Do Greensboro Air Conditioners Create High Energy Bills?

/in /by

Greensboro Air ConditionersIn the middle of the summer season, are you afraid to look at your utility bills? Since you are running your Greensboro air conditioner every day in the hot summer months, there may be some reasons why your bill is higher than your neighbor’s energy bill. At Berico Fuels, we can help you find the causes of these higher payments, and help you on the path to cost savings. Here are 5 top reasons you may be paying so much each month for your air conditioning:

Your AC Unit is Older and Not as Efficient

Older cooling systems are not as effective at cooling, and the efficiency is much lower than today’s newer systems. This lower efficiency results in higher energy bills since the HVAC system requires more energy to get to the desired indoor temperature for your home. It may be time for a replacement system, which will be an initial investment that carries excellent cost savings over the years with significantly lower energy bills.

The Cooling System’s Fan is Set on the Thermostat to Constantly Run

If there is a fan setting on your programmable thermostat, it should be set to “Auto” instead of “On” for greater efficiency. If family members are constantly going back and forth with the temperature setting changes on the thermostat, they probably have also moved the fan switch to “on”. Achieve the best performance from your air conditioning unit by setting one main temperature setting for the hours that you are home and a few degrees’ warmer setting for when you are away from the house. Frequent changing of the temperature, even by a few degrees, not only creates an inefficient energy flow but puts more stress on your equipment as it constantly tries to adjust to these frequent changes. Agreeing on the most comfortable indoor temperature for everyone in your household and maintaining that level throughout the summer will help your system run more efficiently.

Your AC Unit is Inefficient as a Result of Skipped Maintenance

Regular annual maintenance is necessary to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. If you skip a year or two, it can result in a heavy collection of dust, dirt and other debris that will cause your system to not work at its best and most effective level. Contact Berico to schedule your HVAC maintenance visit in Greensboro, and we will check parts and connections while providing a complete cleaning.

Duct Blockages and Leaks in Your Cooling System Can Cause Higher Utility Bills

Trying to send air through blocked areas in your ductwork creates more pressure, and your cooling system needs to work harder to circulate the air, therefore using more energy. The quality of your ductwork is important because it provides the outlet to send cooled air throughout your home. When the ducts have holes or leaks, or connections are blocked off, this could result in higher energy bills. Regularly checking the ductwork in your home will help fix these issues before they become costly repairs and help to keep your energy bills down.

Keep Cool Air inside with Good Insulation

Your AC system may be working overtime to not only cool the inside of your home, but also the outside. Properly fitted windows or adding weather stripping around the windows will help the cool air from leaking to the outside and keep the hot air from coming in. Adequate insulation and weather stripping will help keep your HVAC system from running unnecessarily to accommodate the loss of cool air in your home. Keep the nice, cool air inside of your home and let the outside stay warm with added insulation. When you need service for your air conditioner in Greensboro, Burlington or Eden, contact Berico Heating & Air, Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels at (336) 273-8663.

Greensboro Air Conditioning Service and Tips For A Cool Summer

/in /by

Have a Cool Summer with Greensboro Air Conditioning Service and Tips

Greensboro Air Conditioning ServiceSpring is almost in the air, with summertime shortly afterwards. If you felt too hot last summer, we have some tips and ideas for keeping cooler air in your home this summer. At Berico Fuels, now is the time that our customers usually receive maintenance for their AC units to make sure that everything is working correctly before the hot and humid summer months. Along with the recommended annual Greensboro AC maintenance, there are a few things that you can do, according to www.treehugger.com, that will keep you cool naturally and bring you more comfort this summer:

1. Use awnings.

According to the Washington Post, The Department of Energy estimates that awnings can reduce solar heat gain—the amount temperature rises because of sunshine—by as much as 65 percent on windows with southern exposures and 77 percent on those with western exposures. Your furniture will last longer, too.

We noted in Planet Green last spring that this can translate into a saving of cooling energy of 26 percent in hot climates, and 33 percent in more temperate climates where it might even make air conditioning unnecessary.”

Awnings are often overlooked, however a drive through the Greensboro, NC area will show you that they are widely used and compliment the overall look of the home. Determine which direction your house faces and use awnings in the locations that will bring the most energy savings for your home. In Greensboro, HVAC service will not be needed as frequently if the AC unit is not running at full capacity as often due to more shade and less heat coming into your home. Here’s another tip:

2. Plant a tree.

Geoffrey Donovan studied it in Sacramento, and calculated the savings.

“Everyone knows that shade trees cool a house. No one is going to get a Nobel Prize for that conclusion,” says the study co-author, Geoffrey Donovan. “But this study gets at the details: Where should a tree be placed to get the most benefits? And how exactly do shade trees impact our carbon footprint?”

Find out in Planet Green: Be Cool and Plant a Tree”

Trees are great for the environment and they help to keep your house cooler. Research the various types of trees that grow well in the Greensboro area, and plant a few to keep your home shaded so you will not have to use your AC unit as often. Here’s a tip that can make a huge difference with your home’s temperature this summer:

3. Plant vines.

Climbers can dramatically reduce the maximum temperatures of a building by shading walls from the sun, the daily temperature fluctuation being reduced by as much as 50%.Together with the insulation effect, temperature fluctuations at the wall surface can be reduced from between –10°/14°F to 60°C/140°F to between 5°C/41°F and 30°/86°F.”

Virginia creeper and ivy have been known to grow quickly in the Greensboro climate, and they can greatly help with the coolness of your home this summer. With an energy efficient air conditioner, your energy savings will help you save money and stay cooler this summer.

There are some other ways to stay cool, such as painting your roof a lighter color, using ceiling fans throughout your home and using your outside grill to cook hot foods instead of preparing them indoors. All of these techniques and tips will assist you with keeping your home comfortable and cooler this summer. At Berico Heating and Air Conditioning, we provide Greensboro AC maintenance so you can rely on your system the entire season and not need to make emergency repair phone calls or experience any downtime. Call us at 336-273-8663 to schedule your Greensboro air conditioning service today.

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden: Spring is the Ideal Time

/in /by

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden: Spring is the Ideal Time

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden

Spring is almost here, and most people will be busy clearing out closets, scrubbing walls and washing windows. However, if you just clean the parts of your house that you can see, you may be doing only half the job. Preventative maintenance on your cooling system should be a part of your regular spring-cleaning activities. Air conditioning repair and maintenance check-ups will help your entire house be clean and dust free. The technicians at Berico Heating & Air get busy once summer hits, so spring is the ideal time for air-conditioning repairs in Eden.

Why Schedule an Air Conditioner Check Up

According to the Department of Energy,

“Annual maintenance can help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner while prolonging the life of your unit.”

It is especially important to schedule this maintenance check up in the springtime because the severe weather of the winter months can have a negative impact on your cooling system. The number one cause of air conditioning system failures, as reported by HVAC professionals, is the lack of routine maintenance. Another reason to schedule annual air conditioner maintenance and repair in Eden is cost savings.

According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA,

“The percentage of the average household’s energy use that goes to space cooling is only 6%, yet this can increase during the warm months.”

Small problems can be detected and fixed before they become bigger, more expensive problems by scheduling regular check-ups. Fixing a small refrigerant leak shouldn’t cost much, however, purchasing a new compressor when low refrigerant levels damage your current one can cost thousands of dollars. The other way an annual spring check up saves money is by making certain that your cooling system is working at peak efficiency. When your air conditioner is running well, it uses less energy to cool your house. Lower energy use means increased savings for you on your monthly energy bill.

Typical Maintenance Checks to Ensure Optimum System Performance

  • Thermostat settings should be examined to ensure the cooling system keeps you comfortable when you’re home and saves energy while you are away.
  • Defective electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components. Electrical connections should be inspected and tightened, and voltage and current on motors measured.
  • Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that are not lubricated properly can cause friction in motors resulting in increased electricity consumption.
  • One way an air conditioner cools your home is by decreasing the amount of moisture in the air or humidity. If the condensate drain is clogged in your cooling system, this can not only cause water damage but also affect humidity levels in your home.
  • All system controls should be checked to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off correctly.
  • Evaporator and condenser coils remove heat and humidity from the air using a refrigerant. These should be checked and cleaned. Energy Star, a division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports that dirt and neglect are the top causes of cooling system inefficiency and failure. Dirty coils prohibit the system’s capacity to cool your home. It can also cause the cooling system to run for an extended amount of time, inflating costs and reducing the life of the system.
  • Blower and fan motors should be tested and inspected for greater comfort levels. Airflow difficulties can lessen your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent as stated by the Department of Energy.

Do it Yourself Cost-Saving Tips

  • Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your air conditioner. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and can cause refrigerant lines to freeze resulting in possible breakdowns and serious damage to other system components. According to the Department of Energy, this can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15 percent.
  • If you have a window air conditioner, inspect the window seals to keep cool air from escaping. According to Energy Star, homeowners typically save up to hundreds of dollars a year in cooling costs by air sealing their homes.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This could help you save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs a year.

No matter what kind of cooling system you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining your equipment. Routine maintenance check ups lower energy bills, increase comfort in the home and extend the useful life of your equipment. Now is the time to schedule your air conditioner check up in Eden, Greensboro and Burlington, NC. Berico Heating & Air want to make your home comfortable and your life easier. Contact us today.

SOURCES: Energy Saver (www.energy.gov/energysaver), the Energy Department’s Building Technologies Office; A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling

Greensboro Commercial Heating and Cooling Comfort For Employees

/in /by

Commercial HeatingComfort levels are different for each unique individual. One office employee may be wearing a scarf and jacket in the office, while a coworker is using a fan and wearing short sleeves. This can be challenging for business owners, since it has been proven that temperature affects office productivity. As the owner of a company, you want to find the right temperature that will keep the majority of your employees at the peak comfort level, while not making the others uncomfortable.

At Berico Fuels, we provide energy efficient HVAC systems that have programmable thermostats with numerous options for settings. You can optimize your office’s comfort levels by programming the thermostat to keep an ideal temperature setting during working hours. In a study by Andrews Sykes Hire, the following eye opening statistics were found for Greensboro business owners:

“…almost a third of employees lose productivity because they aren’t comfortable with the temperatures in their offices. The fact is, temperature affects people very differently thanks to a number of factors, including gender, clothing, and metabolic rate. And only 24% of survey-takers agreed that their office temperature was suitable for working through the entire year.”

Increase comfort levels and increase productivity

Why are 80% of employees complaining about the office temperature? There are personal factors and environmental factors that cause the variations, such as what you wear and your metabolic rate. Wearing heavier clothing in the winter and getting more exercise will help employees to stay warmer. The humidity level, air velocity differences, air temperature and radiant temperature also affect your comfort level indoors. It could be sunny and warm outside, with higher humidity levels inside, resulting in warmer than usual temperatures indoors. As a business owner, if you can spend a day in the various offices, cubicles and workstations to determine if the airflow and temperatures are sufficient, you will have gained insight into the problem areas or be able to move employees into spaces where they will be more comfortable. If you find that the Greensboro commercial heating and cooling system is not circulating the air properly to all of the work areas, it is time to make an HVAC service call.

Commercial heating and air repairs

A suspected problem with your commercial HVAC system should be followed up with a call to Berico Heating and Cooling. We will send a certified and dependable technician to perform a complete inspection and diagnostic evaluation of your system and determine if a repair is needed. Regular tune-ups are necessary to keep your commercial heating and cooling system performing at peak capacity. At Berico Fuels, our maintenance programs will provide you with our high quality, thorough inspections that prevent leaks and extend the life of your commercial HVAC system.

Increase office productivity levels by maintaining the optimal temperature in your office environment, adjusting slightly when humidity levels or radiant temperatures cause differing comfort levels. At Berico Heating and Cooling, we will help you with your commercial heating and cooling needs in Greensboro, including HVAC installations, repairs and maintenance. Call us today at 336-273-8663.

Air Conditioner Advancements in Burlington = Cleaner Air

/in /by

Air Conditioners in BurlingtonSince the first air conditioner was invented in 1902, technological advancements have made air conditioners in Burlington more efficient. This greater efficiency leads to cleaner air because of the increased ability to reduce humidity in homes and businesses due to stronger fan blowers to circulate the air. ASME.org, an engineering publication, commented on the variety of scientific and engineering improvements that have been made over the years to create the complex HVAC unit that we use today:

“These comfort units that homeowners activate with the ease of flipping a switch are complex electromechanical systems, the end products of nearly a century of engineering development in cooling, thermodynamics, controls, and energy efficiency. In 2000, air conditioning/refrigeration was named among the 10 greatest mechanical engineering achievements of the 20th century, according to a survey of ASME members.”

With the majority of Americans using air conditioning today, quality service and installations are consistently needed to maintain systems. At Alamance Oil, we provide cooling maintenance in Burlington so your air conditioner will be ready for the hot months of the summer. Programmable thermostats are available in a variety of configurations, allowing homeowners to increase energy efficiency in their homes and lower utility bills by adjusting the temperatures to accommodate their specific needs. The use of these sophisticated thermostats, the cleaner indoor environment, and the added safety measures are all a result of the engineering and technology developments that have shaped the AC system into what it is today.

New Controls on Air Conditioners in Burlington Create Greater Energy Savings

If you are not using your programmable digital thermostat in your home to program temperatures for specific time periods, you are missing out on an opportunity to save some serious money. At Alamance Oil, we can offer recommendations on how to program your thermostat to the best settings for energy savings. These suggestions include setting your temperature differently for when you are traveling or away from your home and keeping the temperatures slightly warmer during the summer months or when you are asleep. The U.S. government now requires that air conditioners in Burlington meet the seasonal energy efficiency ratings (SEER) that have increased to meet energy standards:

“Energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy are driving improvements in air-conditioning systems. “Minimum efficiency standards for a/c systems have progressively increased, particularly in the last five years, requiring manufacturers to optimize systems to reduce energy consumption,” says Dennis Thoren, vice president of engineering and technology at Ingersoll Rand, Davidson, NC, which markets the popular Trane line of air conditioners.”

The increased automation with easier to use controls have made a significant impact on the amount of energy that is used when running your AC unit. Manufacturer recommended cooling maintenance in Burlington results in more energy savings for you. Air conditioners that are cleaned and regularly inspected can last longer and provide healthier, comfortable cooling for your home and family.

A Cleaner Indoor Environment is the Result of Modern Air Conditioners

Harmful chemicals, such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were used in refrigeration fluids until it was discovered that they cause damage to the ozone layer. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFCs are now used in modern air conditioners which are better for the environment indoors and outdoors. Refrigerants are necessary to produce cooler air in your home, and with the newer technology and controls, your AC system provides healthier and cleaner indoor air. At Alamance Oil, our knowledgeable service team provides helpful information when you are researching for a replacement air conditioning system in Burlington. We will analyze your budget, space requirements and layout to recommend a range of AC units that will meet your needs.

Safer Cooling is the New Mainstream

Sophisticated sensors are in place to add safety measures to your air conditioner in Burlington. Carbon monoxide alarms will go off if there are problems and additional humidity level and temperature sensors make sure the system is running at peak capacity. At Alamance Oil, our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to monitor your system and sensors for safety and effectiveness during annual maintenance visits. Our trained technicians will find leaks or any other equipment issues and repair them quickly and efficiently to restore your air conditioner to full safety and comfort. For reliable ac repair, contact Alamance Oil today at 336-226-9371.

(Source: Global Cooling: The History of Air Conditioning, asme.org, June 2011)

Greensboro HVAC: Solutions for Strange Noises

/in /by

Greensboro HVACAre you hearing a constant rattling sound in your home? Does the sound seem to be in your walls or coming from your furnace or air conditioner? At Berico Fuels, we have some solutions for the sounds that you are experiencing. As a knowledgeable Greensboro HVAC company, we know how to locate and fix these types of problems quickly. Typical sounds are hisses, clanking or rattling noises. When a rattling sound is heard, there are two possibilities for where the sound is originating from, as explained by www.hvac.com:

“If it originates from the outdoor unit, chances are you have some kind of debris in the system, such as a twig. Turn your system off and cut the power to the unit, then remove the debris. If you see visible damage to the condenser coils, compressor, or fan, call your HVAC technician.

If the rattling seems to be internal, from a furnace or other internal component, turn the system off and call your HVAC technician since removing the obstacle isn’t as simple.”

So, it is best to determine if the sound is in the outdoor unit or inside of your home. With a comprehensive Greensboro furnace tune-up, we can identify potential problems and keep your system clean and efficient, avoiding future repairs. A trained technician from Berico Fuels will perform a complete system evaluation and provide a tune up for better performance. If you hear a hissing sound within your walls or around the air filter, we can help you quickly fix this problem:

“If the noise is coming from the walls, there’s a good chance your ducts are leaking.

However, if the hissing is light, it could originate from your air vents. Typically when you hear this noise it is because your filter is not “set” right or you have the wrong size filter which is creating the gap in the seal. This is a simple fix that starts with ensuring the filter is the right size and is placed correctly, leaving no room for gaps.”

The air filter size or adjustment is a do-it-yourself repair that is not costly or time consuming. However, if the hissing sound is inside of your walls, it may indicate that a major duct leak is present, requiring a more thorough repair by a certified technician. Call Berico Fuels if you suspect that you have a major air duct leak, and we will provide a thorough repair and restore restore energy efficiency in your home. The other sound that may occur is a clanking sound, which usually originates from faulty or loose parts in your HVAC system:

“It could be loose parts, such as the blower motor fan, loose blades, or loose pipes that are rubbing together. Clanking noises are a bit more serious because loose parts, if not addressed, can cause costly damage to your system. Your best bet is to turn the system off and call your technician.”

Have your furnace and air conditioner regularly maintained by a reputable Greensboro HVAC company to keep your system running at optimal capacity. Minimize repair costs and save money on your energy bills with regular HVAC maintenance from Berico Fuels. For excellent service and quality, contact us at 336-313-0466.

(Source: Common HVAC Noises and What They Mean, hvac.com, Nov. 6, 2014)

Commercial HVAC Systems and Firefighters

/in /by

Commercial HVAC SystemsCommercial buildings need to be equipped and ready to assist with firefighting efforts, should that be necessary one day. Fire dangers are present in commercial buildings, from equipment failures to human errors, and the quicker the firefighters can get in and do their job, the better the outcome. There are certain aspects to the air handlers, heating and cooling unit location and presence of exhaust fans that will either help or hinder the firefighting team’s efforts in putting out a fire in a commercial building. At Berico Fuels, we install Greensboro commercial HVAC systems so they are in a helpful location with tools and configurations that will assist firefighters if needed.

Air Handlers Play an Important Role in Firefighting

An article in www.firehouse.com focuses on commercial systems, and how firefighters use them to assist in firefighting efforts. Air handlers play a major role if the unit size is greater than 2,000 CFM and contains duct smoke detectors:

“The size of a unit is typically referred to in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and the amount of air the unit can move is measured in this way. So, a 30,000 CFM can move 30,000 cubic feet of air per minute. In units above 2,000 CFM, the unit will be provided with duct smoke detectors. Duct smoke detectors are special detectors that are located with the duct and generally span the entire width of the duct. These are tied into the fire alarm system and will activate the alarm just like any other detector. Units over 2,000 CFM are required to be shut down when the fire alarm is activated. It is important to remember that these are current code requirements and there are many buildings that do not have these features.”

When a fire alarm occurs inside of a commercial building, the ability to shut down the air handler instantly to prevent further spread of heat and smoke-filled air is beneficial to firefighters. Controlling unwanted ventilation of the fire is critical to keep it under control. At Berico Fuels, we make sure that our Greensboro commercial ac and heating components are installed properly to the current code requirements, and that they work safely and efficiently to provide comfortable airflow throughout the building.

Structure and Age are Considerations for HVAC Location

It is also essential to have the right-sized unit in the right location, depending on the age and structure of the commercial building:

“If no regard has been given to the structure of the building when the unit was installed, there are even greater chances that any substantial increase in heat may lead to failure of the roof structure and the unit falling on firefighters working in the building. Some units are powered natural gas or propane, and these hazards should not be treated any differently than we do every other time.”

At Berico Fuels, we consider the age of the structure and the roof when determining the best system for the building, along with the unit location. Through careful planning, analysis, and ductwork optimization, we provide a safe and comprehensive air conditioning and furnace installation for your commercial building.

Exhaust Fans Aid in Ventilation

The presence of exhaust fans is helpful to remove harmful gases and cool buildings quickly. According to firehouse.com:

“Exhaust fans can be very helpful in our ventilation practices. When used properly they can remove the hot gases of combustion from the spaces we are working in. If we are to use the buildings exhaust fans to assist us in this process we need to know where they are located and how they operate.”

Your commercial HVAC system needs to be working efficiently and according to building codes to ensure safety and long-lasting comfort. At Berico Fuels, we maintain, repair, and install these systems with expert knowledge and careful consideration for finding the best sized system in the right location for your Greensboro, Eden and Burlington business needs. Call us at 336-273-8663 today.

Schedule Your Greensboro AC Maintenance Now

/in /by

The record-setting low temperatures this winter have created the need for your heating system to work at full capacity to keep your business facility and home warm. Yet, did you know that it is actually the ideal time to schedule maintenance for your AC system? At Berico Fuels, we have good availability for scheduling your Greensboro AC maintenance, before the peak warm months during the spring and summer. According to www.buildings.com, a facility management website, now is the perfect time to have your cooling system maintenance visit:

“When it’s cold outside, cooling equipment is likely the last thing on your mind. However, winter can be a great time to upgrade, repair, or reset your cooling system.

Scheduling cooling adjustments during the heating season offers two advantages: HVAC technicians have more time available outside their peak season, and better wintertime maintenance helps you avoid the need for summertime emergency service.”

Greensboro AC maintenanceA maintenance visit by a trained technician will ensure that your air conditioning system is clean and energy efficient for the upcoming warm season. At Berico Fuels, we provide a thorough tune-up to help you save money on your energy bills and prevent the need for emergency AC service this summer. Dirty condenser coils and dirty filters can cause numerous problems, so it is best to stick to a regular maintenance program for your AC system:

“A 1997 study by Pacific Gas & Electric in California found that a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by up to 30%. In addition, dirty filters allow unfiltered air to bypass the clogged filter altogether and deposit grime on the evaporator coil, which is much harder to clean than a filter is to replace.”

Improve Cooling Efficiency Prior to the Warm Season

Your cooling efficiency can be greatly improved before the spring season with an AC maintenance visit during the winter months. By cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, and making small repairs, you can save an extra 15-30% on your energy bills. Your programmable thermostat will also be inspected to make sure it is working properly.

Regular Maintenance Will Extend the Life of your Air Conditioner

If your condenser coil is always dirty and your filters are constantly clogged, your AC system will have a shorter lifetime due to more frequent repairs and lower energy efficiency. At Berico Fuels, our annual maintenance programs will enable you to experience the most energy savings from your system and keep the indoor air quality at a higher level. Enjoy healthier air and minimal repairs with regular AC maintenance. Contact Berico Fuels at 336-273-8663 for your comprehensive and reliable Greensboro AC maintenance service.

(Source: Wintertime HVAC Maintenance Tips, buildings.com, December 28, 2012)

Mold Prevention with Greensboro HVAC Maintenance

/in /by

Mold Prevention in GreensboroMold is a health problem, especially for people who are sensitive to it. Sneezing, watery eyes and even wheezing and shortness of breath can occur for people who are allergic to mold. Inside of your home, your bathroom showers need to be properly ventilated, along with the kitchen area to prevent the growth of mold. Damp, humid areas are usual locations for mold growth, and a controlled humidity level in your home can help to prevent mold from growing. At Alamance Oil, Berico Heating and Cooling and Carolina Fuels, we have a variety of ways that you can lower your exposure to mold and prevent the growth of it, including Heating and Cooling maintenance to keep your system clean, free of leaks and working properly. According to facilitiesnet.com, there are four elements relating to your HVAC system that can contribute to mold growth:

“Mold requires four ingredients for growth: organic nutrients, moisture, a surface to grow on and darkness. Most HVAC systems have many areas where all four ingredients occur in abundance. If all four ingredients are present in sufficient quantities, mold will thrive. Take away or limit at least one, and mold will not be a problem.”

An heating and cooling system must be installed correctly and maintained regularly to provide the best resistance to mold growth. At Berico Fuels, our certified technicians take the time to correctly position the HVAC system and all of the parts to ensure the healthiest indoor air quality for your home. Here are few steps that are recommended to further prevent mold growth in your home or business:

“Although there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of mold growing in HVAC systems, the four most effective design measures are sloping the drain pan under cooling coils, installing cleanable surfaces within air handlers and ductwork, providing accessibility to critical areas of the system and installing ultraviolet light fixtures in the supply air.”

Condensate drain pans are important

Your HVAC condensate drain pan actually plays a major role in the ability to fight mold growth. It needs to be sloped so that the condensation from the HVAC system can be carried away from the system, not creating collective pools of standing water. In Greensboro, furnace and air conditioning maintenance programs ensure that your system will be inspected regularly so that condensation from the coils of your heating and cooling system are not being trapped, leading to excess moisture and the presence of mold.

Components need to be easily accessible

To properly clean and inspect HVAC systems, all of the parts need to be located in an easily accessible location. At Berico Fuels, Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels, we install HVAC systems in locations that will be easy for technicians to service your system and provide comprehensive cleaning and repairs. Removable panels and hinged doors also increase accessibility of HVAC systems, allowing service technicians to thoroughly clean and inspect all areas of the heating and cooling system during maintenance visits.

Call Berico Fuels at 336-273-8663 for all of your Greensboro HVAC maintenance needs. We provide expert installation and repair services to help you keep mold out of your home or business. Breathe healthier this year.

(Source: HVAC Systems: Design for Prevention of Mold Growth, facilitiesnet.com)

Greensboro Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs Reduced with Houseplants

/in /by

peace-lily-filters-air-276x300Did you know that certain houseplants inside of your home can reduce heating repairs? It’s true. NASA’s houseplant study focused on the correlation between air quality and houseplants, with the findings that air quality is improved when you place specific houseplants in your home that are known to reduce toxins and gases in the air. When your indoor air quality is improved, air filters are cleaner and less clogged, which may result in reduced heating and air conditioning repairs. It is recommended to place one houseplant per 100 square feet of space in your home.

NASA identified certain houseplants that reduce common indoor air toxins, such as Benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. Reducing these harmful gases that can accumulate in your indoor air can greatly improve your indoor air quality, leading to better heating and cooling system performance and fewer repairs. When the air is not as healthy, your filters will collect more dust and small particles. An extremely dirty air filter can cause a complete shutdown of your system, which will result in the need for furnace and air conditioning repair.

At Berico Fuels, we have listed the top ten houseplants recommended by NASA for helping in air toxin removal in your home. There are links to individual houseplants, as provided by www.zone10.com:

“…You can use plants in your home or office to improve the quality of the air to make it a more pleasant place to live and work – where people feel better, perform better, any enjoy life more.

TOP 10 plants most effective in removing Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Carbon Monoxide from the air:

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria Laurentii
Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea Seifritzii
Janet Craig – Dracaena “Janet Craig”
Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema Modestum
English Ivy Hedera Helix
Marginata – Dracaena Marginata
Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii
Mass cane/Corn Plant – Dracaena Massangeana
Pot Mum – Chrysantheium morifolium
Warneckii – Dracaena “Warneckii
Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum”

The added greenery will add beauty to your house and also give you better air quality. These pollution-reducing plants are recommended by Dr. Bill Wolverton, former senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss.:

“We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution free homes and work places,” he concludes.”

If you have recently purchased new furniture, appliances, or are using harsh cleaning chemicals in your home, the identified houseplants will eliminate the harmful gases that are in your indoor air from those products. Another way to keep the pollution level reduced in your home is to replace your air filters once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer. In the winter and summer months, we tend to keep our windows closed more often when the HVAC system is running, so there is more opportunity for toxins to collect in the air.

These months are particularly important for you to have regular air filter replacements. If you need a furnace or air conditioning repair, installation, or HVAC maintenance in the Greensboro area, contact Berico Fuels at 336-273-8663 today. We will help you maintain a healthy indoor environment in your home by keeping your heating and cooling system inspected and repaired, and by providing you with tips to keep your indoor air quality at the highest level.
(Source: Zone 10: NASA Study Houseplants Clean Air, zone10.com, 2014)