How Cold is the Air from My Air Conditioning?

/in /by

Having air conditioning in your home is a wonderful luxury during the hot summer months. Rather than having to move fans around your house and open up windows in search of a cooling breeze, as we used to have to do,  you can simply set your AC system at the right temperature and forget about it. But what temperature is the air that is produced by that system? And can you change it? This article will look at those interesting questions.

To work with a leader in residential air conditioning at your home, contact Berico today. Whether you are searching the internet for “AC repair near me” or you’d like to have a new system installed, Berico is up for the challenge and has been keeping customers comfortable in their homes for nearly a century.

 

An Air Conditioning Primer

Despite being in millions of homes and businesses, there is a general misunderstanding about how air conditioning works and what the system is doing when it is running. No, an air conditioner does not “make” cold air. While it might sound like a minor difference, what an AC unit actually does is pull heat out of the air, causing it to feel cooler when it is returned to the living spaces in your home.

So, within an air conditioning system, there are two streams of air – the air going into the unit, and the air coming out. Those are called “return” air – the air going into the HVAC equipment – and “supply” air, or the cooled air being supplied to the building. When trying to figure out how cold the air will be when it comes out of your air conditioning system, you first need to know what temperature the air was at when it started.

 

A Consistent Change

If you set your air conditioner to 68*, you shouldn’t automatically expect the air coming out of the vents to be precisely 68*. In reality, it might be warmer, or it may be cooler. It all depends on what temperature the air was when the system started running. When an AC system is working correctly, the supply air will be roughly 15* – 20* cooler than the return air. That’s the range that the system is capable of achieving when things are running properly and there are no leaks or other issues.

Based on the setting of your thermostat, the system will continue to run until the interior temperature of the space comes down to your desired level. This could take just a few minutes, or it could take quite a long time if you started with a particularly high temperature inside (or if the system is not running efficiently).

 

Spotting the AC Problems

If the air conditioning in your home doesn’t seem to be working properly, you can bring in the team at Berico to figure out what is wrong. One of the ways the system can be tested is to evaluate the temperature of the return and supply air to make sure there is a suitable difference between the two. If not, something in the system is not working correctly, and a repair will need to be completed. Call for assistance today to get your air conditioner back into working order.

Choosing the Right Gas Logs for Your Fireplace

/in /by

When you think of putting a log on the fire, you probably think first about a piece of wood that you burn up with a natural flame. That’s one option, but more and more homeowners are preferring propane or natural gas over burning wood. If you are going to go with a gas fireplace, or if you already have one that you’d like to update, finding the right gas logs is an essential step.

 

To order gas logs in Greensboro, look no further than Berico. As a trusted HVAC contractor with a long history of great service throughout the area, Berico will always exceed your expectations.

 

What Do Gas Logs Do?

In this application, the word “log” is a bit of a misnomer – these aren’t actually logs in the traditional sense. Instead, they are products that have been designed to look like logs and allow gas to flow through them and out of designed openings. When the gas fire is lit, the flames will come out of those openings and closely replicate the look of an actual wood fire. Quality gas logs will allow you to enjoy a beautiful fire day after day with impressive durability and minimal loss in performance over the years.

 

Some Key Considerations

So, when picking out gas logs for a fireplace, what should you be looking for? The final choice is up to you, but here are some important considerations to keep in mind.

  • Some people like to have a rather full fireplace, with plenty of flames and plenty of logs for aesthetic effect. But that’s not the only option – you could also choose to have a limited number of logs in the fireplace, favoring a clean, minimalist look. It’s up to you but think about what will fit your style best before deciding what set of logs to purchase.
  • While all of the logs you can pick from are going to imitate the look of natural wood in some way, there are varied shades available. You might opt for a lighter wood tone, or you may favor something darker, with plenty of faux bark showing on the front. Again here, there is no right answer, so just think about what will look best with your décor and what will match your tastes.
  • How much flame you want to show. The layout of some log sets will obscure quite a bit of the flame, while other log arrangements are more open and allow for easy viewing of the flame. Yet again, it’s a matter of personal preference for how you want it to be set up.

 

Getting the Right Help

Once you have picked out the appropriate gas logs for your fireplace, the last step will be having them installed so you can get the fireplace up and running right away. For that, you’ll want to turn to the professional help of a team like the one at Berico. This is a job that isn’t well-suited to the average homeowner, as mistakes made in the installation could lead to a safety hazard. Trust the Berico team and know you’ll have many cozy nights in front of the gas fireplace ahead of you.

How Much Training Does an HVAC Technician Need?

/in /by

When you hire a contractor to work on your HVAC system, you just assume that the technician sent to your home will be properly trained. But what does that mean? How much training is required to work properly on these complicated pieces of equipment? This article will take a closer look at this topic.

To hire Greensboro HVAC technicians that you can be sure are trained to meet all accepted standards, turn to Berico. A leader in HVAC in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding area, Berico is always up to the challenge and will make sure every technician who works on your property is fully qualified to get the job done.

The Importance of Sufficient Training
It is crucial to make sure any technician that works on your system is fully trained and ready for the challenges that they will face. This is important for a variety of reasons, but first and foremost is safety. HVAC equipment can be dangerous when not handled correctly, so proper training is needed to make sure repair and maintenance work is done safely and no one is put in jeopardy.

Also, good training means your equipment will be treated with care, and the work will be a success in the end. You don’t want to have low-quality work take away from the performance of your system, and you certainly don’t want to reduce the lifespan of the equipment by not hiring the right technicians. Go with a trusted name in the industry so you don’t run into any unexpected problems.

Various Licensing Levels
There are three general levels of HVAC licensing offered in the state of North Carolina. Those are referred to as H1, H2, and H3. The basic licensing level, and the one you will want to be sure is in place for a technician working on your home, is H1. This permits the license holder to do work on single-family homes, and other buildings like commercial and industrial facilities (if the technician has a Class 1 license within the H1 category).

Going up to the H2 and H3 levels of licensing is relevant for technicians who plan to work on larger systems. For example, someone working on a forced air system over 15 tons will need to have an H2 license to do that work legally.

Passing the Exam
There is also a licensing exam to consider for those who work in this industry. With that said, technicians need to start working in the field to accumulate the necessary experience to take the exam and secure their licenses. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of license in question, but for a contractor exam, it’s necessary to have two years of work experience to sit for the exam, while the threshold is 18 months for a technician exam.

As a customer, you don’t need to get too caught up in the details of HVAC licensing in North Carolina, as long as you know that your chosen contractor is fully qualified to do the job on your property. For that, simply call Berico and you’ll be assured of working with a talented and experienced technician each and every time.

HVAC Terms to Know

/in /by

When you talk about HVAC service with some contractors, it can seem like they are speaking an entirely different language. Whether you need furnace repair, AC repair, or something else entirely, it’s important to know what your technician is talking about, so you can make an informed decision.

Berico makes it a point to talk to customers in plain language, but it’s still helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the commonly used terms in this industry. The definitions below should be a big help.

Ductwork
Starting with an easy one, ductwork is the metal conduits, usually square, that carry heated or cooled air through your home. If you have damage to your HVAC ducts, the air won’t circulate as efficiently, and you’ll be using more energy than necessary to get the results you desire.

BTUs
The acronym “BTU” stands for British Thermal Units, and this is a measurement used to quantify what a piece of HVAC equipment is capable of producing. A single BTU is the amount of energy required to boost the temperature of a pound of water by a single degree. If you are in the market for new HVAC equipment, you’ll likely see BTU ratings listed for various models.

Compressor
Essential to the functioning of an air conditioner, the compressor is a piece of equipment that adds pressure to a refrigerant as it moves through the system. If the compressor in your system fails, it won’t be able to cool air until it is repaired or replaced.

Filter
Playing a critical role in HVAC equipment for either heating or cooling, a filter is used to keep airborne particles from reaching your equipment and clogging things up. Changing your filter regularly is an important task.

Refrigerant
In an air conditioning system, the refrigerant flows through a line and moves in and out of a building. When inside, the refrigerant takes up heat energy and then carries it outside where it can be transferred to the outside environment. Then, the newly cooled refrigerant flows back into the building to pick up more heat and do it all over again. Sufficient refrigerant in the system is essential to get good performance out of your air conditioner.

Thermostat
The thermostat that controls your HVAC system is the brain of the operation, so it’s important that it is in good working order. Upgrading to a newer thermostat model could go a long way towards optimizing the performance of the system throughout the year.

Zone system
Rather than treating the whole home as a single zone, a zoned HVAC system is able to deliver different levels of heating and cooling to various parts of the house. In the end, you are left with a system that is more efficient than a single-zone layout, and you’ll be more comfortable on even the hottest and coldest of days.

Heat pump
The name of this type of HVAC equipment confuses some people, but it’s actually quite simple. A heat pump can work to either heat or cool a space, depending on the time of year and the weather outside. During the winter, the heat pump can augment the performance of a furnace to get better results while using less energy. In the summer, the heat pump serves as an air conditioner, pulling heat out of the house and bringing down the temperature.

Best HVAC Systems for 2022

/in /by

Having a quality HVAC system operating in your home is essential to stay comfortable throughout the year. Whether it’s hot outside and you need effective performance from your air conditioner, or a cold snap has set in and you need to warm up quickly, good HVAC equipment is the key. This article will look at some of the best HVAC systems on the market in 2022.

For help with any type of residential HVAC project in Greensboro, Burlington, Eden, and the surrounding areas, reach out to the pros at Berico for assistance.

Put Your Trust in Leading Brands
While shopping for a new HVAC system can be complicated and potentially overwhelming, you can make it easier by sticking with some of the top brands in the market. Rather than turning to a lesser known name for your residential HVAC project, you’ll be on good footing if you decide to purchase from a brand that has been trusted in this market for years. Berico always wants to be sure that its customers are getting the best of the best, which is why four specific brands are used for the majority of projects:

•American Standard. One of the longest-standing names in the business; quality and variety are two calling cards of the American Standard name. Whether you need a new furnace for your oil heating system, heat pump, air conditioner, or anything else in the HVAC world, this brand can deliver.

•Lennox. When only the best will do, you’ll want to pay close attention to products bearing the Lennox name. Specifically, this brand tends to excel in the area of efficiency, so you can cut down on your monthly utility bill while still getting outstanding performance when you have Lennox equipment installed.

•Rheem. Again here, we find a brand that has been trusted for many years and brings a long list of products to the market. Rheem does an excellent job of blending quality with value, so most buyers will be able to find something in this product line that matches up with their needs.

•Thermo Pride. HVAC shoppers will also be impressed by the line of products produced by Thermo Pride. With decades of experience and plenty of quiet, energy-efficient options to pick from, this is another brand that Berico is proud to install.

Getting Help with Your Purchase
While the list of four brands above is an excellent starting point to pick out the right HVAC system for your needs, it can be tricky to know exactly which model is the right option. How many BTUs will be right for your space? What style of equipment is going to fit with your existing setup? There are more questions than answers in the early stages.

This is where it is so helpful to partner with an experienced team like Berico to find the right equipment in a timely manner. You don’t have to make this choice alone – you can get help directly from an expert team so you know the pick you make will be a good one.

Is Propane Really Clean Burning?

/in /by

One of the benefits of using propane that you will often hear repeated is that it is a clean-burning fuel. But is that really true? It’s one thing for a piece of information to be repeated often – it’s another thing for that point to be proven correct. This article will be examining whether propane is actually a clean burning fuel and if you should consider using it for your energy needs.

 

If you’ve been trying to search for a “propane supplier near me” with little luck, turn to Berico for help. Berico is a great pick to fill a propane tank in Greensboro, Burlington, Eden and many other locations in the area.

 

A Deserved Reputation

You have heard that propane is a clean-burning fuel because it is just that – burning propane is considered to be an excellent alternative to other fuels that produce pollutants as part of the ignition process. When you burn propane, you’ll have your energy needs met without some of the harmful side effects that can come along with other fuels.

 

Also, beyond the clean-burning nature of the fuel, it’s also safer to work with in terms of spills. While you never want to intentionally spill fuel, of course, no damage will be done to the environment if a spill does occur. You can feel good about using propane heat in your home because of both the way the fuel burns clean and because of the performance it offers.

 

Many Other Reasons to Choose Propane

You might be motivated at first to choose propane because of its clean-burning nature, but that’s actually just one of many motivations to pick this form of fuel. Some of the other advantages of propane include:

  • Storage tank. For convenience, and perhaps cost savings, you can have a large propane tank installed on your property that you can use to heat your home for an extended period. Propane tanks can even be buried underground, so you can have a large tank on your property without having it take up space or even be visible.
  • Save money. While energy prices will vary from time to time and place to place, you might find that you spend less overall to heat your home with propane than you would have to spend for an energy source like electricity. This is particularly true if you partner with a company like Berico that will offer meaningful discounts for recurring propane deliveries.
  • Lasting performance. Using propane HVAC equipment will often lead to a longer lifespan than what you would get from other types of equipment. That’s yet another way to save money, as you might be able to move the replacement of your HVAC equipment out further into the future.
  • Use for other purposes. You don’t have to just run a furnace on the propane that you are having delivered to your property – you can choose to run other appliances, such water heater, dryer, gas stove, gas logs, in your home on this same power source to make things convenient and more affordable.

By burning clean and offering a long list of performance advantages, propane makes itself an excellent pick for countless homeowners. Reach out to Berico today to find out about using propane in your home.

HVAC Tips for New Homeowners

/in /by

As a new homeowner, you will want to be proactive to make sure that your HVAC system is kept up and running as efficiently as possible.   Failure to do so will likely result in higher costs for HVAC repair in Burlington or worse, result in a failure of a system that might otherwise have given you years and years of great service.

 

A few simple steps will help you to take care of your HVAC unit so you can keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Some of the tips a new homeowner should keep in mind for your HVAC system include:

 

Check the Filters

Replacing your filters can help the unit run efficiently while keeping the airflow in your home clean. There are a number of factors to consider when determining when to change the filters including:

  • Whether you have pets in the home.
  • How many people live in the home.
  • The type of filter you use
  • Your proximity to a busy road

Your filter will likely need to be changed a minimum of two times a year but quarterly would be even better.

 

Check the Outdoor Unit

Your air conditioner can keep you nice and cool in the summer, but if it obstructed or is not draining well, you may have an urgent need for a Burlington HVAC company.  Your goal is to give the AC unit at least two feet of space from anything near it and look for any debris, dirt or growth that may be inhibiting the airflow. Consider scheduling an AC checkup if you are uncertain about the condition of the air conditioner and the furnace.

 

Check All Drains

While you are looking at your air conditioner, take the time to look at the drain line and make sure it drains properly. Your AC system will struggle to keep the home cool in the summer if the drain is clogged up and it is a simple fix that you can likely handle.

 

Do a Ductwork Inspection

It is a smart idea to have your ductwork inspected once a year. If anyone in the home has asthma or allergies, a thorough duct cleaning can help everyone to breathe better and will help keep the dirt and allergens out of the system. This also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently.

 

Have Routine Maintenance

Both your air conditioner and furnace need to have routine maintenance. Having a routine checkup twice a year will help to keep those surprise bills for “HVAC repair” in Burlington kept to a minimum. Choose an HVAC professional who will tune-up and clean the system and can take a look at everything and provide recommendations on which parts need to be replaced or repaired before the entire system goes down and you are in need of HVAC replacement.

As a new homeowner, it is hard to know what steps it takes to maintain your heating and cooling system and keep it going for years to come. The team at Berico is committed to helping you maintain your system and keep it in the best possible condition. Whether you have a question or would like a repair done, the Berico team is here to help. Contact Berico today to schedule your HVAC repair in Burlington or to get onboard with a regular HVAC maintenance program.  To learn more about the Berico Maintenance plans click here:  https://www.berico.com/hvac-maintenance/

Bur-Mil Park

/in /by

Created in 1989, the Bur-Mill Park provides 250-acres of scenic views of Lake Brandt. It boasts a wide variety of outdoor activities for those who live in Greensboro, Summerfield, Oakridge and surrounding areas. Visitors can make a stop to see Bur-Mill Park at 5834 Bur-Mill Club RD. Greensboro, NC 27410.

 

About Bur-Mill Park

 

Visitors to Bur-Mill Park will have 250-acres to explore. This park includes many great amenities to enjoy including a par 3 golf course with nine holes, a clubhouse, and an aquatic center to name a few. When you want to see some of the beauty and nature of Greensboro and get the whole family out for the day, then Bur-Mill Park is a great place to spend some time.

 

Amenities at Bur-Mill Park

 

Visitors to Bur-Mill Park will have their choice of different activities to enjoy. Whether you are ready to keep busy with a fun sport or want to take the kids swimming to get them to expend some of that excess energy, Bur-Mill Park can provide it all. Some of the amenities visitors can enjoy include:

 

  • The Lake Brandt Pier
  • 2 fishing ponds to enjoy
  • The Wildlife Recreation Center
  • The clubhouse
  • A playground
  • 7 picnic shelters for that nice meal during the day
  • Hiking trails
  • A 3-par golf course attached to a driving range
  • Pickleball and tennis center
  • Aquatic center

 

The Hiking Trails

 

Pedestrians can gain access to the Atlantic-Yadkin Greenway, located near the Wildlife Education Center. The Greenway is a paved trail that will lead all the way to the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park if the visitor chooses to walk that far.

 

While on the trail, visitors will get a great view of Lake Brandt as they go across the H. Michael Weaver Bridge. Visitors can stay on the path and enjoy some of the native plants and wildflowers, or they can take a detour and see some of the unpaved paths of Watershed Trail.

 

A Game of Golf

 

Golfers will be able to enjoy year-round play on Bur-Mil Park’s 9-hole golf course. The course is lighted, making it easier to play throughout the evening. Before hitting the golf course, visitors can choose to practice their swing at the driving range too. Also Check This Out

 

Fishing at Bur-Mil

 

Visitors will have a chance to try out two ponds for all of their fishing needs. The pond options include one that is 1-acre and one that is 3.5-acres large. They both contain a variety of fish including sunfish, bream, catfish, and bass. Visitors will notice that the Wildlife Education Center is located between both ponds. It contains educational materials, loaner rods for youth under 15 years of age, and live bait to purchase. As part of the community fishing program, visitors will find that Bur-Mill Park is a great place to spend the afternoon catching that big fish or at least, trying to.

 

If your kids are driving you crazy and you need to get out of the house, or you would just like a fun sight to see in Greensboro, NC, make sure to check out Bur-Mill Park at 5834 Bur-Mill Club RD. Greensboro, NC 27410.

Read More

Guilford Courthouse National Park

/in /by

When you are ready to learn more about Guilford County and the important part that it played in the Revolutionary War, then you should visit the Guilford Courthouse National Park. This area marks a critical spot of a major battle, where General Cornwallis, and General Nathanael Greene met on March 15, 1781. You can find this historic site at 2332 New Garden Road in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Read More
Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to tour this historical site, with open hours between 8:30AM to 5:00 PM every day, excluding major holidays. If you wish to stop at the Visitor Center, the hours are slightly different. This Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors are able to visit this historical spot for free, making it a great way for everyone to learn more about the History of the United States and the struggles of our forefathers in forming this country.

 

Explore the Guilford Courthouse National Park

 

There is something for everyone to enjoy when they come to the Guilford Courthouse National Park. This historical landmark is a key part of the Revolutionary War and visitors will have a chance to learn more about the battle along with the historic people who took place in the action on that day back in 1781. The park offers many opportunities to explore, from the beautiful forests nearby to an opportunity to follow the footsteps of the soldiers who helped form our country.

 

While you are at the Guildford Courthouse National Park, you will be able to find different activities that are designed for youth, individuals, adults, and families. Everyone should consider starting the tour right at the Visitor Center. This area provides more facts about this Guilford Battle and visitors can get a map that will lead them through the battlefield. Park rangers are available to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Tours Available

 

Visitors to Guilford Courthouse National Park will be able to choose to take a tour of this historical site. There are both walking and driving tours available depending on how you would like to see the park.

 

Those who choose the walking tour can follow in the very same footsteps that soldiers and generals did all those years long. This tour will begin at Hoskins Farms and takes 1.75 miles to complete. The audio portion will last for 38 minutes, and guests should expect the whole thing to take them 90 minutes to finish.

 

For visitors who do not want to walk, there is also a driving tour. This tour takes up 2.5 miles and will have slightly more audio at 42 minutes. This tour will only take an hour but will explore many of the same stops as you could find on the walking tour.

 

If you are an American History buff, then the Guilford Courthouse National Park is a great place to visit on your bucket list. There is a lot of history that is sure to captivate everyone and with beautiful scenery that you are going to love, this is a day well spent. Come visit Guilford Courthouse National Park located at 2332 New Garden Road in Greensboro, North Carolina 27410

Another great place to visit

Bryan Park

/in /by

Get ready for a day of great golf at Bryan Park. You can find this great golf course at 6275 Bryan Park Rd. Brown Summit, NC 27214. Home to two golf courses, players can take their choice of enjoying the Players Course or the Champions Course. Both of these courses offer 18-holes of pristine views and great golf for beginners and professionals alike.

More About Greensboro

The Golf Courses

Bryan Park is best known for the two golf courses that visitors can choose from. Both are 18 holes courses and many challenges that can make them more unique than some of the other golf courses you may have tried. The two golf courses available at Bryan Park include:

The Players Course

The Players Course opened in 1974 and was designed by George Cobb. In 1988, Rees Jones modified the course to its modern look and design. The course includes eight lakes and ponds as well as 79 bunkers. Most visitors to this golf course come for the sheer enjoyment of golfing, but it will only take a few minutes on this course to really that it is a challenge to your golfing skills. It’s a Par 72, course and has plenty to offer golfers of every level.

The Champions Course

The Champions Course is newer than the Players Course, opening in 1990 and is a masterpiece of Rees Jones. This golf course has 18 hold and features seven holes that border Lake Townsend, numerous hollows and grass bunkers, and a total of 97 sand traps. It was ranked as the runner-up for the Best New US Public Course by Golf Digest in 1990 and has consistently ranked high ever since. This 72 Par golf course will give you a run for your money and can be a challenge for everyone who comes to visit.

Golf Rates

Rates for a game of golf will vary depending on the day, whether you are a resident of Greensboro, and the time of day. For example, weekends and holiday rates are $64 per golfer while twilight hours during the week are $41 per golfer. Residents of Greensboro County get a $5 discount per golfer.

Hosting Events at Bryan Park

Bryan Park is the perfect place to host your next big event. Many couples choose to have their wedding or reception at Bryan Park, enjoying the scenic views of the lake and a unique atmosphere that they are not able to enjoy anywhere else. Let Bryan Park take care of the details of your wedding or big event, with facility rentals including foundation set-up of tables and chairs, a sound system, podium, and your own Event Host to help make the night go off without any problems. Corporate events, special occasions, and more are welcome at Bryan Park.

Whether you want to try a challenging course or get out and enjoy the weather, an afternoon at Bryan Park is a great option. You can visit at 6275 Bryan Park Rd. Brown Summit, NC 27214.

Learn More