Eden NC Air Conditioning Services

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logo_carolinaWith the summer heat in full force, especially in Eden, you’re probably using your home’s air conditioner 24-7. You’ve probably also seen the effect it’s had on your utility bill. And that bill is bound to only increase in the years ahead as fuel costs rise. Even if your home’s air conditioning system is relatively new, an upgrade to a high-efficiency model can certainly be worth your investment. Avoiding Eden AC repairs is our first priority.

Here are a few reasons why upgrading your air conditioning now is actually a good idea:

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a high-efficiency system will use significantly less energy than a system built in the 1970s, and noticeably reduce your monthly bills.
A new system will cool your home more efficiently and can regulate humidity, making those Eden summers much more bearable.
Installing a high-efficiency air-conditioning system qualifies you for federal tax credits that expire at the end of this year, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
Air conditioners are rated according to their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), a rating that reveals the efficiency of a unit. In essence, SEER is a number that shows how much energy the unit consumes in watt-hours (W/H) to produce cool air, and cooled air is measured in British Thermal Units (or Btu’s). So, a SEER 13 unit will produce 13 WH/Btu (or watt-hours per British thermal unit).

High-efficiency units start at SEER 16 and reach SEER 23, and these systems often include advanced features that increase energy efficiency, such as dual-stage compressors, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs) for blowers and condensing fans, as well as better refrigerant flow through high-tech expansion valves.

If you have any questions about high-efficiency air conditioning systems, contact Carolina Fuels for help or to discuss ways you can save energy and lower your utility bills. At Carolina Fuels we’re happy to help you stay cool at a price that will keep you happy.

Burlington Heating and Air

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Burlington Heating and AirWith the cost of energy constantly rising, the amount you pay to keep your home comfortable can be pretty expensive. However, if you get an expert from Alamance Oil to conduct a home energy audit in your Burlington house, they will provide you with numerous solutions you can use to lower your home’s energy consumption. This will enable you to save quite a bit of money on your utility bills.

Before our professional arrives to start the evaluation, you need to collect your past utility bills and create a list of any areas of concern in your home. Our Alamance Oil technician will take a look at the information you collected and will inform you of the steps you can take that will help you cut the amount of energy your home uses.

During energy audits, one of our expert heating and cooling technicians will examine the home, determine its size and unique building aspects, and inspect its comfort features, including the furnace, air conditioner and all of the windows. To get a better sense of how the home is typically used, the expert performing the energy evaluations may ask the homeowner some of the following questions:

How many people are there in your household, and how much time do household members spend inside the house (as opposed to at work or school)?

How do your thermostat settings differ between the seasons?

Are all of the rooms in your home being used, or are some left unused?

The professional from Alamance Oil conducting the evaluation will examine your home for any areas in your heating and cooling equipment that could use improvement and possibly any Burlington AC repair that needs to be completed.

Expert free energy audits will better your home’s comfort and your bills. Immediately after the evaluation has finished, the technician will sit down with you and describe what he or she found, and answer any questions you may have. Then, you will be given solutions to address the energy loss problems specific to your home, and ways to lower the energy your home consumes.

When looking for a professional heating and air conditioning technician to perform energy evaluations, make sure you are picking someone with experience. At Alamance Oil we have been providing quality service in Burlington for many years. We are happy to assist you in all of your home comfort needs–contact us today for further assistance.

Increasing HVAC efficiency in Greensboro

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HVAC efficiency in GreensboroIncreasing HVAC efficiency helps homeowners save money and maintain cleaner in-home air quality. This is very important for the hot summer months in Greensboro when your air conditioner is running constantly. The U.S. Department of Energy states that taking simple steps to improve efficiency can save households up to 30 percent a year on their bills.

To start, a homeowner should look for air leaks. It is best to begin by pressurizing the house. This means closing all doors and windows, as well as fireplace flues if present. Turn off the water heater and furnace. Lastly, turn on the exhaust fans in the home, typically located in the kitchen and bathrooms. This will make it easier to detect where air leaks are occurring. Most leaks can be sealed by proper application of caulking or weather-stripping.

Air leaks typically occur around:

  • Window frames
  • Door frames
  • Electrical outlets
  • Light switches
  • Fireplaces
  • Window-mounted air conditioners
  • Mail slots
  • Faucets
  • Pipes
  • Wiring

Another area that can contribute to central air loss is a home’s insulation. A home’s builder typically installs enough insulation to meet requirements at the time, but as improvements are made in heating and cooling systems, there have been advances. For the same reason homeowners might want to consider replacing a HVAC system if it was installed more than 15 years ago, homeowners should consider when insulation was installed.

Testing for air leaks, insulation and HVAC evaluation can be performed by the experts at Berico Heating and Air Conditioning. Our experts have the knowledge and equipment to help you evaluate and improve your HVAC system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues. We want to help you avoid air conditioning repair in Greensboro whenever possible. Give us a call today for a free home energy audit. We can find any air leaks and problems with your HVAC system.

Berico services Greensboro, Burlington, Eden, Reidsville, Mebane, Brown Summit, Summerfield and other areas. Visit our specials page for our current air conditioning offers.

AC Repair in Greensboro

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AC Repair GreensboroScorching summer heat can make upstairs living nearly unbearable. Sometimes AC Repair in Greensboro is inevitable. Even the best air conditioner in Greensboro has difficulty keeping upstairs spaces cool and comfortable. Why? It’s simple; because heat rises. To keep the upstairs cool in your home, utilize these easy maintenance tips.

Keep upstairs blinds and curtains closed during the day. As the sun enters the rooms through windows, it can make the space feel several degrees hotter. Pale opaque shades and drapes are ideal for blocking sunlight.

Replace single-pane windows. If you’re still living with single-paned window models, consider upgrading. Single-paned windows and window casings that leak allow hot air to seep in and make your AC work harder to cool your upstairs.

Ensure that your attic is well-insulated. Attic insulation in Greensboro is essential for all seasons, keeping heat out in the summer and in during the winter. Opt for a minimum of R30 insulation to help keep attic heat from conducting down into the second-floor living spaces.

Replace filters. When dirt and debris builds up on filters, they can become blocked, impeding proper airflow. This issue can have the greatest negative effect at the farthest reaches of the duct system, in other words upstairs. Filters should be replaced at least every three months, or more often if you have shedding pets.

Close half of your downstairs registers. Opening all upstairs supply registers and keeping downstairs supply registers partially closed forces more cold air upstairs where it’s needed. Do not close all downstairs registers as some air is needed for the air conditioner to work efficiently.

Unblock upstairs air return vents. Check upstairs air return vents to ensure none are blocked by furniture, drapes, rugs or other items. These vents should have plenty of room to create good air circulation throughout the upper floor.

Call in a professional for maintenance help. Contact Berico, a trusted Greensboro cooling and heating professional to survey your home. We can make recommendations on how to cool your upstairs spaces and will check for problems that are preventing effective cooling throughout the house. We can also provide air conditioning repair in Greensboro homes.

If your bedroom feels more like a blast furnace than a relaxing retreat, it’s time to make some vital changes to your cooling strategies. For more professional advice on home cooling and heating services for your home, please contact us today.

Two Well-Known Companies with Historic Roots to Partner

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Berico Heating & Air Conditioning acquires McBane-Brown Heating & Air Conditioning

Greensboro, North Carolina, June 11, 2013:  After 89 years and four generations, two locally owned heating and cooling companies are joining together.

McBane-Brown Heating and Air Conditioning is becoming a part of Berico Heating and Air Conditioning after 72 years of serving the Triad and Greensboro area.

Edgar McBane, who founded McBane-Brown Heating and Cooling Services in 1941, worked for W.N. Berry, founder of Berico, selling coal before starting his own company. Since then, his son Joe, and grandson Bryan, have overseen the operation and growth of McBane-Brown. “I’m very excited to see this relationship come full circle, what an honor to be involved”, says Tom Berry – President of Berico.

Since 1924, Berico has served the Greensboro and surrounding communities with home heating oil, propane and heating and cooling service. Berico Heating and Air Conditioning specializes in residential and light commercial climate conditioning, service and new installations.

“We are very excited to have McBane-Brown joining our family of customers and look forward to continuing the excellent tradition established by McBane-Brown; furthermore, striving to provide the best in Customer Service,” said fourth generation Will Berry, Vice President of Operations for Berico Heating and Air Conditioning Service.

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Berico and partner companies, Carolina Fuels Inc. and Alamance Oil Co., have provided residential heating and cooling, fuels and service throughout Greensboro, Eden and Burlington since 1924. The companies together offer propane, home heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline and lubricant products. Furthermore, Gateco Oil Co., Berico’s wholesale company, distributes heating oil, kerosene, gasoline and diesel fuel for all of their commercial customers throughout the triad. In addition to fuels, partnering companies for all types of equipment, from oil furnaces & boilers, to air conditioners and electric heat pumps and more.

For Immediate Release

Greensboro Air Conditioner Repair

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Greensboro Air Conditioner RepairAre you thinking about skipping over the air conditioner tune-up in Greensboro this year? While summer may seem far away, it will be here soon. Putting off AC tune-ups can lead to long term problems and needed repairs, plus cause you and your family to be uncomfortable when you need cool air the most.

Unpleasant Conditions

Especially in Greensboro, summer time heat can be brutal. It’s very unpleasant when you walk out of the summer heat outside into a home where temperatures are even higher. Your family’s comfort is very important in the summer, especially for children who may be home all day while they are on a break from school.

While an appointment will cost money, it will make the conditions in your home better and well worth it. Look at the cost as an investment that may last for several summers to come. While the heat outside may seem unbearable, your home will be the perfect place to cool off for your entire family.

Causing More Damage

You may be tempted to put off an air conditioner repair because you think the system is working okay. Your unit isn’t in tip top condition nor running at the best efficiency, but you don’t think it requires a call to the experts just yet. In this case, you may be causing more damage than you realize. It might not only feel less than cool at home, but also damaging the system and the equipment.

If you continue to drop the thermostat temperature knowing that the system isn’t running well, there’s a problem. The system struggles to work harder to produce the same results. You can end up needing a completely new AC unit instead of just a Greensboro air conditioner repair appointment with a professional. This is such an important issue that some people even schedule regular maintenance checkups to ensure that there are no hidden problems.

Avoiding the Busy Season

You certainly do not want to put off Greensboro air conditioner repair until the middle of the summer. If you are aware of a problem before the temperatures outside begin to rise, quickly take care of it. Companies like Berico are more likely to become busy when its hot outdoors and AC units aren’t working. A lot of people are calling us needing a technician to visit their home right away.

As soon as you notice a problem, call Berico for an appointment. Even if the weather is fine and you think it isn’t a big deal, your wallet and family will thank you once the temperatures outside rise. Remember, it will be a big deal when everyone is unhappy and hot and you have to wait for a routine repair appointment. Call Berico today and let us solve your small problem before it becomes a bigger one.

Air Conditioner Repair Greensboro

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air conditioner repair

If you are in need of air conditioner repair in Greensboro, there may be a few things you can do before calling Berico. Take a look at these common problems and see if the solution is easy enough for you to handle on your own.

Unit Doesn’t Turn On: Check to make sure there is sufficient power to the air conditioner unit and that all cords are intact. You can check the electricity through the outlet by plugging in another appliance. If the other appliance works fine, you may need to consider air conditioner repair. If the unit is getting power, but is still dead, the problem may be with the wiring, thermostat, compressor, relay switch, or control board.

No Cold Air: If you notice the fan for the air conditioner is running, but there is no cold air, this may be a problem with the compressor or condenser. Both of these will require the skill and expertise of an air conditioner repair technician at Berico.

Only Cool Air: Maybe the fan is running and the air is cool, but doesn’t feel cold enough. This is likely a problem with the thermostat, air damper, back cover, or condensing coils. An open air damper will draw in outside air, while a back cover that is used for protection during the winter months must be removed in the summer.

Constantly Running: If you find that your air conditioning unit is running constantly and doesn’t shut off, it could be caused by one of several problems. Make sure the air is cold enough to cool the room to the temperature you want. Also, ensure that the space to be cooled has enough shade or blockage from the sunlight by blinds or curtains in order to advance the efficiency of your unit.

Sloshing Water: Part of the technology that allows air conditioners to cool the air involves evaporation of moisture from the air. This can result in moisture collection in the bottom pan of the unit and it may build up over time. If the rear fan used to cool the condensing coils comes in contact with the water pan, some of the moisture will be spun from the fan blades and may cause a sloshing noise. As long as there is no water leakage, a little sloshing is no concern and does not require air conditioner repair.

Loud Rattle: If the air conditioner unit has a loud rattle every time it shuts off, you may way to check the compressor mounting pads and brackets. If these become worn or missing, it may cause excess noise when the unit starts up or shuts off. Most often, a loud rattle when starting or stopping is due to normal motion of the powerful motor or may be due to improper or loose installation.

Musty Smell: If the air from the air conditioning unit smells musty, this may be an indication that mold is growing on the moisture inside. Water collects in the bottom of the unit and is usually evaporated, but may cause favorable conditions for mold growth. While this problem cannot be prevented, you can dramatically reduce the chance of it occurring by cleaning out the bottom at least once a year. Air conditioner repair technicians will inform you that this helps prevent mold or mildew from growing on dust and debris that can collect.

It’s important to still call the air conditioner repair Greensboro professionals at Berico to keep you cool this summer. Our technicians can diagnose and solve your AC problems the same day. Call for an appointment today. We offer emergency services 24/7.

Air Conditioning Installation in Reidsville

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How do you know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner?

There are some important factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner. If any one of these or a combination of these things apply to your air conditioner, then it may be time to replace.

Age. Central Air Conditioning units are designed to last between 15 and 20 years. But if your system is 10 years old or older, there are many reasons to consider air conditioner replacement in Reidsville or at least obtaining an estimate on a new system. As air conditioners age they run less efficiently. And due to advancements in technology, new air conditioners run more efficiently than older systems did when they were new. The money you save on energy costs will make a new system worth the money in just a few years. And as air conditioners age they need repairs more often, which can add up and begin to cost you more than a new system.

Frequent Repairs. Despite the age of your system, if you’ve had to have it repaired more than once in the last 2 years, it may be time to replace it. Frequent repairs can become quite costly and are usually a sign that the system is not running well. If the system seems to be too new for so many repairs, it’s possible the system is not the right size for the house or the system itself could be flawed.

High Energy Bills. If your energy bill has been gradually climbing or takes a sudden jump, it’s a sign that your system isn’t running efficiently. Minor repairs could solve the problem, but may only be a temporary fix. As stated previously, advancements in technology have made new air conditioners run more efficiently than in the past. There is no question that a new system will be more energy efficient than the system you have now.

Inconsistent Cooling. Do some rooms in your home cool better than others? Does it seem that your home doesn’t stay at the desired temperature? It may be time to replace your air conditioner if your home doesn’t stay comfortable. You should not have to keep changing your thermostat to achieve the desired temperature, and your system should not have to run all the time to keep your home cool. If minor repairs cannot correct this, a new air conditioner may be necessary.

Excessive Noise. If your air conditioner is suddenly running loudly or making noises you don’t remember hearing before, it most likely isn’t running properly and could be on its way to a break down. It could mean that minor parts are disconnected and may be an easy repair. But it could also mean that major parts are wearing out and failing. A professional technician can diagnose this for you.

Humidity. If your home seems humid, that is a sign of a problem with your air conditioner. This is also a problem that may be able to be repaired, but it may also mean that the system is on its last legs.

You can use these factors as a guideline, but the best thing to do would be to call a professional HVAC service to evaluate your system. In Reidsville and Eden, Carolina Fuels is an HVAC company you can count on to help you make that decision.

Replacing your Air Conditioner in Reidsville

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Replacing your Air Conditioner in Reidsville

How do you know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner?

There are some important factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner. If any one of these or a combination of these things apply to your air conditioner, then it may be time to replace.

Age. Central Air Conditioning units are designed to last between 15 and 20 years. But if your system is 10 years old or older, there are many reasons to consider AC replacement in Reidsville or at least obtaining an estimate on a new system. As air conditioners age they run less efficiently. And due to advancements in technology, new air conditioners run more efficiently than older systems did when they were new. The money you save on energy costs will make a new system worth the money in just a few years. And as air conditioners age they need repairs more often, which can add up and begin to cost you more than a new system.

Frequent Repairs. Despite the age of your system, if you’ve had to have it repaired more than once in the last 2 years, it may be time to replace it. Frequent repairs can become quite costly and are usually a sign that the system is not running well. If the system seems to be too new for so many repairs, it’s possible the system is not the right size for the house or the system itself could be flawed.

High Energy Bills. If your energy bill has been gradually climbing or takes a sudden jump, it’s a sign that your system isn’t running efficiently. Minor repairs could solve the problem, but may only be a temporary fix. As stated previously, advancements in technology have made new air conditioners run more efficiently than in the past. There is no question that a new system will be more energy efficient than the system you have now.

Inconsistent Cooling. Do some rooms in your home cool better than others? Does it seem that your home doesn’t stay at the desired temperature? It may be time to replace your air conditioner if your home doesn’t stay comfortable. You should not have to keep changing your thermostat to achieve the desired temperature, and your system should not have to run all the time to keep your home cool. If minor repairs cannot correct this, a new air conditioner may be necessary.

Excessive Noise. If your air conditioner is suddenly running loudly or making noises you don’t remember hearing before, it most likely isn’t running properly and could be on its way to a break down. It could mean that minor parts are disconnected and may be an easy repair. But it could also mean that major parts are wearing out and failing. A professional technician can diagnose this for you.

Humidity. If your home seems humid, that is a sign of a problem with your air conditioner. This is also a problem that may be able to be repaired, but it may also mean that the system is on its last legs.

You can use these factors as a guideline, but the best thing to do would be to call a professional HVAC service to evaluate your system. In Reidsville and Eden, Carolina Fuels is an HVAC company you can count on to help you make that decision.

Reidsville Air Conditioning Tune Up

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Reidsville Air ConditioningHas your central air conditioning been acting up lately? As with most mechanical things, air conditioners need to be tuned up periodically. You can’t expect it to work perfectly for years without any kind of maintenance. Sometimes all that’s required is a simple cleaning of the system. Other times there are a few parts that may need replaced or reconnected. So how do you know if your system needs a tune up?

Excessive Noise. You may have noticed that your air conditioner is making more noise than usual. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your system, it may be time for a tune-up. Noise can mean disconnected parts that need to be reconnected or replaced. It can mean friction between moving parts that need to be lubricated or replaced due to wear. A tune up can get your air conditioner running quietly again.

Humidity. If your home feels humid or you see condensation gathering on windows or metal surfaces, you may have a problem with your air conditioner. This is most likely due to a blocked condensate drain. If the condensate drain becomes blocked, the excess moisture is not able to drain out of the unit as it should. Instead the moisture ends up inside the home. A technician can clear the blockage and have your system filtering out moisture again.

Not cooling. Your air conditioner is running, but your home isn’t cooling. This happens when the evaporator coil becomes dirty. When dirt builds up on the evaporator coil, it is not able to absorb heat and cool the air down as it should. Another possible cause is low refrigerant. If refrigerant levels are low due to a leak or some other problem, the air won’t cool down before it blows out through the ducts and vents. The evaporator coil can be cleaned to correct that problem, and the refrigerant can be refilled and any leaks repaired. This should be done be a professional heating and air conditioning technician.

Thermostat issues. There are various problems that can occur with your thermostat. If the thermostat sensor is out of place then the system will not be able to keep the temperature in the home regulated. Sometimes the thermostat itself fails and does not call for cool air when it is needed or doesn’t tell the system when to shut off. The thermostat can be just as much of a problem as the rest of the system. A technician can repair or replace the thermostat.

If you are experiencing these or any other issues with your air conditioner, it may be time for an AC tune up. It is important that you find a reputable heating and air conditioning company to tune up your system. Carolina Fuels has served Reidsville and the surrounding area since 1924. Technicians at Carolina Fuels are trained to check every part of your air conditioning system and clean or repair it so that it runs as efficiently as possible. Carolina Fuels is a company you can trust.