What Size Generator Does Your Home Actually Need?

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It’s not hard to make the case for adding a generator to your home. Generators are tremendously useful, especially in the Greensboro area, where powerful storms are a somewhat regular occurrence. With that said, it is important to make sure you pick out the right size generator to serve your needs. That’s exactly the topic this article will cover.

Whether you are ready to have a Generac installed or you just want to talk to someone about the generator installation process, Berico is the right place to start. Call now to learn more.

 

Understanding Your Home’s Power Requirements

Knowing how much power your home will need to use when the grid is down is the first step in this process. That is not the same as knowing how much power you typically use when the grid is working properly, however. You don’t need to run everything off your generator during an outage, as you can get by with just the essentials. In other words, you’d like to be able to continue using your refrigerator and heating and cooling equipment, but you can probably just let your laundry machines sit idle until the power comes back on.

For many homes, a 7kW to 12kW range generator will meet the basic needs and keep essential functions running. That would be potentially a few appliances like refrigerator, freezer, and or water heater. Of course, that’s just a general estimate and shouldn’t be taken as anything more than a guideline. If you want to run more equipment, with less interruption to your daily activities, or if you have a particularly large home, you might get up into the range of 18kW to 24 kW.

 

The Value of Professional Sizing

You certainly don’t want to simply guess at the necessary size for your new generator and then make a purchase. Instead, you want to work with a professional installer like Berico to make sure you nail it the first time. Unfortunately, too many homeowners proceed after very little research on the matter, and they wind up with a number of different problems as a result.

 

A generator that’s too small for your needs will naturally struggle to keep up with demand. This can cause it to trip off when too many appliances start up at once. While it might seem like just going with an oversized generator would be the way to go, that also comes with drawbacks. For instance, you’ll spend more to purchase and install it upfront, then it will use more fuel than is necessary while it is running. Only through professional sizing will you be able to hit the target just right and come away with a generator that is ideal for your needs.

 

Put Backup Power in Place

You can spend time looking at a home generator sizing guide to get an idea of what you might need, but there is no substitute for working with a professional. Simply call Berico now to schedule an appointment, and you’ll have a trained pro available to walk you through this whole process.

When Should You Replace an Aging Furnace? 8 Clear Red Flags to Watch

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No furnace lasts forever. Even the best unit is going to fail at some point, and there are some signs you can watch for that indicate yours is nearing the end of its useful life. This post will highlight seven red flags that should cause you to reach out for help.

When you need an HVAC contractor for heating repair or any other type of project, Berico should always be at the top of your list. Call now to get help with any HVAC, plumbing or electrical issue.

 

Your Furnace is More Than 12 Years Old

You don’t have to automatically replace a furnace just because it is getting old, but you should understand that it’s not going to last forever. As your furnace starts to enter the 12-20 year age range, it’s likely that breakdowns will start to occur, and more and more money will be required to keep the unit running. Instead of paying for those repairs, you might just want to have it replaced.

 

Rising Heating Bills Without Explanation

Are your energy bills going up despite not making any changes to the thermostat settings? It’s likely that your furnace is becoming less efficient and is having to use more energy to get the same results.

 

Frequent Repairs Become the Norm

Having your furnace repaired one time is perfectly normal and not a big deal. If the repairs just keep coming, however, and you have to deal with downtime while the system is waiting to be fixed, it gets harder and harder to justify sticking with the old unit moving forward.

 

Uneven Temperature in the Home

A quality furnace does an excellent job of keeping a house at a steady, stable temperature throughout. Have you been noticing that your home is warmer in some areas than others? If those differences are dramatic, it could be that your furnace is no longer up to the task at hand.

 

Loud or Unusual Noises

Furnaces shouldn’t make much noise while they run. If yours has gotten quite loud, including banging or rattling noises, those sounds could be signs of trouble. The furnace might still be running now, but don’t be surprised if something goes wrong in the near future.

 

Increased Humidity Issues or Stuffiness

A furnace that’s struggling to operate efficiently may fail to properly regulate humidity levels in your home. You might notice increased condensation on windows, a persistent musty smell, or air that feels heavy and uncomfortable. On the flip side, an aging furnace can also cause excessively dry air that leads to static electricity, dry skin, and respiratory discomfort. These humidity problems occur when the furnace can no longer maintain consistent airflow and temperature regulation throughout your home.

 

Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame

In a properly functioning gas furnace, the burner flame should be blue and steady. If you notice the flame has turned yellow or orange, or if it flickers and dances around, that’s a serious warning sign. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide – a dangerous, odorless gas. This is not only a sign that your furnace is failing, but it’s also a safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention. If you observe this issue, contact an HVAC professional right away. Also, make sure your CO detectors are operational and are tested regularly to help keep you safe.

 

Short Cycling or Running Constantly

Your furnace should come on and off at a fairly regular pace. If it is switching on and off very quickly, or if it just seems to run forever with no end in sight, that’s another sign that something is wrong.

 

The Best HVAC Company in the Business

Berico is a leader in gas furnace installation in the Greensboro area, along with offering many other services. Take a moment now to reach out, and you’ll be a big step closer to enjoying a warm and cozy home all winter long.

Why Old Thermostats Cause More Heating Problems Than You Think

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The thermostat is the brain of your heating system. All of the other components are necessary to actually produce and distribute heat, but without the thermostat doing the thinking, nothing will actually happen. In many homes, older thermostats actually cause significant problems, even if they still seem to be working on the surface. This article will take a look at why that is the case.

If you’d like to upgrade to a smart thermostat with the help of an experienced Greensboro HVAC contractor, reach out to Berico today. You’ll be in good hands right from the start!

 

Old Thermostats Struggle with Accuracy

In homes that are still using a mechanical thermostat, the sensing technology used in those units simply wasn’t very precise. The temperature that the thermostat is reading may actually be a few degrees off from the actual temperature. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but it could lead to your system running longer than it should because the settings aren’t quite right. Upgrading to a new thermostat would solve this problem immediately.

 

Aging Thermostat Parts Lead to Inconsistent Performance

Even a good thermostat is going to fade in terms of performance over time. Things wear out and eventually need to be replaced. It’s possible that the wiring in the thermostat has gotten loose, or that the sensors have degraded with time and use. You might wind up with your furnace continuing to run even after the set temperature has been reached simply because the thermostat isn’t sending the message for the unit to stop.

 

Limited Settings Reduce Efficiency

The thermostats from generations gone by were extremely simple. They would allow you to set a temperature that you wanted to maintain in the home, and that was about it. Of course, things are different today. A modern thermostat can be set to a schedule that aligns with your needs as a family, and some can even be controlled by an app on your phone. What all of this control adds up to is a system that is easier to run more efficiently, as you won’t be spending money to heat up your home when that heat isn’t needed.

 

Older Units Can’t Communicate with Modern Equipment

If you are running a relatively new furnace in your home, but you still have an old thermostat, there could be a mismatch between the two. The communication that is provided by the thermostat may not line up with what the modern furnace is expecting to receive. This can lead to problems like short cycling and poor heating output. Again, the answer is an affordable upgrade to a new thermostat that will align properly with the rest of your HVAC equipment.

 

New Thermostats and Much More

You can trust Berico to upgrade your thermostat, but that’s just the start of the services that are available. You can also reach out for furnace repair, installation, maintenance, and plumbing or electrical issues. The first move is yours, however, so call now to get the ball rolling.

Why is My Furnace Working But My House is Cold?

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adjusting thermostat in your homeYour furnace has just one job to do, but it’s an important one. When cold weather arrives in the Burlington area, your furnace is expected to jump into action and keep your home nice and comfortable for the whole family. So, when you hear it running, you naturally expect the space to heat up nicely. But what if it doesn’t? That’s a concerning issue, and this article will take a closer look.

If you are having trouble with a furnace in Burlington and need to work with qualified professionals on the job, Berico is ready to help. Take a moment today to call and schedule an appointment.

 

Problems with the Thermostat

In some cases, it won’t actually be the furnace at all that is to blame for this issue. Instead, it could be that the thermostat isn’t working as it should. An old thermostat just might not be functioning properly, or you might have the unit placed too close to a heat source that is causing it to think the home is warmer than it actually is. You should also check the batteries on your thermostat. Looking at the thermostat first is smart because this is an affordable fix if it proves to be the problem.

 

Restricted Airflow

The warm air that is produced by your furnace needs a clear path to move through the home. If it doesn’t have that path, the house will stay cold, even if the furnace is working. Toward this end, be sure to check all of your vents to confirm that they are open, and make sure nothing is blocking them, like furniture placed over the vent cover.

 

The Furnace Isn’t Producing Heat

Sometimes, a furnace will run but not actually produce any heat. That can be the case when the burner, pilot light, ignitor, or heating element is malfunctioning. So, you will hear the unit running, and air will be circulating throughout the house, but it won’t be getting any warmer inside.

 

Blower Motor Issues

It’s the job of the blower motor to move air after it has been warmed. If the blower motor isn’t functioning correctly and the flow of air is weak, you’ll struggle to get the house up to temperature (and some rooms will be warmer than others).

 

The Furnace is Too Small

If your house has been remodeled or redesigned, it could be the case that the current furnace is simply not large enough to handle the space that it needs to warm. A professional technician from Berico can help you understand the demands of your home and whether or not the current furnace is up to the challenge.

 

Warm Your House Up Again

You don’t want to wait long for furnace repair once winter has arrived. The best plan is to call an experienced HVAC company that will respond quickly and get your system back into working order as soon as possible. Reach out now to speak with the friendly Berico team for more information!

Common Electrical Issues Every Property Owner Should Know About

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Electricity powers our modern lives, yet most of us take it for granted until something goes wrong. Whether you own a home or run a business, electrical problems can range from minor annoyances to serious safety hazards. Understanding the most common electrical issues you might face can help you recognize when to call for professional help and potentially save you from costly repairs or dangerous situations down the road.

Flickering Lights and Power Fluctuations

One of the most common complaints from property owners involves lights that flicker or dim unexpectedly. While an occasional flicker during a storm is normal, persistent problems usually indicate something more serious. The issue might stem from loose wiring connections, an overloaded circuit, or problems with your main electrical panel.

In commercial settings, these fluctuations can be particularly problematic. Imagine running a restaurant where the dining room lights dim every time the kitchen equipment kicks on, or operating a retail store where your point-of-sale systems reset randomly. For businesses, investing in a whole house surge protector can safeguard expensive equipment from voltage spikes that cause these disruptions.

Residential properties face similar challenges, especially in older homes where the electrical system wasn’t designed to handle modern power demands. A thorough electrical troubleshooting session with a qualified professional can identify whether you need to redistribute loads across different circuits or upgrade your system entirely.

Outdated or Overloaded Electrical Panels

Your electrical panel serves as the heart of your property’s electrical system, distributing power throughout the building and protecting circuits from overload. Many older homes and commercial buildings still operate with panels that are decades old, designed when our electrical needs were much simpler.

Today’s homes are filled with computers, air conditioning units, high-efficiency appliances, and charging stations for multiple devices. Businesses face even greater demands with servers, HVAC systems, specialized equipment, and modern lighting systems. When your panel can’t keep up, circuit breakers trip frequently, creating frustration and potential productivity losses.

An electric panel upgrade isn’t just about convenience,it’s about safety. Older panels, particularly certain brands manufactured decades ago, can pose fire risks. A licensed electrician can evaluate whether your current panel meets your needs and complies with current safety codes. For many property owners, upgrading to a 200-amp service panel provides the capacity needed for both current demands and future expansion.

Circuit Breaker Problems

Circuit breakers protect your electrical system by shutting off power when a circuit becomes overloaded or experiences a short circuit. When breakers trip occasionally, they’re doing their job. However, if you find yourself constantly resetting breakers, you have a problem that needs attention.

Sometimes the issue is simple,you’re plugging too many devices into one circuit. Other times, circuit breaker repair becomes necessary when the breakers themselves wear out or fail. A breaker that trips repeatedly might also indicate dangerous conditions like faulty wiring or a ground fault somewhere in your system.

Business owners should pay particular attention to circuits that serve critical equipment. A restaurant owner whose walk-in cooler circuit fails overnight could face thousands of dollars in spoiled inventory. Similarly, a medical office with refrigerated supplies can’t afford to ignore circuit issues. Having the contact information for a 24 hour electrician can be invaluable when electrical emergencies strike outside normal business hours.

Safety Concerns with Outlets and Switches

Outlets and switches are among the most frequently used components in any electrical system, and they’re also among the most likely to develop problems. Outlets that feel warm to the touch, produce sparks, or have scorch marks are serious fire hazards that require immediate attention.

Modern codes require GFCI outlet installation in areas where water and electricity might meet,bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. These specialized outlets detect ground faults and cut power instantly, protecting you from potentially fatal shocks. Many older properties lack adequate GFCI protection, creating unnecessary risks for occupants.

Beyond safety devices, electrical outlet installation needs often arise simply from having too few outlets for modern needs. Property owners find themselves daisy-chaining power strips, creating both fire hazards and inconvenience. Adding properly placed outlets isn’t just about convenience,it’s about using your electrical system safely and efficiently.

Inadequate Lighting Solutions

Poor lighting affects both homes and businesses in significant ways. Residential properties with inadequate kitchen lighting make food preparation difficult and potentially dangerous. Commercial spaces with poor lighting can drive away customers, reduce employee productivity, and even create liability issues.

The good news is that lighting technology has evolved dramatically. Modern LED recessed lighting provides excellent illumination while using a fraction of the energy of older fixtures. These efficient lights produce less heat, last for years, and can dramatically reduce your electric bills.

For businesses, proper lighting isn’t optional,it’s essential. Retail stores need lighting that showcases products effectively. Offices require illumination that reduces eye strain and supports productivity. Restaurants depend on ambiance created through thoughtful lighting design. Working with a residential electrician or commercial specialist can help you develop a lighting plan that meets your specific needs while controlling costs.

Outdoor and Landscape Electrical Needs

The area outside your building deserves the same attention as the interior when it comes to electrical systems. Outdoor lighting installation serves multiple purposes, from security and safety to aesthetics and curb appeal.

For homeowners, landscape lighting installation can transform a property after dark, highlighting architectural features, illuminating pathways, and creating inviting outdoor living spaces. Well-designed landscape lighting also deters intruders by eliminating dark hiding spots around your property.

Business owners recognize that exterior lighting affects customer perception and safety. A well-lit parking lot makes customers feel secure and helps prevent accidents. Architectural lighting can make your building stand out and reinforce your brand. However, outdoor electrical work requires expertise with weatherproof installations and appropriate wire types to prevent problems during harsh weather.

The Challenge of Upgrading for Modern Conveniences

As technology evolves, so do our electrical needs. Two areas where property owners frequently need upgrades involve vehicle charging and climate control.

The transition to electric vehicles has created new demands on residential and commercial electrical systems. Tesla charger installation and other electric vehicle charging station projects require dedicated circuits with substantial capacity. Many older homes need panel upgrades before they can support Level 2 charging, which requires 240-volt service similar to what an electric dryer uses.

For businesses, providing EV charging can attract customers and employees who drive electric vehicles. Retail locations, hotels, and office buildings increasingly see charging stations as an expected amenity rather than a luxury.

Similarly, climate concerns and the desire for backup power during outages have made whole house generator installation increasingly popular. Whether you’re worried about losing refrigerated food during summer storms or need to keep business operations running during power failures, a properly sized generator provides peace of mind. However, generators require professional installation with proper transfer switches and fuel supplies,not a DIY project for the weekend warrior.

When Simple Projects Become Complex

Some electrical needs seem straightforward until you begin the work. Take ceiling fan installation as an example. While it might appear simple, proper installation requires ensuring the electrical box can support the fan’s weight, running appropriate wiring if none exists, and correctly connecting all components. An improperly installed fan can wobble, making noise and potentially falling.

The same principle applies to virtually all electrical work. What starts as a simple project often reveals larger issues,outdated wiring, insufficient circuit capacity, code violations from previous amateur work, or safety hazards lurking behind walls. This is why electrical codes require permits for most work and why insurance companies care about whether licensed professionals performed electrical installations.

The Business Cost of Electrical Problems

While homeowners deal with inconvenience and safety concerns from electrical issues, business owners face additional financial pressures. Every hour that electrical problems keep your business closed represents lost revenue and potentially lost customers who go elsewhere and never return.

Consider a retail store that can’t accept credit card payments due to electrical issues, or a restaurant that can’t operate its kitchen equipment during the lunch rush. A manufacturing facility might see entire production lines sit idle. Medical and dental practices might need to reschedule patients, damaging relationships and revenue.

The cost of preventive maintenance and proper electrical installations pales in comparison to these business interruptions. Regular inspections and upgrades keep systems reliable and help you avoid emergency situations that damage your bottom line.

Recognizing When to Call for Help

Many property owners hesitate to call electricians for what they perceive as small problems. However, electrical issues rarely improve on their own, they worsen over time. That minor flickering light might indicate a loose connection that’s arcing and creating heat, potentially starting a fire inside your walls where you can’t see it.

Professional electricians bring more than technical skills to the job. They understand electrical codes, safety requirements, and proper techniques that protect your property and its occupants. They carry insurance that protects you if something goes wrong. They can obtain necessary permits and arrange for inspections that keep your property compliant with local regulations.

For property owners, the question isn’t whether to hire a professional but rather which professional to hire. Look for contractors who are properly licensed and insured, who have established reputations in your community, and who communicate clearly about pricing and timelines. Read reviews, ask for references, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bid,quality work costs more but provides far better value over time.

Planning for Electrical Improvements

Whether you own a home or a business, thinking strategically about your electrical system pays dividends. Rather than addressing problems only when they become emergencies, consider conducting a comprehensive electrical assessment.

This evaluation might reveal that you need capacity upgrades to support future needs, safety improvements to bring older installations up to current standards, or efficiency upgrades that will reduce your operating costs. Creating a prioritized plan lets you budget for improvements and tackle them systematically rather than being forced into expensive emergency repairs.

For business owners, this planning becomes even more critical. You might coordinate electrical upgrades with renovation projects, equipment installations, or expansion plans. You can schedule work during slow periods to minimize disruptions to operations.

The Bottom Line on Electrical Issues

Electrical problems affect every property owner eventually. The key to managing these issues successfully lies in recognizing warning signs early, understanding when professional help is necessary, and working with qualified electricians who prioritize safety and quality.

Your electrical system is too important to neglect and too dangerous to trust to amateurs. Whether you’re dealing with a tripping breaker, planning a major renovation, or simply want to upgrade to more efficient lighting, professional electrical service provides the expertise and assurance that the work is done correctly and safely.

By staying informed about common electrical issues and maintaining your system properly, you protect your investment, ensure the safety of everyone who uses your property, and avoid the costly disruptions that electrical failures create. The small investment in professional electrical service today prevents the major problems and expenses that come from neglecting your electrical system tomorrow.

Why Switching to Propane Heat Could Save You Money This Winter

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Keeping your home warm all winter long can be expensive. The Burlington area isn’t the coldest place in the country, but winter nights certainly get chilly, and running your heating system causes the costs to add up. If you’d like to save money this coming winter, consider making the switch to propane to get outstanding performance while also enjoying those savings at the same time.

Ready to switch to a propane furnace? You’ll need the right people on your side, and those people work for Berico. Take a moment today to connect with the Berico team and learn more about this process.

 

Efficiency Means Savings

At the heart of why you can save money with propane is the efficiency of these types of furnaces. A propane furnace can easily reach an efficiency rating of more than 90%. What that means is that almost all of the propane fuel you pay for is converted into useful heat that will make your house more comfortable. Compared to older oil furnaces, standard heat pumps in cold weather, or aging gas systems, this is a dramatically more efficient way to stay warm

There is also the fact that propane burns cleaner than most other fuels. That clean-burning nature means that it is gentle on your furnace over time, avoiding premature wear and tear. That means you won’t need to have the system repaired as often, or replaced as soon, which is only going to add to your long-term savings.

 

Propane Delivers Powerful, Consistent Heat

One of the biggest advantages of propane is the quality of heat it produces. Propane furnaces generate air temperatures that are significantly warmer than many other heating methods, creating that cozy, comfortable warmth you want on a cold winter night. When you turn on your propane furnace, you’ll notice the difference—the air coming from your vents feels genuinely warm, not just lukewarm.

Beyond the comfort factor, propane’s efficiency means your furnace heats your home quickly and cycles off sooner. You won’t have a system that runs constantly just to maintain a comfortable temperature. Instead, your propane furnace delivers powerful, consistent heat that brings your home to the desired temperature and then rests until needed again. If your current heating system struggles to keep up on the coldest days, or if you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat trying to get comfortable, switching to propane offers a noticeable improvement in both performance and comfort.

 

Delivery Made Easy

After you have switched over to propane, you’ll need to work with a company that can make deliveries time after time without any trouble. For the leading supplier of propane Burlington has to offer, all you need to do is reach out to Berico to get more information. The Berico team would be excited to serve you!

Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

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Ideally, water smells like nothing. When you open up the tap in your kitchen sink, for example, you don’t want any kind of smell to be coming from the water that you receive. So, if that water starts to smell like rotten eggs, it will be immediately clear that something is wrong. This page will look at why that might happen and what you can do about it.

As the leading plumbers Greensboro has to offer, Berico is standing by and ready to help with any problems that you may encounter. As soon as you notice that something has gone wrong with your plumbing system, or if you have a new installation project on your to-do list, call Berico right away for an appointment.

 

The Usual Culprit

In almost every case, the rotten egg odor that you are smelling is going to come from hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas forms when certain types of bacteria break down organic material in the absence of oxygen. This is a process that can happen inside your plumbing system under specific conditions. If the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in water, it will give off that familiar and unwelcome smell that is hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much hydrogen sulfide for this to become a frustrating problem. Even very low levels can make your water unpleasant to use, whether you are drinking it or bathing in it. The water might not necessarily be unsafe when the levels are low, but it’s still an issue that you’ll want to address right away.

 

Possible Sources of the Problem

The key to getting rid of this unwanted smell is figuring out where it is starting from and then making the necessary repairs or improvements. Here are three possibilities –

  • Inside Your Water Heater. Does this problem only seem to arise when you use hot water? If so, the water heater itself is likely to blame. Specifically, you may have a magnesium anode rod inside your tank that can react with bacteria and sulfur to create this gas. Swapping out the rod for one made of aluminum or zinc alloy can get rid of the smell.
  • In the Plumbing System. If it’s both hot and cold water that are affected, but it only seems to happen in some of your faucets, there may be an issue in part of your plumbing system. Specifically, parts of your plumbing that aren’t regularly used may develop bacterial growth that leads to the sulfur smell. Those lines can be flushed or treated to resolve the problem.
  • The Water Source. In some cases, specifically when all of the water throughout the home smells bad, it might be the water source itself that is causing the issue. You might need to add a water treatment system to process the water before it even enters the home. Options include an aeration filter or an activated carbon filter.

 

Your Trusted Plumbing Partner

For everything from emergency plumbing to water heater repair and beyond, it’s always Berico plumbers that are ready to come to your rescue. Take a moment now to reach out to the Berico team to chat about your plumbing problem.

Why Does My Heat Pump Blow Cold Air Sometimes?

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The heat pump just might be the most versatile piece of equipment in the world of HVAC. Capable of providing both heating and cooling power in the same unit, a heat pump can come in handy throughout the year as part of your Eden HVAC setup. If your heat pump is blowing cold air right now, and you would like it to be blowing warm air, looking closer at the problem to figure out what is going on should be your top priority.

Whether you need heat pump repair or any other type of HVAC work performed at your Eden property, Berico is the right choice for a partner on this job. Call today to schedule your appointment or to get more information.

 

It Might Be Working Properly

As a starting point, be sure to confirm that there is actually a problem in the first place. Sometimes, your heat pump will blow out air that feels cool compared to your body temperature, but that air might actually still be warmer than what is in your home. That would mean that the heat pump is working to heat the house, but it just feels like the air is a little cooler than you expected.

This is particularly likely to be the case when the heat pump first starts up. Give it some time and see how the air feels later and see if your thermostat reaches the temperature that you have set.

 

Common Causes of Cold Air from a Heat Pump

If the system keeps blowing cold air and your house isn’t warming up, something may be wrong. Among the many possible issues are the points listed below.

  • Thermostat Problems. It could be the case that your thermostat is malfunctioning and sending the wrong signal to the heat pump. It may need to be inspected, and potentially replaced, to get everything working correctly again.
  • Low Refrigerant Levels. The refrigerant in your heat pump is what allows it to transfer heat from one area to another. If that refrigerant level is low, potentially due to a leak, the heat pump won’t be able to perform as expected.
  • Dirty Air Filter. Sometimes, something as simple as a dirty air filter can be to blame. If your heat pump can’t pull in enough air because the filter is dirty, it won’t be able to distribute heat around the home effectively. Be sure to replace your filter periodically to avoid this issue.
  • Malfunctioning Reversing Valve. The reversing valve is what allows your heat pump to switch back and forth between heating and cooling modes. If that valve gets stuck, or fails entirely, the system might be stuck in cooling mode even when you are asking it to provide heat.

 

Solve Heat Pump Issues Today

When you face heating and cooling issues in your home, the choice of who to call couldn’t be easier. Just pick up the phone, get in touch with Berico, and know that you are in good hands. Get your whole system back to working as it should right away with help from Berico!

Why Does My Furnace Sound Like It’s Clicking?

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You already know what your furnace should sound like when it is working properly. Most likely, you don’t consciously think about how the furnace sounds, but you naturally get used to the noises it makes while running. So, what happens when you notice a clicking furnace sound out of nowhere? That’s not something to ignore, so it’s important to pay attention to this warning sign and get help to resolve the problem.

Speaking of getting help, Berico is the right place to turn when you need any kind of assistance with your furnace in the Greensboro area. Give the Berico team a call today and make sure your system is ready to perform well all winter long.

 

Common Causes of Clicking Sounds in Furnaces

There are a few different potential causes of a clicking sound within your furnace. The first, and most common, one to consider is a faulty igniter. If you have a gas furnace, the igniter is responsible for igniting the gas that will then heat your home. If it is malfunctioning, you might hear it clicking over and over again as it fails to successfully ignite the gas.

Another possible cause of clicking is an issue with the relay or control board. Your thermostat has to send out a signal to the furnace that it’s time to start, and electrical relays will click on and off during that process. Those parts can become worn, and you may hear excessive clicking in the process as they try to form the connection.

Finally, it’s possible that a loose or obstructed fan blade will lead to a clicking noise. This would happen while the blower motor is running, and the sound would likely be more mechanical in nature than it would be with the other two options listed above.

 

The Timing Matters

When you hear clicking, take note of the timing of that noise. If it is happening before the furnace turns on, it’s likely an ignition-related problem. In this case, you should stop using the furnace and reach out to Berico right away to ask for help.

On the other hand, if the clicking is happening while the furnace is running, the issue might not be so serious. It could even be as simple as noises from the metal components expanding and contracting while the system heats up and cools down. This is generally a harmless situation, although some of the parts in the system may need to be serviced and tightened.

 

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

You don’t want to let strange clicking noises go on for too long. These sounds may be trying to tell you that something is wrong, and that repair work is necessary. It’s better to take care of these repairs quickly, before the problem becomes more serious and more expensive to fix. Also, you don’t want to keep using a faulty furnace and wind up in a dangerous situation.

 

Turn to Berico to Get on Track

Furnace repair doesn’t have to be a long or frustrating process. In fact, it can be made easy when you opt to work with Berico. Of course, if you need Greensboro furnace installation rather than repair, the experts at Berico can do that job, as well. Get in touch now to learn more!

Why Do My Light Bulbs Keep Burning Out Too Quickly?

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It’s particularly frustrating to have your light bulbs burning out one after the next. Sure, changing a light bulb is pretty easy, and they don’t cost that much to replace, but you still don’t want to be going through the hassle over and over again. Does it seem like yours are burning out faster than they should in your home in the Greensboro area? Learn more below about why that may be the case and what can be done to improve the situation.

If there is any type of electrical repair needed in your house, make sure to hire a qualified and experienced partner for the job. That partner is Berico, and you can schedule your first appointment by calling today to speak with a member of their friendly team.

 

Common Reasons for Bulb Failure

A few different types of issues can lead to light bulb failure. The first is high voltage. If your home’s electrical system is delivering more voltage than the bulbs are rated for, the internal components can burn out much faster than expected. If this is at the heart of the problem, correcting the voltage issue should prevent future light bulbs from burning out too quickly.

Another possibility is loose connections in the light fixture. Loose connections can lead to an electrical current that is flickering or arcing. This inconsistent flow of power will stress the bulb and significantly shorten its lifespan. Also, bulbs that experience a buildup of excessive heat may also fail prematurely. This often happens in enclosed fixtures where the heat doesn’t have anywhere to escape. Both the bulb and socket can be damaged over time if that trapped heat builds up to harmful levels.

 

Using Old Bulbs

Are you still using traditional incandescent bulbs? The issues you are dealing with could be as simple as using these old-style bulbs, which had a much shorter lifespan than modern LEDs. Making the switch to LEDs will cost a bit of money upfront, but that investment will be paid back over time as you no longer have to replace your bulbs so often. Not only do the bulbs themselves last longer, but LED lights produce less heat, so they don’t do damage to your fixtures.

 

When to Call a Professional

If you have already switched to LEDs, and you’ve made sure that your bulbs are tightened properly in the fixtures, it might be time to have the electrical system inspected. An electrician can evaluate the whole system to figure out if there are wiring issues, voltage fluctuations, or overloaded circuits that are blowing out your lights.

 

Make Quick Work of Electrical Projects

You don’t have to deal with lingering electrical problems for long. Whether you need wiring repair, recessed lighting fixed, or anything else related to your electrical system, make sure that Berico is your chosen contractor. The Berico name is one that has been trusted throughout Greensboro for over 100 years, and you’ll soon learn why. Call now!