How Can I Tell if My Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade?

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You probably haven’t thought about your electrical panel in a while. In fact, unless the power goes out or you need to work on something that requires turning off a breaker, you never think about your panel. It just sits off somewhere, quietly getting the job done.

Everything wears out over time, however, and that includes electrical panels. If it’s time for a Greensboro electrical panel upgrade, the talented team at Berico is ready to work on the project. Take a moment now to call and learn more about breaker box replacement and other services offered by this trusted brand.

 

What Does an Electrical Panel Do?

The primary job of the panel is to distribute power throughout your home. Electricity flows into your home from the grid, and it comes to the panel where it is then divided up among a number of different circuits. Each of these circuits has a breaker that will trip when the circuit is overloaded. This is an important safety feature that prevents fires and damage.

Older homes may still have electrical panels that aren’t up to the task of handling how much power modern homes consume. With so many things plugged in these days, your old panel might not be up to the task, and it might need to be replaced.

 

Signs Your Electrical Panel Might Need an Upgrade

You don’t have to be an electrician to notice that your panel might need to be replaced in the near future. Watch for some of the signs below and call Berico for help right away.

  • Frequent tripping breakers. If the breakers in your panel are regularly tripping with no obvious explanation, that’s a sure sign of trouble. The panel may simply be overworked for what it can handle, and an upgrade will be in order.
  • Flickering lights. Have you noticed that your lights dim when you turn on one of your appliances, such as the microwave? That’s another sign that the panel isn’t capable of handling the demands that you are placing on it.
  • Burning smell. You should never ignore a burning smell in your home. In this case, if the panel smells like it is burning, that’s because it is overheating, and a fire is a possibility. Don’t wait around when this issue exists – call Berico right away for assistance.
  • Buzzing sounds. Just like a burning smell, buzzing sounds are also an indication of trouble. When electricity is working well, it is silent. This is another serious warning sign that demands immediate action.

 

Put Your Mind at Ease

An old electrical panel can lead to electrical troubles and can even be a fire hazard. Whether you opt for breaker panel repair in Greensboro or new electrical panel installation, Berico is the right call for this project. Get in touch right away to reserve a spot on the schedule and make sure your home is powered safely and efficiently for years to come.

What Causes Sudden Low Water Pressure (And How Is It Fixed)?

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One of the best things about modern living is not only that you have access to water in your home at all times, but that there is pressure behind that water. It’s the pressure that makes a warm shower possible and makes it easy to do the dishes in your sink.

So, what do you do when the water pressure suddenly drops for no obvious reason? Call for plumbing services from Berico, that’s what. As the best plumber Greensboro has to offer, Berico is up to the challenge of solving your plumbing worries quickly and easily. Get this problem solved today!

 

A Clogged Faucet or Showerhead

Before you dive into more serious potential causes for low water pressure, the issue could be as simple as something clogging up your faucet or showerhead. Typically, that “something” will be mineral deposits that have accumulated over time. The little holes in the faucet aerator or showerhead can get clogged and cause the pressure of the water coming out to be lower. Cleaning the faucet or showerhead with vinegar should be enough to open things up once again.

 

Valve Problems

There are a couple of different ways that valve issues can impact your water pressure. For one thing, the shut-off valve that allows water to come into the house might not be fully opened, which would negatively impact pressure. Likewise, the water meter valve could also be only partially open, which will occur sometimes after utility work is done. You can possibly check the main shut-off valve on your own (if you are a good handyman or handyperson but will need to contact the utility company to check on the meter-side valve.

 

Pipe Leaks

This is where things start to get a little more serious. If you live in an older home with pipes that may have corroded over the years, it’s possible to develop a leak. And when a leak occurs, the water pressure will be reduced because some of it will be escaping through that leak. Of course, in addition to lower water pressure, you’ll also need to be worried about the damage that that water is doing under your home, behind the walls, etc. This is a problem that will require professional help to solve.

 

Water Supply Issues

There is one possibility that is completely unrelated to anything on your property, and that is the water pressure coming from the main supply. During times of high demand, or when there is a repair being performed by the utility company, the water pressure may drop for a while. You could reach out to the utility directly, or even just ask your neighbors, to see if this explanation might apply.

 

Fixing Low Water Pressure is Just the Start

Greensboro plumbing repair from Berico can go far beyond dealing with your low water pressure issue. No matter what it is that is giving your plumbing system trouble, calling Berico to bring a Greensboro plumber out to your property is the right step to take. Soon enough, the problem will be identified, and the right fix will be completed. Put the wheels in motion today!

What is the Most Common Electrical Problem?

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Electricity is incredibly reliable. Just flip a switch and an entire room will light up time after time. But what happens when it doesn’t? Electrical problems can pop up on occasion, and some of the most common issues will be highlighted below.

 

To work with a Greensboro electrician you can trust to handle any problems you encounter, contact Berico to make an appointment today. You’ll be in good hands with the experienced pros on the Berico staff.

 

Four Common Electrical Problems

It’s not going to be possible to list every potential electrical problem you could encounter in your home. Below, however, you will find four of the leading issues that people in the Greensboro area may face with their systems.

 

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips. This is a frustrating one, to be sure. If your breakers keep tripping, it could be due to an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. One potential issue is having too many high-energy appliances plugged into the same circuit.

 

  • Flickering lights. If your lights keep flickering on and off, you might be dealing with a loose electrical connection, outdated wiring, or an overloaded circuit.

 

  • Dead outlets. It can be surprising to plug something into an outlet only to find that no power is being supplied. At first, you might think the problem is with the item that you plugged in rather than with the outlet itself, but there could be a more serious problem.

 

  • Burning smell. This one is immediately concerning, even if you don’t know anything about electrical systems. Consider a burning odor to be a serious red flag as the circuit is likely overheating and a fire is possible.

 

How to Address a Troublesome Electrical System

When you encounter an electrical problem, it’s important to address it right away. Fixing electrical issues quickly will not only allow you to get back to using the system as intended, but it will also cut down on the risk of a dangerous fire.

 

First, bring in a professional electrician to deal with the specific problem you are facing. For instance, if your breakers are tripping regularly or if your lights are flickering, have a contractor address the matter right away. These types of fixes are often rather affordable and can be completed quickly in most cases.

 

From there, make it a point to get on a regular schedule of electrical inspections with your contractor. Those inspections will allow you to catch potential issues before they become bigger, more dangerous problems. Just as you may have your HVAC system serviced annually, you can also have your electrical work inspected to ensure everything is in good condition.

 

Are you dealing with a frustrating electrical problem in your Greensboro home or business? Stop wasting time searching for an “electrician near me” and just call Berico instead. You’ll immediately be working with a qualified electrical contractor that offers competitive rates and prompt service. Make the call and leave your electrical struggles in the past!

What Appliances Can Be Run Off Propane?

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A full propane tank resting just outside your home can power most of the appliances that you count on day after day. This is why so many people in and around the Greensboro area opt for propane as their preferred energy source – it’s a versatile, efficient performer.

 

Can every appliance run off propane? That’s the question that will be tackled below. When you are ready to work with the best propane supplier in the area to keep your tank full for an excellent price, call Berico to schedule a delivery.

 

The Obvious Starting Point

It might go without saying, but a furnace is the first appliance you’ll want to think about when considering the use of propane in your home. Propane furnaces are incredibly efficient and can easily keep your home nice and warm throughout the winter months. Plenty of people throughout the Greensboro area use propane furnaces and it is easy to understand why.

 

Plenty of Other Options

Don’t think that it’s only a furnace that you will be able to run with propane. There are plenty of other options, so once you have your propane tank in place near your home, you can expand your use of that fuel to some of the appliances listed below.

 

  • Water heaters. This is another popular application for the use of propane. You’ll get great efficiency from a propane water heater in either tank or tankless form.

 

  • Stoves and ovens. Gas stoves are typically preferred by serious cooks over electric versions for the heat control that they provide. If you are going to use gas to cook in your home, going with propane makes sense for its efficient, affordable performance.

 

  • Clothes dryers. Most dryers are electric, but propane models are available if you’d like to tap into the power of this fuel for laundry purposes, as well. Propane dryers tend to complete cycles faster than electric models, so you can use less energy and finish this chore quicker than before.

 

  • If you want to have a fireplace in your home for the comfort and ambiance that it provides when the weather gets cold, propane is a good choice for this appliance, as well.

 

Do I Have to Replace All of My Appliances to Switch?

If you want to utilize propane throughout your home to power a number of appliances, you may be able to convert some of your existing equipment to run on propane. That won’t always be possible, however, and you will need to have a professional do the work. Reach out to an HVAC contractor like Berico to learn more about propane conversions and whether or not they are possible with your systems.

 

Teaming up with a reliable Greensboro propane company will make your life easier almost immediately. Berico provides the best delivery of propane Greensboro has to offer, so going in this direction is an easy choice. Reach out today to get started or to ask any questions you may have. The Berico team is excited to serve you!

How Do You Fix a Leaking HVAC Duct?

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HVAC ducts have a simple but important job to handle – they carry the air moved through your HVAC system from one place to another. They typically do this job without any trouble, but it is possible for a leak to develop over time. Fixing these leaks can be a little tricky due to the hard-to-reach placement of the ducts in most homes.

 

For the best AC repair Burlington has to offer, including HVAC duct repairs, call the Berico team right away. You’ll immediately feel better knowing the professionals at Berico are on the job.

 

Signs of a Leaky HVAC Duct

You won’t want to dive into the process of pursuing a repair for a leaky duct until you have good reason to believe that’s actually the problem that you are facing. A few of the signs of this issue are as follows –

 

  • Uneven HVAC performance. Have you noticed that certain parts of your home don’t seem to be heating or cooling properly? Uneven distribution of the warm or cool air that the system is producing could point to a leaky duct.

 

  • Higher energy bills. When your energy consumption suddenly jumps up with no obvious explanation, consider the possibility that your ducts are leaking and causing your system to work harder than it was previously.

 

  • Weak airflow. If you put your hand up to a vent that doesn’t seem to be pushing out as much air as you would expect, it could be the duct that is to blame. Check all of your vents to see if it’s just one or two that appear to be having a problem with airflow.

 

Fixing the Problem

Once you are pretty sure that there is a problem with your HVAC system – even if you aren’t positive that it is a duct leak – the best move is to call in a professional contractor like Berico. The experts will be able to assess your system, identify the exact problems that you are facing, and get to work on the necessary fixes.

 

There are a few different tactics that your contractor may use to fix the ducts. Sometimes, for small leaks, HVAC tape or a mastic sealant product will be able to eliminate the leak and restore the performance of the system. In other cases, it might be necessary to use metal clamps to secure the ducts, or even replace a section of ductwork entirely.

 

Why This Issue Matters

You don’t want to continue to use your HVAC system for long if you have a leak in the ductwork. This problem can lead to energy waste, poor performance from the system, and even a reduced lifespan for your equipment. While it might seem like a small thing, taking care of it as soon as possible is in your best interest.

 

Is your Burlington AC system struggling to keep up on hot days because of leaks in the ductwork? That’s a common problem, but it’s nothing that the best HVAC contractors Burlington has available can’t manage. Turn to Berico today and get your air conditioning back to proper working order in no time at all.

What Are the Benefits of Ductless Mini Splits?

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There are two primary types of HVAC systems – ducted systems and ductless mini splits. This article will explain the difference and highlight the benefits that you can enjoy if you opt for the ductless version.

 

For any type of Greensboro HVAC work that you need to have completed, be sure to make Berico your first call. With a history that dates back a century and thousands of happy customers throughout the region, you’ll never go wrong with Berico.

 

What is a Ductless Mini Split System?

First, it’s important to get on the same page regarding the definition of a ductless mini split system. A traditional HVAC system operates by using air ducts that run throughout a building to carry heated or cooled air to the various rooms. This system works great but is obviously only possible when ducts are in place.

 

For buildings without ducts, a ductless mini split system is an excellent solution. The system features an outdoor compressor unit that is connected to one or more indoor air-handling units that are mounted on walls or ceilings.

 

Enjoy Four Big Benefits

So, what are the benefits of opting for a mini split system instead of the traditional HVAC approach using ducts to carry air? Here are four notable advantages –

 

  • Energy efficiency. As heated or cooled air travels through ducts, it loses some of the heating or cooling that it has been provided, meaning the energy that was used in the system is partially wasted. Mini splits are more efficient because the air that is cooled or heated doesn’t pass through ducts. Also, you can more easily control which rooms in the house are being heated or cooled, so you don’t have to waste energy in spaces that aren’t being used.

 

  • Easy installation. If your building doesn’t have ducts, you would have to go through an expensive and time-consuming process to add those ducts before a traditional HVAC system could be installed. With a mini split, that part of the job is eliminated, meaning the timeline can be shorter and the total cost can be reduced.

 

  • Quiet operation. Some traditional HVAC systems can be rather noisy as they run, but mini splits tend to be extremely quiet. This is a nice feature, especially in places like bedrooms where the system might need to run frequently on a hot summer night to keep you cool.

 

  • Effective all year long. You can opt for a mini split system that functions both as a heater and air conditioner, so you’ll be able to dial in the right temperature no matter what season it is in the Greensboro area.

 

Using a ductless mini split system can be an excellent way to keep your home or business comfortable throughout the year. If you need any AC repair to get your system back to working correctly – or if you need any other type of HVAC repair performed – reach out to Berico and schedule an appointment today.

Will Your Furnace Run Without a Filter?

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The air filter that serves your furnace is one of the most important components of the whole system. You may already know that you should swap out your old filter for a new one regularly, and doing so is an easy (and affordable) job. But could you skip the air filter altogether and just run the furnace without one? This post will resolve this interesting question.

If you are looking for help with a furnace installation project, or if you need heating repair, Berico is the ideal pick for that job. Thanks to a history that dates back generations, Berico is a proven leader in the market and is the easy choice for all of your HVAC needs.

 

The Simple Answer is Yes

To answer the question posed in the title of this article, yes – your furnace will run without a filter. If you were to take out the filter and then turn on the unit, it would run, and you might not even really notice a difference at first.

There is, however, a big difference between asking “Will your furnace run” and “Should your furnace run” without a filter. Yes, it will run, but no, it should not. The filter is an integral component in the system, and you absolutely do not want to run the furnace without one.

 

A Number of Problems Await

If you were to decide to run your furnace without a filter, you would almost certainly run into problems very quickly. For starters, you will have dirt and debris pulled into the furnace system from the air return, and those particles are going to start to collect on key components like the blower motor and heat exchanger. It is the job of the filter to prevent that buildup from occurring, so with no filter in place, things inside the furnace would get dirty and it will soon struggle to work as well as it did previously.

You will also notice that the air quality in your home goes down dramatically when the furnace doesn’t have a filter. A large volume of air is moved through the furnace each day during the cold season, and if that air isn’t filtered, you are going to notice problems like allergy symptoms, dust accumulating on surfaces, and more.

 

A Simple Problem to Solve

Fortunately, there really isn’t any reason to run your furnace without an air filter in place. Purchasing a new air filter is a low-cost investment that will more than pay for itself in terms of the lasting performance you wind up getting out of the unit. And you don’t even need to pay a professional to install the filter, as this is an easy DIY task. Just pick up a new filter that fits your system, put it in place, and provide your furnace equipment with the protection that it needs. An even easier solution is to sign up with Berico’s filter delivery service here: filter delivery service.

Ready to get started with a Burlington furnace repair or installation project? It all starts with a call to Berico. Get in touch today to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Why Your Furnace Might Be Short Cycling

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adjusting thermostat in your homeAs a homeowner, it’s important to pay attention to the performance of your furnace to make sure it is continuing to get the job done properly every day. You don’t have to be an expert in HVAC equipment to do your part in this matter. Just knowing what to pay attention to – like watching for signs of furnace short cycling – can go a long way. Then, when an issue does arise, you can call in the experts for help.

Those experts are the professionals at Berico. Offering the best HVAC repair Eden has to offer, and for excellent prices, Berico will always impress no matter what project is at hand. Call today to get started.

 

What is Short Cycling?

The term “short cycling” refers to a situation in which your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than it should. Furnaces are designed to complete a full heating cycle each time they kick on, which is the most efficient and effective way for them to work. If you notice that the system seems to be going on and off more often than it used to, short cycling is taking place and there are a number of potential causes to consider.

 

Start with the Air Filter

One of the easiest places to begin looking for a cause of short cycling is with the air filter. If it has been a while since you replaced the air filter in your furnace, it may be clogged up and restricting the airflow through the system. This will lead the furnace to overheat, and it will shut itself down as a result. Obviously, the fix here is to replace your air filter, and that might be all it takes to get back to normal operation.

 

Check the Thermostat

You could also be dealing with problems with your thermostat. If you have had the same thermostat for many years, that old unit might be malfunctioning and giving the system inaccurate readings as a result. When the thermostat readings are off, it can send signals to the furnace to turn on or off more quickly than it would have otherwise. Replacing your thermostat with a modern programmable one is an affordable and easy upgrade.

 

Is Your Furnace the Right Size?

Believe it or not, another potential problem that can lead to short cycling is having a furnace that is too big for your home. With a large furnace, you’ll have more heating power than you need, and the spaces might get warm before the heating cycle has had a chance to finish. This is why it’s important to work with a proven HVAC contractor to install a new furnace to make sure the unit you have installed is the right size for your property.

Do you need Eden heating repair that will get the job done properly without breaking the bank? Berico is the answer, and you can place a phone call now to ask any questions you may have or schedule your first appointment. It’s always important to work with a qualified HVAC contractor and they don’t get any better than Berico!

Why More Greensboro Homes Are Switching to Propane for Heat

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What energy source do you use to heat your home? There are a number of options available in the area, but more and more people in this region are turning to propane to keep things toasty all winter long. This post will take a closer look at why so many people are finding propane to be the ideal heating fuel for their needs.

If you decide to make the switch to propane, or you already use propane and need a reliable residential propane delivery company on your side, Berico is the easy choice. Get in touch today to learn more.

 

Reliable Performance All Year Long

When heating your home, the one thing you want more than anything else is reliability. You simply want to be able to set your thermostat and know that your system is going to keep the home at the right temperature day and night. With propane, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Some other types of systems, such as electric heating, can struggle to get the job done when the weather gets particularly cold, but propane will have no such issues.

 

Enjoy Excellent Value

As the winter months add up, the cost of keeping your home warm can start to accumulate. Again here, propane looks like a great pick, as it is an affordable option with steady prices. If you look at the price of propane over time, it tends to be quite stable, so you can plan on paying a reasonable rate for your heating fuel all winter long. If you have noticed that your current fuel source is getting more and more expensive, it might be time to make a switch.

 

Serve the Entire Home

You don’t have to limit your propane usage to just heating your house. While that’s a great starting point, there is much more that can be accomplished with this versatile fuel. You may also want to have it run your water heater, stove, laundry machines, and more. Propane is impressively efficient, so you’ll always be getting a lot of performance for the money you put into filling up the tank.

 

Environmental Benefits

As an added bonus, switching to propane is a smart choice from an environmental perspective, as well. If you would like to lower the overall carbon footprint of your home, go for propane and feel good about the reduced greenhouse gas output of your system as a whole. Even if your primary motivations for making this change are rooted in things like saving money and getting great performance, it’s still nice to know that you’ve done something that will benefit the world around you, as well.

Thanks to excellent furnace efficiency, affordable prices, and many other factors, propane is an outstanding choice for your heating needs. As a local propane delivery company with a history that dates back more than a century, you can always trust Berico to treat you right. Take a moment to reach out today and schedule your first delivery to see what you have been missing!

Should I Replace a 20 Year Old Furnace?

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Deciding when to replace a furnace is one of the trickier questions that homeowners face while maintaining their properties. On the one hand, if a furnace seems to be working fine, why replace it? There is obviously a cost that is associated with that purchase. At the same time, you may suspect that your 20-year-old unit is no longer as effective or efficient as it once was. This post will look at this important question and help you come to a confident answer.

If you have a Greensboro furnace that may be on its last legs, or if you just want to explore your options, take a moment today to check in with the Berico team. Leaders in HVAC repair and installation throughout the Greensboro area, Berico will never let you down.

 

The End is Near

Even if your furnace is still running when it hits the 20-year mark, you can be sure that the useful life of this piece of equipment has just about ended. Most furnaces will be able to perform well for around 10 to 20 years, so if you have already gotten 20 years out of yours, consider yourself lucky and start to plan for what is next.

You’ll likely start to notice some issues with the performance of your old furnace if you look closely. Specifically, you may see that your utility bills have started to climb as the furnace gets less efficient and starts to use more fuel. At the same time, it probably won’t be able to achieve the same type of heating performance as when it was younger, meaning you will be paying more and not even getting the results you need.

 

New Furnaces Offer Plenty of Advantages

Obviously, the cost of a new furnace will be your primary concern when considering this upgrade, but you should know that you stand to gain significantly in a number of areas when you make the move. For one thing, new furnaces are much more efficient than models from a couple of decades ago, so you will use significantly less energy to keep your house warm day after day.

The reliability of a new furnace is also a great selling point. A new furnace can be expected to perform reliably for years to come, and even if a problem does come up along the way, you will have warranty coverage in place that may pay for some or all of the needed repairs. Soon enough, you’ll come to see the investment in a new furnace as a smart move that you maybe should have made a few years ago.

When the calls for furnace repair start to add up and you notice that the time between those repairs keeps getting shorter, it may be time for a replacement. Fortunately, you can work with Berico to decide if your furnace should be replaced, and what modern unit is the best choice for the job. Get started today to enjoy better heating than you have in years!