Air Conditioning Installation Burlington

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Air Conditioning Installation BurlingtonYou’ve made the choice to have central air conditioning installation take place. The next decisions you will need to make are what brand to install and who to hire to install it. These aspects are equally important because certain brands are known to have better performance, which is dependent upon proper installation. A study was done by consumersearch.com comparing brands of central air conditioning units based on consumer surveys. It was found that proper installation and maintenance is just as important as the brand of air conditioner.

The main brands are:

Lennox – which owns Ducane

Goodman – which makes Amana and Janitrol

York – which makes Coleman and Luxaire

Trane – which also makes American Standard

Carrier – which owns Bryant

Rheem – which owns Rudd

The main factor taken into account when comparing these brands is reliability. Consumers simply want their air conditioner to work properly and continue to do so. According to survey information these brands are about equally reliable.

Poor installation is more likely the reason behind the poor performance of the air conditioner. Most brands, including York and Lennox, have specific requirements for the technicians who install their products. This ensures that the air conditioning units are installed correctly for better performance and reliability. If you have a Goodman air conditioner installed by a reliable contractor it can perform just as well as any other brand.

So if these brands are mostly equal, how can you decide which air conditioner to buy? Some models stand out in consumer studies based on three criteria: efficiency, quietness, and warranty length.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive – SEER rating of 24.5, extremely quiet (59 decibals), 12 year warranty, made the energystar.gov 2013 list of most efficient air conditioners

Dave Lennox Signature Collection, XC21 – SEER rating of 21.2, 10 year warranty, very quiet (69 decibals) XC17 – SEER of 18 and less expensive, same quietness and warranty

Carrier Infinity Series, 24ANA1 and 24ANB1 – SEER rating of 21, very quiet (65 decibals), warranty lasts 10 years if product is registered within 90 days of purchase, otherwise 5 years, known for humidity control

Trane XL20i – SEER rating of 20, warranty of 12 years for the compressor, 10 years for the rest, well known, well recommended brand known for being tough and long lasting

Rheem Prestige RASL-JEC/Ruud Ultra UASL-JEC – SEER rating of 19.5 but still included in the Energystar list of efficient air conditioners, 10 year parts warranty and 10 year conditional replacement warranty

Amana ASXC18 – SEER of 18, quiet (71 decibals), 10 year limited warranty on parts and Amana offers a lifetime limited warranty

Alamance Oil can install any of these top brands and models of air conditioners in the Burlington area. Qualified technicians will help you determine the best model for your home and install it correctly to ensure the best performance.

Burlington Air Conditioner Replacement

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Burlington Air Conditioner ReplacementWhen your air conditioner breaks down in Burlington, NC, you may be faced with a difficult decision; to repair it or replace it. In some cases the decision is easier than in other cases. The best way to decide is to consider the problem itself and a few other factors about your system. And enlist the help of a professional heating and air company to help you make the decision. First, ask the following questions:

Will the repair cost more than a new system? In most cases a repair is cheaper than buying a new system, but not always. If the repair will cost more or even the same amount as a new system, the choice is obvious; install a new system. If the repair is going to cost more than a few hundred dollars, consider the age of your system. If it’s more than 8 years old, it’s probably not worth the money to repair.

How old is your air conditioner? If your air conditioner is more than 8 years old, don’t waste money on repairs. Replace your system and take advantage of all the improvements in technology in the past few years. New air conditioners run twice as efficiently as systems that were made even 5 years ago. And because you have the existing ductwork from your old system, you will save money on installation. But be sure to have the technician test your ducts for leaks and seal any that are found. Leaky ducts can cause you to lose up to 30% of the cool air that should be cooling your home. Another issue with an old system is that it most likely uses Freon as its refrigerant, which is being phased out by the federal department of energy in lieu of a new refrigerant that is more energy efficient and safer for the environment.

Is your current system the right size for your home? It is not uncommon for the wrong size air conditioner to be installed in a home. If your system is too small it is most likely not cooling your home as well as it should and is probably working twice as hard as it should be. If this is not your first repair and your system isn’t very old, the size may be the problem. A system that is too large may cause excessive humidity in your home. A professional HVAC company can assess your home and your system and let you know if the system is the wrong size. If it is, then replacement is the only option.

How efficient is your current air conditioner? The efficiency of central air conditioners is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). It used to be that a system had to rate at a SEER of 10 or higher, but now the federal regulation is no less than 13. Air conditioners that rate at a SEER of 16 or higher are more expensive, but qualify you for a $300 tax credit when you install one. You will also save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.

If you find yourself faced with the difficult decision for air conditioner replacement in Burlington, the professionals at Alamance Oil can help. Alamance Oil serves Burlington and the surrounding areas. They can help you decide what to do and can repair or replace your system, whatever you decide.

AC Tune Up in Burlington

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AC Tune Up BurlingtonRoutine maintenance is the best thing you can do for your central air conditioner. A simple AC tune up can make a huge difference in the performance of your system. Annual tune ups keep your air conditioner running efficiently and extend its overall lifespan. Most Heating and Air Conditioning companies have a checklist that their technicians follow to be sure that every part is as it should be. Some of the most important things to be checked are:

Evaporator Coil. The evaporator coil will be thoroughly cleaned and checked for problems. When the evaporator coil gets dirty (and it will over time), it cannot absorb heat and produce cool air as it should. Replacing your filters often will keep more dirt out, but some will still get through. The evaporator coil should be cleaned each year by a professional before the onset of hot weather.

Condensate Drains. The condensate drains will be checked to be sure they are allowing moisture to drain out. The emergency drain pan will be checked to be sure it is not getting any overflow from the primary drain pan. If the condensate drains are not working properly, your house could become overly humid or water could leak into floors and walls.

Electrical Components. All electrical wires will be checked to be sure none are disconnected. All other electrical components will be checked for proper voltage and operation. If electrical wires are loose or disconnected, it effects the starting of the air conditioner. It can cause breakers to repeatedly trip or fuses to go out. It can also be a safety issue.

Ductwork. All of the ductwork needs to be checked for blockages. Blockages cause low air flow from the unit out through the vents, causing your home to cool slower than it should. Blocked ducts also cause low air flow into the unit which can cause ice to build up on the evaporator coil. The ducts also need to be checked for leaks. Leaky ducts cause the cool air to leak out into the attic or even outside where it won’t do any good toward cooling your home. Any of these problems mean your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home as well as it should.

Lubrication. All moving parts must be well lubricated for the air conditioner to work properly. This is something the technician will take care of during a routine tune up.

Blower. The blower needs to be cleaned and adjusted each year. If dirt and dust builds up in the blower, it won’t be able to take in enough air and may allow dirt and dust to get into the system and into your home.

Refrigerant. If the refrigerant level is low, the system will not be able to produce cool air. Part of a regular tune up should be to check the refrigerant level and refill it if necessary.

Yearly tune ups are a must for all central air conditioning systems. Alamance Oil Co. provides regular service to Burlington and the surrounding area. Have a technician from Alamance Oil Co. tune up your air conditioner before the weather gets hot.

Air Conditioner Replacement in Greensboro

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Air Conditioner Replacement GreensboroIf you are a homeowner, most likely you have central air conditioning. And if you have central air conditioning, you’ve probably had to have it repaired at least a time or two, depending on how long you’ve owned your home. If you live in a region such as Greensboro that has hot summers, air conditioning is a necessity. And if the hot season is 4 or 5 months long, energy costs can be significant. If you want to lower your energy costs, consider replacing your air conditioner.

How old is your air conditioner? If the answer is 8 years or more, then you will probably benefit from air conditioner replacement in Greensboro. Technological advances in air conditioner design have made new systems much more energy efficient than older systems. Even an air conditioner that is 5 years old is not going to run as efficiently as a brand new system would. And as air conditioners age they lose efficiency. If you keep your system well maintained it will run better than if you do nothing, but even a well maintained older system will not run as well as a new system.

When it comes to energy efficiency, all air conditioners are given a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The minimum SEER rating used to be 10, but the federal government recently upped it to 13. Most contractors won’t install any systems that rate less than a 13. A good SEER rating is 16 or higher. A great SEER rating is over 20. Of course the higher the SEER rating, the more expensive the system. But don’t let that deter you from purchasing a better system. The higher the SEER rating, the more money you will save on your energy bill. In fact, the money you save on energy will pay for a new system in a few short years.

Has your energy bill been getting higher and higher each month? This is a sign of poor performance by your air conditioner. Look back at your records; is your bill higher this summer than it was last summer? Unless the weather has been significantly hotter this season than last, most likely your air conditioner isn’t running as well as it was. A tune-up could help, but may only be a short-term fix.

Certain makes and models of air conditioners have the best SEER ratings and have also been given good reviews for reliability. You can do your own research to see what homeowners are saying about their air conditioners. Or you can ask a professional heating and air conditioning company what they recommend. HVAC companies that repair and install air conditioners know which makes and models are the best because they work with them every day.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving the Greensboro area since 1924. Berico technicians have the experience necessary to recommend the best air conditioner for your home, and they can install it correctly. Don’t continue to lose money because your air conditioner doesn’t run as efficiently as it should; replace it sooner rather than later.

Air Conditioning Installation Greensboro

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Air Conditioning Installation GreensboroInstallation of a central air conditioning unit in Greensboro is a job that is extremely critical to the efficient operation of your system. Proper installation will ensure the best performance from your air conditioning system. Poor installation can cause your air conditioner to break down more often and run less efficiently. Find a reputable contractor who can recommend the best air conditioning unit for your home and install it correctly.

One of the most common mistakes that is made when installing a new central air conditioner is incorrect size. It is crucial that a thorough assessment of the home is done in order to determine the right sized air conditioner. An air conditioner that is too small will not be able to fully cool the home and keep it comfortable. The system will have to run harder and more often, which will shorten its overall lifespan and require more repairs. It will also be less energy efficient and cause energy bills to go up. An air conditioner that is too big will have problems with humidity control and will be more expensive to run.

Another part of installation that can be an issue is the size of the ductwork. The same assessment that is done to determine the size of the air conditioner should also be used to determine the size of the ductwork. Improperly sized ductwork can cause too much or too little airflow in and out of the unit. This can cause your compressor to be overworked, resulting in early equipment failure. It will also impede efficiency.

A common problem that can occur with the ductwork is poor sealing. If the ductwork is not properly sealed, the cool air that should be blowing out of your vents to cool the lived in rooms in your home will escape into the attic or some other area instead. Of course this causes poor cooling of the home and higher energy bills.

Condensate drains are an important part of air conditioning installation that is often done wrong. If excess moisture cannot drain properly out of the AC unit it will cause humidity in the home and will eventually cause other problems. Also, if an emergency drain pan is not installed, any water that overflows from the main drainage pan will leak out into walls and ceilings causing damage to drywall and other problems.

Sometimes air conditioner installation in Greensboro is done with an incorrect level of refrigerant. Refrigerant level has to be very accurate to ensure the best performance from an air conditioner. If the refrigerant is low by even 10% it will cause the energy bill to go up by 20%.

With so many things that can go wrong with installation, be sure to hire a reputable company to do yours. Berico Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving Greensboro since 1924. Certified Berico technicians will accurately assess your home to be sure that the right size system is installed in your home. They have the experience necessary to install the ductwork properly, as well as the drains and refrigerant. You can rely on Berico to do it right the first time.

Greensboro AC Tune up – when it’s time

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Greensboro AC Tune up

Efficiency is key when it comes to air conditioning. You don’t want your energy bill to be any higher than it needs to be. An AC tune up will go a long way to improving the efficiency of your air conditioner. And if you are not already, you should have a tune up done yearly to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Routine maintenance will also help to avoid break downs and repairs.
What time of year should a tune up be done? The best time to have a tune up done is before the weather gets hot. In most cases that would be early springtime. Its best to make sure the system is going to run well the first time you need to turn it on. And you will save the most on energy costs if the system is running efficiently for the entire hot season. Most heating and air conditioning companies offer a combined service package that includes a check of your heating system in the fall and your air conditioner in the spring.

What will a tune up consist of? Technicians have a checklist they follow to check all parts of an air conditioner. The evaporator coil will be thoroughly cleaned. Filters will be changed or cleaned if not disposable. Electrical wiring and components will be reconnected and tightened. Condensate drains will be checked and cleared if there are any blockages. Thermostats will be checked to be sure they are working properly. Refrigerant levels will be checked and refilled if necessary. All moving parts will be thoroughly lubricated. The ductwork will be checked for blockages and leaks. The blower will be checked and cleaned. A few other minor checks and balances will be done to ensure the best performance from your air conditioner.

How much will a tune up cost? Most heating and air conditioning companies offer an annual maintenance package that includes two tune ups; one in the fall for your heat and one in the spring for your air conditioner. The fee depends upon the maintenance package you choose. The advantages of maintenance packages include reduced repair fees and priority service to name a few. The cost varies from one company to another, but whatever the fee, routine maintenance will save you money. You will save money on energy by keeping your air conditioner running efficiently. You will save money on repairs because your system won’t need repaired as often, and if it does, the fee you pay toward your maintenance plan will reduce your repair costs.

The benefits of an AC tune up are endless. Choose a reputable HVAC company to perform your routine tune ups. In Greensboro, that company should be Berico Heating and Air Conditioning. Berico has provided heating and air conditioning service to Greensboro and the surrounding area since 1924. Berico technicians have the training and experience necessary to give your air conditioner a complete tune up that will keep it running properly and efficiently.

Reidsville and Eden AC Replacement

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AC Replacement in Reidsville and Eden NC

Reidsville and Eden AC ReplacementTo repair or replace? How do you know when it’s time to stop repairing your air conditioner and replace it with a new one? The best way to decide is to call a professional repair company. Trained technicians can diagnose your system and suggest the best course of action. But there are a few things you can look for that may mean your air conditioner needs to be replaced.

One thing to consider is the age of your system. Air conditioners can last for 15 or 20 years, but if your unit is more than 10 years old, you may want to consider replacement. Older systems are not as efficient as newer systems are. A newer, more efficient system uses less energy and will save you money. Another consideration with the age of your air conditioner is the type of refrigerant it uses. Older systems use Freon, which is being phased out by the federal government and being replaced by a new type of refrigerant that is more energy efficient. Eventually all air conditioners will use the new refrigerant and Freon will not be available for refilling old systems.

If your home is not cooling consistently, it may be time to replace your air conditioner in Reidsville, NC. You may find that some rooms are cool and others are not. It may seem that it takes too long for your home to cool down to the desired temperature. It may also seem that your system is running constantly to keep your home cool, which is a sign that your system is not working properly. And constant running will cause your system to wear out faster, making replacement inevitable.

Another sign that your air conditioner may be on its last legs is excessive noise. If your system is making more noise than usual, it is usually a sign that there are problems such as disconnected parts or a worn out motor. These things may be able to be repaired, but sometimes the cost of repairs is more than the cost of a new system. If your air conditioner needs repairs often, the cost will add up and you may find that you will save more money in the long run by replacing your system. A professional can help you to make this decision by evaluating the condition of your system.

Sometimes the problem is not with the performance of your air conditioner, but with the size. If the air conditioner is too small for the size of your home, it will not be able to do its job. Air conditioners are matched to homes based on the square footage that needs to be cooled. An air conditioner that is too small will not be able to keep your home at the desired temperature. Some rooms may be cooler than others and you may find that the humidity level is too high. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, consider upgrading to a bigger system.

If you need a technician to evaluate your air conditioner, Carolina Fuels is available in Eden and Reidsville. Trained technicians can repair or replace your system 24 hours a day. Call 336-623-9741 or visit our website: www.berico.com.

Air Conditioner Replacement in Burlington, NC

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Burlington AC Replacement

Burlington AC ReplacementAs a homeowner, you will at some point find yourself faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to replace your air conditioner in Burlington, NC. There are many factors to consider when making this decision: the age of your system, how efficiently it’s running, the cost of repairs, the comfort level in your home, etc. Here are some of the most important things to look for.

How old is your air conditioner? If your system is 10 or more years old, it most likely needs to be replaced. When an air conditioner gets old it doesn’t run as efficiently. It won’t cool as well, it will need to run more often, and your energy costs will go up. New air conditioners are designed to run as efficiently as ever. They are quieter, use less energy, and make your home more comfortable. The cost of a new system will be offset by the amount of money you will save in energy costs.

Another problem with an old system is that it may still use R22 Freon as coolant. The federal government is phasing out R22 Freon in lieu of a new refrigerant that is more energy efficient. If your system still uses Freon or if it needs repairs that have anything to do with coolant, it may be a good time to replace your system. Eventually it will be necessary.
Even if your system is not yet 10 years old, it still may be running at low efficiency. This will be noticeable in your energy bill, if it goes up and continues to be higher than usual. Other signs of inefficiency are excessive humidity and uneven temperatures throughout the home. If simple repairs are not able to correct these issues, it may be time to schedule an energy audit or estimate on a new system.

If your air conditioner needs repairs, weigh the cost of the repairs against the price of a new system. Most likely the repairs will cost less than replacing the entire system in the immediate future. But in the long run, you will most likely find that replacing your system will save you money on future repairs. If it seems that your system needs repaired often, you should probably replace it.

A common problem with air conditioners is that your home just doesn’t cool well enough to be comfortable. This can mean your system is not running properly. But it can also mean that the air conditioner that was installed is not the correct size for your home. Air conditioning systems come in different sizes based on the square footage of your home. If the system you have isn’t big enough, it won’t be able to cool your home. It may be time to upgrade to a bigger air conditioner.

If you are unsure if your AC system needs to be replaced, Alamance Oil Company can help. Trained technicians can evaluate your system and determine the best course of action. Alamance Oil Company serves Burlington and the surrounding areas and we are available 24 hours for emergencies. Call 336-226-9371 or visit our website: www.berico.com.

Air Conditioner Repair in Burlington, NC

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Air Conditioner Repair in Burlington, NC

If your air conditioner stops working in Burlington, NC during hot weather, it can be frustrating and miserable. There are various things that can go wrong with an air conditioning system but there are a few common problems that occur most often. It is best to call a professional repair company to diagnose and repair your AC system in Burlington. An accurate diagnosis and correct repair of the system is crucial to its performance and overall life span, and possibly upholding your warranty.

One common problem with air conditioning systems is faulty wiring. If the system is not properly wired it can repeatedly trip the circuit breaker or prevent the system from getting power. Most importantly, faulty wiring is a fire hazard and needs to be addressed and repaired immediately. Professional technicians are trained to check and properly wire air conditioning systems to ensure safety and prevent hazards.

Another problem that can occur is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is what cools the air, so if it seems the unit is running but the air coming out of the vents isn’t cool, then most likely the refrigerant is low. If the system is low on refrigerant it typically means there is a leak somewhere. A refrigerant leak is also an environmental hazard. A technician can locate and repair the leak and charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

You may find that the outside fan has quit running. If this is the case then the hot hair from inside your house is not being transferred outside like it should be. This can cause the compressor to overheat and trip the safety overload. Worst case scenario it can cause permanent damage to the compressor. In most cases this can be repaired by a trained technician.
Sometimes the outside unit is simply not running. This can mean there is a lack of power to the unit. It can also be caused by a thermostat issue. It takes a professional to determine the cause and correct the problem.

If your filters become dirty or the ductwork becomes blocked, that lack of airflow can cause an internal coil to freeze. Usually a frozen coil is due to lack of air flow but can also be caused by low refrigerant. A professional will be able to find the reason and correct it.

The best way to combat against these issues is to obtain a routine maintenance package from a reliable repair company. Alamance Oil Company offers routine maintenance and service plans to the Burlington area. There are various packages available to suit individual needs. Maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently. A technician will give your system an annual tune-up to make sure the system is working to its full potential. When you keep your system at top performance it extends the life of your system and keeps your energy costs low. We also offer 24 hour emergency service so you can call any time, day or night, if your system fails. Call Alamance Oil Company at 336-226-9371 or visit our website at www.berico.com.

AC Repair Reidsville Eden NC

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Air Conditioning Repair in Reidsville and Eden, NC

Air Conditioning RepairWhen your air conditioner breaks down during hot weather, you will notice pretty quickly. But what you may not notice are the more subtle indications that your air conditioner is not running properly. If you check for some common clues that there might be a problem, you can have them repaired before they cause your system to fail. And keeping your system running as efficiently as possible will cut down on energy costs. Call a professional repair service if you notice any of the following symptoms.

If your air conditioner is making a lot of noise or more noise than usual, that is often an indication that something isn’t working properly within your system. Air conditioners are designed to run as quietly as possible, so excessive noise can mean any number of things are wrong. There may be loose parts or the motor may be starting to wear out. If the noise persists or gets louder, it’s time to call a repair service. AC repair in Reidsville, NC can be handled easily.

You may notice that the air flow is weaker than normal coming from your vents. If this occurs the first thing to do is replace your filters. Clean filters ensure the best air flow possible because the dirt and dust that build up in them block the air. If your filters are clean and the air flow is still weaker than normal, it may be time to call for a repair. Sometimes there is a blockage in the ductwork that may be difficult to clear out.

It may seem that your home isn’t cooling off as fast as it should be. Check to see that the air coming from the vents is cool. If the air isn’t cool enough or it seems that the system is running constantly without reaching the desired temperature, you may have a coolant issue or possibly a bigger problem. When your air conditioner is working overtime it can cause many more problems and will shorten the overall life span of your system.

Sometimes a problem with your air conditioner is not obvious. Just because your system has not stopped running doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. And ignoring the small signs of a problem can lead to bigger malfunctions of your system. It is much better to have your air conditioner repaired before it fails completely. Sometimes what seems like a small repair can keep you from having to replace your entire system.

Besides being aware of any changes in your air conditioner, the best thing you can do for your system is to have routine maintenance performed annually by an expert. Carolina Fuels offers maintenance packages and service plans that include a yearly tune-up of your system as well as discounts on repairs. Preventative maintenance will ensure that you will not find yourself without air conditioning on a hot day. Carolina Fuels serves Eden and Reidsville for all of your HVAC needs. We offer 24 hour emergency service so call any time you experience a problem. You can contact Carolina Fuels by phone: 336-623-9741 and on our website: www.berico.com.