cons. Deciding which type to use depends on your personal preference and priorities. Most Burlington HVAC companies will provide service to your system regardless of your filter choice.

 

Advantages of Using a Reusable Air Filter

A washable air filter has a few benefits, such as:

 

  • Less environmental impact. The main advantage of reusable air filters is that they reduce the amount of trash that will end up in a landfill. If you change your filters every 6 months, quarterly, or monthly, that’s a lot of trash that adds up. Most homes have multiple intake vents, so if you’re system has multiple filters you will be throwing away 2 or 3 or even more filters every time you change them.
  • Save money. Disposable air filters are not terribly expensive, unless you buy the high efficiency type. Either way, avoiding the cost of purchasing air filters every time you change them can save you a significant amount of money each year.

 

Disadvantages of Reusable Air Filters

There are some reasons why washable air filters are not the most common choice, including:

 

  • Requires time and effort. Washing your reusable air filters does take time and effort. Usually you can wash them out in your tub or a large sink. You can even wash them outside with a hose. They also take some time to dry, so it is best to wash them during mild temperatures where you can go a few hours without heat or air conditioning in your home. Otherwise you can buy a second set to put in your vents while you’re cleaning the others. Never put wet or damp filters back into your vents as it could cause mold to grow in your ducts.
  • Less efficient than disposable. One of the biggest disadvantages to reusable air filters is that some are less efficient than disposable filters. Many washable filters trap significantly lower quantities of particles from the air. This affects the air quality in your home as well as the cleanliness and efficiency of your HVAC system.

 

Should You Use Reusable Air Filters? 

There is not a definite yes or no answer to this question. It depends on what your priorities are in terms of HVAC filter maintenance. If environmental impact is your number one concern, then reusable filters can be the best choice. If clean air is your biggest concern, such as if you or someone in your family suffers from severe allergies, disposable filters would probably be a better choice for you than reusable ones.

 

Preventative HVAC Maintenance from Berico 

Regular filter replacement should be a part of your routine HVAC maintenance. At the very least, you should change your filters every 6 months when you have your system inspected and cleaned. It is recommended by Burlington HVAC experts that you change your filters quarterly or even monthly for cleaner air and efficient performance from your system. Berico provides preventative maintenance services along with additional perks for signing up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan.

 

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

The Importance of Furnace Maintenance

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HVAC maintenance and tune upWhen was the last time you had your furnace serviced? If it takes you a moment to remember, it has probably been too long. Your furnace, like any other working machine, needs occasional maintenance to operate properly and efficiently. There are many reasons why maintenance is important for your furnace in Greensboro.

 

Avoid Unexpected Repairs

No one wants to wake up or come home to a cold house in the middle of the winter. When the temperatures are freezing, you need your furnace repaired as soon as possible. That could mean you’re calling for service in the middle of the night or on a weekend, which typically results in higher fees for after hours or emergency service.

 

Would you rather avoid this uncomfortable, expensive situation? Regular furnace maintenance can reduce your risk of furnace failure at an inopportune time. Furnace maintenance includes inspection, cleaning, and repair of your system to locate any potential problems and repair them before they lead to a breakdown.

 

Increase Energy Efficiency

Would you like a warmer home with less energy usage? Regular furnace maintenance ensures that your system is operating efficiently and using the least amount of energy possible. You may have heard that brands and models of furnaces have efficiency ratings. Whether it’s a York furnace, a Lennox, Carrier, Goodman or another reputable brand, it can only achieve it’s advertised efficiency if it is regularly serviced and kept in good condition.

 

Experience a Higher Level of Comfort

When your furnace is operating efficiently, you can feel the difference. Your home will be noticeably warmer with an even heat across all of the rooms in your home. The warmth will last longer, meaning your furnace will run less often to keep the desired temperature. If you have an oil or propane furnace, keeping it well maintained can help you get more heat out of your fuel and allow you to achieve a higher level of comfort.

 

Safety

A furnace that is in need of maintenance can be dangerous. A dirty furnace with a build up of soot and dust can be a fire hazard. It can also release carbon monoxide into your home, which is a major health concern. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If it goes off, your furnace is most likely the culprit.

 

Save Money

Regular furnace maintenance can help you save money. A finely turned furnace will operate more efficiently and use less fuel. It will run less often to achieve the desired temperature. And a well maintained furnace is less likely to break down unexpectedly, which will save you from paying after hours or emergency fees. A furnace that is regularly tuned up will also last longer, allowing you to get the most years possible from your system before needing to replace it. When problems are addressed as soon as they are discovered, which is more likely to happen with yearly maintenance, it prevents small problems from becoming bigger problems.

 

Save More Money with a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico

You can increase your savings by signing up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico. The plan includes the following:

 

  • Two tune-ups per year, one for your furnace and one for your air conditioning
  • 20% off repairs
  • 20% off diagnostic fees
  • 20% off after hours fees
  • $50 bonus bucks
  • Priority service

 

These are just a few of the ways a maintenance plan can save you money. Berico provides maintenance for all makes and models, including York furnaces, Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, and other major brands.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to sign up for maintenance for your furnace in Greensboro or schedule service.

Why Do I Hear Noises in My Air Conditioner?

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Best time of year to service your HVACIs your air conditioner making more noise than usual? A recent model air conditioner that is working properly should operate relatively quietly. You might hear a slight vibration sound when it starts up as the outdoor unit begins to run, and then a soft air blowing sound from your vents. If you’re hearing more noise than that, your system may not be operating as it should.

 

Unusual noise is one of the most common reasons people call for AC repair in Greensboro, NC. If your air conditioner seems noisier than it should be, here are some of the possible reasons.

 

A Part is Loose

Loose parts is one of the most common reasons that your air conditioner could be making noise. If something is loose it could be rattling or catching as the fan spins. It is important to have your air conditioner repaired if there are loose parts because they could be causing damage to your system.

 

The Isolation Feet Need Repair

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner sits on a platform with isolation feet to keep it steady and reduce vibrations. If these isolation feet wear out, break, or come off it can cause your outdoor unit to make a lot of racket as it vibrates on the platform. These should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent potential damage to your AC unit.

 

The Compressor is Malfunctioning

A major part of your air conditioner is the compressor. It condenses the refrigerant (the cooling substance) and moves it between the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. To put it simply, it is responsible for creating the cool air that blows throughout your home to make it comfortable. When the compressor is not working properly it can make a loud banging sound you’re sure to notice. You’ll want to call for AC repair in Greensboro, NC right away if you hear this.

 

Electrical Issues 

Another common problem with air conditioners is the electrical components. When wires become loose they can get caught up in the moving parts of your AC unit and make clicking sounds and other noises. When the electrical system in your AC unit isn’t working properly, you may hear a loud buzzing sound. It may trip the circuit breaker and fail to turn on due to a safety feature that prevents overheating due to electrical issues.

 

Your Air Conditioner is Old

Sometimes the reason your air conditioner is noisy is because it is old. If you know your system is more than 15 years old, you’ve got a system that is well aged. Air conditioners last an average of 10-15 years. When they reach 15 years or older, they tend to start wearing out. And with advancements in technology, newer systems are much quieter now than they used to be. It may be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient air conditioner.

 

Don’t Ignore Your Noisy AC

If you start hearing noises from your AC unit you didn’t notice before, don’t just ignore it. These noises can be an early warning sign that your system is close to failing or in need of major repair. Berico provides AC repair in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding area, as well as air conditioner replacement. Whether you need a tune up or a complete new system, Berico can handle the job.

 

Call 336-273-8663 or schedule service today.

 

What AC Unit Do I Need For My House?

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Best time of year to service your HVACDoes your home need a new air conditioner? Whether you’re replacing an old system or installing AC for the first time, it’s very important that you get the right unit for your house. If you get the wrong size or the wrong type for your home, you could end up constantly calling for AC repair in Greensboro.

 

How do you know what AC unit would be best for your home? Here’s what to consider.

 

The Square Footage of Your Home

When it comes to the sizing of air conditioners, the biggest factor is the square footage of your home. You need a system that is big enough to cool the total square footage of your home that you want to cool. That does not include any unfinished areas like basements, attics, or garages. However, if you have plans to finish your basement or attic in the near future, you’ll want to take that square footage into consideration when you purchase a new AC unit.

 

The Weather Where You Live

The type of AC unit that would work for your home also depends on the weather in your area. A traditional air conditioner unit can typically handle the hot summer temperatures in North Carolina. A heat pump would also be effective. Heat pumps are very efficient when it comes to heating and cooling because they transfer heat in and out of your home. The only time that a heat pump is not as effective is in areas where the weather is extremely cold.

 

Whether or Not Your Home has Ductwork

If you are replacing an old air conditioning unit, is there already existing ductwork? It would work to get a central air conditioner in that case because the ductwork is already in place. If your home does not have ductwork, you could potentially get ducts installed, or you could get a ductless air conditioner.

 

How Much Shade Your Home Gets

Homes that get a lot of shade from trees tend to stay cooler than those that are always in direct sunlight. When the sun shines directly on your home the majority of the time, it can heat up quickly. You may need a more powerful air conditioning system if your home lacks natural shade.

 

The Height of Your Ceilings

If you have high or vaulted ceilings, you may need a more powerful air conditioner unit to help your home feel consistently cool and comfortable. It may also play a part in how your ductwork needs to be configured so that the cool air reaches all parts of the house equally.

 

Windows and Insulation

If you have old windows or your insulation is not very efficient, you may find that you need a more powerful AC unit to keep up with the heat that is passing through. It would be in your best interest to upgrade your windows and insulation to save energy before you invest in a new air conditioning system.

 

Ask the Experts at Berico 

When it comes to choosing an air conditioning and heating system for your home, you should get a professional recommendation. Berico is an experienced HVAC company that handles installation and AC repair in Greensboro and the surrounding area. If you’re having problems with your current AC unit, it may be time to replace it. Berico will recommend the best AC unit for your home and provide complete installation services.

 

Call 336-273-8663 today or request a quote for a new AC unit.

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.