Should You Repair or Replace Your AC Unit?

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One of the trickiest decisions for any air conditioning owner is whether to repair or replace the unit when something goes wrong. Many AC repairs are pretty simple and straightforward, but that’s not always the case. When you are faced with a costlier repair, the idea of simply going with a new AC installation instead is certain to go through your mind. This article will help you make this important decision.

 

Whether you opt for repair or replacement, there is no doubt that Berico is the right partner to have on hand for the job. Take a moment now to get in touch with the Berico team to learn more.

 

Age is More Than a Number

In this case, age does matter in terms of making a good decision. If you have a particularly old air conditioning unit serving your home – something aged around 15 years or more – it’s very likely going to be the case that replacing the system is the way to go. Modern air conditioners are far more efficient than old ones, meaning you’ll get much better performance if you upgrade. A new air conditioner is going to use less energy, meaning your utility bills will come down, and you’ll save money month after month.

 

There is also the prospect of ongoing repairs to consider. If you repair the old air conditioner now, it’s rather likely that another problem is going to come up soon. You can break the cycle of costly repairs by just going for the new system now and knowing you are set for years to come.

 

Do You Have a Warranty?

This might go without saying, but if there is warranty coverage still in effect on your air conditioner, that will influence your decision in a significant way. You might be able to get some or all of the repair paid for, in which case it makes sense to just go ahead with the repair and think about opting for a new air conditioner at some point in the future.

 

Talk to the Professionals

There are just so many factors to consider when trying to make this choice. Between the cost of the repair you are facing, the age of your air conditioner, what exactly is wrong with it, how it has been maintained over the years, and on and on. Rather than trying to make the decision alone, without experience or knowledge in the industry, you can get help directly from Berico to make the choice. You won’t be sold on one option or the other – you’ll just be given the facts and a perspective that helps you decide what to do next.

 

At Berico, heating and air conditioning projects are made easy. With over 100 years in the industry and a great reputation for fair pricing and quality work, all of the stress will be taken out of this process. Get in touch right away to put your AC worries to bed!

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

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When you see reports about air quality on the news, what you are seeing is measures of the outdoor air quality in your area. That’s important, to be sure, but it’s not the whole story. The air inside your home is arguably more important, as this is where you sleep and spend much of your time. Poor indoor air quality could lead to health problems in the future.

 

This article will touch on some basic points for how you can improve air quality in your home. If you decide to upgrade your equipment as part of this project, turn to Berico for HVAC in Greensboro that you can trust.

 

Use the Right Equipment

Perhaps the first thing you can do for the air quality in your home is to upgrade the HVAC equipment in the home. On a basic level, just running your HVAC system and having the air pass through the air filter that is included in the system will help, but that’s not going to do enough to make sure your air is clean. For that, you’ll want to use a purifying device.

 

Berico is proud to offer a couple of different options to clients who want cleaner air. Those are the iWave and the Phenomenal Aire system, each of which can help by producing ions that will clean the air. Things that can be addressed by such air purifiers include pathogens, particles, smoke, and other odors. After the installation of one of these devices, you will immediately notice the incredible improvement in your air. And, since they work in the background without the need for you to do anything, you’ll just get to go about your normal life while breathing dramatically improved air.

 

Bring In Some Plants

In addition to using the right HVAC equipment, you can also benefit from the power of nature in your home. Plants are incredibly effective for improving the air, which is why the air in areas with lots of plants always feels and smells so fresh. Adding some indoor plants will not only help you get an immediate upgrade in air quality, but it will also bring your space to life and give it a nice aesthetic appeal.

 

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

We already mentioned that your air filter is going to do some of the work on this matter, but it can only do that work if you keep up with swapping it out frequently. This is an easy job and new air filters tend to be very affordable. Make it a point to change the air filter at least a few times per year, and do it more often in the summer when you are using your air conditioner frequently.

 

Beyond air quality projects, Berico can also handle AC repair in Greensboro, AC installation, and many other types of projects. Whatever your HVAC-related needs may be, the job starts by getting in touch with Berico to learn more.

What is the Most Common Part to Fail on an AC Unit?

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To the average homeowner, the operation of an air conditioning unit is a bit of a mystery. These are complicated systems, and many people don’t understand how they work. That’s fine, of course – you aren’t in the HVAC repair business and your responsibility is simply to bring in someone who is qualified to care for the system.

 

In this article, we’ll get into a bit of HVAC maintenance by talking about common parts to fail on an AC unit. This information won’t make you an expert overnight, but it will help you understand what might be wrong with your system before you call for help.

 

Start with a Capacitor

It’s likely that this is the single most common issue to come up with an air conditioning unit. Fortunately, the news here isn’t too bad – in many cases, a capacitor can be replaced for a relatively modest cost. This part has the job of getting the electric motors to start and run within the system. If it goes bad and can’t get that job done, your air conditioner won’t be able to produce the cold air you are expecting to feel when it comes on.

 

Looking at the Blower Motor

This is a part that will be costlier to replace if it does go out. The blower moves the air around your home and allows the air conditioner to successfully distribute the cooler air that has been created. A blower going out isn’t necessarily as likely as a capacitor, but it can cost more to have it replaced when it does occur.

 

Low Refrigerant

This point is stretching the definition of a “part” a little bit, as it’s not something that you would think of as equipment necessarily. However, your air conditioner isn’t going to work without sufficient refrigerant in the system, so if it is getting low, this needs to be addressed. Often, the refrigerant will wind up low as the result of a tiny leak that drains it out of the line over time. The cost of addressing this problem will depend on whether there is a leak in the system, the coil, or in a valve within the unit.

 

Clogged Drain Line

Again here, this is a point that isn’t necessarily a part, but it is an important factor to understand. When your air conditioner runs, moisture is pulled out of the air and drained outside. If the drain line that takes the moisture outside becomes clogged for some reason, the water will back up and eventually trigger the safety switch to shut things down. Solving this problem comes down to clearing up the line and letting the water flow again.

 

Whether you are in need of an AC tune-up or you have an urgent repair that needs to be completed, Berico is the easy choice for the job. Take a moment today to call the team at Berico to learn more about the services that are available or to get your HVAC repair scheduled.

Why Are Propane Tanks Not Filled to 100%?

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Many people, when they receive a propane delivery for the first time, are surprised to find that the tank wasn’t filled all the way to 100% capacity. Did the delivery driver forget to add enough propane to fill the whole tank? No, it was intentional. In this article, we’ll talk about why your tank isn’t going to be filled to 100% and how to plan properly so you never run out of propane when you need it most.

 

The propane service offered by Berico is the best in the region and the easy choice for anyone with a tank on their property. Among propane companies, Berico stands out for its ability to offer competitive prices while still delivering the best customer service in the business with no distant calling service handling the phone. One delivery is all it will take for you to know that you’ve made the right choice!

 

It’s All About Safety

As you might have guessed, the reason that propane tanks are left somewhere short of 100% full is rooted in safety. While propane has an excellent safety record, it is still a fuel that needs to be handled properly to make sure no one is put at risk. Generally, this means that propane suppliers will only fill tanks to a safe fill range of 70%-80% when doing a delivery.

 

The primary reason for this approach is thermal expansion. When temperatures warm up, propane expands and fills more space than it does at a colder temperature. So, if the propane was added during a relatively cold time – and the tank was filled to 100% – there would be no room for expansion. Should the tank then heat up, pressure would build, and the possibility of a rupture would exist. By going with a 70-80% fill, there will always be room in the tank for expansion, and that risk is mitigated.

 

Proper Planning is the Key

In the end, it doesn’t really matter much for your purposes that your tank is only going to be filled up to 80%. The key is understanding how long that fill will last based on your propane needs and the size of the tank, so you can schedule your deliveries accordingly. When you work with a team like Berico, you can easily get on a recurring schedule of propane delivery so you don’t run out and you don’t have to actively manage your tank’s levels. Just trust that the Berico team is going to arrive when expected and you’ll always have the fuel you need. The longer you own and operate a propane tank on your property, the more you will know about your seasonal requirements, and the more accurately you’ll be able to forecast your delivery times; or if you use a company like Berico they will be able to project your usage and make sure you are filled at the right time.

 

Propane tanks aren’t filled to 100%, but propane as a fuel is still an excellent choice for your property. Whether you need propane tank installation or a partner to handle recurring deliveries, the next step is the same – call Berico today to learn more.

How Can I Save Electricity with My HVAC?

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Modern HVAC equipment has managed to make life more comfortable than at any time in human history. Summer heat wearing you out? It’s HVAC to the rescue, as your air conditioner can take the edge off even the worst of days. Feeling a little cold? Just flip on the furnace and you’ll be cozy in no time.

Of course, using your HVAC system likely means using electricity, which can get expensive. This post will highlight some simple tips to reduce electricity consumption while still staying comfortable. And, if you need help with air conditioning repair or any other type of HVAC project, get in touch with Berico right away.

 

Have Routine Maintenance Performed

There are just so many benefits to going through routine maintenance on your HVAC system. Not only will the system be more reliable when it is maintained regularly, but it will also run more efficiently – meaning you will save electricity each time it comes on. Fortunately, routine maintenance is quite affordable and the money you spend on the work will likely be more than returned to you in the form of future savings on your electrical bill (and by avoiding or delaying future repairs).

 

Modify Your Thermostat Settings

It’s okay to experience some swings in temperature inside your home throughout the year. Sure, you want the HVAC system to keep you comfortable, but moving your set temperature up or down by a few degrees (depending on the season) will save electricity without a major difference in your comfort. For example, instead of trying to get your air conditioner to bring the temperature in your home on a hot day all the way down to 68, set the thermostat for 72 or 74 degrees.  Those few degrees probably won’t make a huge difference in how you feel but they can make it so your system consumes significantly less energy.

 

Improve Your Insulation

The insulation in your home is actually the first line of defense that you have against the hot and cold temperatures outside. With good insulation, less thermal transfer will occur between outside and inside, and the air inside your home will tend to stay at a more neutral temperature. This is another way you can invest in your home and have that investment pay off in terms of savings on your utility bills each month. Another potential major issues is duct work leakage. Older homes often have leaking or disconnected ducts leading to over working your HVAC System and causing inefficiencies.

 

Upgrade to a New System

At some point, the HVAC equipment in your home is going to need to be replaced. If you feel like that day is drawing near, you might want to consider going ahead with it as soon as possible to start enjoying electrical savings. New HVAC equipment will run far more efficiently than your old gear, especially if that old system has been in place for a couple of decades or longer.

 

As masters of A/C repair and AC installation, you’ll always be in good hands with the Berico team. Take a moment today to reach out and learn more about the available services or to make an appointment to have your system checked out.

How Long Should an AC Unit Last?

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Buying an air conditioner is a big investment. Of course, if you live or work in the Greensboro area, it’s an important investment, as the hot afternoons and nights that are common in this area are far more comfortable when an air conditioner is running. But how long can an AC unit be expected to last? That’s the question that is going to be tackled below.

 

Sometimes, it’s not necessary to replace your air conditioner, as an AC tune up might be all you need to get things back on track. In other cases, AC installation will be needed, as the old unit just won’t be up to the job any longer. Either way, Berico is the right partner for the job, so take a moment today to get in touch and learn more about the services that are available.

 

Ten Years is a Good Starting Point

There is no one set amount of time that you can expect an AC unit to last, but looking at 10 years is a good general starting point. If you have an AC unit that is less than 10 years old, you should have a decent chance that it will be able to serve you for a while longer. It’s likely it will need a repair here and there – and all AC units require ongoing maintenance – but there should be some life left in the system.

 

Does this mean that you should automatically schedule an air conditioner replacement if your unit is more than 10 years old? Not at all – there is a good chance that you’ll get some more years of service out of it, just be aware that the need for repairs and maintenance will likely start to increase. A modern air conditioning unit will commonly last all the way to the 20-year mark or beyond, but that outcome is not guaranteed. The older your system is, the more attention you should pay to it day after day, and the more you’ll want to be prepared for a replacement when the time comes.  Also, after 10 years, most manufacturers’ parts warranty expire, thus increasing the cost of repairs.

 

As you monitor the age of your air conditioning unit, one good point to pay attention to is the amount of energy you are consuming month after month. You will likely notice if your energy consumption is going up because your bill will do the same thing. If you find yourself paying more and more for energy and the underlying rates haven’t gone up significantly, it’s likely that a loss of efficiency within the system is to blame.

 

With each passing year, don’t be surprised if the efficiency of your air conditioner trails off and your bills rise. This is something to keep in mind with regard to replacing the air conditioner. Some of the cost of buying a new unit will be offset by bringing your energy bills back down to a more reasonable range. That doesn’t mean you have to upgrade to a new system immediately when the bill starts to rise, but keep an eye on it so the costs don’t go too high before you make a switch. Modern air conditioning units are incredibly efficient, so you will get better performance than ever before once you upgrade and have a new one installed. Berico is glad to send a comfort specialist to help weigh your options and has specific tools that can help you in your decision making process.

 

 

Do You Keep Calling for Repairs?

The other measuring stick you can use to keep track of how your system is doing is the frequency with which you need to call for repairs. With a new system, you’ll likely not have to call for any repair work at all – just some annual maintenance will be enough to get great results. Then, as the years go by, other problems will naturally start to pop up one at a time. If those repairs start to come around more often, and they are getting more expensive to manage, swapping out the old unit for a new one may be required.

 

You can have a conversation with your HVAC contractor about this important point. They can help you understand what has been going wrong with your current unit, how likely it is that new problems will keep popping up, and whether or not they recommend a replacement. An honest contractor like Berico won’t pressure you into a purchase but rather will help you understand the situation so you can make your own informed choice.

 

Understanding the Refrigerant Change

Unless you work in the HVAC industry, you probably aren’t aware that there has been a major change going on with regard to the refrigerant used in air conditioning systems. For years, the refrigerant of choice was R-22, commonly referred to as Freon. Due to environmental concerns, R-22 has been on its way out for a while now, and new air conditioning systems now run on R410A.

 

This is important to understand because if you have an old system that uses Freon, topping off such a system is getting harder and harder to do. The availability of Freon is limited and the cost of what is available has climbed significantly. If your current system uses Freon, that will be another factor that influences the math you have to do regarding whether or not to replace it with a new unit. Knowing that it’s only going to get tougher to replace the refrigerant moving forward, you might decide to get ahead of the game by upgrading to a modern unit that runs more efficiently and will be easy to maintain for years to come.

 

Getting the help of a professional HVAC contractor like Berico is critical if you are going to make a sound decision regarding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner. The experts at Berico have completed AC repair and installation for thousands of local homeowners and business owners and will be happy to come to your location to take care of the HVAC issues you are facing. Berico is your always dependable option when it comes to HVAC.

HVAC Safety Tips – Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe

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Modern HVAC systems are capable of keeping indoor spaces incredibly comfortable. And, while these systems are very safe, it’s important that you operate all of your HVAC equipment in a safe manner to make sure no one is put at risk. This article is going to offer some fundamental advice to make sure everything about your HVAC experience is as safe as it is enjoyable.

 

If you need to work with an air conditioning company that will always prioritize safety on every project, reach out to Berico today. As a leader in AC repair in Winston, you can be sure that your system will be in good hands with the Berico team.

 

The Leading Threat is Carbon Monoxide

Without a doubt, the leading threat from an HVAC system for a homeowner is carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell and can’t be seen with the naked eye, it can easily build up in a home without detection. And, if it does reach a great enough concentration, it can be fatal.

 

Fortunately, it’s easy to stay safe on this front by having a functioning CO detector in the home. As long as you have a detector that is in proper working order, you won’t have anything to worry about, and you will be notified – loudly – if there is a problem developing. Never ignore warnings from your CO detector and always call in qualified professionals to address the problem after you have gotten out of the house.

 

Don’t Attempt Repairs on Your Own

As tempting as it is to work on your HVAC system on your own to save some money, this just isn’t a good place to try out your DIY skills. There are too many things that can go wrong – some of them dangerous – if you try to fix your HVAC system by yourself. Even if you don’t get hurt, it’s unlikely that the repair will be completed correctly, and you’ll still need to call in a professional in the end.

 

There is one exception to this rule, however, and that is the air filter that serves your HVAC system. Most people can easily handle replacing their own air filters, and this is a task that should be completed regularly to make sure the system can breathe freely as it runs.

 

Maintain Open Space

Resist the temptation to crowd the area around your HVAC units with other items that you are storing. For instance, don’t pack things into a small space in your home where the furnace sits, as this could be a fire hazard, and could also harm the performance of the system as a whole. If you have an outdoor AC unit, you’ll also want to make sure the space around it is clear, so keep up with weeding tasks to prevent plants from growing into the unit and causing problems.

 

The top name in Winston-Salem HVAC service and repair, Berico has been building a trusted reputation for decades. Take a moment today to get in touch to learn more about the services available or to make an appointment.

The Benefits of A/C Maintenance and Why It’s Worth the Investment

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Like all mechanical systems, air conditioners need ongoing maintenance if they are going to continue to perform properly. This type of maintenance is not always something that appears near the top of a homeowner’s to-do list, but it should be prioritized for the improvement in performance – and cost savings – that it can offer.

 

For the best AC repair Greensboro has to offer, take a moment today to get in touch with the team at Berico.

 

Staying Ahead of the Game

Each time your air conditioner (or furnace) comes on, it is experiencing at least a little bit of wear and tear on the various components that make up your HVAC system. This isn’t going to seem like much on a day-by-day basis, but it adds up over time. And, if you don’t have any maintenance performed, the accumulation of that wear and tear is eventually going to show itself in the form of problems with the A/C.

 

When you get on a regular schedule of air conditioner maintenance with Berico, you are able to address that wear and tear before it accumulates to the point that it causes issues. Rather than waiting for an A/C breakdown to call for help, you can prevent that breakdown in the first place through the use of preventive maintenance. During a maintenance visit, the professional technician will go through a series of tasks, checking on key components, cleaning the appropriate parts of the system, and making sure it’s ready for the hot summer season ahead.

 

The Financial Picture

Some people struggle with the idea of spending money on maintenance for a system that is currently working just fine. That kind of thinking is understandable, to be sure, but it misses the bigger picture. When you have maintenance performed, you are basically spending a small amount of money now to avoid spending much more money later on. It’s an investment in the future of your HVAC equipment, and it’s the type of investment that tends to pay off nicely.

 

Maintenance visits from the professional team at Berico are not particularly expensive, and they can be completed quickly at a time that is convenient for your schedule. On the other hand, repairing an air conditioner that has already broken down can be much more costly, and it will need to be done right away – even if it’s not convenient at the moment. In addition to avoiding expensive repairs, ongoing maintenance can also allow you to extend the life of your system, putting off the big expense of buying a whole new unit for potentially years. When you add it all up, what you save in money and convenience is more than worth the cost of maintenance on your A/C system.

 

If you need assistance with your AC in Greensboro, there is no better team than Berico to manage the project. Whether it’s a simple maintenance visit or A/C installation to put a new system in place, you can be sure that Berico is more than up for the challenge.

How to Switch Propane Suppliers

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Perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle when using propane at your business or home is having a reliable supplier on your side. A good supplier is going to deliver on time, every time, as well as offering a great price for those deliveries. And, if your supplier can also offer some additional services beyond filling up the tank, that would be great.

 

If you are ready to switch propane suppliers to get better results, the information below will be helpful. As a leader in Greensboro propane, Berico would be proud to take on your needs immediately.

 

Check Your Agreement

When you are ready to switch to a new supplier, the first thing you need to do is confirm the terms of the existing agreement that you may have in place with your current supplier. It’s possible that you don’t have any obligation to that supplier moving forward, but you might have agreed to some type of contract that covered your deliveries over a period of time. Get that information so you know exactly what to expect and what you need to do in order to move to a new propane delivery partner.

 

Consider Tank Status

Along the same lines as the first point, you also need to determine if you own your propane tank or if you are leasing it from your supplier. As a result of recent regulations, it’s probable that your current propane supplier owns any existing propane tanks. But don’t worry – a reputable propane supplier like Berico will be able to guide you through the seamless and at Berico, complimentary, change-over procedure.

 

Get in Touch with a New Supplier

Once you know your contract status, you can feel free to start calling around to ask about rates and terms to get propane deliveries from another supplier. Of course, during this process, you can evaluate the type of customer service experience that you have with various companies. If someone doesn’t treat you particularly well when you call them to ask about delivery service, you can expect that your service won’t be great when you are a customer, either. To skip the time and effort required to call around to various suppliers in the area, just turn to Berico from the start and make it easy.

 

Establish Your Schedule

If you have been using propane for a while, you might know with pretty good accuracy how much propane you use in a given month, based on the time of year. So, you’ll be able to tell the new supplier roughly how much propane you are going to need and how often you are going to need it. If you aren’t sure of this, a good propane supplier will be able to help estimate your use. As you move forward, the delivery frequency can be tweaked as necessary to make sure your needs are met, and you never run out.

 

Good propane delivery shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. Working with Berico, you’ll find that you barely have to think about these deliveries at all – they’ll just happen when they are supposed to, and you can spend more time on other things in your life. Call Berico today to get started.

Minimizing Indoor Allergens – 5 Strategies for a Healthier Home Environment

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Allergens pervade both indoor and outdoor environments. While many associate allergies with outdoor triggers like pollen, it’s essential to recognize that numerous allergens can also thrive within your home. If you or a family member have been grappling with allergy symptoms indoors, it’s a good idea to investigate potential air quality issues as a way to mitigate these discomforts.

 

Working with a leading High Point HVAC company is one of the best ways to deal with indoor air quality issues, so get in touch with Berico right away to solve the problems you are facing. Whether it’s an indoor air purifier or another solution, Berico will be able to create an environment where everyone in the family can breathe freely once again.

 

 

1 – Implement a No-Shoes Policy

Consider instituting a no-shoes policy indoors to prevent outdoor pollutants from being tracked into your home. Shoes can carry various allergens, including pollen, dust, and mold spores, which can accumulate on floors and carpets. By removing shoes upon entering, you can significantly reduce the introduction of allergens into your living spaces.

 

 

2 – Get Some Specialized Equipment

In addition to having a no shoes in the house policy, you can also put technology on your side to get better results. Specifically, Berico can install a couple of different devices – iWave and Phenomenal Aire – each of which is capable of purifying the air that passes through your HVAC system. These devices offer excellent performance for just a modest investment. For more information on these devices click here: indoor air quality.

 

3 – Pay Attention to the Pets

Pet dander is a major contributor to poor air quality in many houses. If you have dogs or cats, think about how they are impacting the air quality and take steps to address those problems. Keeping your pets clean and nicely groomed is a good start, and it also might be helpful to have some spaces in the house where the pets aren’t allowed to go.

 

4 – Proper Furnishings

There are many options for furnishings on the market today that are specifically designed to be hypoallergenic. If you upgrade your bedding, for example, to hypoallergenic sheets and pillow covers, and you do a good job of washing that bedding regularly, you’ll be contributing fewer allergens to the air and your symptoms should be reduced.

 

5 – Watch the Humidity

High humidity in a home can contribute to things like mold growth, which will in turn harm your air quality and elevate allergy problems. With a dehumidifier included in your HVAC system, you can pull some of the moisture out of the air and keep humidity levels in a comfortable and healthy range.

 

Improving the air quality in your home can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Berico is the best HVAC company to team with for this project, in addition to things like air conditioning repair in High Point and plenty of other services. Call today to get started with a healthier home.