How to Prepare Your Home Furnace for Winter

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furnace repair EdenAs fall approaches and the cool breezes start to blow, it’s time to prepare your home for winter. Preparing your home for winter will help you to save energy, lower your utility bills, and keep your home cozy on cold days.

  1. Seal up your home. There may be places where cold air can seep into your home, often around windows and doors. Seal up any cracks around window frames and door frames and check the weather stripping around your exterior doors to make sure there are no gaps.
  2. Change your filters. You should change your filters often during the heating season to keep dust and allergens from circulating through your furnace, ductwork, and around your home. If it’s been more than a month since you’ve last replaced your filters, fall is a good time to do so.
  3. Check your ducts. Leaky ducts can allow warm air to seep out and cold air to seep in. Seal up any obvious leaks or hire a professional to inspect your ducts for any weak spots. Ductwork should also be properly insulated.
  4. Schedule furnace maintenance. Fall is the best time to schedule furnace repair in Eden. Yearly maintenance and repair will keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently throughout the cold winter months.
  5. Replace your furnace, if necessary. If your furnace is getting old or has been requiring frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. Fall is the best time to replace your furnace if you are worried it won’t last through another winter. Avoid a chilly situation by having the replacement done before the cold weather sets in.

Fall Furnace Repair in Eden is an Important Step in Preparing your Home for Winter

When it comes to getting your home ready for winter, your goal should be to keep your home warm and cozy as energy-efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible. Furnace maintenance is the best way to keep your furnace running efficiently and avoid problems.

To schedule furnace repair, call Berico at (336)623-9741.

Furnace Repair and Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter

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furnace repair BurlingtonAs the summer comes to an end and the fall season is upon us, it’s time to prepare your furnace for winter. There are some things you can do to get ready for winter, but the best solution for furnace repair in Burlington is to contact your local HVAC technician. In any case, it’s always wise to be prepared before that first cold fall night.

  • Change your filters. Filters should be replaced monthly, but if it has been a while since you last changed them, fall is a good time to do so.
  • Clean the area around your furnace. This keeps excess dirt, dust, and debris from getting into your system and helps your filters to last longer.
  • Check your thermostat. Make sure your furnace turns on when you switch it to heat. Check to see that the temperature reading is accurate. Some thermostats even alert you when your filters need replaced or if there are other problems with the system. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, this is a great time to have one installed. You can save a lot of energy by programming your thermostat to heat to different temperatures at different times based on your household’s needs.
  • Have your propane or heating oil tank refilled. If you have a propane or oil furnace, the tank needs to be refilled periodically. If you are not already on automatic refills with your fuel supplier, fall is a good time to schedule a refill. Consider getting on a regular delivery plan so that you won’t have to worry about running out or remembering to call for refills.
  • Schedule maintenance. Furnace repair as part of regular maintenance is the best thing you can do for your heating system. If you want to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your furnace running efficiently, fall is the best time to schedule a tune-up.

To schedule furnace repair in Burlington, fuel delivery, or for other furnace maintenance tips contact Berico at (336)226-9371.

5 Signs Your Furnace is in Need of Maintenance

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furnace maintenance BurlingtonIs your furnace acting up? Are you noticing strange noises, smells, or other unusual things? It may not always be obvious when your furnace isn’t working right. Changes come on gradually sometimes and you may not notice the difference. If you are wondering if your furnace may need a tune-up, look for these 5 signs you need furnace maintenance in Burlington.

  1. Strange noises. If you notice different sounds coming from your furnace, it may indicate a problem. It may be that your system is running louder than it used to. Worn or wearing out parts can cause your system to run louder. Having HVAC maintenance performed will find and repair or replace any bad parts.
  2. Rising energy bills. Does your monthly energy bill keep getting higher each month? Is your bill higher this year than it was last year? Dust, dirt, and soot build up in your furnace over time, gradually reducing its efficiency. Maintenance includes furnace cleaning that will restore energy-efficiency to your heating system.
  3. Unusual smells. Are you noticing unusual smells coming from your furnace or the vents in your home? Sometimes when you first turn on your furnace in the fall you notice a slight burning smell. This is normal and will soon dissipate. But if the burning smell doesn’t go away or gets stronger, you should turn off your furnace and call for repair. If you smell gas or propane, you should also turn off your furnace and call your HVAC service right away.
  4. No heat. This is a more obvious sign of a problem. If you aren’t getting any heat from your furnace, check your pilot light and your thermostat. If all seems well but you still have no heat, call Berico to come check it out.
  5. Carbon monoxide detector alarm goes off. Excess carbon monoxide is detected when too much soot has built up in your furnace or if there is a problem with the ventilation. Get out of the house immediately and contact Berico.

Preventative Furnace Maintenance in Burlington Saves You Money and Averts Problems

If you want to save money on your energy bill each month and prevent future problems that may result in costly repairs, schedule furnace maintenance with Berico. Yearly maintenance will extend the life of your furnace and keep your home safe and healthy.

For furnace maintenance in Burlington, call (336)226-9371.

Greensboro Air Conditioning is a Cool Idea for the Summer

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Greensboro Air Conditioning is a Cool Idea for the Summer

achistory

The long, hot days of summer are right around the corner. Cookouts with friends, play dates at the pool, and visits to the coast are within our reach. And with the summer days comes another convenience we can look forward to, the ability to stay cool inside of our homes. Thanks to our Greensboro air conditioning systems, we can enjoy fresh and cool air throughout the entire summer. This was not always the case, and at Carolina Fuels, we would like to take you on a trip to learn how air conditioning has helped our country become a better place. After all, with today’s modern appliances and homes, it is easy to forget just how important air conditioning is to our comfort in the heat of the summer. Just as laptops and cell phones are imperative in our society today, so is the use of air conditioners to cool homes and office buildings.

Air Conditioning Will Work More Efficiently with Annual Maintenance

Keeping your Greensboro or Eden air conditioner in top shape is essential so you can avoid costly repairs during the hottest days of the summer. At Carolina Fuels, we provide annual maintenance that includes cleaning your air conditioner, providing a complete inspection and tightening connections to ensure that it will work efficiently and provide maximum cool air to circulate in your home or business. Let’s explore some of the neat historical facts about air conditioning, as mentioned in the www.brightsidenewspapernews.com site:

“Movie theaters were among the first places most people encountered artificially cooled air. In fact, theaters would advertise their “Refrigerated Air”. Moviemakers released their big pictures during the summer because people sought out the air-conditioned buildings to escape the heat.”

Refreshingly Cool Air in Movie Theaters and in your Home

If you find that you visit movie theaters more often during the summer months, you are not alone. It’s refreshing to sit in a highly air conditioned theater to cool off from the heat and enjoy a great film. That is why a lot of the summer blockbuster movies are released, since producers know that there will be a higher percentage of moviegoers during this time. If you have a home theater in your house, you can create the same environment of a larger theater by providing excellent air conditioning, not to mention the buttered popcorn. If your Greensboro air conditioning system is not working as efficiently as it used to, contact Carolina Fuels to do a diagnostic evaluation to see if a cooling repair or replacement is necessary. Our knowledgeable and trained technician will inspect your HVAC system. If a replacement is needed, we offer high efficiency air conditioners that will provide refreshing comfort with cost savings on your utility bills. Beside helping the film industry, did you know that air conditioning helped the U.S. government?

“Even the government would shut down during parts of the summer. Before central air conditioning, the government took a summer vacation along with school. In fact, some historians blame the growth of federal bureaucracy on air-conditioning, since it allowed lawmakers to stay in session longer.”

Our Government Depends on Central AC

Politicians and government employees are working harder for our country, now that air conditioning is the mainstream for cooling large, commercial buildings and homes. No more long vacations for the federal government, they work throughout the summer with their central AC system working at full capacity. If your commercial building is not cooling properly, or you are ready for an upgrade, call Carolina Fuels for a service visit to restore your system to peak performance level. Or, we can measure your square footage, examine your ductwork, inspect your vents, and provide you with information on Greensboro air conditioning systems that are within your budget and efficiency needs. Our installation team offers convenient scheduling, so your business will experience minimal downtime to have a new air conditioner installed.

Looking for a cool idea this summer? Cool off with top brand air conditioning systems, maintenance, and repairs at Carolina Fuels. The Southeast has a long warm season, and it is essential to be prepared for it so you can enjoy every minute. Contact us at 336-623-9741 for high quality HVAC service in the Greensboro area. 

(Source: Fun Facts about AC History, brightsidenewspapernews.com, 2015)

Importance of HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro

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HVAC maintenance in GreensboroThe average lifespan of a heating and air conditioning unit (HVAC) is between ten and twenty years. However, the actual lifespan also depends on how well you take care of it. While having an annual maintenance plan is the best option for increasing the lifespan of your HVAC unit, there are also little tasks that you can perform that can eliminate potential issues. For example, forgetting to change your air filters can significantly reduce the life of your unit.

Remember, your heating and air conditioning unit should be considered as an investment in your home, as well as for your own comfort. A well-maintained HVAC unit increases your home’s value and delivers cool air on the hottest summer day, while enveloping you with warm, toasty air on the coldest, wintry night.

Preventive HVAC Maintenance Tips

One of the simplest maintenance tasks is simply changing the air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, then the HVAC unit must work harder. When the unit works harder, you pay more in energy costs. Most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter at least every ninety days. However, for homeowners with pets, more often may be necessary as pet hair and dander can clog airflow quicker. By changing the air filter on a regular basis, you can increase airflow and extend the life of your unit. A good rule of thumb is too check the filter on a monthly basis and, if it looks clogged, go ahead and change it.

Another simple maintenance task that you can do in between maintenance check-ups, is to check around the unit and remove any debris. When mowing, you should always make sure you mow so that the grass is blown away from your heating and air conditioning unit as this debris can potentially clog air intake and thereby reduce airflow. Plus, with fall almost upon us, the leaves will soon be falling and they can also block the units from receiving adequate air flow. One way to look at it is whenever something is obstructing the airflow to your unit, it is costing you money that you could be saving or spending on something else. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a perimeter of two feet around your air conditioning or heat pump unit that is clear from all debris, including grass.

Also, make sure you check the ductwork periodically to ensure there are no major air leaks, tears, or other issues. Remember, sometimes stray animals manage to sneak under the house and they can cause significant ductwork damage. Of course, if you prefer not to go under the house, then consider purchasing a maintenance plan for your heating and air conditioning unit, which includes an annual inspection of the unit, ductwork and safety inspection to ensure there are no carbon dioxide leaks.

It is important to have an experienced Berico technician perform annual maintenance tune-up each year.  Not only does this extend the life of your equipment, add efficiency on your fuel and electric bills, lower repair costs, but it is also mandated to uphold any manufacturer warranties you may have on your heating or air equipment.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning offers preventative HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro, NC. Call us at (336) 273-8663 to discuss a service plan that can help ensure that your heating and air conditioning unit is running at its peak performance all year long.

Berico Grows with another Merger, Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning Joins the Greensboro HVAC Division

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Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning’s merger with Berico will provide Mitchell customers with “always dependable” services such as enhanced maintenance plans, additional lines of equipment, including York and Lennox, propane and fuel delivery.

GREENSBORO, NC, May 6, 2016 – Berico Heating & Air Conditioning, a leading provider of heating & cooling services and heating fuels in Guilford, Alamance, and Rockingham counties, today announced they have entered into an agreement to merge with another Greensboro-based heating & cooling company, Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning. The merger with Mitchell, a trusted 33-year-old Greensboro company, marks the next step for Berico who was founded in 1924. Over the years, Berico has become one of the area’s most trusted and reliable full-service provider of heating, cooling, and fuel services. This merger creates enhanced value for both Berico and Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning customers. Furthermore, Mitchell customers can expect to see the same trusted faces coming out to their homes for service calls.

Berico will continue to provide Mitchell customers with the quality Greensboro HVAC services they have come to expect, along with new services such as enhanced maintenance plans, additional lines of equipment, propane and fuel delivery. “I’m convinced Berico will continue to uphold our standard of quality service,” said Doug Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning. “Also, they have invited our staff to join their team and keep the relationship strong with Mitchell Customers.”

Berico will honor all service agreements and warranties currently in place with Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning. “Berico has always admired Mitchell Heating & Air for their excellent reputation in our community,” said Will Berry, Berico’s VP of Operations. “We pledge to offer Mitchell’s customers the best possible service, and will continue the tradition of comfort they have received over the years.”

To extend a warm Berico welcome to Mitchell customers ahead of the summer months, Berico is offering $20 off their first service call. Mitchell customers will now be able to easily manage their accounts and request service through Berico’s website at www.berico.com. Current Mitchell customers can contact Berico for service by calling (336) 273-8663 or emailing inforequest@berico.com.

On April 14, Berico announced a merger with Reidsville-based Willis & Willis Heating and Air, making this Berico’s second merger within a month.

About Berico Fuels, Heating & Air Conditioning

Berico Heating & Air Conditioning and partner companies, Carolina Fuels Inc., and Alamance Oil Co., have provided residential heating and cooling, fuels, and service throughout Greensboro, High Point, Eden, and Burlington since 1924. Together, the companies offer propane, home heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, and lubricant products. Furthermore, Gateco Oil Co., Berico’s wholesale company, distributes heating oil, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel for their commercial customers throughout the Triad. In addition to fuels, Berico and its partnering companies provide service for all types of equipment, from oil furnaces and boilers, to air conditioners and electric heat pumps, and more.

For complete information, please visit: Berico Heating & Air Conditioning

Media Contact:

Berico Heating & Air Conditioning

2200 E. Bessemer Ave

Greensboro, NC 27405

(336)273-8663

AC Tune-Up in Greensboro: Why is it so Important?

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historical homeWhen it comes to the working of your air conditioner, an AC tune-up in Greensboro is crucial. An AC tune-up involves an inspection, thorough cleaning, and repair or replacement of any worn out parts. Preventative maintenance can catch any potential problems before they can cause system failure. Maintenance and AC repair in Greensboro also help your HVAC system to cool more efficiently and use less energy. If you are contemplating a tune-up for the first time, you may have some questions.

What time of year should I schedule an appointment?

The best time of year for air conditioning maintenance is during the spring, before you will be running your AC every day. If your AC has been tuned-up, then you know it will work smoothly when it’s working its hardest. If you wait until the weather becomes hot, and your air conditioning has problems keeping up, guess how many other people are likely to be in the same boat? It could take a long time to get an appointment for a technician to come out to your home to perform emergency AC service in Greensboro. And if you wait until the summer is in full swing, you may have wasted a lot of energy and money while your AC was running inefficiently throughout the summer months.

How often does my air conditioner need maintenance?

Your cooling system should be tuned up every year. A whole season of cooling can cause a lot of dirt and dust to build up in your system. When dirt accumulates on the coils in your air conditioner, it forms an unwanted layer of insulation that prevents the coil from absorbing heat and creating cool air as it should. And after running full tilt for a hot summer, your system may be starting to wear out in certain parts, and may need serious AC service in Greensboro. It can also get dried out and need to be lubricated to prevent early wear and tear.

What will a tune-up in Greensboro entail?

Your technician will most likely follow a standard maintenance checklist that includes an inspection of all of the working parts and components of your air conditioning system. If any part is worn-out or beginning to show signs of wear, it will be repaired or replaced. Certain parts are thoroughly cleaned and all of the filters will be replaced. Electrical wiring will be checked for proper connections. At the end of the tune-up, your AC will be running as efficiently as possible.

Who should I call for a tune-up in the Greensboro area?

Call a reliable, experienced HVAC company like Berico Heating and Air Conditioning. Berico has been providing air conditioning repair and AC tune-ups in Greensboro for generations. Our Comfort and Protection service plans include maintenance for your air conditioner as well as your furnace and can include heating fuel delivery if needed. Enjoy priority service, discounted repairs, and no emergency or after-hours fees should your AC quit unexpectedly. Call Berico at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a tune-up or AC service in Greensboro today.

For more information on AC tune-ups in Greensboro: https://www.trane.com/residential/en/for-owners/maintenance-tips.html

AC Tune-Up in Burlington: Now is the Time

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You may have heard that it is a good idea to have your air conditioner tuned up before the weather gets brutally hot. You may also know that yearly AC maintenance can improve the energy efficiency of your system and prevent future problems. Anytime in spring — before the extreme heat hits — is the time to schedule an AC tune-up in Burlington NC. Most HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) companies offer AC tune-ups, but not all companies perform the same checks and repairs. If you are paying for maintenance, you want to make sure you are getting thorough, quality AC repair in Burlington that will restore your unit to like-new condition. Make sure that your technician is doing the following checks and repairs to your air conditioning.

  • Replace filters. Filters get dirty and collect dust. Dirty filters slow down air flow and allow dirt and dust to get into your system. It is recommended that you replace your filters in between tune-ups, but it should still be part of the maintenance appointment.
  • Clean the evaporator and condenser coils. When dirt builds up on the coils, it forms an unwanted layer of insulation that makes it harder for your AC to absorb heat and cool it down. As a result, your AC will not be able to cool your home effectively. A good cleaning is necessary every year.
  • Oil/lubricate motors. The working parts of your air conditioner need to be lubricated in order to move easily and prevent wearing out.
  • Check thermostat and calibrate if necessary. If your thermostat is not sensing the temperature correctly, you may find that your home never reaches the desired temperature. Your AC will run more than it should, causing an increase in your energy bill. Your technician should check for this and calibrate your thermostat if necessary.
  • Inspect electrical wiring for any corrosion or disconnections. Moisture can cause metal wires to corrode over time, which can be dangerous. Corroded wires should be replaced. Electrical connections can sometimes get loose due to the vibrations of the motor and may need to be reconnected to prevent loss of power to your cooling system.
  • Check refrigerant levels and recharge if necessary. Over time refrigerant can evaporate some, meaning some may need to be added to make sure your system has the right amount. If refrigerant levels are extremely low, it may indicate a leak, which is a serious problem that needs to be repaired.

Alamance Oil provides quality tune-ups and AC repair in Burlington

Our technicians take care of these important steps as part of our AC tune-up in Burlington, as well as other checks and repairs. We make sure to check, clean, and repair all of the crucial parts of your air conditioning so that it runs efficiently and reliably. You can rest assured that AC repair in Burlington from Alamance Oil is a quality tune-up. Our Comfort and Protection Service Plans include yearly tune-ups for your AC and heat, along with discounts on repairs and priority service. Call us today at (336) 226-9371. Don’t wait until the weather gets brutal, reserve your tune-up today.

For more information on AC tune-ups: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Air-Conditioner-Check-Up.8551.html

Berico Heating & Air Conditioning of Greensboro Expands Services With Latest Merger

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By merging with Reidsville-based heating and air company, Willis & Willis, Berico will extend its tradition of superior service to new base of customers.

GREENSBORO, NC, April 14, 2016 – Guilford, Alamance, and Rockingham counties’ most dependable provider of heating and cooling fuels and services, Berico Heating & Air Conditioning, today announced they have entered into an agreement to merge with Reidsville-based heating, cooling and plumbing company, Willis & Willis Heating and Air. The merger with the well-respected Reidsville company marks the next step for Berico as it has evolved, since having been founded in 1924, into the area’s most trusted and reliable full-service provider of heating and cooling services. This merger creates enhanced value for both Berico and Willis & Willis customers.

Berico will expand their service area to provide more customers with HVAC services and fuels; Willis & Willis customers will be able to continue the tradition of excellent service while gaining access to Berico’s extensive resources. Willis & Willis, whose customer base stems largely from word-of-mouth and the quality of its reputation, brings a successful track record of providing a high standard of service to its many customers. “We are happy to welcome the Willis & Willis family under our umbrella of services. This merger is in line with our long-standing strategy of being a leader in North Carolina by providing the best service and fuel to our customers,” said Will Berry, Director of Operations. “With Willis & Willis customers joining the Berico family, we are pleased to be able to offer our services to more North Carolina residents.”

Berico will honor all service agreements and warranties currently in place with Willis & Willis. “We pledge to continue the tradition of comfort to which Willis & Willis customers are accustomed,” said Berry. To extend a warm Berico welcome to Willis & Willis customers ahead of the summer months, Berico is offering them the opportunity to schedule an AC tune-up for the special rate of $59. Willis & Willis customers will now be able to enjoy easy management of their accounts and the ability to request service through Berico’s website at www.berico.com. Current Willis & Willis customers can contact Berico for service by calling (336) 273-8663 or emailing inforequest@berico.com.

About Berico Heating & Air Conditioning
Berico Heating & Air Conditioning and partner companies, Carolina Fuels Inc. and Alamance Oil Co., have provided residential heating and cooling, fuels, and service throughout Greensboro, High Point, Eden, and Burlington since 1924. Together, the companies offer propane, home heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, and lubricant products. Furthermore, Gateco Oil Co., Berico’s wholesale company, distributes heating oil, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel for all of their commercial customers throughout the Triad. In addition to fuels, Berico and its partnering companies provide service for all types of equipment, from oil furnaces and boilers, to air conditioners and electric heat pumps through their HVAC Greensboro main office, and more.

For complete information, please visit: Berico Heating & Air Conditioning
Media Contact:
Berico Heating & Air Conditioning
Attn: Media Relations
2200 E Bessemer Ave
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336)273-8663

AC Maintenance in Greensboro: Take Control of your Utility Bills

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Do you feel that you pay too much for utilities? No one likes to pay bills, and it is disheartening to see so much of your hard-earned money go down the drain in energy costs. But there’s nothing you can do about it, right? Wrong. You can take measures that will make a real difference in your monthly energy bill. And some of those measures apply to HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) maintenance and repair. If you are not already having professionals perform a yearly tune-up on your air conditioner, you can lower your energy bills with regular AC maintenance in Greensboro.

AC Maintenance in Greensboro can lower your cooling costs this year

Has it been a while since your AC has been tuned up? Air conditioners need regular maintenance to run smoothly. Your cooling system needs to be inspected, cleaned, and repaired every year before the weather gets brutally hot. An inspection allows the technician to spot potential problem areas or worn out parts so that they can be repaired or parts can be replaced if needed. Cleaning removes dirt and dust build-up that causes the air conditioner to work harder or struggle to cool your home. When your AC is clean and all of the parts are lubricated and moving well, your system can do its job using less energy. This can prevent a costly AC repair in Greensboro down the road.

You can take AC maintenance in Greensboro one step farther with ductwork inspection and sealing. If the ductwork accompanying your HVAC system has leaks, the cool air could be seeping out and hot air could be seeping in, which is precisely what you don’t want in the hot months of the year. And the opposite could be happening during the cold months, meaning you are wasting energy and money. A professional HVAC company can inspect and seal your ducts to make sure your home will be as comfortable as possible using the least amount of energy. They can also perform any on-the-spot AC repairs in Greensboro.

Replacing your old HVAC system with a new one could save more energy

Air conditioning maintenance in Greensboro can help you save some energy, but if your air conditioner is more than 8 years old, you could save a lot more by replacing your old system with a new one. New air conditioners are much more efficient due to advancements in technology. If your system is getting older and starting to need repairs more often, or even if it isn’t having any problems at all, you can still lower your energy bill by having a new high-efficiency air conditioner installed.

Berico offers reliable AC Repair in Greensboro

You can trim down your energy bill with maintenance, replacement, or air conditioning repair in Greensboro. Berico offers affordable maintenance plans that can keep your AC running efficiently each season. If you are in need of a new air conditioner, our technicians can replace your current system with a new high-efficiency air conditioning unit that will significantly reduce your household energy usage. Call us today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule AC maintenance in Greensboro or to get a replacement quote.

For more information on lowering your utility bills: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/saving-energy/take-back-your-energy-bills-energy-efficiency-measures-work-you/