While many people around the country think of the Greensboro, NC area as constantly filled with warm sun and relaxing breezes, residents know that sometimes North Carolina can get downright cold. While there’s hardly any threat of blizzards or below zero temperatures, homeowners in this area need to have a good working heating system. When it’s time to cover the pool and curl up in the recliner, your Greensboro heating system can be as important as the roof over your head if you want to stay comfortable.

Common Types of Greensboro Heating Systems
Usually, homes in the Greensboro area are heated with a forced air system. These systems are generally less expensive to install and run efficiently, forced air is gaining more and more popularity in North Carolina. Forced air systems include oil, propane, and gas furnaces. All are great options for homes in the Greensboro and Guilford County areas.

Heat pump systems are a little less common, but this is because the technology is newer. In these systems, the same ductwork is used for both heating and cooling the home. The outdoor unit will produce both warm and cool air. While it doesn’t have the exact same heating capabilities as a separate furnace, heat pump systems are very convenient and a good choice for creating a comfortable temperature in the mild southern North Carolina climate.

Replacing an Existing Heating System in Greensboro
If your heating system or furnace is malfunctioning enough that you need several visits from the heating repair technician each winter, it may be time to consider a new heating system. Many Heating and cooling companies often have score sheets that help the home owner decide on the best time to repair or replace their heating and cooling systems. Homes using a furnace that is past its useful life should also consider a new furnace, even if it is working okay. Older systems are known for wasting energy, with some running at below 80 percent efficiency. New furnaces can run at more than 95 percent efficiency in some cases, and will end up saving you on utility bills even during a mild winter.

Greensboro Heating System Repair
Repairing heating and cooling units requires years of training and expertise to do right. As a homeowner, your best option for lowering repair costs is not in do-it-yourself repairs, but in prevention. If you see a problem, it’s best to call for heating repair as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a Berico professional on a regular basis to fix small problems before they get worse, and to identify potential problems that can be inexpensively prevented. The worst thing you can do is let a problem go unattended, as there’s a good chance it will become worse when you need heat the most.

There’s nothing worse on a cold winter day or night than a broken furnace. So many questions run through your head. Who do I call to fix it? How much will it cost? How long will it take? Do they operate in Greensboro, Eden, Burlington, and surrounding areas?

Most furnaces have safety features, but nothing is fail-proof. If you smell propane, gas, or heating oil in your home, call for help immediately. Do not turn on any lights or appliances. There are other risks involved with repairing your own furnace, such as fire/explosion and electrical shock. The safest recommendation: don’t try this at home.

When it comes to deciding whom to call to repair your furnace, there are usually a lot of choices for heating and air repair companies. When choosing a good heating and air conditioning company there is a lot to consider. What HVAC warranties does the company offer? Is the company reputable in the community? Do they offer 24/7 furnace and AC repair services? Do they also supply the heating oil or propane you need to run your furnace? How are consumers reviewing their services? Will the company be around for a long time to help me throughout the life of your heating and cooling units? These variables are important, and should demonstrate that an initially low price may not always have the best value. It is important to consider all of these variables prior to deciding on a heating and cooling service company.

To avoid the need for furnace repair in Greensboro and to keep your furnace running at optimal efficiency, it is smart to have your furnace and air conditioning inspected yearly. The best time of year to have your furnace inspected is before heating season. As the temperatures are still moderate, less people will be having their furnaces serviced, which means quicker service. Some companies offer service plans to come to your home twice a year to inspect your heating and cooling systems, and many of these plans offer discounts on any repairs. Often your furnace can be cleaned to avoid larger, more expensive repairs later. Also, an annual service or service plan can help save customers up to 15% on their fuel or energy bills. Furthermore, many warranties on today’s equipment require an annual service or tune-up to be performed. Wouldn’t you rather keep your furnace in Greensboro running smoothly to avoid any unfortunate surprises? Your home could be cold for hours before you can get the furnace repaired even if you pay extra for an emergency service appointment. Don’t let that happen to you by scheduling a tune-up or service plan annually.

Most furnaces and heating systems are designed to be low maintenance. You may never have a problem with your furnace at all. But if you do, it’s important to know how to handle it. Rely on a reputable company for repair and maintenance of your furnace.

Each fall you likely receive dozens of direct mail advertisements on specific HVAC services, such as annual furnace check-ups. Although it may seem like a trivial money-wasting idea, an annual furnace inspection has several benefits. You see, over the years your furnace is susceptible to harsh weather which can wreak havoc on its performance. Fortunately, an annual inspection and tune-up can ensure that your furnace lasts through the winter – and for many years to come. Although that is reason enough to have an annual check-up, many homeowners simply forgo the process. But there are several other benefits to having an annual furnace check-up. Here are just five:

• Guarantees proper airflow. During a yearly check-up, our technicians will examine your entire heating system to ensure it is receiving – and offering – the right airflow. A furnace with limited airflow may not only cause your heating bills to spike, but it may also cause unnecessary strain on your heating or cooling system. It may not sound important, but proper airflow is crucial to preventing the need for furnace repair.
• Keeps your family safe. A furnace burns fuel to produce heat for your home. In order to maintain safety and efficiency, the process of combustion must be exact. Even the smallest issue can lead to a gas or carbon monoxide leak, both of which are dangerous. Although it may seem like a money-saving idea to do an annual inspection yourself but because of safety issues, it’s best left to the professionals.
• Reduces the need for repairs. Furnaces tend to go out in the dead of winter, leaving homeowners panicked. Just like all mechanical devices, furnaces seem to know when we most need them and break down at that time. Oftentimes, these issues could have been prevented with an annual inspection and tune-up.
• Improves energy and fuel efficiency. An annual inspection and tune-up doesn’t just look for potential issues, it also includes cleaning. Over the months, your furnace collects dust, dirt, and debris. If left uncleaned, these debris can really take a toll on your furnace including your energy and fuel bills. But, with a quick cleaning from our professionals your furnace will be running as good as new, saving you both time and money.
• Maintains the manufacturer’s warranty. If your heating system is under a manufacturer’s warrant, it is important that you have annual inspections and tune-ups. Most manufacturer’s state that the warranty becomes null and void if the system is not regularly maintained. Fortunately, an annual furnace check-up can meet the requirements set within your manufacturer warranty.

As you can see, there are several benefits to having your furnace regularly inspected and tuned-up. Not only does it save you time and money, but it also helps to keep your family safe. At Berico, Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels, we believe in flexibility; which is why we offer a variety of different furnace repair, inspection, and tune-up options as well as on-going maintenance programs. From basic inspections to complicated repairs, we have you covered. We even offer completely free energy audits, which are designed to help you save even more on your energy bills. So if you’re in need of a furnace check-up in Greensboro, repair, or tune-up contact us today!

When it comes to home heat, there are many factors to consider including cost, comfort, safety, and the environment. There are many benefits of propane heat.  Many people are turning to propane for heat because it is less expensive than oil and electric heat in today’s market. Heating with propane is a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to other methods with the same or better quality of heat.

Compared to other heating sources, propane is clean burning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, propane produces 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electricity. This is because electricity is created by the burning of coal. It is non-toxic, therefore not harmful to soil or water. And because it takes less propane to heat the same space as it would take electricity, the environmental advantages are even greater. Other household appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, and ranges can run on propane as well, thus reducing electricity usage in the home.

Propane heat is a safe alternative to other heating sources as long as it is installed correctly. There is a Certified Employee Training Program required in eight states for the propane industry that is used nationwide by various propane suppliers. This program is developed within the guidelines set by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Fire Protection Association.

Another advantage of propane heat is its versatility. It can be used in floor and ceiling radiant heating systems as well as air vent heating. It works for multi-zone heating systems and in fuel-powered fireplaces. There is virtually no home that cannot be heated efficiently and comfortably with propane.

With all these advantages, why not use propane? One concern for many is the upfront cost of a new heating system. According to the cost comparison studies done by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the cost of installation of a new propane heating system would pay for itself within the first year. The savings would actually exceed the cost of making the switch.

Having a comfortable temperature in your home can be difficult to do if you are worried about saving money on your utility bills. There are actually many different ways that you can attain optimal results, by just using your thermostat. Below are some great tips for having a comfortable temperature in your home, conserving energy and saving money.

During the cold months, think about setting your thermostat about two to three degrees cooler than you usually set it. If you keep your thermostat at 74, then turn it back to 72 or 71. This allows you to obtain a comfortable temperature, but it also provides significant savings on your energy bill. Now if your HVAC system is outdated, then you should think about investing in a new, high-efficiency HVAC system, as this will allow you to maximize your savings while ensuring that your home is as comfortable as possible.

Always make sure that you change your filters once a month or once every three months, depending on the type of filters you use and your HVAC system. The air filter keeps debris from traveling into your HVAC system. This ensures efficient heating and cooling operation. If your filter is dirty, this will slow down air flow which makes the furnace work harder to heat your home. This, in turn, can increase your energy bills. Not sure how often you should change your air filter? Berico offers a free energy audit to help you with that question and any others you may have.

You should also take some of the strain off of your heating and air conditioning system. Open all the closed air vents and registers in your home. Keep all doors open. These few actions actually helps increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. It also greatly improves the comfort level in your home. When your heat runs, it forces air throughout the entire home. If you have closed vents or registers, there is added strain on your unit which causes more wear and tear. This shortens the lifespan of your heating system and increases your operating cost.

Products such as attic tents, specialty filters, and programmable thermostats can all help you save money and are well worth the initial investment.

Lastly, if you are worried that your heating and air conditioning system is not operating at the best possible efficiency, you should contact Berico. We will send out a highly trained technician to perform a free energy audit to analyze your home system’s efficiency.