Six Tips on How to Lower Your Utility Bills

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There is never a bad time to save money. Whether the economy is going strong or in a recession, it’s always smart to cut back where you can in order to leave more money in the bank at the end of each month. This article will look at some simple steps you can take to cut back on utility spending for your home. Even modest savings can add up in a big way by the end of the year.

 

If you need reliable AC service in Greensboro, turn to Berico for help. As one of the leading HVAC companies in the area, Berico can provide HVAC installation, AC repair, regular maintenance, and much more.

 

1 – Consistently Change Your Air Filter

This is one of those cases where you need to spend a little bit of money to save more money in the long run. It’s important to regularly change the air filter in your HVAC system because a fresh filter allows your system to perform at its optimal level. When the filter gets dirty, airflow through the system is reduced, and it does not perform as well. In other words, the HVAC system winds up using more energy than necessary to achieve the desired level of heating or cooling. Keep up with changing out the filter and you’ll keep your system running as cost effectively as possible.

 

2 – Smart Programming

It’s important to set the program that controls your HVAC system so that it accurately mirrors the realities of your life. If the thermostat is set to cool the home down in the summer when you are at work, you might want to consider having it run a little less cool when you know no one will be home. Check on the timing of your program each time the seasons change to make sure your current plan makes sense for your lifestyle and the schedule of everyone in the home.

 

3- Replace Old Appliances

Our “test-everything-and-record-the-results” friends at Consumer Reports have the data that shows that replacing your old appliances with newer more efficient ones is a great way to lower your utility bills. And there is an added bonus that it can also reduce greenhouse gases.

For Example; Newer Energy Star washing machines use 25 percent less energy and up to 75 percent less water than machines that are just 20 years old according to Consumer Reports.  And while we are on the topic of replacing appliances, your HVAC system is your largest appliance and if it has some age on it, replacing it might reduce your energy consumption considerably. If you want to have it evaluated

 

 

4 – Be flexible with a little higher and lower temperature

You might be tempted to crank your thermostat way down into the 60s on a scorching hot summer day, but that’s just asking to spend a ton of money on energy. As a good rule of thumb, don’t ask your air conditioner to bring the indoor temperature down more than 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. So, if it’s going to be 95* outside, set your thermostat in the mid-70s and you should still be quite comfortable.

 

5 – Annual Maintenance Matters

Here is another point where it’s important to spend some money to help your system work well and run efficiently. Call in a team like Berico for an annual maintenance visit to keep your equipment running properly and avoid the kind of inefficiency that can lead to mounting utility bills. Also, keeping up with annual maintenance should help your equipment last longer, which is another way to save money in the long run.

 

6 – Manage Your Vents

Whether you are running the cooling system in the summer or the heat in the winter, pay attention to the position of your vents to avoid wasting air on rooms that aren’t being used. For instance, if you have an extra bedroom or two in your house that are not regularly used, close the vents and don’t bother cooling them day after day. This will allow your system to conserve energy while still properly serving the parts of the house that are actively used.  You generally don’t want to shut off the vents to more than one or two rooms because it can create problems for the system if too many vents are closed.  So while shutting off one or two is OK, closing more than that is not recommended.

 

How Cold is the Air from My Air Conditioning?

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

 

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

 

An Air Conditioning Primer

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

 

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

 

A Consistent Change

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

 

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

 

Spotting the AC Problems

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

Is Propane Really Clean Burning?

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

 

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

 

A Deserved Reputation

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

 

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

 

Many Other Reasons to Choose Propane

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

 

  • Storage tank. For convenience, and perhaps cost savings, you can have a large propane tank installed on your property that you can use to heat your home for an extended period. Propane tanks can even be buried underground, so you can have a large tank on your property without having it take up space or even be visible.

 

  • Save money. While energy prices will vary from time to time and place to place, you might find that you spend less overall to heat your home with propane than you would have to spend for an energy source like electricity. This is particularly true if you partner with a company like Berico that will offer meaningful discounts for recurring propane deliveries.

 

  • Lasting performance. Using propane HVAC equipment will often lead to a longer lifespan than what you would get from other types of equipment. That’s yet another way to save money, as you might be able to move the replacement of your HVAC equipment out further into the future.

 

  • Use for other purposes. You don’t have to just run a furnace on the propane that you are having delivered to your property – you can choose to run other appliances, such water heater, dryer, gas stove, gas logs, in your home on this same power source to make things convenient and more affordable.

 

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

Best HVAC Systems for 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HVAC Terms to Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furnace FAQs

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Many homeowners know little about how their HVAC system works, including the furnace that keeps them warm during the winter. You don’t need to be an expert on this topic, but understanding the basics is helpful – and this FAQ will provide some good information for you to understand the basics about your furnace. When you are ready to schedule HVAC service or furnace repair in or around Greensboro, call Berico right away.

Q: Should I upgrade to a smart thermostat?
A: Running your furnace, and the rest of your HVAC equipment, off of a smart thermostat is not necessary, but it is a nice luxury. When you have the ability to control your system from your smartphone, you can make small adjustments even when you are away from the house – potentially cutting down on energy usage while improving comfort at the same time. Smart thermostats are relatively affordable and have a lot to offer, so this upgrade is well worth installing.

Q: What should I do if my furnace stops working?
A: Calling a reliable contractor like Berico should be your first step when the furnace goes out and will no longer heat your home. Getting started on repair work as soon as possible is your best bet to avoid a delayed outage. Of course, if it is going to be an extended period before your furnace can be fixed, it will be necessary to secure a warm place to stay until the furnace is back up and running. Having your furnace well maintained is one of the best ways to ensure that you never deal with a broken furnace on a cold winter night. Berico offers maintenance programs that include a regular check and service of your furnace.

Q: How big should my furnace be?
A: Picking the right size furnace when having a new one installed can be tricky for the average homeowner. You don’t want to spend more than necessary on the purchase, but you also don’t want an undersized unit that struggles to warm the house. Your best bet is to trust Berico to analyze your situation and recommend the right unit for your situation.

Q: How can I save money while running my furnace?
A: The obvious answer here is to ask the furnace to do less work day after day. The warmer you set the thermostat, the more energy the furnace will need to use to reach that target temperature. Beyond just living in a colder home, you can choose to selectively heat the space by closing vents in rooms that aren’t used. That will allow the busy parts of the house to stay warmer while not wasting energy heating up spaces where no one is spending time. But you don’t want to close off more than one or two rooms because your system is set-up for the current square footage of your home. If you close off too many vents you are essentially decreasing the square footage and throwing the system out-of-balance.

Q: How long will a new furnace last?
A: As you might imagine, there is no set period of time that you can expect to get from a new furnace. However, if you have a quality piece of equipment installed by a professional team like Berico – and that equipment is then serviced properly over the years – you should expect to get well in excess of 10 years of service from that furnace. If things go well, that number could be as high as 20 years or more, although you’ll want to monitor the performance of the furnace in those later years to make sure it is still performing up to your expectations.

Do You Really Need to Service Your Furnace Every Year?

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As a homeowner, you have a lot to keep up with month after month. There are various systems that keep your home running properly, and all of those systems require some type of attention. Given the many responsibilities you bear, it’s tempting to let some of them slide from time to time. Furnace servicing is one of the items that often end up on that list – is it really that important? This article will take a closer look at that question.

When the time does come to have your furnace serviced, Berico is the easy choice. As one of the leading HVAC companies in North Carolina, Berico has fair pricing and an experienced team ready to serve you.

The Simple Answer is Yes
You might have guessed it, but the answer to the question posed in the title of this article is yes – it is a good idea to have your furnace serviced every year. This is an appliance that is asked to work hard throughout the cold months of the year, so you need to make sure it is up to that challenge by having it serviced by a reputable professional, regularly.

Yes, you’ll need to spend a little money to have this work performed, although it’s rather affordable when you choose a trusted name like Berico. For your money, you’ll gain many benefits, including the following:

• Retain your warranty coverage. One important motivation to have service performed is to keep your warranty valid, if there is one in place for the equipment. Most warranties will require that you have professional service performed annually if that warranty is to remain valid.

• Get better performance. Annual service is not only about keeping the system working, but it’s about making sure the equipment is living up to its potential. By having service performed and making sure the system is all working correctly, any minor issues can be addressed and the performance of the system as a whole will benefit.

• Avoid bad timing. You probably don’t want to deal with a furnace that stops working in the middle of a frigid winter. That’s a busy time for HVAC companies, of course, and you might have to wait a bit to have the repairs completed. With annual service, you can stay ahead of the game and make such a situation far less likely.
• Save money. This is one of those cases where you need to spend money to save money. Investing in annual maintenance is better than paying for costly repairs later, which are likely to far exceed what it would have cost to just have the service performed in the first place.

Only the Best Will Do
The quality of the service you receive will depend on the quality of the partner you pick for the work. On that point, make sure to call Berico right away. You’ll be in good hands with such an experienced partner, and the team at Berico will be able to handle whatever situation arises with your furnace in the months and years ahead.

HVAC FAQs

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How often is HVAC repair necessary?

Heating and cooling experts recommend having your HVAC system serviced twice a year, once in the fall for your furnace and once in the spring for your air conditioner. You may have more success with scheduling if you aim for late summer and late winter when technicians are less busy.

 

Can you save money with HVAC replacement?

Replacing an old HVAC system with a new, energy efficient system can save you money in a variety of ways. Your energy bills will be lower, and you’ll spend less on repairs with a new system.

 

Do I need to replace my air conditioner if it uses R-22 refrigerant? 

Refrigerant is the substance inside of your air conditioner that absorbs heat and creates cool air. Older systems used R-22 refrigerant, but it has been phased out of production. If your system uses R-22 refrigerant it would be a good idea to replace it since all HVAC contractors are now working on a limited and very expensive supply.

 

How often should you replace your HVAC filters?

At the very least you should replace the filters in your intake vents every 6 months. For better results replace them every 3 months. Filters prevent dirt, dust, and debris from getting into your HVAC system and reducing its efficiency.

 

What does SEER mean?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is the measurement of how efficient an air conditioner is. A SEER of 14-16 is considered high efficiency and anything above that is even more efficient.

 

How does a heat pump work?

You may have heard that a heat pump is an efficient type of HVAC system. It works by transferring heat from one place to another. When it is cold outside, a heat pump pulls heat from the air, bringing it inside to heat your home. When it is warm outside, a heat pump gathers the heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. It is still a forced air system with vents that distribute air throughout your home.

 

Is duct cleaning necessary?

Air travels from your HVAC system throughout your home through the ducts. Over time dust and debris can get into the ducts and mold can form. It is good to have your ductwork cleaned yearly to keep your HVAC system clean and improve the air quality in your home.

 

Does your HVAC system control the air quality in your home? 

A typical HVAC system with regular filters controls humidity and removes some particles from the air. But to make a noticeable improvement in your indoor air quality it helps to use high efficiency filters that are capable of removing more particles from the air. An air purification system is even more effective, killing pathogens and producing clean air.

 

What’s the ideal temperature to set your thermostat to? 

If your goal is to save energy, the ideal temperature for your thermostat is 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Using fans and wearing warmer clothes can help these temperatures feel more comfortable.

 

What are the warning signs that my HVAC system needs to be replaced?

There are a few warning signs that indicate the need for HVAC replacement:

 

  • Frequent repairs.
  • Rising energy bills.
  • Excessive noise.
  • Tripping circuit breakers.
  • Uneven temperatures throughout your home.

 

If you notice any of the above, your HVAC system may be on its last legs. Consider having it inspected to determine if replacement is necessary.

 

Still Have HVAC Questions? Ask Berico 

The experts at Berico can answer any questions you have regarding your HVAC system. Call 336-273-8663 today to ask a question or schedule service for your heating and air conditioning system.

 

How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost?

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It’s the homeowner’s biggest fear: HVAC replacement. Whether your system unexpectedly quit on a hot summer day or your latest inspection by your HVAC technician did not bring good news, the most common question is always about HVAC cost.

What is the average cost of HVAC replacement in Greensboro, NC? Here’s what you can expect as you start gathering estimates.

 

Average Cost of HVAC Replacement 

Although the cost of HVAC systems vary between manufacturers and models, here’s the average HVAC cost range.

 

  • Full System: $7,000-$17,000. This is the typical price range for a complete system replacement including both the air conditioning system and the furnace, but of course larger homes and other factors can add to this.  It is more cost effective to install a full system at the same time rather than splitting up installations of your Air Conditioner and Furnace.
  • Air Conditioner Unit: $4000-$8,000. This price range is for the air conditioning system alone. Air conditioners typically don’t last as long as furnaces.
  • Furnace: $4,000-$7,000. This is the price range for a furnace replacement. A furnace will typically cost less than the air conditioning portion of your system and will most likely last longer.

 

Additional Factors That Affect the Cost of HVAC Replacement

Here are some factors that may add to the overall cost of your new system:

 

  • New installation vs replacement. A brand new HVAC system when there was not an existing system will cost more than replacing an old one. This is because additional equipment will be required, such as ductwork and vents.
  • Labor costs. In addition to the retail price of your new system, labor costs for installation will be factored into the total cost.
  • Disposal of old unit. There will be a cost for disposing of your old HVAC unit that will be factored into the overall cost of replacement.
  • Adding square footage. If you have added any new spaces in your home to be heated or cooled, that extra square footage will add to the cost of your installation as you may need a larger system and additional equipment.
  • Special features. Special features such as a smart thermostat can increase the overall cost of your HVAC replacement.

 

Do I Need to Replace Both My AC and Furnace Together?

Whether or not you should replace both the heating and cooling parts of your HVAC system at the same time depends on a variety of factors.

If your whole system is old, such as more than 15 or 20 years, it would be in your best interest to replace the entire system. Newer systems are so much more efficient, you would save energy and money.

Another consideration is the cost of labor and installation. If you replace just your air conditioner now and then your furnace needs to be replaced a few years later, you could have paid less in labor costs for having them both installed at once.

 

Compatibility is another matter. When you replace just one part of your HVAC system it is important that the new system is compatible with the old system. Equipment such as blowers and ductwork is shared between your AC and heat in a forced air system. Your technician can recommend a system that will be compatible.

 

Berico Provides HVAC Replacement in Greensboro, NC 

If you need to replace your HVAC system or you’re not sure of its current condition, Berico can provide you with an inspection and estimate. Call 336-273-8663 or schedule service today.

What is a Mini Split HVAC System?

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Like all technology, HVAC systems are constantly evolving. While it has been in existence since the 1950s, the ductless mini split HVAC system is recently gaining popularity. New models are more efficient than ever, even surpassing central air in energy savings.

 

What is a mini split AC system? Here’s an overview of this type of HVAC unit and how it works.

 

How the Mini Split System Works 

There are many clues to the way a ductless mini split system works right in the name. The first word to consider is “ductless” because a mini split system does not require ductwork. Air does not originate in one location to be forced through a series of ducts in order to be distributed throughout your home like in a central air system. The next keyword is “split” which refers to the fact that there is a separate unit in each room of your home, and each is connected to a single outdoor unit. The word “mini” simply refers to the small size of each indoor unit.

The wall mounted indoor unit in each room contains an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant. The evaporator absorbs heat from the indoor air, cools it down, and the fan blows it back out into the room. The heat that is absorbed travels through the conduit to the outdoor unit containing the condenser where it is released. The heating portion is essentially the same process, but in reverse.

 

A mini split system works like a heat pump in that it transfers heat from the inside to the outside and vice versa. A heat pump uses less energy than most other HVAC systems because it maximizes the heat that is available, using it as efficiently as possible.

 

Benefits of the Mini Split AC System 

There are many benefits to the mini split HVAC system, such as:

 

  • A mini split system is more efficient than a central air system for multiple reasons. One is the lack of ducts. Up to 30% of optimized air energy is lost through the ducts in a forced air system. Another way the mini split system is more efficient is the way heat is transferred, minimizing the amount of energy required to condition the air.
  • Custom climate per room. Each room in your home with a wall mounted unit can be set to the temperature that is desired for that room. This means that each individual can choose their own indoor climate. It also means that you can avoid heating or cooling rooms that are not being used, saving energy.
  • A ductless mini split AC system can be installed in any home and in any room. You don’t have to have existing ductwork or add any ductwork. It is ideal for added spaces, finished basements, and sunrooms.
  • Save money. The energy savings you get with a mini split system will save you money immediately and in the long run. You also save money on installation because you avoid paying for ducts to be installed throughout your room, which is a significant renovation.

 

Berico Installs Mini Split HVAC Systems

Looking for an AC company that installs ductless mini split HVAC systems? Berico installs mini split systems from a variety of manufacturers, including Lennox, American Standard, and Rheem. Before doing any HVAC installation, Berico can perform a thorough energy audit on your home to determine the best system for energy efficiency. This also includes an insulation check to look for areas where air might be escaping. The ultimate goal is to help you get the most out of your HVAC system.

 

Call 336-273-8663 or request a quote today.