Two Well-Known Companies with Historic Roots to Partner

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Berico Heating & Air Conditioning acquires McBane-Brown Heating & Air Conditioning

Greensboro, North Carolina, June 11, 2013:  After 89 years and four generations, two locally owned heating and cooling companies are joining together.

McBane-Brown Heating and Air Conditioning is becoming a part of Berico Heating and Air Conditioning after 72 years of serving the Triad and Greensboro area.

Edgar McBane, who founded McBane-Brown Heating and Cooling Services in 1941, worked for W.N. Berry, founder of Berico, selling coal before starting his own company. Since then, his son Joe, and grandson Bryan, have overseen the operation and growth of McBane-Brown. “I’m very excited to see this relationship come full circle, what an honor to be involved”, says Tom Berry – President of Berico.

Since 1924, Berico has served the Greensboro and surrounding communities with home heating oil, propane and heating and cooling service. Berico Heating and Air Conditioning specializes in residential and light commercial climate conditioning, service and new installations.

“We are very excited to have McBane-Brown joining our family of customers and look forward to continuing the excellent tradition established by McBane-Brown; furthermore, striving to provide the best in Customer Service,” said fourth generation Will Berry, Vice President of Operations for Berico Heating and Air Conditioning Service.

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Berico and partner companies, Carolina Fuels Inc. and Alamance Oil Co., have provided residential heating and cooling, fuels and service throughout Greensboro, Eden and Burlington since 1924. The companies together 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, partnering companies for all types of equipment, from oil furnaces & boilers, to air conditioners and electric heat pumps and more.

For Immediate Release

Greensboro Air Conditioner Repair

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Greensboro Air Conditioner RepairAre you thinking about skipping over the air conditioner tune-up in Greensboro this year? While summer may seem far away, it will be here soon. Putting off AC tune-ups can lead to long term problems and needed repairs, plus cause you and your family to be uncomfortable when you need cool air the most.

Unpleasant Conditions

Especially in Greensboro, summer time heat can be brutal. It’s very unpleasant when you walk out of the summer heat outside into a home where temperatures are even higher. Your family’s comfort is very important in the summer, especially for children who may be home all day while they are on a break from school.

While an appointment will cost money, it will make the conditions in your home better and well worth it. Look at the cost as an investment that may last for several summers to come. While the heat outside may seem unbearable, your home will be the perfect place to cool off for your entire family.

Causing More Damage

You may be tempted to put off an air conditioner repair because you think the system is working okay. Your unit isn’t in tip top condition nor running at the best efficiency, but you don’t think it requires a call to the experts just yet. In this case, you may be causing more damage than you realize. It might not only feel less than cool at home, but also damaging the system and the equipment.

If you continue to drop the thermostat temperature knowing that the system isn’t running well, there’s a problem. The system struggles to work harder to produce the same results. You can end up needing a completely new AC unit instead of just a Greensboro air conditioner repair appointment with a professional. This is such an important issue that some people even schedule regular maintenance checkups to ensure that there are no hidden problems.

Avoiding the Busy Season

You certainly do not want to put off Greensboro air conditioner repair until the middle of the summer. If you are aware of a problem before the temperatures outside begin to rise, quickly take care of it. Companies like Berico are more likely to become busy when its hot outdoors and AC units aren’t working. A lot of people are calling us needing a technician to visit their home right away.

As soon as you notice a problem, call Berico for an appointment. Even if the weather is fine and you think it isn’t a big deal, your wallet and family will thank you once the temperatures outside rise. Remember, it will be a big deal when everyone is unhappy and hot and you have to wait for a routine repair appointment. Call Berico today and let us solve your small problem before it becomes a bigger one.

Air Conditioner Repair Greensboro

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air conditioner repair

If you are in need of air conditioner repair in Greensboro, there may be a few things you can do before calling Berico. Take a look at these common problems and see if the solution is easy enough for you to handle on your own.

Unit Doesn’t Turn On: Check to make sure there is sufficient power to the air conditioner unit and that all cords are intact. You can check the electricity through the outlet by plugging in another appliance. If the other appliance works fine, you may need to consider air conditioner repair. If the unit is getting power, but is still dead, the problem may be with the wiring, thermostat, compressor, relay switch, or control board.

No Cold Air: If you notice the fan for the air conditioner is running, but there is no cold air, this may be a problem with the compressor or condenser. Both of these will require the skill and expertise of an air conditioner repair technician at Berico.

Only Cool Air: Maybe the fan is running and the air is cool, but doesn’t feel cold enough. This is likely a problem with the thermostat, air damper, back cover, or condensing coils. An open air damper will draw in outside air, while a back cover that is used for protection during the winter months must be removed in the summer.

Constantly Running: If you find that your air conditioning unit is running constantly and doesn’t shut off, it could be caused by one of several problems. Make sure the air is cold enough to cool the room to the temperature you want. Also, ensure that the space to be cooled has enough shade or blockage from the sunlight by blinds or curtains in order to advance the efficiency of your unit.

Sloshing Water: Part of the technology that allows air conditioners to cool the air involves evaporation of moisture from the air. This can result in moisture collection in the bottom pan of the unit and it may build up over time. If the rear fan used to cool the condensing coils comes in contact with the water pan, some of the moisture will be spun from the fan blades and may cause a sloshing noise. As long as there is no water leakage, a little sloshing is no concern and does not require air conditioner repair.

Loud Rattle: If the air conditioner unit has a loud rattle every time it shuts off, you may way to check the compressor mounting pads and brackets. If these become worn or missing, it may cause excess noise when the unit starts up or shuts off. Most often, a loud rattle when starting or stopping is due to normal motion of the powerful motor or may be due to improper or loose installation.

Musty Smell: If the air from the air conditioning unit smells musty, this may be an indication that mold is growing on the moisture inside. Water collects in the bottom of the unit and is usually evaporated, but may cause favorable conditions for mold growth. While this problem cannot be prevented, you can dramatically reduce the chance of it occurring by cleaning out the bottom at least once a year. Air conditioner repair technicians will inform you that this helps prevent mold or mildew from growing on dust and debris that can collect.

It’s important to still call the air conditioner repair Greensboro professionals at Berico to keep you cool this summer. Our technicians can diagnose and solve your AC problems the same day. Call for an appointment today. We offer emergency services 24/7.

Air Conditioning Installation in Reidsville

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How do you know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner?

There are some important factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner. If any one of these or a combination of these things apply to your air conditioner, then it may be time to replace.

Age. Central Air Conditioning units are designed to last between 15 and 20 years. But if your system is 10 years old or older, there are many reasons to consider air conditioner replacement in Reidsville or at least obtaining an estimate on a new system. As air conditioners age they run less efficiently. And due to advancements in technology, new air conditioners run more efficiently than older systems did when they were new. The money you save on energy costs will make a new system worth the money in just a few years. And as air conditioners age they need repairs more often, which can add up and begin to cost you more than a new system.

Frequent Repairs. Despite the age of your system, if you’ve had to have it repaired more than once in the last 2 years, it may be time to replace it. Frequent repairs can become quite costly and are usually a sign that the system is not running well. If the system seems to be too new for so many repairs, it’s possible the system is not the right size for the house or the system itself could be flawed.

High Energy Bills. If your energy bill has been gradually climbing or takes a sudden jump, it’s a sign that your system isn’t running efficiently. Minor repairs could solve the problem, but may only be a temporary fix. As stated previously, advancements in technology have made new air conditioners run more efficiently than in the past. There is no question that a new system will be more energy efficient than the system you have now.

Inconsistent Cooling. Do some rooms in your home cool better than others? Does it seem that your home doesn’t stay at the desired temperature? It may be time to replace your air conditioner if your home doesn’t stay comfortable. You should not have to keep changing your thermostat to achieve the desired temperature, and your system should not have to run all the time to keep your home cool. If minor repairs cannot correct this, a new air conditioner may be necessary.

Excessive Noise. If your air conditioner is suddenly running loudly or making noises you don’t remember hearing before, it most likely isn’t running properly and could be on its way to a break down. It could mean that minor parts are disconnected and may be an easy repair. But it could also mean that major parts are wearing out and failing. A professional technician can diagnose this for you.

Humidity. If your home seems humid, that is a sign of a problem with your air conditioner. This is also a problem that may be able to be repaired, but it may also mean that the system is on its last legs.

You can use these factors as a guideline, but the best thing to do would be to call a professional HVAC service to evaluate your system. In Reidsville and Eden, Carolina Fuels is an HVAC company you can count on to help you make that decision.

Replacing your Air Conditioner in Reidsville

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Replacing your Air Conditioner in Reidsville

How do you know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner?

There are some important factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to replace your air conditioner. If any one of these or a combination of these things apply to your air conditioner, then it may be time to replace.

Age. Central Air Conditioning units are designed to last between 15 and 20 years. But if your system is 10 years old or older, there are many reasons to consider AC replacement in Reidsville or at least obtaining an estimate on a new system. As air conditioners age they run less efficiently. And due to advancements in technology, new air conditioners run more efficiently than older systems did when they were new. The money you save on energy costs will make a new system worth the money in just a few years. And as air conditioners age they need repairs more often, which can add up and begin to cost you more than a new system.

Frequent Repairs. Despite the age of your system, if you’ve had to have it repaired more than once in the last 2 years, it may be time to replace it. Frequent repairs can become quite costly and are usually a sign that the system is not running well. If the system seems to be too new for so many repairs, it’s possible the system is not the right size for the house or the system itself could be flawed.

High Energy Bills. If your energy bill has been gradually climbing or takes a sudden jump, it’s a sign that your system isn’t running efficiently. Minor repairs could solve the problem, but may only be a temporary fix. As stated previously, advancements in technology have made new air conditioners run more efficiently than in the past. There is no question that a new system will be more energy efficient than the system you have now.

Inconsistent Cooling. Do some rooms in your home cool better than others? Does it seem that your home doesn’t stay at the desired temperature? It may be time to replace your air conditioner if your home doesn’t stay comfortable. You should not have to keep changing your thermostat to achieve the desired temperature, and your system should not have to run all the time to keep your home cool. If minor repairs cannot correct this, a new air conditioner may be necessary.

Excessive Noise. If your air conditioner is suddenly running loudly or making noises you don’t remember hearing before, it most likely isn’t running properly and could be on its way to a break down. It could mean that minor parts are disconnected and may be an easy repair. But it could also mean that major parts are wearing out and failing. A professional technician can diagnose this for you.

Humidity. If your home seems humid, that is a sign of a problem with your air conditioner. This is also a problem that may be able to be repaired, but it may also mean that the system is on its last legs.

You can use these factors as a guideline, but the best thing to do would be to call a professional HVAC service to evaluate your system. In Reidsville and Eden, Carolina Fuels is an HVAC company you can count on to help you make that decision.

Reidsville Air Conditioning Tune Up

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Reidsville Air ConditioningHas your central air conditioning been acting up lately? As with most mechanical things, air conditioners need to be tuned up periodically. You can’t expect it to work perfectly for years without any kind of maintenance. Sometimes all that’s required is a simple cleaning of the system. Other times there are a few parts that may need replaced or reconnected. So how do you know if your system needs a tune up?

Excessive Noise. You may have noticed that your air conditioner is making more noise than usual. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your system, it may be time for a tune-up. Noise can mean disconnected parts that need to be reconnected or replaced. It can mean friction between moving parts that need to be lubricated or replaced due to wear. A tune up can get your air conditioner running quietly again.

Humidity. If your home feels humid or you see condensation gathering on windows or metal surfaces, you may have a problem with your air conditioner. This is most likely due to a blocked condensate drain. If the condensate drain becomes blocked, the excess moisture is not able to drain out of the unit as it should. Instead the moisture ends up inside the home. A technician can clear the blockage and have your system filtering out moisture again.

Not cooling. Your air conditioner is running, but your home isn’t cooling. This happens when the evaporator coil becomes dirty. When dirt builds up on the evaporator coil, it is not able to absorb heat and cool the air down as it should. Another possible cause is low refrigerant. If refrigerant levels are low due to a leak or some other problem, the air won’t cool down before it blows out through the ducts and vents. The evaporator coil can be cleaned to correct that problem, and the refrigerant can be refilled and any leaks repaired. This should be done be a professional heating and air conditioning technician.

Thermostat issues. There are various problems that can occur with your thermostat. If the thermostat sensor is out of place then the system will not be able to keep the temperature in the home regulated. Sometimes the thermostat itself fails and does not call for cool air when it is needed or doesn’t tell the system when to shut off. The thermostat can be just as much of a problem as the rest of the system. A technician can repair or replace the thermostat.

If you are experiencing these or any other issues with your air conditioner, it may be time for an AC tune up. It is important that you find a reputable heating and air conditioning company to tune up your system. Carolina Fuels has served Reidsville and the surrounding area since 1924. Technicians at Carolina Fuels are trained to check every part of your air conditioning system and clean or repair it so that it runs as efficiently as possible. Carolina Fuels is a company you can trust.

Air Conditioning Installation Burlington

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Air Conditioning Installation BurlingtonYou’ve made the choice to have central air conditioning installation take place. The next decisions you will need to make are what brand to install and who to hire to install it. These aspects are equally important because certain brands are known to have better performance, which is dependent upon proper installation. A study was done by consumersearch.com comparing brands of central air conditioning units based on consumer surveys. It was found that proper installation and maintenance is just as important as the brand of air conditioner.

The main brands are:

Lennox – which owns Ducane

Goodman – which makes Amana and Janitrol

York – which makes Coleman and Luxaire

Trane – which also makes American Standard

Carrier – which owns Bryant

Rheem – which owns Rudd

The main factor taken into account when comparing these brands is reliability. Consumers simply want their air conditioner to work properly and continue to do so. According to survey information these brands are about equally reliable.

Poor installation is more likely the reason behind the poor performance of the air conditioner. Most brands, including York and Lennox, have specific requirements for the technicians who install their products. This ensures that the air conditioning units are installed correctly for better performance and reliability. If you have a Goodman air conditioner installed by a reliable contractor it can perform just as well as any other brand.

So if these brands are mostly equal, how can you decide which air conditioner to buy? Some models stand out in consumer studies based on three criteria: efficiency, quietness, and warranty length.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive – SEER rating of 24.5, extremely quiet (59 decibals), 12 year warranty, made the energystar.gov 2013 list of most efficient air conditioners

Dave Lennox Signature Collection, XC21 – SEER rating of 21.2, 10 year warranty, very quiet (69 decibals) XC17 – SEER of 18 and less expensive, same quietness and warranty

Carrier Infinity Series, 24ANA1 and 24ANB1 – SEER rating of 21, very quiet (65 decibals), warranty lasts 10 years if product is registered within 90 days of purchase, otherwise 5 years, known for humidity control

Trane XL20i – SEER rating of 20, warranty of 12 years for the compressor, 10 years for the rest, well known, well recommended brand known for being tough and long lasting

Rheem Prestige RASL-JEC/Ruud Ultra UASL-JEC – SEER rating of 19.5 but still included in the Energystar list of efficient air conditioners, 10 year parts warranty and 10 year conditional replacement warranty

Amana ASXC18 – SEER of 18, quiet (71 decibals), 10 year limited warranty on parts and Amana offers a lifetime limited warranty

Alamance Oil can install any of these top brands and models of air conditioners in the Burlington area. Qualified technicians will help you determine the best model for your home and install it correctly to ensure the best performance.

Burlington Air Conditioner Replacement

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Burlington Air Conditioner ReplacementWhen your air conditioner breaks down in Burlington, NC, you may be faced with a difficult decision; to repair it or replace it. In some cases the decision is easier than in other cases. The best way to decide is to consider the problem itself and a few other factors about your system. And enlist the help of a professional heating and air company to help you make the decision. First, ask the following questions:

Will the repair cost more than a new system? In most cases a repair is cheaper than buying a new system, but not always. If the repair will cost more or even the same amount as a new system, the choice is obvious; install a new system. If the repair is going to cost more than a few hundred dollars, consider the age of your system. If it’s more than 8 years old, it’s probably not worth the money to repair.

How old is your air conditioner? If your air conditioner is more than 8 years old, don’t waste money on repairs. Replace your system and take advantage of all the improvements in technology in the past few years. New air conditioners run twice as efficiently as systems that were made even 5 years ago. And because you have the existing ductwork from your old system, you will save money on installation. But be sure to have the technician test your ducts for leaks and seal any that are found. Leaky ducts can cause you to lose up to 30% of the cool air that should be cooling your home. Another issue with an old system is that it most likely uses Freon as its refrigerant, which is being phased out by the federal department of energy in lieu of a new refrigerant that is more energy efficient and safer for the environment.

Is your current system the right size for your home? It is not uncommon for the wrong size air conditioner to be installed in a home. If your system is too small it is most likely not cooling your home as well as it should and is probably working twice as hard as it should be. If this is not your first repair and your system isn’t very old, the size may be the problem. A system that is too large may cause excessive humidity in your home. A professional HVAC company can assess your home and your system and let you know if the system is the wrong size. If it is, then replacement is the only option.

How efficient is your current air conditioner? The efficiency of central air conditioners is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). It used to be that a system had to rate at a SEER of 10 or higher, but now the federal regulation is no less than 13. Air conditioners that rate at a SEER of 16 or higher are more expensive, but qualify you for a $300 tax credit when you install one. You will also save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.

If you find yourself faced with the difficult decision for air conditioner replacement in Burlington, the professionals at Alamance Oil can help. Alamance Oil serves Burlington and the surrounding areas. They can help you decide what to do and can repair or replace your system, whatever you decide.

AC Tune Up in Burlington

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AC Tune Up BurlingtonRoutine maintenance is the best thing you can do for your central air conditioner. A simple AC tune up can make a huge difference in the performance of your system. Annual tune ups keep your air conditioner running efficiently and extend its overall lifespan. Most Heating and Air Conditioning companies have a checklist that their technicians follow to be sure that every part is as it should be. Some of the most important things to be checked are:

Evaporator Coil. The evaporator coil will be thoroughly cleaned and checked for problems. When the evaporator coil gets dirty (and it will over time), it cannot absorb heat and produce cool air as it should. Replacing your filters often will keep more dirt out, but some will still get through. The evaporator coil should be cleaned each year by a professional before the onset of hot weather.

Condensate Drains. The condensate drains will be checked to be sure they are allowing moisture to drain out. The emergency drain pan will be checked to be sure it is not getting any overflow from the primary drain pan. If the condensate drains are not working properly, your house could become overly humid or water could leak into floors and walls.

Electrical Components. All electrical wires will be checked to be sure none are disconnected. All other electrical components will be checked for proper voltage and operation. If electrical wires are loose or disconnected, it effects the starting of the air conditioner. It can cause breakers to repeatedly trip or fuses to go out. It can also be a safety issue.

Ductwork. All of the ductwork needs to be checked for blockages. Blockages cause low air flow from the unit out through the vents, causing your home to cool slower than it should. Blocked ducts also cause low air flow into the unit which can cause ice to build up on the evaporator coil. The ducts also need to be checked for leaks. Leaky ducts cause the cool air to leak out into the attic or even outside where it won’t do any good toward cooling your home. Any of these problems mean your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home as well as it should.

Lubrication. All moving parts must be well lubricated for the air conditioner to work properly. This is something the technician will take care of during a routine tune up.

Blower. The blower needs to be cleaned and adjusted each year. If dirt and dust builds up in the blower, it won’t be able to take in enough air and may allow dirt and dust to get into the system and into your home.

Refrigerant. If the refrigerant level is low, the system will not be able to produce cool air. Part of a regular tune up should be to check the refrigerant level and refill it if necessary.

Yearly tune ups are a must for all central air conditioning systems. Alamance Oil Co. provides regular service to Burlington and the surrounding area. Have a technician from Alamance Oil Co. tune up your air conditioner before the weather gets hot.

Air Conditioner Replacement in Greensboro

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Air Conditioner Replacement GreensboroIf you are a homeowner, most likely you have central air conditioning. And if you have central air conditioning, you’ve probably had to have it repaired at least a time or two, depending on how long you’ve owned your home. If you live in a region such as Greensboro that has hot summers, air conditioning is a necessity. And if the hot season is 4 or 5 months long, energy costs can be significant. If you want to lower your energy costs, consider replacing your air conditioner.

How old is your air conditioner? If the answer is 8 years or more, then you will probably benefit from air conditioner replacement in Greensboro. Technological advances in air conditioner design have made new systems much more energy efficient than older systems. Even an air conditioner that is 5 years old is not going to run as efficiently as a brand new system would. And as air conditioners age they lose efficiency. If you keep your system well maintained it will run better than if you do nothing, but even a well maintained older system will not run as well as a new system.

When it comes to energy efficiency, all air conditioners are given a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The minimum SEER rating used to be 10, but the federal government recently upped it to 13. Most contractors won’t install any systems that rate less than a 13. A good SEER rating is 16 or higher. A great SEER rating is over 20. Of course the higher the SEER rating, the more expensive the system. But don’t let that deter you from purchasing a better system. The higher the SEER rating, the more money you will save on your energy bill. In fact, the money you save on energy will pay for a new system in a few short years.

Has your energy bill been getting higher and higher each month? This is a sign of poor performance by your air conditioner. Look back at your records; is your bill higher this summer than it was last summer? Unless the weather has been significantly hotter this season than last, most likely your air conditioner isn’t running as well as it was. A tune-up could help, but may only be a short-term fix.

Certain makes and models of air conditioners have the best SEER ratings and have also been given good reviews for reliability. You can do your own research to see what homeowners are saying about their air conditioners. Or you can ask a professional heating and air conditioning company what they recommend. HVAC companies that repair and install air conditioners know which makes and models are the best because they work with them every day.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving the Greensboro area since 1924. Berico technicians have the experience necessary to recommend the best air conditioner for your home, and they can install it correctly. Don’t continue to lose money because your air conditioner doesn’t run as efficiently as it should; replace it sooner rather than later.