Things to Be Aware of Before Hiring an AC Company

ac thermostatIt’s likely the biggest, most expensive appliance in your home that uses the most energy: your heating and cooling system. It may be one complete system, it may be a separate furnace and air conditioner, but all together it’s what keeps your home comfortable. It requires proper installation, regular maintenance, and may one day need to be replaced. For all of these services, you need the help of a stellar HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service. If you don’t currently have a trusted heating and cooling company, it can be hard to know which one to choose. But all it really takes is a little research to find quality AC installation in Greensboro, NC.

Read Reviews from Multiple Sources. It’s easy to find online reviews of businesses online, but the key is to use multiple sources. Don’t write off a potentially good company because of one less than stellar review on one website. Check with reliable sources like the Better Business Bureau and look at the reasons and comments behind the ratings.

Look for Proper Credentials. Be sure that any company you consider has all the required certifications such as state licensure and that every technician is properly trained and receives continued training. Not every HVAC company is a licensed contractor for installation of heating and cooling equipment. Before you hire anyone for an installation job, be sure they are properly certified.

Pricing Can Be Deceiving. Be careful when it comes to pricing. Choosing the lowest price is not always the wisest choice. Ask yourself why their price is lower than the competition. Is it because they are starving for business? Or is it a legitimate reason such as the fact that they are a smaller, lesser-known business? Get multiple estimates so that you have a general idea of what the average price range is for the service you need.

Ask for References and Actually Call Them. Any reliable HVAC company will have a list of references you can contact. Before a big project like AC installation in Greensboro, NC, be sure to call the references provided and get a feel for the type of business you are hiring. Listen for qualities that you want in an HVAC service. Ask questions about the things you’re most concerned about.

Nothing Beats Experience. The longer a company has been in business, the more reliable they tend to be. Years and years of experience make a business solid at what it does. However, beware of companies that seem to be stuck in the past, using old practices and not keeping up with current technology. A successful business must be progressive, always changing and adapting with the times.

Hire Berico for AC Installation in Greensboro, NC

Berico has every quality a reliable HVAC company should possess. Years of experience, proper licensing and certification, an A+ accredited business with the BBB, competitive pricing, positive reviews, and stellar references. If you’re in need of a new heating and air conditioning system, whether residential or commercial, Berico is up to the task. Call (336)273-8663 for a free estimate.

Preparing for One of the Worst Predicted Summers

young boy sweatingSpring and summer of 2018 are predicted to be hotter than average. Sweltering heat and oppressive humidity will make your air conditioner work overtime. Is yours up to the task? If you’re not sure and it hasn’t had any repairs for a while, it’s time to look into AC maintenance in Eden, NC. Maintenance for your air conditioner involves inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing the various parts of the system so that it runs more efficiently.

AC Maintenance in Eden, NC has Numerous Benefits

The benefits of yearly maintenance for your air conditioner include, but are not limited to:

  1. Save money. There are a few different ways that AC maintenance will save you money. First of all, your system will run more efficiently when it is clean and tuned up, meaning it uses less energy and keeps your bills low. The following benefits also save you money as well as stress.
  2. Avoid AC breakdowns on hot days. If your air conditioning fails on a sweltering summer day, you will feel it almost immediately. The indoor temperature will climb up fast and you’ll have to wait for your HVAC company to come out and fix it. And that’s after they fix the other customers’ air conditioners who are in the same boat as you but called in earlier. Scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring can prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money on repairs.
  3. Add years to the life of your air conditioner. Like any machine, a well-maintained AC unit will operate properly for many more years than a neglected system. You can avoid replacing your system as often by taking good care of the one you have, which saves you money as well.
  4. Avoid emergency and after-hours repair fees. If your AC fails in the evening or on a weekend, you may need an emergency repair. Many HVAC companies charge higher rates for emergency and after-hours service calls. Regular maintenance can help prevent these ill-timed breakdowns so you can avoid the higher rates and fees.
  5. Enjoy perks from your HVAC company. When you sign up for a maintenance plan, your HVAC company comes out regularly to give your system a checkup and tune-up. A plan or agreement also comes with added perks like discounts on repairs and diagnostic fees, waived emergency/after-hours fees, priority service, and more.

A Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Carolina Fuels Comes with Serious Perks

Now that you know the major benefits of yearly maintenance for your air conditioning, you should also know the added perks that come along with signing up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan with Carolina Fuels. Your yearly AC tune-up also gives you 20% off repairs and diagnostic fees, priority service scheduling, waived emergency and after-hours fees, and $50 in bonus bucks that can be used toward any new equipment. Save money and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with AC maintenance in Eden, NC. Call Carolina Fuels at (336)623-9741.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

allergiesYou probably don’t give much thought to the air that you breathe. You may use air fresheners to keep your home smelling nice, medication to keep your allergies at bay, and household cleaners to disinfect surfaces in your home. What if you could eliminate the need for all of those things with just one product? Air Scrubber Plus is a household air purification system that not only cleans the air, but your surfaces too. If you’re looking into air purifier installation in Greensboro, NC, give the Air Scrubber Plus some serious consideration.

How it Works

The Air Scrubber Plus is designed to be installed in any forced air heating and air conditioning system. As air passes out of your HVAC system and through the Air Scrubber Plus system, it is not only filtered, but purified. Air moves through the honeycomb surface coated with titanium oxide that reacts to the specialized germ-killing UV light, creating pure oxygen and hydrogen molecules that are released into the air. These molecules “scrub” the air clean the same way they do in nature. In this way, Air Scrubber Plus is more than just an air filtration system.

Benefits to Air Scrubber Plus Technology

  • Easy to install. The Air Scrubber Plus is installed in the ductwork of your existing heating and cooling system. Your HVAC technician can install it quickly and easily.
  • The Air Scrubber not only filters toxins out of the air, but it kills germs and allergens, and even generates oxygen and hydrogen for cleaner air.
  • You won’t hear any additional sounds coming from your HVAC system than you did before the Air Scrubber Plus was installed. It operates quietly.
  • Low maintenance. No more maintenance is required for your Air Scrubber than your yearly HVAC tune-up.
  • Cleaner home. You will find that you have to dust less, vacuum less, and wipe down surfaces less often because the air in your home is so clean.
  • Can reduce allergy symptoms. When toxins, particles, and allergens are removed from the indoor air, allergy symptoms improve. The Air Scrubber Plus also keeps air pollutants from settling on surfaces in your home, making your home virtually allergen-free.
  • Extend the life of your HVAC system. The cleaner the air inside your home, the less dust and debris end up in your heating and cooling system, helping it to run more efficiently, require less maintenance, and last longer.

Contact Berico for Expert Air Purifier Installation in Greensboro, NC

If you want to experience all the benefits of the Air Scrubber Plus, contact Berico, your heating and cooling company. Berico provides air purifier installation in Greensboro, NC for new and existing customers. Any manufacturer or model of forced air furnace or air conditioner can be fitted with an Air Scrubber Plus air purification system. An affordable, effective option for removing allergens and toxins from the air in your home, the Air Scrubber technology is the most advanced option on the market today. Call Berico today: (336)273-8663.

What Propane-Powered Appliances are Available?

Heating your home with a propane furnace is a relatively common practice. Many homeowners use propane by choice, others use it because natural gas is not available in their area. Probably the most common use of propane is in backyard grills. But did you know there are at least 7 other household appliances that can run on propane? Propane in Burlington, NC is convenient and affordable. It can be delivered and automatically refilled by Alamance Oil. Consider trying these propane-powered appliances.

  1. Water Heaters. This one may not be too surprising, as propane water heaters are not uncommon. The most common energy sources for water heating are typically electricity or natural gas, but propane is a close third. Propane burns hot and resonates, meaning you can heat a lot of water quickly.
  2. Fireplaces. Gas log fireplaces are often propane-sourced. There are advantages to propane logs over burning wood, such as cleanliness and convenience. It’s easier to hook a propane tank up to a gas log fireplace than it is to tap into an underground natural gas line.
  3. Stoves and Ranges. Propane stovetops and ovens are an efficient alternative to electricity. Some homeowners prefer to cook over a flame as opposed to a flat top stove or coil. A propane powered oven preheats faster than electric.
  4. Clothing Dryers. You can conserve electricity by purchasing a propane clothing dryer. Clothes will even dry faster as propane creates heat more quickly and keeps a steady heat over time.
  5. Outdoor Fire Pits. The convenience of propane-fueled fires does not have to be confined to the indoors. Outdoor fire pits can also be propane fueled, allowing you to skip the work of starting a wood fire and just flip a switch.
  6. Pool and Hot Tub Heaters. If you have a pool you wish to heat or a hot tub, propane is a much more efficient heating fuel. The rapid heating time and longevity of the heat make it a wise choice for warming large quantities of water.
  7. Refrigerators and Freezers. These are much less common, but still a possibility. But most often, campers can benefit from propane-powered refrigerators and freezers.

The Major Benefits of Using Propane in Burlington, NC

  • Efficient. Propane burns hotter than gas and heats much faster than electricity.
  • Environmentally Friendly. Propane burns clean and does not emit greenhouse gases.
  • Safe. Propane tanks are sturdy and rarely leak. In the case of a leak, the smell alerts you.
  • Can save you money. In many cases propane is more affordable than gas or electricity.
  • Good for emergencies. If the power goes out or the gas line is interrupted, your own personal propane supply is still available.
  • Versatility. Propane can be used for many different household appliances besides just home heating.

Alamance Oil is your Burlington Propane Supplier

If you are interested in trying propane or purchasing additional propane-powered appliances, contact Alamance Oil. Your supplier will install your tank and can assist with hooking up new appliances to your propane source. Automatic deliveries are available for propane in Burlington, NC. Call (336) 226-9371.

The Dangers of Forgetting to Change Your Filters

dirty vs clean ac filterOwning a home comes with some responsibilities. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every year. Clean out your dryer vent every few months. Replace your HVAC filters at least every 6 months. There’s more, but who can remember all of that? You may just brush it all off as unimportant and figure you’ll deal with it if a problem occurs. Unfortunately, that kind of thinking may put your home and appliances in danger. If it seems overwhelming, handle one thing at a time. Let’s tackle the filters first as part of regular HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro, NC.

Changing your Filters and other HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro, NC is Very Important

If you have a forced air heating and cooling system, there are filters in your intake vents. The intake vents are the larger vents that are used to pull air into the HVAC system. That air enters the system and is either heated or cooled, depending on the time of year and your thermostat settings. It is important that the air that goes in is clean, which is the reason for the filter. The filter removes the dust and other particles from the air, keeping them out of your indoor unit and ducts. Over time dust builds up on filters and they become clogged. Clogged filters can cause a variety of problems for your HVAC system such as:

  • Reduced or blocked air flow. Clogged filters don’t allow enough air into your system for it to function properly. You’ll experience low air flow out of your vents as well.
  • Overheated heat exchanger. When air flow is blocked the heat exchanger in your furnace will get too hot too quickly. The furnace will shut off without heating your home.
  • Increase in energy usage (higher bill). Your HVAC system will strain to heat or cool your home with a lack of air, using more energy and driving your bill up.
  • Lack of home comfort. Poor air flow leads to short cycling, when your system turns on and off repeatedly without achieving the desired indoor temperature. This makes it much harder to reach the level of comfort you desire.
  • Frozen evaporator coil. The outdoor unit of your air conditioner can freeze over, even in the sweltering summer heat, because of clogged filters. Low air flow prevents the hot outdoor air from moving over the evaporator coil as it should, which causes it to freeze.
  • Poor indoor air quality. The dust, allergens, and toxins in the air will not be stopped by a dirty filter. All of those things will get through your system, ducts, and vents to pollute the air inside your home.
  • HVAC system failure. Clogged filters left unattended for too long can eventually lead to whole system failure, which may or may not be repairable. You could have to replace your entire HVAC system.

Routine HVAC Maintenance Takes the Responsibility off Your Hands

If you’re worried that you won’t remember to change your filters, there is a way to have it automatically taken care of. Reliable HVAC companies like Berico offer maintenance agreements that include replacing your filters twice a year along with other very important system care steps. HVAC maintenance in Greensboro, NC typically involves automatic service calls in the spring and fall that include inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up your system to prevent problems and keep it running efficiently. Take the burden of remembering to change your filters off your shoulders with a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico. Call (336)273-8663 to sign up today.

What to Do if You Hear Water Sounds Coming from Your Inside Unit

Water damage in a home.

You start to notice some unusual water sounds coming from your inside HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit. Whether it’s a dripping sound, a rushing water sound, or a bubbling/gurgling sound, you wonder if it’s a new noise or something you just never noticed before. Most likely it’s new if it’s suddenly caught your attention. So what does it mean? There are a few different possible causes of water sounds in your inside unit. It’s best to have an HVAC technician, or what some might call an air contractor in Greensboro, NC like Berico diagnose and repair the problem, but if you want to know what to expect, here are some probable causes.

Sound: Dripping Water. If you hear the sound of dripping water coming from your indoor unit, it likely means condensation is not draining properly. Moisture naturally builds up in your HVAC system and should drain out if it’s working correctly. A blocked drainage tube could be preventing condensation from properly draining. Other problems can cause humidity and moisture to build up in your ductwork too quickly for the drainage system to keep up. If you have a refrigerant leak, you may hear the sound of dripping as it runs out. The bottom line: you shouldn’t be hearing the sound of dripping water from your inside unit. If you do, call your HVAC technician at Berico for a checkup.

Sound: Bubbling or Gurgling. A bubbling or gurgling water sound coming from your indoor AC or furnace unit is usually an indication of a pressure issue. Improper internal pressure could be due to an overcharge of refrigerant (too much). It could also be the result of a refrigerant leak. Anytime the refrigerant level is incorrect, it causes an imbalance of pressure and air can get in where it shouldn’t be, which in turn causes the bubbling or gurgling noise you are hearing. The best thing to do is to call Berico, your heating and cooling company, to come out and inspect your system in order to find any potential problems. A trained technician will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to diagnose and repair the problem.

Prevent Moisture and Pressure Problems with Routine Maintenance

Leaks from your HVAC system can cause severe water damage in your home. You may be lucky enough to hear the warning sounds before a major leak occurs, but if not you could have a big, expensive mess on your hands. To avoid unexpected furnace and air conditioner issues, schedule preventative maintenance with Berico, your air contractor in Greensboro, NC. Maintenance Plans include a yearly checkup and tune-up for your HVAC system. When you enter into a maintenance agreement, your technician will visit once in the fall to tune up your furnace and once in the spring to tune up your air conditioning. A typical maintenance appointment includes changing your filters, inspecting and cleaning your system, and performing any necessary repairs including replacing worn out parts. Your refrigerant levels will be checked as well as the drainage system, which should prevent any water-related issues. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement with your HVAC technician, or if you prefer the term air contractor in Greensboro, NC, Berico. Save money and enjoy better home comfort. Call (336)273-8663.

Why You Should Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Does your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system receive regular maintenance? Do you change your filters regularly? If so, you are already taking good care of what is likely the most expensive appliance system in your home. But there is another component of your HVAC system that is often overlooked: the ducts. Ducts are the channels through which the air moves in and out of your furnace and air conditioner. They are one of the most important parts of any forced air heating and cooling system. The quality of your indoor air and the comfort you feel depends on the ductwork as much as anything else. Dirty ductwork means dirty air blowing around your home and getting into the indoor unit of your HVAC system. If you’ve never had your ducts cleaned, there’s no time like the present. You should definitely have them cleaned before a new AC installation in Reidsville, NC.

Air Duct Cleaning has Many Benefits

  • Cleaner indoor air. You may not give much thought to the quality of the air that you breathe. But it’s vitally important to you and your family’s health. Dust, toxins, and other allergens build up in your ducts over time, even if you change your filters regularly. Periodic duct cleaning will remove these air pollutants from your ductwork and keep them out of the indoor air so you can breathe easier.
  • Lower energy bills. The cleaner your HVAC system is, the more efficiently it operates. Removing dust and dirt from your ducts and keeping it out of your furnace and air conditioner will allow both appliances to do their job using less energy. You will experience significant savings.
  • Longer lifespan for your HVAC system. When your system is able to run smoothly and efficiently, it won’t wear out as quickly. Like a car that is kept in mint condition with consistent maintenance, your HVAC system will be the same, running well for extended years.
  • Reduced allergy symptoms and improved respiratory health. One of the biggest benefits of duct cleaning is the improved respiratory health you and your family will experience. Fewer allergy symptoms and asthma attacks will occur when the triggers for these issues are removed. Even if you don’t currently experience any respiratory symptoms, you will still likely feel better as a result of a cleaner air system.

Clean Ductwork is an Important Part of AC Installation in Reidsville, NC

If you’re getting a new HVAC system installed to replace an old system, ductwork cleaning is a must. You don’t want to hook a brand new clean system up to your existing dirty ductwork. Start fresh with your AC installation in Reidsville, NC with a thorough duct cleaning after the removal of the old system. When you hire Carolina Fuels to install your new system, your technician will make sure your existing ducts are clean. Get as many years as possible out of your furnace and air conditioner when you start off with clean ductwork. Call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741.

What’s that Smell Coming from my Furnace?

Propane TankHave you noticed an unusual odor in your home when your furnace is running? Does it seem to be coming from your vents or from the furnace itself? Different smells can mean different things, some of which may indicate a problem. Some smells may mean you should contact the company that handles your propane delivery in Reidsville, and other smells may be harmless. This guide will help you decide what to do.

Smells That Mean Trouble:

  1. Rotten egg or rotting smell. Propane and natural gas are naturally odorless, so an odor is added that smells like rotten eggs or rotting in general. This makes it easier to detect in case of a leak. If you smell this, you could have propane or gas leaking into your home. Turn off the furnace and get out of the house to a safe location and call your fuel supplier or gas company.
  2. Smoke. Where there’s smoke there may be fire. You should definitely not smell smoke or see smoke coming from your vents or furnace. If you do, or if your smoke detector goes off, turn off your furnace and contact your HVAC company. If you see or suspect a fire, get out of the house and call the fire department.
  3. Singed wires or metal. If you smell an electrical burning smell, like when wires or metal gets overheated, that may be exactly what’s going on. The electrical wiring inside your furnace could be getting too hot or shorting out. Turn off your furnace and call your HVAC service provider.
  4. Formaldehyde or strong chemicals. This smell could indicate a crack in your heat exchanger, which could cause a chemical-like odor. In this case, carbon monoxide could be leaking into your home. Turn off your furnace, get out of the house, and call your HVAC repair company.

Normal Furnace Smells (if temporary):

  1. Burnt dust. If you smell burnt dust the first time you turn on your furnace for the season, this is completely normal. However, if the smell persists for weeks you may have a problem. A thorough cleaning and tune-up for your furnace will likely correct this problem.
  2. Musty or dampness. This is also normal at the beginning of the cold weather season. Your furnace has been sitting dormant in humid weather, so it may smell a little musty. If the odor continues beyond the first week of use, it’s possible you have a mold or mildew problem that needs to be corrected.
  3. Oil. This can be the result of a dirty, clogged filter. Replace all of your filters with new clean ones and see if the smell dissipates. If not, call your HVAC company for a check-up.

Get Affordable Furnace Maintenance and Propane Delivery in Reidsville from Carolina Fuels

Unusual smells coming from your furnace could be caused by a problem with your heating fuel or the system itself. Whatever the cause, Carolina Fuels can help. An all-in-one home comfort service provider can handle every aspect of your heating system from furnace repair and replacement to propane delivery in Reidsville. Don’t ignore strange smells, call (336) 273-8663.

He’s Hot, She’s Cold. Finding Balance and Peace When Heating Your Home

ThermostatIt’s a never-ending battle: the thermostat. Whatever the family dynamic in your home, it can be difficult to agree on the optimal indoor temperature during each season. The key to achieving the best compromise is to strive for efficient heating. Efficient heating means using less energy while still maintaining an even level of comfort throughout your home. She’ll be warm enough, he’ll be cool enough, and both will be happy with the energy savings. If you don’t already have a propane or oil furnace in Eden, you may want to consider this type of system. A lot of older homes have these furnaces, leading consumers to wrongly assume they are outdated heating sources. But heating oil and propane are still relevant in the HVAC industry for its many benefits.

Top Benefits of Heating with Oil and Propane

  1. Efficiency. Heating oil burns hotter than natural gas, meaning your furnace makes significantly more heat with the same amount of fuel.
  2. Comfort. Since oil burns hotter than other fuels, it provides an even, long-lasting heat that gives you a higher level of comfort throughout your home. Everyone will feel consistent warmth wherever they are in the home, meaning the thermostat war can finally end.
  3. Availability. Not every home has access to natural gas lines. Heating oil is a readily available alternative where gas isn’t feasible. In recent years, natural gas shortages have caused prices to skyrocket and customers to worry. Heating oil has not been in scarce supply, keeping prices reasonable and oil customers happy.
  4. Safety. Oil exists in a liquid, non-flammable state in a tank on your property. To become flammable, it must be heated to at least 140 degrees to convert it to a gas, meaning it is an extremely safe heat source.
  5. Cleanliness. Heating oil and propane have come a long way in terms of its clean burning properties. With proper furnace maintenance, they release less pollutants.
  6. Furnace longevity. Propane and Oil furnaces simply last longer than many other heating systems, averaging 30 years or more with regular maintenance.

Propane or Heating Oil Can Put the Thermostat Battle to Rest

The key benefits of propane or heating oil that help end the battle of the thermostat are the first two listed: efficiency and comfort. Heating oil burns really hot, which means your oil furnace in Eden requires less fuel to create the same amount of heat as other fuels. If your system is well maintained for optimal efficiency, then it should eliminate cold spots and maintain a consistent temperature throughout your house.

Thinking of switching to propane or heating oil for their many benefits? Contact Carolina Fuels for a recommendation on a new propane or oil furnace and save on fuel delivery and furnace maintenance. Call (336) 273-8663.

How Your Old Thermostat May Be Costing You Money

Adjusting thermostateDo you feel like you are paying too much to heat and cool your home? Whether its natural gas, propane, or oil for the winter or your electric bill in the summer, if it seems too high your thermostat may be the culprit. When it comes to HVAC systems, the thermostat is often overlooked. But in actuality, your thermostat is the key to your home comfort. If your thermostat is old, it could be costing you money in ways you’ve never realized. Consider upgrading thermostats as part of your HVAC maintenance in Greensboro. Here’s why.

 A Programmable Thermostat Can Save You Hundreds of Dollars Per Year

That’s right, hundreds of dollars could be saved yearly when you upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Between $300 and $400 to be more specific, although the amount varies based on many different factors such as the weather where you live, your type of HVAC system, the size of your home, and the cost of utilities in your area.

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset your system to heat or cool to different temperatures at different times of the day and night. In the winter you can lower the indoor temperature when no one is at home or during the night when you’re in bed under the covers. In the summer you can raise the temperature when no one is home and cool it down at night for more comfortable sleeping conditions. You can even set it before you go out of town. Your HVAC system uses less energy this way, which in turn saves you money.

Types of Programmable Thermostats that Offer the Highest Savings

  • Digital programmable thermostat. This is the most basic of the programmable thermostats available. You can set it directly from the touchscreen keypad inside your home to heat or cool to specific temperatures that coincide with dates and times.
  • Wireless programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. You can program and reprogram your thermostat as needed from anywhere. The advantage here is that if your schedule deviates from normal, you can reprogram your thermostat to change the indoor temperature as needed, so that you can walk into a comfortable home. If you forget to set your thermostat before leaving town or if you plan to be back home sooner or later than originally planned, you can make the necessary adjustments.
  • Smart home systems. These allow you to program your entire home, including your HVAC system, lights, water, security system, and more, all from your smartphone. You can be in control of every aspect of your home no matter where you are.

Upgrade your Thermostat Easily During your Regularly Scheduled HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro

The next time Berico comes out to give your system a tune-up, it’s a good time to go ahead and make the easy upgrade to a programmable thermostat. At the very least, a basic digital thermostat will save you money and make your life easier. The wireless thermostat and especially the smart home system will bring a whole new level of convenience and peace of mind, all while saving you money as well. Before your next appointment for HVAC maintenance in Greensboro, contact Berico to ask about upgrading to a new programmable thermostat. Call (336) 273-8663.