The Best Ways to Air Condition Your Garage

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Garage workshopDo you spend a lot of time in your garage either working on cars or another hobby? If so, you may find times when your garage gets so hot that it’s unbearable to spend time there. Air conditioning a garage can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Garages typically lack insulation and ventilation and tend to have a lot of open space. Some have windows, some don’t. Some have only one door that opens on one side with the remaining 3 walls closed off. All of these characteristics make garages difficult to keep cool. But you can beat the heat with these cooling options.

Affordable Garage Cooling Options (In order from least expensive to most expensive).

  1. Fans. One way to make your garage feel cooler is to install or use portable fans. Fans don’t cool the air, but they get the air moving, which can make a big difference in a hot, stuffy garage.
  2. Window unit. If you have the luxury of a window in your garage, a window air conditioner can work well. Turn it on whenever you want to be in the garage yourself, otherwise leave it off. Your car doesn’t need AC.
  3. Portable air conditioner. Since you can put it anywhere, a portable air conditioner is ideal for garages and any other space that lack AC. However, since garages lack proper insulation, a portable air conditioner may fail to cool sufficiently. If it seems that your portable AC isn’t keeping you cool, consider adding insulation to your garage.

Purchase Top AC Brands to Keep Your Garage Cool and Comfortable

Carolina Fuels installs air conditioning units from some of the top AC brands and best manufacturers including: Lennox, York, Goodman, Armstrong Air, and Thermopride. Add up the square footage of your garage and be sure to purchase an air conditioner that is designed to cool a big enough space. Pricing is determined by the size of the area the unit can cool. Many portable AC units double as dehumidifiers, which helps your garage feel cooler by drying out the air and making it feel less stuffy.

Most window units are designed to cool small rooms, so they may not be effective for a large garage space. A heavy duty window unit may be better for cooling a larger space. The higher the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, the bigger the space that can be cooled by the system. Be sure to purchase one that can handle the total square footage of your garage.

Garages with Finished Rooms Above Can Work with a Central Air Conditioning System

If you have a Mother-in-law suites or a FROG (Finished Room Over Garage), it can work well to install a separate HVAC system for those two spaces. Your garage and the space above can share one set of ductwork and one air conditioning unit. You can maximize energy usage and HVAC equipment by cooling both spaces at the same time.

Contact Carolina Fuels for tips on air conditioning your garage and other spaces. Call (336) 623-9741 to request a quote.

Top 4 Reasons to Use a Programmable Thermostat

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thermostatYou probably don’t give too much thought to your thermostat. You set it to one temperature for the summer, and one temperature for the winter, and don’t look at it much in between. Or perhaps you do think about it a lot, and you are constantly adjusting the temperature based on the time of day or the outside weather. Whichever category you fall into, a programmable thermostat would be a major benefit to your residential heating and air system.

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset your home’s temperature for certain times of the day. You can tell it to adjust the temperature at night when you go to bed and adjust it again right before you get up. You can tell it what to do during a certain date range when you may be gone from home. And some can even connect to your smartphone so that you can program your thermostat remotely. What are the benefits of this device?

  1. Save money. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the programmable thermostat is the money you save. Your energy bill will go down because you are maximizing the energy your HVAC system uses to keep your home at the desired temperature. Changing the temperature at night and when you are out of the home can make a big difference in overall energy use.
  2. Enjoy peace of mind. Once you have programmed your thermostat, you can forget about it. No need to constantly adjust the temperature to suit the time of day. And when you are going to be out of town, your thermostat will know what to do. If you forget to program it before you leave, you can use your smartphone to set it. It’s a stress-free way to manage your home comfort system.
  3. Extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. A programmable thermostat takes some of the stress off of your system. Reducing the amount of time your heating and cooling system runs and the amount of cycling on and off will allow it to last longer. You may get many more good years out of your equipment.
  4. Feel more comfortable. You can expect to feel more comfortable in your home because you can program the temperature to suit the time of day and your plans. At night you may prefer a cooler temperature since you’ll be under the covers, but you may want it to be warmer once you are up. You can program your thermostat to raise the temperature just before you get up so that you don’t have to roll out of bed in the cold. You can also set different zones in your home to be warmer or cooler so that you’re keeping the most used parts of your home at the optimal comfort level.

Maximize Your Residential Heating and Air System with a New Programmable Thermostat

Save money and relax in comfort after you call Berico to install your new programmable thermostat. Your technician will help you to program it to suit your lifestyle and provide you with the knowledge to adjust it as you see fit. It can work with any HVAC system, so contact Berico to schedule your installation today: (336) 273-8663.

How To Prepare Your HVAC System for Thunderstorms and Hurricanes

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Photo of a thunderstormWith the warm weather season comes frequent thunderstorms and even the occasional hurricane. Is your HVAC system ready to handle severe weather? If you’re not sure, there are some steps you can take to make sure your air conditioner is prepared. When a storm catches you off guard, you could find yourself making an emergency call to your heating and cooling company. Don’t get stuck without AC after a storm by following these tips.

  1. Turn off the power to your HVAC system from your circuit breaker box. When you know a storm is coming, no matter how minor, turning off the power to your air conditioner can save the electrical components from a power surge. When lightning strikes anywhere near your home it can cause damage to your electrical appliances. Cutting off the power prevents this. If you have a window unit or portable air conditioner, unplug it from the wall.
  2. Check your backup generator. In case you lose power during a storm, make sure your backup generator is working properly. Once the storm passes you may need backup electricity until the power company can get power restored to your area. If you haven’t used your generator in a long time, it’s possible that it may not be in proper working order.
  3. Cover your outdoor unit. To protect your outdoor unit from damage due to blowing debris, cover it with a tarp or cover of some kind. Make sure the power is off to your HVAC system first. Clear out the area around your AC unit to eliminate as much debris as possible that could blow into your system.
  4. After the storm, check your HVAC system before turning it on. Do not turn on your air conditioner right after the storm passes if you haven’t checked the outdoor unit for damage. You may need to clear out debris that has blown against the unit. If there are any dents or obvious problems, call your heating and cooling company before using your system.

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared. Schedule Maintenance with Your Heating and Cooling Company Before Storm Season

Make sure your HVAC system is prepared for severe weather by scheduling a tune up in early spring. An AC tune up, also known as preventative maintenance, involves inspection, cleaning, and repairing your system. The inspection turns up any potential problems that need to be addressed so that repairs can be done before an emergency occurs. A thorough cleaning helps your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible. Electrical components are checked to be sure nothing is loose or worn out. Your air conditioning will be ready to weather the storm after a detailed tune up. The best time to schedule maintenance is early spring before the weather gets hot and before technicians get busy responding to emergency AC calls.

Be prepared for severe weather. Schedule maintenance now with Alamance Oil: (336) 226-9371.

Why is My Air Conditioner Clicking?

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Air Conditioners Have you been hearing unusual noises coming from your AC unit? Central air conditioners emit a variety of noises that range from normal to abnormal. Sounds like blowing air, soft whirring, one soft click when your system comes on, are all normal for a properly operating HVAC system. But if you hear a persistent clicking sound coming from your AC, it might be an indication that something isn’t right and professional air conditioner repair may be necessary. Here are some probable causes.

First, Determine Where the Clicking Sound is Coming From

The source of the noise is an important factor in determining the cause. Depending on where the sound is coming from, the problem could be mechanical or electrical, possibly serious or more minor. Locate the source of the sound and consider the possible causes.

  • Outside unit: When the clicking sound comes from the outside unit, it could mean there is a loose part somewhere. It could be a bolt, a wire, a refrigerant tube, or some other part that may just need to be tightened. It’s best to call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and repair it.
  • Inside unit: If the clicking sound seems to coming from the inside unit, whether it resides in your attic, basement, or a closet, it is likely the fan that is part of the air handler. An obstruction to the fan blades will cause a clicking sound every time the blades hit the obstruction as they spin. If the clicking starts out slow and gradually gets faster and then persists, you most likely have a fan-related problem. It could also be a bent fan blade causing the clicking sound. Call your AC repair service to find the reason for the clicking and repair it.
  • Electrical system or circuit box: Each time the indoor temperature gets too high and your air conditioner comes on, you may hear a click (and see a slight dimming of the lights) as the AC pulls the voltage it needs to start up. If you hear a click but your AC doesn’t come on, you likely have an electrical problem. Sometimes wires can corrode and get stuck together. Other parts like the capacitor or control board switch could be bad and need to be replaced. If you hear a click in your circuit box it means something has tripped a circuit breaker. If it happens to be your air conditioner, it could indicate a problem, especially if it happens frequently. Never attempt to fix electrical components yourself, always call for professional air conditioner repair.

Calm the Click with Reliable Air Conditioner Repair from Alamance Oil

Anytime you hear unusual sounds coming from your AC, the best thing to do is call Alamance Oil. Trained, experienced technicians will identify the problem and repair it quickly and accurately. Don’t ignore the sound or you could end up with a broken down air conditioner on a hot day. A simple repair done at the right time can save you from having to replace your entire system. Don’t wait, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

Your Best Options for Cooling a Finished Basement

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Whether you are planning to finish your basement or you already have a basement living space that needs air conditioning, you have a few different options. Basements have some unique challenges when it comes to cooling. Before you consider an AC system install, you want to be sure you are making the right choice that will bring optimal comfort to your basement.

Finished basement photo

Basement Cooling Challenges:

  • Dampness/humidity. Basements, being underground, tend to stay damp. Keeping out excess humidity is a constant battle.
  • Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements lack windows entirely. Others have very small windows that are often located up high at ground level.
  • Extra square footage (when finished later). When a basement is finished after the rest of the home it adds additional space that needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there when the current air conditioner was installed. The size of a home’s HVAC system is determined based on the number of square feet to be cooled.

Basement Cooling Solutions:

  • Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally manage humidity levels in any space that is being cooled. However, it may still be wise to use a separate dehumidifier to remove even more excess moisture from the air. This ensures that humidity is properly managed and that your AC can run more efficiently. The natural dampness of basements can lead to mold and mildew growth if moisture is not kept in check.
  • Ductless mini-split system. Window units are either difficult or impossible to use in basements. Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are ideal for cooling a single room and only require a very small hole in the wall for a pipe to connect to an outside unit. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and efficiently cool the room.
  • Add on to your current central air conditioning system. One option is to simply extend your current HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your current system can handle the additional square footage that your basement will add. If you are unsure about this, the contractor who performs your AC system install can calculate whether or not your existing unit can sufficiently cool the additional space. If not, you may consider replacing your system with a larger one (this may be a wise choice if your current system is already over eight years old). If it is relatively new and does not need replacing, but cannot handle the extra load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Cool Your Basement Efficiently with an AC System Install by a Trusted HVAC Contractor

You can only truly enjoy the additional living space your finished basement offers when it’s cool and comfortable. Let Berico expertly perform your air conditioning installation so that it looks as good as it feels. Whether you add onto your current system or install new equipment, Berico offers affordable, reliable service. Call today for a free estimate: (336) 273-8663.

Tips for Buying a New AC System for Your Historic Home

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It’s easy to fall in love with a historic home. Whether it’s been well maintained or needs to be fully renovated, the allure and enchantment prevail. But old homes come with unique challenges, such as incorporating modern comforts like air conditioning. It is possible to add AC to an historic home without disturbing the architecture or the integrity of the home? There are a few options to choose from when it comes to central AC installation in an older home, and your choice will likely come down to pricing and aesthetics.

Historic Home renovations

Central Air Conditioning: The Cost Effective Option

Pros: Less expensive than more specialized systems, energy efficient, and controls humidity.

Cons: Ductwork takes up space in both rooms and closets and the outdoor unit may distract from the historic look.

Pricing for central air conditioners comes down to efficiency or the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The more efficient the system, the higher the price. A SEER of 16 or higher is considered to be a high-efficiency system, but the ratings go as high as 18-20 for some models. More expensive models also do a better job of controlling humidity, which is important to the preservation of historic homes.

Installing ductwork in an existing home means sacrificing closet space and may require boxing in corners of rooms or lowering ceilings. This may disrupt the authenticity of the historic interior design.

Mini-Duct Air Conditioning: The Space Saving Option

Pros: Small ducts take up less space and are less intrusive to install.

Cons: Strong air flow from vents means less flexibility for furniture arrangement.

Mini-duct systems use 3 inch ducts that can be snaked through walls and floor joints so they are less conspicuous. No need to sacrifice closet space or square footage of rooms.

The small ductwork causes the cool air to come out fast and furious. You wouldn’t want to be sitting or sleeping right next to or under one of these vents. You may have to arrange your furniture accordingly.

Ductless Air Conditioning: The Quiet Option

Pros: Quiet operation, very little construction, and room-by-room cooling.

Cons: Pricier and modern looking.

Ductless systems mount to the wall and only require a small hole through which a pipe can fit to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Each room to be cooled requires its own indoor unit that can be set to whatever temperature is wanted on a room-by-room basis. No ductwork is required, meaning very little indoor construction. Fans operate quietly, making ductless systems as unobtrusive as possible.

Ductless systems are more expensive than central air conditioning, but the fewer number of rooms that require cooling, the less it will cost. If you can get away with only cooling bedrooms and most frequently used rooms, you can save a lot. The only other downside to ductless systems is that the wall unit looks very modern, which distracts from the historic look of the home and décor.

Trust Your Historic Home to Carolina Fuels

Every decision you make when renovating a historic home matters. Once you make a permanent change it can never be undone. Trust the beauty and integrity of your priceless home to the experts at Berico. Whether you choose central AC installation, a mini-duct system, or a ductless unit, you can count on your HVAC contractor to install it right. Call Berico for a free estimate: (336) 273-8663.

Why Is My AC Freezing Over?

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To find ice on your outdoor air conditioning unit on a hot day may seem strange, but it’s actually quite common. Central air conditioners sometimes malfunction in a way that causes ice to form on your outdoor unit. There are a few different causes for this, but most importantly, if you see ice on your AC unit you should call for AC repair services immediately. Acting quickly can prevent further damage to your HVAC system. Read more

Safety Tips for Using a Backup Power Generator

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A power outage can be frustrating, and in some cases even dangerous. But what’s even more dangerous is incorrect use of a generator. If you have a generator to use as a backup power source or you’re thinking of getting one, safety should be your most important consideration. Follow these generator safety tips and you can rest assured your home or business will always have power when needed. Read more

4 Ways to Spend Less on a New HVAC System

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Is your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system starting to show signs of old age? If so, you’re faced with what can seem to be the daunting task of purchasing a new system. HVAC units can be expensive and if the cost does not fit into your current budget, you could be facing a difficult financial situation. But there are ways to spend less on heating and air installation, you just have to know where and how to look. Read more

4 Things You Should Know Before Home AC Installation is Performed

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As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rise, you might be thinking about having air conditioning installed in your home. North Carolina summers are hot and having AC is essential for a comfortable home. Whether you have an existing home that needs air conditioning or a new home currently being built, Greensboro air conditioning installation is an important step that adds value. But before you have AC installed, there are some things you should know.

AC Installation Graphic

  1. Choose the best type of AC for your home. There are many different types of air conditioners for residential use from central air to individual room units. It is important to choose the type that will work best in your home and help you achieve the optimum level of comfort. Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) company can recommend the best system for you.
  2. Have the right size system installed. Air conditioner models are designed to cool a certain number of square feet. The size of your home determines what size your AC unit needs to be. Zone cooling makes a difference in the size of system you need as well. Explain your cooling needs to your HVAC company and they will properly match your system to the size of your home.
  3. Make sure your electrical system can handle the extra load. Most air conditioners run on electricity. If you are adding an AC unit for the first time, it is important to make sure your home’s electrical system and circuit box can handle the additional amps. Your HVAC company should be able to handle this for you, but it is possible that an electrician may need to be called to accurately assess your electrical system and make any necessary adjustments.
  4. Get an efficient system to save money. Air conditioners have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system is. You may pay more up front for a system with a higher SEER, but you will save money on your energy bill in the long run. And some states, including North Carolina, offer incentives for installing efficient AC units.

Greensboro AC Installation by HVAC Experts at Berico   

You can trust experienced Berico technicians to be sure these four things are taken into consideration when installing your new air conditioning system. Enjoy a cool, comfortable home this summer with an efficient AC unit installed by Berico. Call (336) 273-8663 for a free estimate today.