The Most Common Home AC Repair Issues: A Comprehensive Guide

When your air conditioning operates seamlessly, it runs quietly in the background, and we don’t give it much thought. Regardless of the scorching heat or oppressive humidity outdoors, you can revel in consistent comfort throughout the summer. Making it through June, July, and August without Greensboro AC might be possible, but it certainly isn’t pleasant.

 

So, when something comes up with your system that needs to be addressed, it’s important to deal with it right away – and to get help from an experienced team like Berico. This page is going to dive into the many different common types of HVAC repair that relate to home air conditioning systems. You should have a better understanding of how air conditioning in Greensboro is fixed when something goes wrong, but you still don’t need to be an expert. For that, just call on Berico to get the help you need, when you need it.

 

The Leading Issue – A Lack of Maintenance

Without a doubt, the right place to start is to discuss the lack of maintenance that plagues many home air conditioning systems. Simply put, most systems are left alone for years, and they are just expected to keep on running without any notable care being provided to the unit. That’s not how mechanical things always work, however, and sooner or later problems are going to develop.

 

Ongoing maintenance that is provided by a professional contractor like Berico will go a long way toward making sure an air conditioner keeps running properly year after year. The cost of maintenance will pale in comparison to the cost of repairs and will be only a fraction of what it would cost to install an entirely new system. Small problems can turn into big issues when maintenance isn’t provided, so it’s a good idea to get on a regular schedule of annual maintenance. This maintenance work can be done at any time of the year but doing it each spring is a logical choice to gear up for the hot summer weather that is to come.

 

As we continue, keep in mind that you might be able to avoid most or all of these problems if you manage to keep up with a consistent, ongoing maintenance schedule. Rather than being stuck in the heat while you wait for a repair in the middle of the summer, you could be enjoying a steady flow of cool air and relaxing in your home with family and friends.

 

A Dirty Air Filter

You might be surprised to learn that one of the most common AC repair issues is actually one that you can handle yourself. There is no special training or advanced equipment needed to take care of this maintenance point, so there is no excuse not to do it regularly. All air conditioners use an air filter to make sure the air that is coming into the system is as clean as possible, and that filter is going to get dirty and clogged up over time. By changing it out, you’ll be letting your system run at its best, improving both performance and efficiency along the way.

 

The main key to doing this task consistently is just to have some air filters on hand. Find out what size filter your system uses and have a few on hand. Then, when the time comes to trade out the old dirty one for a fresh one, you’ll be able to make that swap in just a matter of moments. Also, when you replace the filter, you can write the date on the side of the new filter, and that way when you check it in a few months you won’t have to try to remember how long it’s been. If you would like to eliminate the need to ever have to order or buy filters at the local big box hardware, Berico offers a filter service through a partnership with FilterFetch, which will deliver the right filter to your door at the right time.  To sign up for this service click here: filter delivery service.    By staying ahead of the game on this key point, you’ll be setting your air conditioner up for long-term success.

 

Issues with Sensors

Unfortunately, the average homeowner is going to be able to do little with regard to maintenance on their air conditioner. The air filter we mentioned above is a great DIY task, but almost everything else will need to be handled by a professional. That’s certainly the case with this next issue – problems with the sensors that help the AC unit operate properly.

 

Some of the sensors on the air conditioner include those that figure out what the current conditions are like in your home so the system can properly bring it down into a comfortable temperature range. Most of the time, those sensors are working fine, and you get great results. When the sensors start to get into trouble, however, the unit will struggle, and you won’t be getting the cooling you count on during hot weather. It might not be obvious to you that the sensors are the problem, so simply call the team at Berico to have the system inspected and the professionals will be able to get to the heart of the matter.

 

Leaking Refrigerant

No air conditioner is going to be able to do its job effectively without sufficient refrigerant in the lines. The refrigerant is what enables the system to gather up warmth from the air inside and move it outside. If there is a leak somewhere in what is supposed to be a closed system, refrigerant can get out and the performance of the whole air conditioner will start to tail off. Soon enough, you’ll notice that it is taking a lot longer for the air conditioner to bring the house down to a comfortable temperature, or it might not be able to reach the right temperature at all.

 

There are a couple of tasks that will need to be completed in a proper repair when a refrigerant leak is to blame for poor performance. First, the location of the leak will need to be found, and the repair will need to be made to make sure refrigerant doesn’t keep leaking in the future. Then, with the system repaired, additional refrigerant can be added to bring the level back to where it was before the leak.

 

Failure of the Electronic Controls

Like almost everything else in your home, and in your life, air conditioning systems are now managed by electronic controls. There are electronics within the system that allow the various parts to communicate and work together effectively to get the right outcome. If the electronics break down and the system can’t “talk” to itself as it is supposed to, it might simply stop working entirely.

 

This is another area where it might require a professional to confirm that you have an electronic control problem in the system. Of course, if the system won’t turn on at all, you might suspect that this is the issue, but it’s only when you get a trained technician in to look at the situation that you’ll be able to say with any degree of certainty what is going on.

 

How to Spot Signs of Trouble in Your Air Conditioner

This article has highlighted how you will need an expert in most cases to get started with an air conditioner repair. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t play an active role in the care of this system. There are a few different things you can watch for that might indicate the need to get some help and have the air conditioner inspected. Some of those signs include the following –

 

  • Hearing strange sounds. This is one of the ways that homeowners are often tipped off to something being wrong with the AC system. If you hear sounds while the system is operating that you don’t remember hearing previously, something is probably wrong, and the situation needs to be examined by a professional. This might mean the system is running louder than normal, or you could be hearing a strange sound coming from one specific area. It’s often best to turn the system off when it is making weird sounds until it can be checked out and repaired.

 

  • Freezing coils. One classic sign of air conditioner trouble is coils on the outside unit that are developing frost or ice even in the middle of the summer. This could be an airflow issue or a leak somewhere in the refrigerant line, but again, you’ll want to let the experts figure things out and explain how it needs to be fixed.

 

  • Turning on and off frequently. Your air conditioner should run for a decent amount of time before it turns back off. When the cycles get short, that’s often a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. Pay attention to how frequently you hear the air conditioner kick on and make it a point to call for service if the start ups become more and more regular, and the cycles get shorter and shorter.

 

Fortunately, modern air conditioning systems tend to be rather reliable, so you might be able to go quite a long time without the need for a repair. With that said, having your system maintained by experienced professionals like Berico is a smart move to keep everything on track. And, if you are running an older system, think about AC replacement in Greensboro to upgrade to modern, efficient equipment. Give Berico a call today to make sure your AC unit is back in working order as soon as possible!

HVAC Terminology

If you have ever talked with a technician in the HVAC industry, it can seem like they are speaking an entirely different language. Like most fields, there are plenty of terms and expressions used in HVAC that might not be recognized by the general public. To help you understand what is being said, this quick glossary will highlight some of the main HVAC terms.

 

When the time comes for AC repair or furnace repair in the Triad area, simply get in touch with the team at Berico for the assistance you need.

 

Air Handler

A central air system or heat pump always needs a way to distribute the air that it warms or cools around the house, and that is the job of the air handler. If your system seems to be struggling to move air through the ducts, a problem with the air handler may be to blame.

 

Indoor Coil

This is the part of an AC system or heat pump that lives inside the building and is where the air moving through the ducts is actually heated or cooled. The coil will be warmer or cooler than the air being moved, depending on which system is running, and some of that energy will be transferred to the air.

 

Outdoor Coil

As the name suggests, this part lives outside and is the most noticeable component of your air conditioning system or heat pump. When running in AC mode, the outdoor coil dumps heat energy from inside to outside. Alternatively, when in heating mode, the outdoor coil can gather up heat energy from the outdoors for use inside.

 

Energy Efficiency Ratio

This ratio is an easy way to demonstrate how efficiently a system is able to turn energy into cooling power. The math is done by dividing the BTUs per hour offered by the unit by the overall input in watts. That equation leaves the system with a rating that is BTUs per hour per watt.

 

British Thermal Unit

Almost always referred to simply as a BTU, this is a unit of measure that is defined by the amount of heat needed to elevate a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. When looking at HVAC equipment, capacity is often measured in BTUs, with a higher number indicating a more powerful unit or system.

 

I.A.Q. or iWave System

I.A.Q., or indoor air quality, is extremely important.  The iWave System is an excellent way to cut down on indoor pollution and is one of the I.A.Q solutions offered by Berico. That pollution can come from pet dander, dust, and many other factors. The installation of iWave is quick and easy, and once installed, it can cut down on allergens while making the air smell better at the same time.

 

Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a modern piece of equipment that is able to intelligently manage the operation of an HVAC system. Using a smart thermostat may allow you to control the system from your phone, establish detailed schedules to make sure you are using your HVAC efficiently, and much more.

 

While the glossary above should help, you still don’t need to be an expert in HVAC repair to have your system running at optimum efficiency. For that, all you need to do is call Berico and the talented and experienced team will jump into action. Call now to learn more or to get started.

Is My HVAC Thermostat Bad?

The thermostat is the “brains” of your HVAC system. There are plenty of other components needed for the system to work and effectively heat and cool your home, but if the thermostat isn’t working, the other components just don’t matter. So, this article will take a look at some of the signs that your thermostat needs to be fixed or replaced.

 

If you would like to work with the leading AC repair company in North Carolina, simply reach out to Berico today to get more information or to schedule an appointment. Berico can complete any type of HVAC service in a timely manner and for an excellent price. You are sure to be impressed with the quality of workmanship and people.

 

Start with the Basics

You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to notice when something is wrong with your thermostat. In fact, if you just pay a bit of attention to how it is operating, you should be able to spot signs of trouble so you can reach out for help.

 

As an obvious starting point, if your system simply won’t turn on, it might be that the thermostat is to blame. You should hear the system kick on with the clicking noise when it needs to either heat or cool the room. You’ll know it should be running because the temperature reading for the room is higher or lower than the temperature you have set on the thermostat. If the system just won’t come on even though it looks like it should, your thermostat is one of the first things to check.

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can also be a sign of a faulty thermostat if your HVAC system won’t turn off when it should. The system should not just run and run without stopping – it should get to the desired temperature and then turn off for a period of time. The calibration may be off when it won’t shut down at the right time, so this is another reason to reach out to Berico for help.

 

Watch for Short-Cycling

A short cycle in an HVAC system is when the system comes on for just a little bit but then turns back off again. It should run for a little while, even when only a modest temperature adjustment is needed, before turning off again. If you hear it coming on and off excessively, have a professional look at the system to see if the thermostat or another component is causing the problem.

 

Your Settings Are Lost

One of the nice things about a modern thermostat is that it can remember the settings you want to use for your system and use them over and over again. If you have taken the time to program your thermostat, and then those settings just disappear, something may be going wrong with the unit. It might be possible to reset it and restore proper function, or the thermostat may need to be replaced.

 

Upgrading your Thermostat

Even if you are not having any problems, updating thermostat can pay for itself.  The industry has come a long way since dial thermostats.  Today you can control your thermostats from your phone, set schedules, and program specific settings all which  help you reduce the cost of operating your heating and cooling systems.  Furthermore, some thermostats are able to help diagnose or prevent problems by notifying your HVAC company.  Similar to your “check engine light” in your vehicle, your thermostat will let you (and your HVAC contractor) know if an issue occurs.

 

Whether it’s furnace repair, new equipment installation, or any of a number of other important tasks related to your HVAC system, you can trust the team at Berico to be up to the challenge. Call Berico right away to get the help you need.

Understanding HVAC Efficiency Ratings: What You Need to Know

It’s easy enough to understand that an efficient HVAC system is better than an inefficient system. When your HVAC equipment operates efficiently, it tends to deliver better results, and it saves you money by consuming less energy. Also, there is the added benefit of reducing the impact of the system on the environment. But how do you know what the ratings mean and what to look for when shopping for an HVAC system? The article below has the details.

 

For an HVAC company you can trust to deliver outstanding results over and over again, Berico is the only name you need to know. Simply pick up the phone, call Berico to schedule an appointment, and you will be well on your way.

 

Starting with Cooling

If you are looking at the efficiency of your cooling system, the metric that is relevant to the discussion is SEER. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a number that demonstrates the energy efficiency of a piece of equipment that was designed to cool an indoor space. It can be applied to either an air conditioner or a heat pump.

 

This scale is designed to be simple for everyone to understand, so what you need to know is this – the higher the number, the more efficient the system. Current standards dictate that all new cooling equipment be rated with a SEER of at least 14 in the warmer states in the U.S. So if you buy a new system, it will be rated at least at a 14, but you could shop for a unit with a higher rating for even better efficiency. Plus 14 SEER may be today’s minimum, but manufacturers now produce HVAC equipment up to 21+ SEER.  Call a Berico representative today who can help you better understand your system’s SEER rating and the potential return on investment for a higher efficiency system.

 

Remember that if you are using a rather old air conditioner currently, it could be operating with an effective SEER number of well under 10. So, by installing any type of new equipment, even if it only meets the standard of 14, you’ll be dramatically improving the efficiency of the setup.

 

A Couple of Heating Measures

Things are a little more complicated when it comes to the measurement of heating equipment, but it’s still simple enough to understand. If measuring a furnace that uses oil or gas to heat an indoor space, its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, should be checked. Again here you want a higher number, as the percentage reflected in this measurement shows how much of the fuel is actually converted to heat. Modern equipment can actually perform at a level of 95% or above, which is incredible efficiency, while older units might barely surpass the 50% mark.

 

There is a separate measure to track the performance of the heating side of a heat pump system. That number is HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, and the minimum rating is 8.2, although you can find products up to 10 on this scale if you want to be as efficient as possible.

 

Is it time for HVAC repair at your home or business? Do you need HVAC maintenance completed so you can avoid costly repairs later? Whatever the case may be, you are only one phone call away from getting the help you need for a fair price. Reach out to Berico and get started today.

Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality with Your HVAC System

Breathing clean air is an experience that everyone deserves in their home. When the air in your home is fresh, it makes it easier to relax and enjoy your time with family – and, of course, that clean air will help everyone stay healthier. If you’d like to take some steps toward cleaner air in your home, the tips below should be helpful.

 

Working with a trustworthy partner on this project is also important, which is why Berico needs to be at the top of your list for all heating and air conditioning projects. You can quickly and easily elevate your indoor air quality with Berico on your side!

 

The Essential Starting Point

There are plenty of advanced techniques you can use to improve the air quality in your home, and we will get to some of those in a moment. However, the only place to start this discussion is with the air filter that is serving your HVAC system. If the air filter isn’t doing its job, you’ll struggle to maintain clean air, even if you take some other steps.

 

Fortunately, this is an easy point to check off your list. You need to do just two things – buy a good quality air filter – which won’t be very expensive – and change it out regularly. By switching out the air filter as soon as the old one gets too dirty to function properly any longer, you’ll not only be improving your air quality, but you will also be helping the whole HVAC system function more efficiently.

 

Berico has teamed up with FilterFetch to simplify your HVAC maintenance routine. With FilterFetch, you can say goodbye to the hassle of remembering to purchase and replace your HVAC filters. As a trusted Berico partner, FilterFetch delivers high-quality, professional-grade filters right to your doorstep. If you’re ready to streamline your filter replacement process and ensure optimal air quality in your home, check out our HVAC Filter Service through FilterFetch today. Here’s the link:  HVAC filter delivery service.

 

Add a Purifying Device

You’ll be at a good starting point when you have a clean, quality air filter within your system. As a next step, consider adding an air purifier, such as the iWave, a product Berico is proud to install. This type of device produces ions actively to counteract a variety of particles in the air, such as pathogens and allergens. This is important, as some airborne particles are too small to be caught by a standard air filter, so they will flow freely unless you take an additional step. The installation of an iWave device is an affordable investment that will pay off in the form of cleaner air for years to come.

 

 

For the best Greensboro HVAC team available today, just call Berico and set up your first appointment. With a century of experience in the heating and air business, you’ll always be impressed by the service and pricing that Berico can deliver. Don’t wait any longer to get started!

What Our Customers Say

Who Makes the Best Commercial Air Conditioner?

Berico is a leader in commercial HVAC services throughout the greater Greensboro area. When you turn to us for your commercial HVAC service, you’ll be working with an experienced team that understands the challenges that come along with commercial installations or repairs. Knowing that their 100 years of experience is on your side, you can rest assured that the project will be completed successfully and in a timely manner.

 

As you think about adding a new commercial air conditioner to your building, or as you work on constructing a new building and need A/C, you might be wondering who makes the best system on the market today. The article below will tackle that question to help you make an informed choice.

 

Sticking with Known Brands

As a good starting point when looking for a commercial air conditioner that you can trust, shop among some of the known brands on the market. You don’t necessarily have to buy from the one or two top names, but you also don’t want to invest your money into a system that hasn’t yet proven its worth. Remember, this air conditioning equipment will need to perform well for years if you are going to get good value out of the purchase, so stick with brand names that your commercial HVAC contractor has worked with for years and knows to be trustworthy. Saving a small percentage on the purchase by going with an unfamiliar brand is not going to pay off in the long run.

 

Getting the Sizing Right

Just as important as getting the “best” commercial air conditioner is finding a system that is the appropriate size for your building and the spaces that need to be cooled. Even the best brand in the world is going to offer disappointing performance if it isn’t the right size unit for how much space you need to cool during the middle of a hot North Carolina summer. Not only will an undersized unit struggle to keep the building comfortable, but it will also be likely to wear out prematurely because it will have to work so hard to keep up.

 

Work with Trusted HVAC Pros

The most important single piece of this puzzle is to work with a known HVAC contractor like Berico with an excellent reputation in the local area. Berico will provide you with quality commercial air conditioning equipment, and that equipment will be selected after a careful review of your specific needs. This is the best way to come away with a system that is ideal for your building and what it will require out of the air conditioner moving forward. Instead of guessing as to the brand and size that will give you the desired results, you can simply work with Berico and you’ll know that you have gotten it right the first time.

 

To get started right away, just contact Berico and explain your situation. The Berico team is always happy to answer questions and will provide you with an estimate for your job right away.

The Importance of Whole Home Surge Protection

Most of the time, the power grid is pretty reliable, and you can just allow your various pieces of equipment to run without any worries. There are issues that come up, however, and sometimes a surge of power may rush through the system and put your gear in danger. This is why you probably have a surge protector protecting your computer – but what about everything else? A whole home surge protector is the answer.

 

Berico is the right choice for all furnace repair and other projects in the Triad. Take a moment to call today to get more information about your upcoming project.

 

What is Whole Home Surge Protection?

This type of system is exactly as it sounds – it provides an additional layer of protection for everything in your house if more electrical current than expected flows through the building. Rather than needing to plug everything into different surge protectors, you can offer coverage to even things that you wouldn’t be able to connect to a standard strip, such as your HVAC system or your refrigerator. Not only that, but you get much better protection from a quality whole home system than you would ever get from a simple plug-in model.

 

A Great Value

When you compare the cost of having whole home surge protection added to your property against the potential expenses you could incur if equipment is damaged, it’s an easy choice. This type of protection is going to keep some of your most expensive pieces of equipment safe, meaning you won’t be forced to go out and buy a replacement sometime soon after a power event that wasn’t your fault.

 

Ideally, you would like to get the longest possible useful life out of all of your major pieces of equipment. Nothing lasts forever, of course, but getting even a few more years out of these major home components is a big financial win. With only a modest cost required to have the surge protection installed, you will have gotten great value for your money, and you can sleep a little better at night as a result.

 

More and More Technology to Protect

Even if all you needed a whole home surge protector for was to keep your big pieces of equipment like HVAC equipment and a refrigerator safe, it would be worth it. But these days, many homes have a list of smart features integrated into the design, and those components need to be protected, as well. You might have a security system that is connected to the electrical grid, along with a smart thermostat and many other pieces including your entertainment equipment. Keeping all of these parts safe is in your best interest, and a surge protection system can do just that.

 

Whether you need AC repair, furnace installation, or maybe the installation of a whole home surge protection system, Berico should be your first choice. With one hundred years in business and a reputation that speaks for itself, you’ll certainly be in good hands with this team.

Berico Celebrates 100 Years

In February, and all of 2024, Berico will be celebrating it’s 100-year anniversary in the triad community.  Evolving from what was originally “Berry Coal” company in 1924, today Berico has expanded in the fuel, propane, lubricant, and HVAC industries.  Over the years Berico has grown their portfolio through organic growth as well as multiple acquisitions.  Today, Berico’s 113 employees help serve the triad from three locations in Greensboro, Burlington, and Eden.  Additionally, Berico’s wholesale fuel company, Gateco Oil Co., maintains a terminal position at Greensboro’s fuel terminals.

Berico upholds William N. Berry’s motto of “Always Dependable” as proven by it’s multiple Reader’s Choice Awards, BBB Torch Award for Ethics, and it’s generosity to the community.  Particularly Berico’s “Gift of Warmth” program helps raise (and match) donations to help support those in need of heat each winter.

Founded by William N. Berry, the company has successfully transitioned into its 4th generation of family ownership.  After William N. Berry, the company was owned and operated by Joseph L. Berry, who was succeeded by the late John F. Fuquay and current CEO, Thomas A. Berry.  In 2011, current President, Will Berry joined as a 4th generation Berry leader.

“We are extremely proud to enter our 100th year supporting customers in the triad. I give credit to our great staff over the years, previous leadership, and dedication to our community for helping us reach this great milestone!” – Will Berry, President

Submitted by: Will Berry, President and Thomas A. Berry, CEO

 

 

How Do I Know if My Furnace Flame Sensor is Bad?

There are many individual components within your gas furnace that have to be working properly in order for the whole unit to function as it should. One of the key components is called a flame sensor, and you will quickly find yourself left in the cold if it stops working. This article will explain what this part does and how you can determine if it might be causing problems with your furnace.

 

Managing the heating and air system in your home doesn’t have to be complicated – or unnecessarily expensive. By turning to Berico for HVAC service in Greensboro, you can be sure that you’ll be in good hands from start to finish on any upcoming project. Reach out today to get started.

 

What is a Flame Sensor?

Your Furnace would not be able to operate properly – and safely – without the inclusion of a flame sensor. This device is designed to detect a flame when the gas valve is open and gas is being allowed to flow into the furnace. If this sensor doesn’t detect an active flame, the gas supply will be shut off as a safety feature.

 

This is a creative way for furnace manufacturers to avoid creating a dangerous situation in which the gas flows into a furnace that doesn’t have the flame needed to combust the gas. The only problem is that over time, the flame sensor can get dirty or develop other problems, and it might stop working correctly. In other words, it may not detect a flame when one actually is present, and the furnace will struggle to work properly as a result.

 

Some Signs of Trouble

You don’t need to be a furnace repair professional to notice some issues that could point to a bad flame sensor. For example, if the furnace is cycling on and off way more often than it should, that could be the fault of this sensor. As the sensor thinks that the flame is out, it will shut off the furnace until the thermostat tries to kick it on again. A properly functioning furnace will run for a while before it shuts back off – if that isn’t happening, you should at least consider the possibility of the sensor being at fault.

 

Also, if your furnace isn’t creating heat as it should, you may again have a flame sensor problem. In this case, the sensor isn’t doing its job of detecting that the flame has gone out, and it’s allowing the furnace to run without any flame burning. That’s not only a problem in terms of not getting any hot air, but it can also be dangerous because gas will be flowing and not getting combusted.

 

Whether a faulty flame sensor leads to a repair of your furnace, or you decide on a new furnace installation, the team at Berico is the easy choice to take the lead on this job. Take a moment today to get in touch with Berico at (336) 273-8663 to learn more about what’s available and to schedule your first appointment.