The Top 5 Benefits of a High-Efficiency Air Conditioning System

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Life in North Carolina is made far more comfortable through the use of a reliable air conditioning system. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just for a single summer, you know well how important it is to have cool air flowing throughout the warm season. While any kind of air conditioning is helpful, a high-efficiency system is even better – and the benefits of such a system are outlined below.

 

Heating and air companies are numerous in this part of the country, but few deliver results like Berico. For everything from minor service and repair up to a complete HVAC replacement, Berico is ready to serve you. Get in touch today to learn more.

 

1 – Save Money

This is likely the primary motivation for many people to consider a high-efficiency system, so it only makes sense to start here. When your system runs efficiently, it will use less energy to reach the desired temperature – and that means you’ll spend less money on your utility bill month after month. When considering the cost of new HVAC equipment, it’s important to take this factor into consideration. As the months go by and you gradually save more and more money, the investment you made in upgraded equipment will quickly become worth it.

 

2 – Great Performance

You should also enjoy excellent performance when you have a high-efficiency AC system. That means that your home will cool relatively evenly from room to room, and it won’t take long to get to a comfortable temperature. Given the hot and humid summers that are common in North Carolina, upgrading your air conditioning is a logical choice.

 

3 – Kind to the Environment

Using less energy isn’t only helpful in terms of saving you money, but you’ll be doing a favor for the environment at the same time. Consuming energy places stress on the environment in one form or another, so cutting back is a responsible thing to do – and you can still get the great performance you desire at the same time.

 

4 – Stay Up and Running

There are few things quite as frustrating as having your air conditioning system unavailable during the hottest time of the year. While that possibility can never be eliminated, it can be reduced by upgrading to a modern AC system that features high-efficiency equipment. This equipment won’t have to work as hard as your old gear, so there is a good chance it will remain properly functional throughout the summer and beyond.

 

5 – It May Be Quieter

You might not realize just how loud your current air conditioning system is until you upgrade to modern, efficient gear. A new system will likely run far quieter than your old one, meaning you can enjoy the peace and quiet that you deserve in your home without having to give up the cooling you need to stay comfortable.

 

High-efficiency air conditioning equipment is here to stay, so reach out to Berico right away to discuss the possibility of making this upgrade before the hot weather arrives.

The Top 5 Signs That You Need to Upgrade or Replace Your HVAC System

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When cared for properly, an HVAC system can last a very long time. It won’t, however, last forever. HVAC systems are made up of a variety of mechanical parts, and those parts are inevitably going to wear out at some point, even when proper heating and air conditioning service is provided. If you think the system that currently serves your home is nearing the end of its useful life, the five signs below could help you make that determination.

 

Berico is a leader in HVAC in High Point, so feel free to give them a call at any time with questions about your system or the services they provide. With the right team on your side, dealing with this major project will suddenly feel like a simple process.

 

1 – It Can’t Reach the Right Temperature

This is perhaps the first sign you’ll notice that something might need to be done about your HVAC system. If you set the thermostat to a specific temperature, and the system simply can’t get to that temperature even if it runs all day, it might be time for new equipment. At some point, even a quality system won’t be able to get the job done any longer, and the cost of repairs might not make sense compared to the cost of just starting over. Pay attention to how long the system has to run to reach your target temperature, if it is able to reach it at all.

 

2 – Costs are Rising

Watch your utility bills for signs that your HVAC system is consuming more energy than it used to. If those bills are steadily rising and the cost of fuel isn’t, you may be facing a system that isn’t as efficient as it once was, so it needs to consume quite a bit more energy to accomplish the same job. Of course, to make sure this comparison is accurate, be sure to consider any changes to the per-unit cost of energy along the way.

 

3 – It’s Been a Long Time

Even if your current system is working reasonably well, you still might want to have replacement on your radar if it has been a long time since your home had a new system (or if it is still on the original equipment). There is no specific lifespan for HVAC equipment, but you can use 10 – 15 years as a general range for how long a system may last. Yours could go well past that mark, of course, but it’s worth thinking about upgrading if your gear has been working hard for well over a decade and counting.

 

4 – The HVAC System is Loud or is Making Strange Noises

Sometimes, changes in the sounds that your HVAC system is making will indicate that it’s about time to bring in some new equipment. Of course, it could be that a simple repair is the better option, so get expert help when you notice new noises so you can make the right choice based on the situation at hand.

 

5 – Inconsistent Performance

You should know what you are going to get each time your cooling or heating kicks on. If the equipment currently in your house doesn’t seem to produce the same results time after time, consider upgrading to new gear that will run more efficiently, will be quieter, and will make your home a more comfortable place to live.

 

 

Berico has been helping folks stay comfortable in their homes for nearly a century and is a leader in HVAC in High Point, so feel free to give them a call at any time with any concerns or issues that you have with your HVAC system.

Understanding R-Value: How It Affects Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

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Energy efficiency is an important topic for the modern homeowner. By taking steps to make your home as efficient as possible, you can save money on your utilities and do a favor for the environment at the same time. Insulation is a big part of the efficiency picture, and R-value is an important measurement of efficiency for that insulation. While this topic can get quite technical, the article below will keep things simple and help you understand why this is so important and what you can do about it.

Are you searching for “air conditioning repair near me” with no luck finding the right contractor? For the best HVAC services in High Point, stop your search and just call Berico today for great service, excellent prices, and reliable performance.

What is R-value?

The ability of insulation to control the heat transfer in your home is measured by R-value. When you add insulation to a building, the goal is to minimize how much heat moves from inside to outside, or vice versa. So, when it is cold outside, you want the insulation to prevent that cold from coming in. The same is true in the summer, as good insulation can limit the impact that outdoor heat has on your space.

Of course, not all insulation products are the same, which is why R-value is such a valuable piece of information. Using the R-value of an insulation product, you can determine if it is a suitable option for your needs, based on where that insulation will be used and how thick it will be. On the low end of the range, you will find insulation around R13, while products up around R30 and beyond will provide far more insulative ability.

It’s Not That Simple

Just looking at the stated R-value on a type of insulation will help you understand what that product can do, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. You also need to think about how thick the insulation is going to be once installed. R-value only determines the insulating ability of a one-inch thickness, and you can multiply the power of the insulation by making it thicker. So, a product that rated at R15 when it is an inch think would offer R45 insulation if it was installed to a thickness of three inches. Insulation in attic spaces is often layered because there is more space in an attic as compared to the inside of a wall.

A Big Difference

Having proper insulation in your home can make a huge difference in how your HVAC system performs. Poor insulation will lead to excessive heat transfer between inside and outside, meaning your heating or cooling is going to have to work harder than it would otherwise to achieve the same effect. It’s the combination of great insulation and quality HVAC equipment that will lead to the comfortable, efficient space that you’d like to create. Reach out to Berico today to learn more.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

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One of the trickiest questions in HVAC is whether to repair or replace an aging air conditioning unit. Of course, it is typically more affordable to repair as compared to buying and installing a replacement, but those repair costs can add up if they keep happening time after time. In fact, replacing a system is often more affordable vs. paying higher efficiency bills. Often customers who replace their HVAC system get into a low monthly payment that almost equals the amount of energy and fuel savings they get with their new higher efficiency model. So, this article is aimed at providing you with some fundamental concepts to keep in mind as you make this decision.

 

Working with a High Point HVAC company like Berico is going to make it much easier to settle on a plan for your system. Whether you go with AC repair in High Point or you decide to replace the unit entirely, Berico will be happy to handle the project. Reach out now to learn more.

 

Start with the Age of the HVAC System

When an issue comes up with your air conditioner, the first thing to think about is the age of the system. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, this repair is going to need to be very affordable in order to make it worthwhile. If the repair is more than just a few hundred dollars, you’ll almost certainly want to go with the replacement option. The problem with repairing an old unit is that more and more repairs are just going to keep coming up, so your costs are going to add up over time. Also, an old air conditioner isn’t going to be as efficient as a new one, so even when it is working, it won’t work as well as fresh equipment.

 

Consider Timing

Another factor in the middle of the summer is how long it’s going to take for each of these two options. In some cases, it might make sense to opt for the repair if that job can be completed quickly and you can get the cold air flowing once again. If ordering a new unit and having it installed is going to take quite a while, you might not want to wait that long for results.

 

In this situation, going ahead with an affordable repair could be a temporary solution while you think about replacing the air conditioner system completely in the off-season. Of course, if the repair is going to be costly, you won’t want to go ahead with it only to replace the system later, so you might just need to opt for replacement even if it means spending some time without AC.

 

Get Professional Guidance

You don’t want to make this choice on your own. Even after doing a bit of research, you still aren’t going to have the insight into this matter that comes with having years of experience in the field. With a trusted industry partner on your side, you can ask any questions you may have and get an expert opinion on whether repairing your current system or ordering a new one is the right choice. Berico is the right team to help with this and any other HVAC challenge, so make a phone call today to get started.

7 Reasons Why an Annual AC Tune-Up is Essential for Your Home

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Having a properly functioning air conditioner serving your home is critical in the summer months in this part of the country. With plenty of hot, humid days on the horizon, making sure your AC is up to the challenge should be a top priority. This article is going to highlight seven reasons to make sure an air conditioner tune-up is finished before the warm weather moves in.

 

Berico is a leading name in air conditioner installation in Greensboro, and also offers an excellent maintenance plan to keep your system operating properly. Whether you need AC installation or just a tune-up, Berico is only a phone call away.

 

1 – Better Performance

First and foremost, you’ll get improved performance from your air conditioning system when it has been maintained properly. Without maintenance, various parts are going to get dirty, and they won’t perform as well as they should. That means the space won’t get as cool as you would like while the AC is running, or it will take more energy to get the results you desire.

 

2 – Improved Efficiency

Speaking of using more energy, a dirty air conditioning system is one that is going to run inefficiently, and it will cost you more to have it on as a result. With the length of the summers we experience in this area, you could wind up spending a lot more money on energy than was necessary simply because you skipped your preventive maintenance visit.

 

3 – Longer Lifespan

Another way in which a tune-up can benefit you is by getting a longer useful life out of the equipment you already own. If you fail to maintain it, your system is inevitably going to fail sooner, and as a result, you’ll find yourself back on the market shopping for an entirely new piece of equipment. Put that expense off for as long as possible by keeping up with annual maintenance.

 

4 – Catch Developing Air Conditioning Problems

Even if it seems like the system is working just fine at the moment, going through with a tune-up appointment will allow any small issues to be caught and corrected before they turn into bigger problems down the line.

 

5 – It’s a Great Value

We’ve talked quite a bit already about how you can save through maintenance by getting more life out of your system and by improving efficiency. On the other side of that coin, these tune-up visits are very affordable, so the return on your investment is impressive.

 

6 – Avoid Hot Spots

Most homeowners know the feeling of having some of the rooms in their home stay nice and comfortable in the summer – while other rooms just won’t cool down no matter what you do. Keeping up with maintenance will make your system work better and it should lead to a more even cooling throughout the whole house.

 

7 – Prevent Downtime

Aside from potential financial savings, yet another advantage here is being able to steer clear of repairs that might take a while to complete in the middle of a hot summer. It’s no fun to live through a heatwave for a week or two without a functioning air conditioner, so stay ahead of the game and make that outcome less likely.

How to Save Money on Your Energy Bill with a Programmable Thermostat

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Advanced technologies are becoming more and more prevalent in homes, and programmable thermostats certainly fit into that category. Often, programmable thermostats are promoted as a convenience, and while that’s one benefit they deliver, there is also the potential savings on your energy bill to consider. After all, if you can cut down on your energy bill, the cost of buying the thermostat will seem like a wise investment.

 

For reliable Greensboro AC repair services, turn to the team at Berico right away. While there are many HVAC companies in Greensboro to consider, few – if any – will deliver the combination of quality and value that is offered by Berico. Don’t wait any longer to get started.

 

Optimize Your HVAC Thermostat Settings

The first thing you’ll want to do with your new programmable thermostat – such as the Honeywell Pro 8000 – is to optimize the settings that control how the system runs and when it heats and cools your house. Some of this is common sense, but the basics are highlighted in the points below –

 

 

  • Only when you are home. If you are gone at work all day, it doesn’t make much sense to keep the home at a comfortable temperature while no one is inside. So, you might set your thermostat to either turn the system off during the day Monday – Friday, or you could set it for a more moderate temperature. As an example, you might cool the house to 72* in the summer when you are home, but that could be bumped up to 76* during the day so the system doesn’t have to work so hard.

 

  • Think about sleep. In the summer, you’ll likely want to use your thermostat to keep the house cool enough to sleep comfortably all night long. But what about the winter? Even if it’s cold outside, you can probably add an extra blanket to your bed and not need to keep the heat up so high. This is another easy way to save energy by using your thermostat correctly.

 

  • Changes for vacation. While you can get into a pattern of settings for normal day-to-day life, remember to make changes to those settings when you are gone for a while. The touchscreen on the Honeywell Pro 8000 makes those changes quick and easy.

 

It’s All About Efficiency

If you want to bring your energy bill down, the number one goal is to make your system more efficient. That starts by managing your thermostat settings correctly to minimize waste and make sure the system is serving your needs to the greatest possible extent. From there, you can take other measures to save on energy usage, including changing your air filter regularly and having Berico come out for routine periodic maintenance to keep everything running the way it should. Building good habits all the way around, including in how you manage your thermostat, will help you write a smaller check to the utility company each month.

Is Propane a Natural Gas?

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Carolina FuelsDespite being used regularly by millions of people, there remains a lot of confusion about propane and natural gas. Are they the same thing? If not, how are they different? You don’t need to be an expert on this topic as an average consumer, but it does help to understand the basics and know what you are ordering.

 

When you are ready to schedule a Burlington propane delivery, the easy choice for such service is Berico. As the top propane supplier Burlington has to offer, Berico brings together a friendly and experienced staff with great pricing for a combination that is hard to beat.

 

Getting Your Fuels Straight

The answer to the title question in this article of whether or not propane is a natural gas is somewhat a matter of semantics. Is propane a natural gas? Yes – it is a natural source of fuel that is harvested from the earth. Is it what people are referring to when they talk about “natural gas”? No – well, not exactly.

 

Natural gas, as the term is usually used, refers to a fuel that is naturally occurring and is pulled out of the earth via drilling. When it is harvested, it includes a makeup of four different types of gases – methane, ethane, butane, and propane. It is methane that is the primary component, but all four are present. So, when you are using natural gas as a heating source, for instance, what you are using is a blend of those four gases (along with the added crude oil).

 

Using Propane Alone

Obviously, when you are using propane, you are using just one of those four gases that are found in the natural gas compound. While both can work for a variety of purposes, Berico is proud to deliver propane to many customers due to the many performance advantages it delivers. For one thing, propane is able to deliver higher temperatures than natural gas, which can be beneficial in some uses. Also, many different types of appliances can be run on propane, making it a versatile and practical choice.

 

Pricing Can Be Complicated

Don’t fall into the trap of comparing natural gas directly to propane in terms of cost without factoring in some other considerations. If you just look at the per-unit pricing, you are almost certainly going to find that propane is more expensive than natural gas. But that’s not the end of the story. Propane has a significantly higher BTU rating than natural gas, so you’ll need to use less of it to get more done. In other words, the value that you get for your money might wind up being better with propane than natural gas, and even if not, it’s going to be very close.

 

Don’t make any choices about the fuel you’ll be using at your home without talking to the experts at Berico first. With a knowledgeable team of friendly professionals available, Berico is able to help customers make the right choices for their specific situation. Get in touch today to learn more.

How Do I Lower My Fleet Costs?

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Operating a fleet of commercial vehicles is an expensive endeavor, to say the least. It seems that the costs just keep coming, from ongoing fuel purchases to routine maintenance, one-off repairs, and more. For many businesses, the difference between finishing the year in the black or the red comes down to controlling fleet costs effectively.

 

This article will offer some basic tips to help you move in that direction. To work with a fleet fueling service that will always respect your bottom line, contact Berico today. As a leader in the often searched phrase, “diesel fuel delivery near me,” Berico has a proven track record of offering reliable deliveries for excellent prices.

 

Scheduled Maintenance is Key

This is one of those “spend money to save money” points that you simply can’t afford to skip. Ongoing, scheduled maintenance is critical to the health of a fleet, and to the management of your budget. If you skip maintenance steps in the hopes of saving a bit of money along the way, those choices are sure to come back to bite you later on. Create a detailed maintenance schedule and stick with it so you can minimize the more expensive, urgent repair projects that come up down the line.

 

Maintain Tire Pressure

If you have a fleet that racks up a lot of miles during the average month, even small things can make a big difference to your costs. One such “small thing” is tire pressure, as having your tires underinflated leads to increased drag and reduced fuel economy. Checking tire pressure can be added as an ongoing maintenance point to help your vehicles get the best possible fuel efficiency.

 

Get a Fair Price

Don’t assume that fuel prices are going to be the same from one supplier to the next. Yes, the greater market is going to have the most powerful impact on prices, but picking the right supplier can help to control your costs and make sure you are getting a fair deal. Using a proven name in this industry like Berico will put you in a good position to always get the right price on things like diesel, lubricants, and other necessities.

 

Monitor Driver Performance

The performance of your fleet is only going to take you as far as the drivers who are sitting behind the wheel of each vehicle. With so much modern GPS technology available, you can use one of a number of different programs to monitor driver performance and make improvements, as necessary. Again, it’s about tightening up the little things that will make a big difference. If you can even tweak a few driver habits that were wasting fuel and adding miles, making those changes will have a direct impact on your profitability.

 

Gradually Upgrade Vehicles

With very few exceptions, newer vehicles are going to be more efficient than their older counterparts. So, if you can gradually turn your fleet over and invest in new vehicles to replace the oldest members of your fleet, fuel and maintenance costs are going to go down as a result. You probably can’t go out and buy all new vehicles immediately, but making this a priority over time is going to put you in a better position moving forward.

How Long Does 500 Gallons of Propane Last for a Home?

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gas stove litWhen driving your vehicle, you probably have a pretty good idea of how long your available fuel will last. Based on how much you drive, the size of your tank, the efficiency of your vehicle, etc., you’ll get familiar with how often you need to stop at the gas station to refill. The story is different with the propane tank that serves your home, however. If it gets filled up with 500 gallons, how long is that going to last? This article will take a closer look.

 

Tired of searching for “propane delivery near me” without getting any good results? Any search for the best propane companies near me is sure to reveal Berico as a top option for those in and around Greensboro, Eden, and Burlington. Get in touch today to get started.

 

A Disappointing Answer

It would be nice to be able to tell you that 500 gallons of propane is going to last your home for exactly six months, or some such number. Life just isn’t that simple, however, and there is no way to be so definite. First of all, it’s important to clarify exactly how much propane you are working with when your tank is full.

 

Yes, you might have a 500-gallon tank on your property. That doesn’t mean it holds 500 gallons when it is filled up. Because it’s necessary to leave some open space in the tank for gas expansion as a safety measure, your tank is only going to be filled up to 80%. Those with a 500-gallon tank will then be left with 400 gallons, and the math works the same way for other tank sizes.

 

With that much gas available, you should get a few months of service in an “average” home, but the range is so wide that it’s hard to nail that down with any degree of confidence. Factors that will directly impact propane consumption include how many appliances use this fuel, the size of your home, the weather conditions, and on and on.

 

Learning Your Patterns

The only useful bit of information on propane usage is going to come from your history. Rather than looking to others for a guess, just monitor the rate at which you use your propane during various times of the year. Pretty soon, an obvious pattern will emerge, and you’ll have a strong understanding of how fast those 500 (or 400) gallons are going to disappear.

 

It’s also important to work with a trustworthy supplier like Berico to make sure your tank never runs out. Berico will deliver more propane promptly and can set up a schedule of timely deliveries to make sure your tank doesn’t get anywhere near empty. This is one of those points where you’d rather be safe than sorry – having your tank topped off regularly rather than pushing your luck on how far down it can go is the smart move. Reach out to Berico right away to learn more about propane delivery.

How Environmentally Friendly is Propane?

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Carolina FuelsWith such a sharp focus on the environment in recent years, more and more people are thinking about how their daily actions impact the earth as a whole. If you count yourself among those who want to make sure you are making sound decisions, you might be reviewing the types of energy you use to warm your home or power your vehicles. With that in mind, this article is going to turn the focus toward propane to see how it stacks up.

 

To work with a trusted propane supplier in Eden, North Carolina, look no further than Berico. There are a few different Rockingham propane companies to choose from, but Berico stands at the top of the list thanks to outstanding customer service and excellent pricing. Get started today.

 

A Great Fuel Choice

To get right to the point – propane is a great pick for people who are concerned about the impact they are going to have on the environment. One of the primary factors you need to consider here is how much carbon dioxide a fuel emits as it is burned. Some fuel sources that are commonly used emit a high level of carbon dioxide, and as a result, may have a significantly negative impact on the environment.

 

That is not the case with propane. Yes, there is some carbon dioxide emitted, but it is not a significant volume as compared to many alternative fuels. So, if you are heating your house with propane, for example, you can feel good about that choice and know that you aren’t harming the climate unnecessarily while keeping your home comfortable.

 

Another Important Factor

Beyond the carbon dioxide emissions of burning a given fuel, there is also the risk of fuel spills to take into account. A major oil spill in an ocean, for example, can do extensive and long-lasting damage to animals and plant life. This is another area where propane rates well. Not only is it safer overall to move propane from one place to another, but any spill that does occur will be less harmful to the environment.

 

If propane is spilled, it will quickly turn to vapor and dissipate into the air. You’ll always want to be careful and practice good safety measures when dealing with any kind of gas, but the environmental outcomes associated with a propane spill are unlikely to be significant.

 

So Much More to Love

It’s been established that propane is a gas you can feel good about using for your energy needs. That covers things from an environmental perspective, but there are other factors to weigh such as cost, performance, and convenience. Propane continues to check out nicely in those areas, as well, which is why it has been such a popular and trusted option for many years. If you would like to consider setting up an ongoing propane delivery arrangement with Berico, get in touch today to learn more.