How Your HVAC Can Keep You Healthy

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Your HVAC system is comprised of your heating and air conditioning systems. Together, they keep your home comfortable throughout the year, working during their respective seasons. But your HVAC system is doing more for you than just keeping you comfortable. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The ventilation is the key element that can have a positive effect on your health, and proper operation of your ventilation system requires regular AC repair in Greensboro, NC.

Your HVAC System Cleans Your Indoor Air

Your HVAC system helps by passing your indoor air through a filter. The filter removes dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air. Some filters are more effective than others at cleaning the air, but all filters help some, as long as they are replaced frequently. Filters should be changed out at least twice a year, but quarterly is even better. In the first year in a newly constructed home or after a significant renovation it is best to replace your filters monthly because there tends to be extra dust lying around.

HVAC Maintenance and Repair Keeps Indoor Air Cleaner

In addition to replacing your filters, regular maintenance is an important part of keeping indoor air clean and fresh. Both your heating system and your air conditioner need periodic cleaning and tuning up. Parts need tightened, lubricated, and sometimes replaced. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can release carbon monoxide into your home in levels that are too low for your CO detector to sense but that can still be harmful. (And if you haven’t replaced your CO detectors recently, it may be time.) An underperforming air conditioner can fail to control the humidity, leading to growth of mold and mildew that could be polluting your indoor air. To ensure your HVAC system is working properly, AC repair in Greensboro, NC should be a regular part of your routine.

Add an Air Purification System to Your HVAC System for Cleaner Air

Another way your HVAC system can improve your health is through an air purifier. Certain air purification systems are designed to work with your HVAC system to filter out pathogens and toxins from the air, including bacteria and viruses. This includes all types of viruses from the common cold to the flu and even coronavirus. Many air purifiers create new air molecules that are completely clean and fresh with no foreign pollutants. Consider adding an air purifier to your HVAC system to keep your home healthy.

Enjoy a Healthier Home with HVAC Service by Berico

Trust your home’s ventilation to a professional HVAC service like Berico. Circulation of clean, air is important for your health, and regular AC maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is working properly to keep your indoor air healthy.

Call (336) 273-8663 today or request service to schedule AC repair in Greensboro, NC.

 

Why Propane is Safer Than Other Heating Fuels

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gas stove litChoosing a home heating fuel can be a tough decision. Comparing the cost, availability, and other features of various fuel types can leave you confused and without any clear choice. However, there is one important aspect where propane beats out the other heating gas: safety. Propane is one of the safest home heating fuels available. It has many scientific properties and characteristics that make it safe, as well as the way it is stored, handled, and transported by propane suppliers.

Whether you’re trying to decide on a heating source for a newly constructed home or you’re considering switching fuel sources in your current home, here’s why you can count on the safety of propane.

 

Propane Has a Lower Risk of Explosion

The risk of ignition leading to an explosion is extremely rare for both propane and natural gas. However, natural gas lines are widespread, leading from a community source into each individual home. In the case of a natural gas leak or some other situation where the gas becomes volatile, it can cause greater damage through the lines and a potentially bigger impact.

Propane, however, is stored in an individual tank with a single gas line from the tank to the home. If the tank or the line were to leak or ignite, the resulting explosion would be concentrated to a single area, causing less damage.

 

Propane is Safer for the Environment

Natural gas burns about 50% cleaner than coal, however, it is still considered a greenhouse gas. Propane is not considered to be a greenhouse gas in terms of emissions; therefore, it is safer for the environment than natural gas.

Propane is non-toxic and does not damage ground water or soil if leaked. Natural gas has a low toxicity, but it not considered to be completely non-toxic. Both fuels are eco-friendly, but propane has a  edge over natural gas as it is actually a green fuel.

 

Propane Leaks are Less Common and Easy to Detect

Due to the strong rotten egg odor that is added to propane when it is manufactured, it is easy to tell when there is a leak. Natural gas has a similar odor added, but in its natural state it has no scent.

Natural gas lines are more prone to leaks due to corrosion because there are some discrepancies about who is responsible for maintaining and repairing them. The natural gas supplier tells homeowners that repairs are their responsibility if something goes wrong, but most homeowners don’t have the ability to maintain gas lines. The homeowner is merely financially responsible in the case of a gas line problem. The repairs are up to the gas company.

When you receive propane deliveries from propane suppliers, the tank and the lines belong to the propane company. Therefore, propane suppliers are responsible for maintenance and repairs of propane tanks and equipment. This usually leads to better upkeep of tanks and lines, meaning increased safety.

 

Propane Suppliers Ensure Safe Delivery

Another way propane is particularly safe is the way it is transported. As a liquid, propane is not flammable. It has to be heated to a very high temperature (940 degrees Fahrenheit) state in order to burn, and requires a very specific combination of propane and oxygen to burn at all. It has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.

Natural gas is delivered through gas lines underground that connect to the source. The gas travels through the pipes at high pressures that allow it to take up less space. The pressure also propels the gas through the pipes so that it moves along unassisted. The risk, however, is that if a leak occurs, the high pressure can cause a significant amount of gas to escape quickly before anyone is aware. This poses an increased safety risk.

Ensure Your Home’s Safety With Propane from Berico

Of propane suppliers in the Triad, Berico is a reputable name. Berico has been providing safe, reliable home heating services since 1924 and continues to proudly serve Greensboro and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a new propane supplier, Berico will get you started with a free tank swap out.

Call (336) 273-8663 today or request propane delivery.

iWave Technology and COVID-19

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With the threat of COVID-19 there are various steps you can take to help to slow the spread, such as washing hands, wearing gloves and masks, and social distancing. Now that people are spending more time than ever in their own homes, indoor air quality is an important issue. Your home should be a safe haven from the risk of contracting the coronavirus. You are probably disinfecting surfaces and frequently touched areas of your home like doorknobs and light switches. But if the virus is airborne, how can you clean the air?

There has been significant research carried out regarding HVAC and COVID 19. It has been questioned whether or not forced air systems can spread the virus, as well as the validity of air purification systems in eliminating the virus. Current findings state that HVAC use is safe and certain air purification systems may be help to reduce the presence of the virus in the air.

How iWave Technology Reduces Pathogens in the Air

When it comes to air purification systems, iWave is one of the most effective products on the market. iWave uses cutting edge technology to reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, and odors in the air, resulting in cleaner, fresher indoor air. iWave uses natural means to separate particles without releasing any harmful byproducts.

Using patented technology called needle-point bi-polar ionization, the air is infused with positive and negative ions that break down gases into less harmful elements like oxygen and nitrogen and compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapor. The ions are able to remove hydrogen from bacteria, mold, and most importantly viruses, which causes them to die from lack of energy. This is how iWave technology may be able to reduce the presence of COVID-19 in the air.

iWave Works With Your HVAC System to Create a Healthier Environment

Conveniently, iWave can be installed in your duct HVAC system so that the air passes over it every time your heat or AC runs. As the air circulates through your HVAC system and throughout your home it is being purified. Viruses, bacteria, and allergens are being eliminated from the air in a constant cycle, also preventing them from settling on surfaces in your home. You and your family will enjoy a cleaner, healthier home now and in the future.

Low Maintenance for Years of Effective Performance

iWave is self-cleaning with no replacement parts, meaning you can enjoy years of maintenance-free air purification. With no maintenance, the initial cost of the system and installation is the only expense you will have. Other systems include filter and bulb replacement as well as other maintenance. But after iWave is installed you can simply forget about it.

Looking for Information on HVAC and COVID? Berico Can Help

If you’re wondering how your HVAC system can help protect your family from COVID, Berico recommends the following tips:

  • Continue to use your HVAC system as you normally would.
  • Be sure your HVAC system is properly maintained.
  • Add an iWave air purifier to your HVAC system.

When it comes to HVAC and COVID, research supports all of the above. In this time of uncertainty, Berico wants you and your family to be safe and healthy.

If you are in need of HVAC maintenance or you want to request an iWave air purification system, call (336) 273-8663 or request service.

 

How Air Conditioners Help You Sleep Better

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Are you getting good quality sleep every night? Do you have a more difficult time sleeping in the summer? Between the heat and the fact that the sun comes up earlier and sets later, many people suffer from insomnia in summertime.

If you’re in search of solutions, one thing that may help is air conditioning. It is said that the optimal sleeping temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. In North Carolina the only way to achieve that temperature inside in the summer is with air conditioning.

Is Your Air Conditioner Working Properly?

To achieve an ideal sleeping temperature in your bedroom at night you will need a properly working air conditioner. If your AC is broken or not operating efficiently you may not to be able to get the temperature down as low as you want. Air conditioning repair in Greensboro may be necessary to restore your system to good working order.

Your system may simply need to be cleaned. When dirt collects on the evaporator coil it can’t effectively cool the air as it passes through your system. Your refrigerant level could be low due to a leak that needs to be repaired. Dirty, clogged filters can limit the airflow through your AC. It could be that your air conditioner is not the right size for your home or that it is old and therefore not very efficient. Whatever the reason, either repair or replacement of your cooling system could be the key to getting better sleep.

Save Energy and Money with a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

Do you set your thermostat to a higher temperature in the summer to save energy? If you’re suffering in the heat because you don’t want to see your energy bill skyrocket, you could benefit from a new high efficiency air conditioner. But if you can’t even afford to pay more for electricity, how can you afford a brand-new high-tech air conditioner? This is a common concern, but a new AC will actually save you money.

First of all, you don’t have to pay for the entire system out of pocket up front. You can finance your new equipment so that you can make monthly payments on it. You’ll find that with a lower energy bill each month, you’ll have more leftover to put toward your new system. And once it’s paid for, you’ll keep enjoying the monthly savings for years to come. You can sleep better in the new coolness of your bedroom and without the worry of rising energy bills.

Berico Wants to Help You Sleep Better This Summer

Whether you need AC repair or replacement, Berico can help. Your technician will inspect your system and make a recommendation for the best course of action. If your system is old or the repair will cost more than it is worth, replacement may be your best option. If basic system maintenance is all that is needed to restore your AC to efficient operation, the choice is easy and inexpensive.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule air conditioning repair in Greensboro and start sleeping better at night with an efficiently operating air conditioner.

 

Is it Time to Upgrade your AC this Year?

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Does your air conditioner do a good job of keeping your home cool? It’s about the time of year to switch your HVAC system over from heat to cool. Is your AC up to the task of keeping your home cool during a long, hot summer? If you’re not sure, this may be a good time to consider an upgrade for your AC in Eden.

 

Signs your AC Might Need to be Replaced

If you’re wondering how you’ll know when your air conditioner may be on its last legs, here are some of the common warning signs.

  • You hear strange noises. Unusual noises coming from your AC may indicate a loose part or a mechanical malfunction of some kind. If the noises are new or start to increase, your AC may be ready to give out.
  • Your home cools unevenly. Are some rooms cooler than others when your AC is running? An AC system that is wearing out will struggle to keep a consistent temperature throughout your home.
  • There’s a musty smell coming from your vents. This is a sign that there may be mold or mildew growing somewhere in your air conditioning system or the ducts. Excess moisture is typically the cause, which can indicate an issue with your AC.
  • Your home feels humid. If it feels damp or humid inside your home when your AC is running, it’s an indication of a problem. A properly functioning air conditioner should be able to regulate the humidity in your home.
  • Your energy bill keeps rising. An AC that is malfunctioning uses up more energy than it should, which causes your power bill to rise.
  • Your AC is more than 10 years old. Air conditioning systems have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. If yours is 10 years old and climbing or has reached the max of 15 years, it likely won’t have too many more years of good operation in it. A new system will definitely be more energy efficient due to advancements in technology.

 

When is the Best Time to Replace your Old AC System?

If you do need a new system, the best time to replace it is before the onset of hot weather. AC installation in Eden can take a few hours and often the better part of a day. If that’s a particularly hot day, you’ll be without any AC and the temperature inside your home will rise quickly. It’s best to schedule the replacement for early spring when the weather is still mild.

 

Carolina Fuels Can Install your New AC in Eden

When you’re ready to replace your old air conditioning system, hire the experts at Carolina Fuels to handle the job. A reliable service with decades of experience replacing AC systems, Carolina Fuels technicians are trained and knowledgeable. Proper installation is crucial for your system to function efficiently and last for the intended lifespan.

5 Tips to Get Your AC Ready for Summer

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Is your air conditioner ready for warm weather? As temperatures rise and you realize that you may need your AC soon, it’s important to make sure it’s ready to go. Don’t wait until the first hot day to turn on the air because if it doesn’t work, you’ll be stuck in the heat waiting for repair. As you do your spring cleaning and home maintenance, don’t forget AC maintenance. Try these 5 tips to make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle a long, hot summer.

 

  1. Change your filters. At the very least you should change your filters twice a year, and the best time to do it is in the spring when you switch from heat to AC and in the fall when you switch back to heat again. Filters are very inexpensive, but they are some of the most crucial parts of your HVAC system. Filters keep dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and other particles out of your ducts and the mechanical parts of your air conditioner and furnace.
  2. Inspect your vents. Walk around your home and make sure all the vents in your home are open and not blocked by any furniture, curtains, or other items. Make sure there is no dust or debris inside the vents. If there is, remove the vent cover and clean it out. If you have children, sometimes small toys fall into floor vents. If you have pets, pieces of chew toys or tufts of fur can end up in your floor vents. Ceiling vents are less likely to collect debris, but sometimes collect cobwebs that need to be cleared out.
  3. Inspect your outdoor AC unit. Go out to your outdoor AC unit and check its condition. Clear leaves, branches, and debris off the unit. Trim back bushes or weeds that may have grown up around it. Look for any dents or signs of damage from the long winter months. Also check to make sure the line leading from the unit into your home is insulated (usually a layer of foam insulation is wrapped around the line).
  4. Check your thermostat. Test your air conditioner by switching your thermostat over to cool and lower it to a cooler temperature than the current indoor temperature. You should hear your AC come on and the outdoor unit will start humming. After it runs a few minutes, walk around your home and feel for cool air coming from your vents. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one to save energy.
  5. Schedule AC Maintenance. Even if your air conditioner seems to be running well when you first turn it on, this is still a good time to schedule professional AC maintenance. Your HVAC expert will perform a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune up of your system, following an extensive checklist to make sure everything is in good working order and nothing is missed. Professional AC maintenance will improve the efficiency of your system and help you avoid unexpected costly repairs.

 

Schedule AC Maintenance with Alamance Oil Today

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared: HVAC Maintenance

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Is your air conditioning system ready for another hot summer? It’s been sitting unused for a few months now, collecting dust while your furnace has done all the work. Unfortunately this is the perfect recipe for an AC malfunction. When temperatures rise you’ll turn it on, hoping for cool air, but what if something goes wrong? Don’t get caught unprepared; schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden before the weather gets hot. Here’s why.

Summer is a Busy Season for HVAC Services

If you wait until the first hot day to test your AC, you’ll be one of thousands who are doing the same thing. And you will likely not be the only one who discovers that their AC is not working. It could take a while to get an appointment when everyone else is calling too. If you had called back in the early spring or late winter to schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden, you could have avoided a hot, sticky situation.

High Heat Index Creates Unhealthy Conditions Fast

When your AC goes out on an extremely hot day, your home can become unlivable in a matter of hours. If you’re waiting around for repair service inside a sweltering house, not only will you be very uncomfortable, but you might even be risking your health. This unpleasant situation could have been avoided if HVAC maintenance had been done months or even weeks beforehand.

Avoid After Hours and Emergency Fees

Why is it that unfortunate events never seem to happen at a convenient time? If your AC happens to break down during the night or on the weekend, you could be charged additional fees to have a technician come out to your home after normal business hours. Preventive maintenance could have caught this potential problem before it occurred, saving you money and stress.

Can I Perform HVAC Maintenance Myself?

There are some aspects of HVAC maintenance that can be done by the homeowner, such as changing filters, clearing off the outdoor unit, and checking the thermostat. But a trained HVAC professional can handle the technical aspects of maintenance that an untrained person may not know how to do. HVAC technicians are trained to notice signs of wear and loose parts that the untrained eye wouldn’t notice. There are even adjustments that may need to be made to the electrical components that could be potentially dangerous for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. For your own safety and for better results, hire professional HVAC maintenance in Eden.

Trust Your HVAC System to the Experts at Carolina Fuels

If you want to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the season ahead and avoid any unfortunate surprises, make an appointment for maintenance with Carolina Fuels. Knowledgeable, trained technicians will thoroughly inspect and clean your system as well as make any necessary adjustments. If there is anything that needs attention they will let you know so that it can be repaired or replaced if necessary. Then you can rest easy in your comfortably cool home for the duration of the summer and into the fall without worrying about your HVAC system.

Call (336) 623-9741 today to schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden or request service.

The Importance of Year-Round Comfort

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Routine HVAC Maintenance is Key

An HVAC system typically consists of a heating system and cooling system that each work independently of each other depending on the need due to the weather outside.

To achieve year-round comfort, both of these systems have to work properly when they are needed. The best way to ensure that they do is to schedule regular maintenance from a company that specializes in HVAC in Burlington and the surrounding area. A professional HVAC service will take the necessary steps to prepare your heating and cooling system for whatever season lies ahead.

Year-Round Comfort Requires Year Round Maintenance

One professional maintenance appointment every few years is not what your HVAC system requires. Even once a year is not enough. HVAC experts recommend a tune up twice a year to ensure that both your heating and cooling system are working properly and efficiently. It is best to schedule one appointment in late summer or early fall for your heating system and one appointment in late winter or early spring for your cooling system. This ensures that each system is ready for the season during which they will be most heavily used.

Save Money with an Affordable Year-Round Comfort Plan

Having your HVAC system serviced twice a year will not cost you more; in fact it can save you money. Most companies offer packages that include two appointments per year for one affordable price. If you have a propane or oil furnace your year-round comfort plan can also include fuel delivery at a discount. Gas log fireplace maintenance can also be bundled into your service package. Being a regular year-round comfort customer will offer you additional perks with most companies, such as priority service and fewer fees.

Allergies: Another Important Aspect of Comfort

Home comfort goes beyond just the temperature of your home. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your HVAC system can be part of the problem or part of the cure. At the very least, changing your filters regularly (the more often the better for allergy sufferers) can help prevent allergy symptoms. Upgrading to high efficiency filters is the next step. But if you want the cleanest indoor air possible, consider getting an air purification system. These systems are designed to filter the smallest particles possible out of the air, kill allergens like dust mites, and actually create fresh, clean air to distribute throughout your home.

Alamance Oil HVAC in Burlington Provides Year-Round Comfort Care

If you’re looking for an HVAC service to handle the maintenance for your heating and cooling system, Alamance Oil can do it all. From heating and cooling system tune-ups to fuel delivery and more, you can experience year-round comfort with the help of just one service for HVAC in Burlington.

Call (336) 226-9371 today to make an appointment or schedule service. Alamance Oil is looking forward to becoming your year-round comfort provider.

Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer Now

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adjusting thermostat in your homeWhen is the right time to find out if your AC is ready for summer? On the first hot day when you need to turn it on? No! Not unless you like unpleasant, expensive surprises. The time to make sure your air conditioner is in good working order to handle a long, hot summer is right now, before it gets hot outside. It’s time to schedule AC maintenance in Greensboro to make sure your system is ready to go.

When is the Best Time to Schedule AC Maintenance in Greensboro?

It’s wise to schedule maintenance in either late winter or early spring, before the weather gets hot and the busy season starts for HVAC companies. If you make your appointment early you’ll have an easier time getting a time that is convenient for you. Once the weather gets hot and everyone starts turning on their air conditioners only to discover that they aren’t working properly or at all, the HVAC technicians will be busy with emergency repairs and you may be waiting a while for your service appointment.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Need Maintenance Every Year?

After a hot summer where your AC worked hard to keep your home cool, it may have experienced a little normal wear and tear. Dirt and dust tends to settle on the evaporator coil, condensation drains get clogged, and your outdoor unit may have collected some debris during the winter while sitting dormant, among other things. These things can all lower the efficiency of your system at the very least, and cause a complete system malfunction in extreme cases. It’s important to have your AC inspected, cleaned, and repaired every year.

Avoid After Hours and Emergency Fees

Do you prefer to pay more or less for HVAC repair? Of course you would rather pay less, and the best way to do that is to schedule preventive maintenance, meaning having repairs done before there is a problem. When your technician inspects your system, any loose or worn out parts will be identified so that they can be tightened, repaired, or replaced. If you don’t know you have a part that is ready to give out, it will choose to break at the most inopportune time, such as during the night or on the weekend. If you have to call a technician out to your home after normal business hours you will likely be charged a higher fee.

Get a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico

Make AC maintenance in Greensboro effortless with a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico. The plan includes two maintenance appointments per year and can also include fuel delivery if you need propane or heating oil. Berico will call you when it’s time to schedule maintenance so you don’t have to worry about remembering to make an appointment. You also enjoy the added perks of priority service, waived after hours and emergency fees, a 20% discount on diagnostics and repairs, and credits toward new equipment.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule service and get started on a Comfort and Protection Service Plan.

8 Reasons for an HVAC Tune-Up

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You see advertisements about it. You get coupons in the mail for it. But what’s the big deal about an HVAC tune-up? Why fix your AC if it isn’t broken? There are plenty of reasons why you should hire a professional to tune-up your HVAC in Greensboro every spring. Here are 8 of the top reasons.

  1. Save Energy/Money. Maintenance helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. When a technician cleans it up, tightens up any loose parts, and makes sure it’s running properly, it will consume less energy to keep your home comfortable. And less energy means a lower energy bill.
  2. Lengthen the Lifespan of your HVAC System. Keeping up with regular tune-ups will help your HVAC system last longer. Replacing parts when they need it and making sure your system is running efficiently means it won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, which can add years onto its life.
  3. Prevent Premature Damage to Parts. When one part is loose or starting to wear out, it can cause damage to other parts in a sort of chain reaction. Taking care of these things before they progress is important, and regular maintenance makes that possible.
  4. Keep your Warranty Valid. Some warranties on new heating and cooling equipment requires you to schedule regular maintenance with a licensed, certified provider of HVAC in Greensboro. If this is not done, your warranty may be null and void when you need a repair.
  5. Avoid Unexpected Repairs. A malfunctioning HVAC system is a surprise no one wants. If you prefer not to be surprised in this way, routine maintenance can help prevent it. By inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up all the working parts, your system is less likely to experience problems. Don’t get surprised by a broken part that could have been prevented with a simple preseason inspection.
  6. Keep your Indoor Air Cleaner. Is your indoor air clean and safe to breathe? How do you know? Your HVAC system has a lot to do with indoor air quality. The filters are responsible for removing dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air, but can only do so successfully if they are clean. It’s recommended that you replace your filters with clean ones every 6 months at the very least, quarterly for better results, and monthly in the presence of any new construction or for someone with severe allergies. Also, maintenance for your furnace ensures that it is producing normal levels of carbon monoxide and that it is being vented outside of your home.
  7. Better Home Comfort. A properly operating HVAC system can help you achieve greater overall comfort in your home, providing consistent heat or cool throughout every room.
  8. Humidity Control. Your HVAC system is also responsible for regulating the humidity in your home. Too much moisture in the air leads to mold and mildew growth indoors, which is definitely something you want to avoid. Maintenance ensures your HVAC system will keep humidity levels normal.

Schedule a Tune-Up for Your HVAC in Greensboro

When it comes to making an appointment for maintenance, the sooner the better. If you wait until the weather gets hot, you’ll be competing for technicians’ time with other customers who need emergency repairs. Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC in Greensboro today and you’re more likely to find a time that’s convenient for you.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to make an appointment or schedule service. Get a jumpstart on spring HVAC maintenance.