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Outdated or Overloaded Electrical Panels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!

What’s the Ideal Propane Tank Size for a Whole-Home Furnace?

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If you run the furnace that keeps your home warm in the winter on propane, you need to make sure you always have propane on hand when it is needed. That means having a propane tank. One of the biggest decisions when adding a propane tank is determining how big that tank should be. There are a few factors involved in that choice, so this page will walk through the process and help you understand which option is going to be best for you.

Hoping to work with a proven contractor to complete a stress-free propane tank installation in the Greensboro area? Berico should be your first call. Get in touch now to learn more about the process and to schedule an appointment.

 

How Propane Tank Sizes Are Measured

Propane tanks are typically measured in gallons. While there are a range of options available for residential properties, the two most common sizes for whole-home heating are 500-gallon and 1,000-gallon tanks. A 500-gallon tank is typically the minimum size recommended for homes using propane as their primary heating source, while larger homes or those with multiple propane appliances often benefit from a 1,000-gallon tank.

It’s important to note that propane tanks won’t hold quite as much propane as their actual size would indicate, due to safety limitations. For example, a 500-gallon tank will only hold around 400 gallons, as the rest of the space in the tank is kept open for safety (in case the propane gas expands). That much propane should still be able to get an average-sized home through a North Carolina winter comfortably.

 

Factors That Affect the Right Size Tank for Your Home

As you might imagine, a propane tank that is appropriate for one home might not be right for the next. There are a number of factors to look at when trying to figure out what size propane tank would be best for your needs, including the following points.

  • Home size. Of course, this is the place to start. When all other things are equal, a larger home is going to need a bigger propane tank than a smaller home.
  • Usage patterns. Some people like to keep their homes warmer than others. Think about how hard you run your furnace during the winter months to determine how much propane you are going to require.
  • Number of propane appliances. This is another big variable. If you will be connecting multiple systems to the propane tank, it’s going to drain faster, and you’ll want to consider going with a larger tank.
  • Refill preferences. If you don’t mind having the tank refilled regularly, you can go with a smaller tank and schedule deliveries more often. On the other hand, if you want to have enough propane for the whole winter, a bigger tank is going to be necessary.

 

Make a Long-Term Plan

Having a propane tank installed is a great first step, but that’s not the end of the story. You’ll also need reliable propane delivery to refill the tank at regular intervals to keep your furnace working throughout the winter. Many homeowners find it helpful to set up automatic delivery service, where your propane supplier monitors your usage and schedules refills before you run low—one less thing to worry about during the busy winter months. Fortunately, Berico is also your best choice for that task, so only one partner is needed to manage all sides of this project. Call Berico today to get started!

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Carbon Monoxide and Heating Safety

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Living in a home that can be heated with just the push of a button is one of the wonders and truly great features of the modern world. The comfort that today’s HVAC systems provide is incredible, but you always have to keep safety in mind while using any type of heating equipment. This page will take a closer look at the issue of carbon monoxide and what type of risk it can pose to you and your family.

When the time comes to hire an HVAC company for any type of heating system repair or plumbing or electrical work in your home in the Greensboro area, make sure Berico is your first call. The Berico team will never let you down!

 

Why Carbon Monoxide is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. Since it doesn’t smell and can’t be seen with the naked eye, you won’t know that it may be accumulating in your home while your heater is running. This is when the situation can become dangerous. It’s only when carbon monoxide accumulates in an enclosed space that human health can be put at risk.

There are sometimes early signs of carbon monoxide exposure, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. High concentrations of exposure can even be fatal. The seriousness of the potential harm is why everyone should be aware of carbon monoxide and how to prevent a dangerous situation from arising.

 

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Without a doubt, the starting point on this matter is to have a CO detector installed on every level of your home. With a functioning detector in place, the alarm will sound if CO levels rise to an unhealthy point. This will enable you to get everyone out of the house and call for help before the situation gets worse. Of course, be sure to replace the batteries in these detectors regularly and test them periodically.

It’s also important to have your heating system maintained annually. During an inspection by a professional technician, any developing problems will be found and fixed before they get worse. Key components like the heat exchanger, flue pipes, and combustion chamber will all be inspected for any cracks or leaks that could allow CO to escape. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because your furnace is running, it must be in good condition and working properly. That’s not necessarily true, so scheduling furnace maintenance at least once per year is an excellent practice.

 

Comfort and Safety Go Hand in Hand

Paying attention to furnace safety tips is an important part of living in any home. Fortunately, staying safe around a furnace is actually pretty simple, and you can put protections in place to make sure that nothing goes wrong. If you need help with making sure your furnace is safe, or if any other type of HVAC project arises, reach out to Berico for assistance.

What Causes Outlets to Feel Warm to the Touch?

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The outlets in your home play a critical role, although they might be taken for granted most of the time. Access to electricity simply by plugging in a device is a wonder of the modern world in many ways. Of course, you always want to make sure you are accessing that electricity safely, and if one of your outlets feels warm to the touch, there may be an underlying issue that requires closer inspection.

Are you dealing with electrical problems in your home in the Greensboro area? No matter what issues have popped up, the Berico team is ready to solve them. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment.

 

A Little Warmth May Be Normal

First, it’s important to make sure there is actually a problem before going any further. Sometimes, an outlet will feel slightly warm while it is being used. For example, if you have a phone charger plugged into an outlet, there will be a bit of warmth, and that’s probably okay. As long as the outlet is not hot or discolored, things may be fine.

It’s when the outlet is hot even when nothing is plugged in, or when it gets hot enough that you can’t comfortably touch it, that you’ll need to stop using the outlet and get help for the problem.

 

Common Causes of Overheated Outlets

A few different underlying reasons can be at work here. Most of these issues point to a safety hazard that should be addressed as soon as possible.

  • Overloaded Circuit. There is a maximum capacity for every type of electrical circuit. If you have too many devices plugged into a single circuit, an outlet on that circuit may begin to feel hot as a result. When possible, don’t use multiple high-power devices like toasters and microwaves on the same circuit at the same time.
  • Loose Connections. There are connections inside the outlet box that allow everything in the electrical circuit to work as it should. If one or more of those connections has become loose, the poor connections can cause heat to be generated, and in some cases, an electrical fire will be the result.
  • Faulty Outlet. Sometimes, it’s simply a worn-out outlet that is to blame for this problem. If you live in an older home and the outlets have never been replaced, it’s possible that you need to have new ones installed to fix this issue and use your circuits safely.

If you are worried about the heat that is being put off by one of your outlets, stop using it and call for help from a professional electrician like those on the Berico team.

 

Play It Safe on Electrical Work

It’s never a good idea to take chances when it comes to residential electrical services. You always want to work with a qualified, licensed electrician to be sure that the work is done right and everything is up to code. With that in mind, call Berico now for assistance and solve any electrical issues that have been plaguing your home.

How Often Should You Replace a Furnace Filter in Winter?

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It’s no secret that your furnace has to work hard in the winter months. When the nights get chilly, you want to have a quality furnace waiting to keep you and your family warm. Of course, that furnace needs to have a filter in place, but how often should you change it? This article will look at that important question.

While changing a furnace filter is something that you can do on your own, Burlington furnace repair should be left to the pros. When a fix is needed, get in touch with the Berico team to schedule an appointment.

 

The Role of Your Furnace Filter

The job of your furnace filter is a simple but important one. Its primary role is to trap dust, dirt, pet hair, and anything else floating in the air before it can enter the HVAC system. This keeps your home’s air cleaner and protects the internal components from damage over time. This is a great way to protect your furnace, but the filter is going to gradually clog up as it is used, which is why replacing it regularly is such an important part of home maintenance.

 

A Good General Rule

As a rule of thumb, you should be replacing the filter that serves your furnace once every one to three months. If you keep up with that cadence, you’ll never fall so far behind that the current filter is packed with dust and debris and doesn’t allow the system to get the airflow it needs to work properly.

Of course, one to three months is a relatively wide range, so how do you know whether you should change it on the sooner or later side? Here are some factors to consider –

  • If you have pets, hair and dander will build up quickly in the filter, so you’ll want to change it more frequently in that case.
  • If you or someone else in your home suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to change your filter a little more often so you can keep the air as clean as possible and reduce the symptoms that are experienced.
  • Filter Type. When using a basic fiberglass filter, you should stay closer to the one-month interval. However, with a pleated or high-efficiency filter, you can go closer to three months without any trouble.
  • Home Occupancy. How many people live in your house? More people tend to create more dust and debris, so a busy home with many occupants should have the filter swapped out more regularly.

 

Stay Ahead of This Task

Given how easy it is to change a furnace filter, and how affordable replacement filters are to purchase, there really isn’t any reason to fall behind on this key maintenance point. In fact, Berico has made it even easier to stay on top of filter changes through our partnership with Filter Fetch. This convenient service delivers professional-grade filters directly to your doorstep, so you never have to make a special trip to the store or worry about buying the wrong size. You’ll receive automatic reminder emails when it’s time to change your filter based on your usage patterns, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Plus, you’ll have access to friendly toll-free support from filter experts who can help you select the right filter for your system and answer any questions you might have. (Learn more about our filter delivery service and use code C4Q2 for special pricing:  Filter delivery service.)  For any furnace repair or maintenance needs beyond swapping a filter, call Berico for help!