One of the wonders of the modern world is the ability to control the temperature in your home with just a push of a button or even speaking into your phone or your smart speaker. It’s easy to take the control your thermostat gives you for granted, but this powerful tool has transformed the way we live. Given the control you have over your home’s climate, what temperature settings are optimal throughout the year? The right answer is a little different for everyone, but there are some guidelines you can follow.

To keep your home’s air conditioning and heating systems working properly all year long, contact Berico for Greensboro HVAC service. Ongoing maintenance from Berico can optimize efficiency and help you dial in the ideal temperature and avoid costly repairs.

Understanding the Goal

Whether you are heating or cooling your home, one important goal is to avoid major temperature swings in either direction. Trying to change the temperature of your home dramatically – by more than several degrees or more – requires your air conditioner or furnace to work very hard and uses a lot more energy. A better plan is to consistently maintain your home’s temperature in a comfortable narrow range so the air conditioner and the furnace never has to work too hard.

Managing Your Air Conditioning

When the temperatures outside soar into the 90s and beyond, it’s tempting to crank down your AC even lower to combat the additional heat.  However, just like warming your home on a cold day, it will take a lot of energy to cool your home dramatically on a hot day. So, cranking the thermostat down is not recommended as it will not cool the home faster.  It’s a good strategy to set your AC to a moderate temperature that is still comfortable without demanding too much from your air conditioner.

Try 72* F as a starting point for your AC setting. You might even be comfortable going up to 74* F or so, or you may find that 68* F is necessary to keep everyone happy. Once you determine where you are comfortable, set your air conditioning at that temperature and leave it there. Since your home could get rather hot at night with the AC off, making it harder to sleep, you’ll want to leave it set close to the same temperature throughout the day and night.

A Winter Heating Strategy

While you are awake in your home, you’ll likely want to have the temperature of your thermostat set somewhere around 68* to 70* F. This is a comfortable temperature for most people, but you and your family might like to keep it a little higher or lower, depending on your preferences.

With that said, there is likely no reason to maintain that temperature all night. Keeping the indoor temperature at higher than 70 * F when the weather outside is much cooler does require more energy. Some people allow their home temperature to drop to the mid to low 60s while they sleep, keeping warm with a blanket. As an added bonus, studies have shown that humans tend to sleep better in cool temperatures, so you might find that you get better sleep in a home a little cooler than you might think.

Does your home need a new air conditioner? Whether you’re replacing an old system or installing AC for the first time, it’s very important that you get the right unit for your house. If you get the wrong size or the wrong type for your home, you could end up constantly calling for AC repair in Greensboro.

How do you know what AC unit would be best for your home? Here’s what to consider.

The Square Footage of Your Home

When it comes to the sizing of air conditioners, the biggest factor is the square footage of your home. You need a system that is big enough to cool the total square footage of your home that you want to cool. That does not include any unfinished areas like basements, attics, or garages. However, if you have plans to finish your basement or attic in the near future, you’ll want to take that square footage into consideration when you purchase a new AC unit.

The Weather Where You Live

The type of AC unit that would work for your home also depends on the weather in your area. A traditional air conditioner unit can typically handle the hot summer temperatures in North Carolina. A heat pump would also be effective. Heat pumps are very efficient when it comes to heating and cooling because they transfer heat in and out of your home. The only time that a heat pump is not as effective is in areas where the weather is extremely cold.

Whether or Not Your Home has Ductwork

If you are replacing an old air conditioning unit, is there already existing ductwork? It would work to get a central air conditioner in that case because the ductwork is already in place. If your home does not have ductwork, you could potentially get ducts installed, or you could get a ductless air conditioner.

How Much Shade Your Home Gets

Homes that get a lot of shade from trees tend to stay cooler than those that are always in direct sunlight. When the sun shines directly on your home the majority of the time, it can heat up quickly. You may need a more powerful air conditioning system if your home lacks natural shade.

The Height of Your Ceilings

If you have high or vaulted ceilings, you may need a more powerful air conditioner unit to help your home feel consistently cool and comfortable. It may also play a part in how your ductwork needs to be configured so that the cool air reaches all parts of the house equally.

Windows and Insulation

If you have old windows or your insulation is not very efficient, you may find that you need a more powerful AC unit to keep up with the heat that is passing through. It would be in your best interest to upgrade your windows and insulation to save energy before you invest in a new air conditioning system.

Ask the Experts at Berico 

When it comes to choosing an air conditioning and heating system for your home, you should get a professional recommendation. Berico is an experienced HVAC company that handles installation and AC repair in Greensboro and the surrounding area. If you’re having problems with your current AC unit, it may be time to replace it. Berico will recommend the best AC unit for your home and provide complete installation services.

Call 336-273-8663 today or request a quote for a new AC unit.

Is your air conditioner making more noise than usual? A recent model air conditioner that is working properly should operate relatively quietly. You might hear a slight vibration sound when it starts up as the outdoor unit begins to run, and then a soft air blowing sound from your vents. If you’re hearing more noise than that, your system may not be operating as it should.

Unusual noise is one of the most common reasons people call for AC repair in Greensboro, NC. If your air conditioner seems noisier than it should be, here are some of the possible reasons.

A Part is Loose

Loose parts is one of the most common reasons that your air conditioner could be making noise. If something is loose it could be rattling or catching as the fan spins. It is important to have your air conditioner repaired if there are loose parts because they could be causing damage to your system.

The Isolation Feet Need Repair

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner sits on a platform with isolation feet to keep it steady and reduce vibrations. If these isolation feet wear out, break, or come off it can cause your outdoor unit to make a lot of racket as it vibrates on the platform. These should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent potential damage to your AC unit.

The Compressor is Malfunctioning

A major part of your air conditioner is the compressor. It condenses the refrigerant (the cooling substance) and moves it between the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. To put it simply, it is responsible for creating the cool air that blows throughout your home to make it comfortable. When the compressor is not working properly it can make a loud banging sound you’re sure to notice. You’ll want to call for AC repair in Greensboro, NC right away if you hear this.

Electrical Issues 

Another common problem with air conditioners is the electrical components. When wires become loose they can get caught up in the moving parts of your AC unit and make clicking sounds and other noises. When the electrical system in your AC unit isn’t working properly, you may hear a loud buzzing sound. It may trip the circuit breaker and fail to turn on due to a safety feature that prevents overheating due to electrical issues.

Your Air Conditioner is Old

Sometimes the reason your air conditioner is noisy is because it is old. If you know your system is more than 15 years old, you’ve got a system that is well aged. Air conditioners last an average of 10-15 years. When they reach 15 years or older, they tend to start wearing out. And with advancements in technology, newer systems are much quieter now than they used to be. It may be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient air conditioner.

Don’t Ignore Your Noisy AC

If you start hearing noises from your AC unit you didn’t notice before, don’t just ignore it. These noises can be an early warning sign that your system is close to failing or in need of major repair. Berico provides AC repair in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding area, as well as air conditioner replacement. Whether you need a tune up or a complete new system, Berico can handle the job.

Call 336-273-8663 or schedule service today.

As the weather cools, the sun sets earlier, and the nights get chilly, your furnace begins its busy season. Is your furnace operating efficiently? Is it ready to keep your home warm and cozy for the next few months? If you’re not sure, it may be time for some furnace maintenance. Some things you can do yourself at home, and other things may require the help of a Greensboro furnace repair service. Here are the top 5 things you should do to keep your furnace in good shape.

• Replace your Filters. This is the equivalent to your computer guy telling you to turn off your computer and turn it back on again. Whenever there is a problem with your furnace, 9 times out of 10 you just need to replace your dusty, clogged filters. You should change your intake filters at least every 6 months or quarterly for best performance.
• Consider your Thermostat. Check your thermostat settings the first time you turn the heat on. See that you have it set to an ideal temperature and that the furnace comes on when you switch it to heat for the first time. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one. It can help you save energy when you’re home and when you’re out of the house by automatically adjusting the temperature setting based on the time of day. Many are controllable from your phone or another device.
• Check your Vents and Ducts. Inspect all of the vents in your home and make sure they are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains, etc. Look over the ducts you can see, whether in your attic or basement and make sure there are no obvious cracks or holes. You may want to consider having your ducts cleaned and sealed if you haven’t done so in a few years.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation. Make sure your intake and exhaust pipes are clear of leaves, debris, ice, nests, or any other potential blockage. If you are unable to access these areas on your own, consider having a Greensboro furnace repair service come out to inspect them.
• Schedule a Furnace Tune Up. Speaking of Greensboro furnace repair, the absolute best thing you can do to keep your furnace in good working condition is to schedule professional maintenance every year. This inspection, cleaning, and tune up ensures your furnace is ready for the cold weather months.

Furnace Maintenance and Repair by Berico 

Your furnace is the most important appliance in your home during the fall and winter, but you may not realize it unless it stops working. Make sure your home is always warm and cozy on the coldest days and nights by keeping up with furnace maintenance.

Call (336) 273-8663 today for Greensboro furnace repair or schedule HVAC service.

Are you considering a new propane supplier? Whether you’re using propane for the first time or you’re considering switching suppliers, it can be difficult to find a good one. What should you look for in a propane supplier in Greensboro?

Ask your current supplier or any potential new propane supplier these questions to help you decide on the best service.

Do you offer automatic refills?

Automatic refills keep you from running out of propane. Not only is it inconvenient to run out, but it is bad for your tank and gas lines. Look for a supplier that will calculate your usage and schedule automatic refills before you run out.

Do you offer free tank swap outs for new customers?

If you’re thinking of switching to a new supplier, it is important to find one that will not charge you to swap out tanks. Your current supplier will need to reclaim their tank and your new supplier will deliver one of theirs. Find a new supplier who will take care of this entire process for you at no charge.

Are your prices competitive?

Ask about pricing and how theirs compares with other suppliers in the area. Most suppliers should be around the same price based on the standard price of propane. Some suppliers may be able to offer reduced rates for deliveries because of other reasons or incentives. Ask how you can get the lowest price for propane.

Are you reliable?

Of course a propane company who is trying to earn your business will say that they are reliable. Ask them to explain why they are reliable and what they can do specifically to ensure their reliability. You can ask for references and even read online reviews to get a better sense of the quality of service you can expect.

Do you deliver in emergencies?

This is an important quality. If you run out of propane at night, on the weekend, or during a holiday, not all companies are available. Find out if your potential new propane supplier in Greensboro will make emergency deliveries if needed.

Do you offer HVAC repair and maintenance services?

It is extremely convenient to have a propane supplier who can also service your furnace and air conditioner. In addition to propane deliveries, it is important to have regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system yearly or twice a year. Ideally you can schedule one appointment to get your propane refilled and an HVAC system tune up.

Berico: The Propane Supplier Who Can Do it All 

If you’re looking for a new propane supplier who does all of the above and more, Berico can. Berico is an HVAC service and propane supplier in Greensboro with competitive prices and reliable service. Berico is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and on holidays. If you need a refill or have a problem with your HVAC system, call (336) 273-8663 or request service.