New HVAC Efficiency Standards for 2023
Improved HVAC efficiency benefits everyone. For the individual, a more efficient HVAC system means consuming less energy, which means a lower utility bill at the end of the month. And, if all homes and businesses are operating their HVAC systems more efficiently, far less energy is consumed overall – which has a positive impact on the environment and places less stress on valuable resources. With this in mind, it’s important to take a look at the new HVAC efficiency standards for 2023 and what impact they have on the average homeowner.
Are you looking for a reliable air conditioning installation company to work on an upcoming project? Berico is ready to help. As a leader in AC installation throughout the region, Berico will get the job done properly, for a fair price, and in a timely manner.
Raising the Bar
Effective at the start of 2023, the Department of Energy put into place new rules that dictated the minimum SEER rating required for HVAC equipment. Prior to 2023, that minimum rating was at 13, but it has now been moved up to 14. However, in the south region – where Berico proudly serves customers, the minimum SEER rating was already at 14 and is now being moved up to 15.
What is SEER?
While you have likely seen SEER ratings listed on HVAC products when shopping previously, you may not know what they indicate. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a numerical indication of the efficiency of a particular piece of HVAC equipment. When HVAC equipment is efficient at turning the use of energy into heating or cooling performance, it will enjoy a high SEER rating – inefficient equipment, by contrast, comes in low on the scale.
Over time, SEER ratings have gradually increased in this industry as technologies have improved. The increase in the minimum required rating for new equipment as of 2023 is a direct reflection of the progress that has been made in the HVAC industry over recent years.
Do You Have to Get a New Air Conditioner?
This is a common question, and the answer is a definitive no – if you already have an air conditioner or heat pump serving your property, you are free to continue using that unit, regardless of its efficiency rating. If that unit needs service like maintenance or repair along the way, you can reach out to Berico for service and continue to use the old unit for as long as it performs up to your needs and expectations.
It is when the time comes to install a new air conditioner or heat pump that you’ll need to consider these updated rules. At that time, only equipment that meets the updated standards will be available to you for purchase and installation. As a consumer, you don’t really even have to think about it – your only options are going to be products that satisfy these requirements moving forward.
For any type of HVAC project that you need to have completed, reach out to Berico. Whether it’s the installation of some new, efficient equipment, or the service of existing equipment that still has plenty of useful life left, Berico is the right partner for the job. Get in touch today to learn more.
HVAC Energy-Saving Tips: Strategies to Lower Your Utility Bills in Burlington
Operating the HVAC system in your home can get expensive. Whether you are cooling it off in the summer or warming it up in the winter, there is a cost associated with achieving comfortable temperatures. While those costs can’t be totally eliminated, they can be reduced by utilizing some helpful strategies. This article will offer a few tips that should help you bring down your utility bills in the months ahead.
If part of what you need to do to bring down your HVAC bills includes some AC repair in Burlington, Berico is ready to help. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and get your HVAC gear running as efficiently as possible.
Manage Your Thermostat Settings
With the ability to dial in your thermostat to exactly the temperature you’d like the house to be, it’s easy to get carried away. If you just set the thermostat to an ideal number without considering the conditions outside, you’ll wind up with an HVAC system that is running constantly and utility bills that are higher than you’d like.
You should always consider the conditions outside when setting your thermostat. For example, if the high on a summer day is set to reach 102*, don’t set your air conditioner to 68* and require it to keep up. The system will need to run almost constantly to maintain such a cool indoor temperature on an extremely hot day, but most importantly you’ll use up a ton of energy. The same line of thinking applies to keeping your house very warm on a frigid winter day. Modify your expectations during extreme weather to keep the house livable without sending your utility bills through the roof.
Keep Changing the Filter
This is one of the classic pieces of HVAC advice, and it’s as true now as it’s always been. A clean air filter will allow air to flow freely through the system, and as a result, the system is going to run more efficiently. In addition to potential utility bill savings, you should also find that you get better performance from your HVAC system as a whole, so your rooms will remain more comfortable throughout the day.
Routine Maintenance
Changing out the air filter is something that you can probably handle on your own, but other maintenance tasks should be left to the professionals. Have your system maintained on a routine basis to make sure all of the components are clean and no problems are developing. Working with Berico will make this process easy and affordable.
Avoid Silly Mistakes
One last thing to remember is that you don’t want to force your system to work any harder than it needs to day after day. So, when it’s hot outside and your air conditioner is running, don’t leave a window open and invite even more hot air into the house. Likewise, if it’s going to be chilly overnight but then hot in the afternoon, don’t have your thermostat set in a way that is going to cause the heat to come on in the morning before the AC kicks on later. That would just be using energy to warm up a house that you are going to immediately need to cool back down.
The Right Partner
For Burlington AC replacement, repair, and everything in between, Berico should be your chosen partner. With nearly a century of experience and a history of great customer satisfaction, you’ll love what Berico delivers. Get started today!
What is a Ductless HVAC System?
There are plenty of different types of HVAC systems on the market today. Given the many different kinds of buildings and homes that need to be heated and cooled, it’s great that there are so many options – but those options can be a little intimidating if you don’t work in the HVAC industry. This article will explain what a ductless system is and highlight the reasons why you might opt for this style of heating and air conditioning equipment.
As one of the leading heating and air conditioning companies in the Greensboro area, Berico would be proud to serve you on a new ductless HVAC project. Of course, if you already have a system and just need some service or repair, Berico will be glad to work on those tasks for you, as well. Get in touch today to learn more.
Understanding the Ductless Concept
It might be easiest to explain a ductless HVAC system by first reviewing how a standard HVAC system works with ducts. When a home has ducts, the HVAC system will heat or cool the air in a central location and then push that air out to various rooms through the ducts. This system works just fine but adding ducts to an older home that doesn’t have them is extremely costly and, in some cases, just not feasible.
Without ducts, air can’t be moved throughout the building after it has been heated or cooled, so that work needs to be done within each room. This is called a ductless, or mini-split system, and it is the best option for homeowners and other building owners who don’t have ducts to utilize.
Look for Wall-Mounted Units
If you are wondering if a particular home or building has a ductless system, the easiest way to tell is to look for the wall-mounted units that will be found in various rooms. These units are what produce the air needed to heat or cool the space, and there is a blower inside to distribute that air effectively. Rather than the air coming out of vents, which is what would be the case with a ducted system, you’ll see these small units mounted on walls up close to the ceiling.
There Are Some Advantages
While ductless systems usually aren’t the default choice, there are some advantages to opting for this style of HVAC. Specifically, because you can more easily control where in the building you want to heat or cool. The other obvious advantage is of course there are no ducts. This can be helpful in adding central air to an older home.
Whether you are ready to get started with a ductless HVAC system in your home or business, or you just want to talk to the experts about your options, call Berico today to get started.
The Benefits of Fleet Fueling
One of the biggest expenses – and hassles – associated with operating a fleet of commercial vehicles is fueling. Not only will fueling eat up a big part of your budget each month, but it also takes a considerable amount of time. By opting for fleet fueling, you can get around some of these issues and better position your fleet for success.
Berico is a reliable fleet fueling provider serving many customers in Greensboro and beyond. If you have been looking for affordable, reliable fuel delivery in North Carolina, give Berico a call today to learn more.
How Fleet Fueling Works
If you aren’t currently using a fleet fueling service, you are likely sending the drivers of your vehicles to stop at a nearby fueling station to top off their tanks. Those drivers may have company cards they can use to purchase the fuel, and they’ll have to take a bit of time out of their day to make this stop.
Fleet fueling is the opposite of this approach. Instead of going to the pumps, the pumps come to you in the form of a fuel truck from a company like Berico. This way, the trucks can be filled up while they are still on your lot, and then they can head out for the day without needing to worry about fuel. It’s a convenient, efficient system that is already utilized by many fleet operators.
Considering the Many Benefits
This article has already touched on some of the benefits of this service briefly, but the points below should make those benefits even more evident –
- Get a great price. Paying a little more than you have to for fuel can really make a big difference when operating a busy fleet. If you can bring down what you spend on fuel by just a percentage point or two, you stand to save a significant amount of money by the end of the year. Working with a trusted fueler like Berico will help you get the best possible price for the fuel you need to keep things running.
- Save time and miles. Not only will you cut down on the time your drivers spend seeking out fuel, but you’ll also reduce how many miles they have to drive while out on the road. Remember, every single mile costs money, so even if they just go a few miles out of their standard route to get fuel, that’s extra money that doesn’t need to be spent.
- Cut down on risks. There are risks associated with providing your drivers with the ability to purchase fuel for their vehicles. By taking control of that process, you cut down on the chances of fraud, and you also remove the energy and time needed to carefully track those cards and how they are being used.
When you add everything up, fleet fueling makes a lot of sense. Once you put this system in place with a supplier like Berico, you’ll be able to take fueling headaches off of your plate and know that the vehicles will have the fuel they need to keep up with even the busiest of schedules. Get in touch with Berico today to get started.
The Top 5 Signs That You Need to Upgrade or Replace Your HVAC System
When cared for properly, an HVAC system can last a very long time. It won’t, however, last forever. HVAC systems are made up of a variety of mechanical parts, and those parts are inevitably going to wear out at some point, even when proper heating and air conditioning service is provided. If you think the system that currently serves your home is nearing the end of its useful life, the five signs below could help you make that determination.
Berico is a leader in HVAC in High Point, so feel free to give them a call at any time with questions about your system or the services they provide. With the right team on your side, dealing with this major project will suddenly feel like a simple process.
1 – It Can’t Reach the Right Temperature
This is perhaps the first sign you’ll notice that something might need to be done about your HVAC system. If you set the thermostat to a specific temperature, and the system simply can’t get to that temperature even if it runs all day, it might be time for new equipment. At some point, even a quality system won’t be able to get the job done any longer, and the cost of repairs might not make sense compared to the cost of just starting over. Pay attention to how long the system has to run to reach your target temperature, if it is able to reach it at all.
2 – Costs are Rising
Watch your utility bills for signs that your HVAC system is consuming more energy than it used to. If those bills are steadily rising and the cost of fuel isn’t, you may be facing a system that isn’t as efficient as it once was, so it needs to consume quite a bit more energy to accomplish the same job. Of course, to make sure this comparison is accurate, be sure to consider any changes to the per-unit cost of energy along the way.
3 – It’s Been a Long Time
Even if your current system is working reasonably well, you still might want to have replacement on your radar if it has been a long time since your home had a new system (or if it is still on the original equipment). There is no specific lifespan for HVAC equipment, but you can use 10 – 15 years as a general range for how long a system may last. Yours could go well past that mark, of course, but it’s worth thinking about upgrading if your gear has been working hard for well over a decade and counting.
4 – The HVAC System is Loud or is Making Strange Noises
Sometimes, changes in the sounds that your HVAC system is making will indicate that it’s about time to bring in some new equipment. Of course, it could be that a simple repair is the better option, so get expert help when you notice new noises so you can make the right choice based on the situation at hand.
5 – Inconsistent Performance
You should know what you are going to get each time your cooling or heating kicks on. If the equipment currently in your house doesn’t seem to produce the same results time after time, consider upgrading to new gear that will run more efficiently, will be quieter, and will make your home a more comfortable place to live.
Berico has been helping folks stay comfortable in their homes for nearly a century and is a leader in HVAC in High Point, so feel free to give them a call at any time with any concerns or issues that you have with your HVAC system.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
One of the trickiest questions in HVAC is whether to repair or replace an aging air conditioning unit. Of course, it is typically more affordable to repair as compared to buying and installing a replacement, but those repair costs can add up if they keep happening time after time. In fact, replacing a system is often more affordable vs. paying higher efficiency bills. Often customers who replace their HVAC system get into a low monthly payment that almost equals the amount of energy and fuel savings they get with their new higher efficiency model. So, this article is aimed at providing you with some fundamental concepts to keep in mind as you make this decision.
Working with a High Point HVAC company like Berico is going to make it much easier to settle on a plan for your system. Whether you go with AC repair in High Point or you decide to replace the unit entirely, Berico will be happy to handle the project. Reach out now to learn more.
Start with the Age of the HVAC System
When an issue comes up with your air conditioner, the first thing to think about is the age of the system. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, this repair is going to need to be very affordable in order to make it worthwhile. If the repair is more than just a few hundred dollars, you’ll almost certainly want to go with the replacement option. The problem with repairing an old unit is that more and more repairs are just going to keep coming up, so your costs are going to add up over time. Also, an old air conditioner isn’t going to be as efficient as a new one, so even when it is working, it won’t work as well as fresh equipment.
Consider Timing
Another factor in the middle of the summer is how long it’s going to take for each of these two options. In some cases, it might make sense to opt for the repair if that job can be completed quickly and you can get the cold air flowing once again. If ordering a new unit and having it installed is going to take quite a while, you might not want to wait that long for results.
In this situation, going ahead with an affordable repair could be a temporary solution while you think about replacing the air conditioner system completely in the off-season. Of course, if the repair is going to be costly, you won’t want to go ahead with it only to replace the system later, so you might just need to opt for replacement even if it means spending some time without AC.
Get Professional Guidance
You don’t want to make this choice on your own. Even after doing a bit of research, you still aren’t going to have the insight into this matter that comes with having years of experience in the field. With a trusted industry partner on your side, you can ask any questions you may have and get an expert opinion on whether repairing your current system or ordering a new one is the right choice. Berico is the right team to help with this and any other HVAC challenge, so make a phone call today to get started.
7 Reasons Why an Annual AC Tune-Up is Essential for Your Home
Having a properly functioning air conditioner serving your home is critical in the summer months in this part of the country. With plenty of hot, humid days on the horizon, making sure your AC is up to the challenge should be a top priority. This article is going to highlight seven reasons to make sure an air conditioner tune-up is finished before the warm weather moves in.
Berico is a leading name in air conditioner installation in Greensboro, and also offers an excellent maintenance plan to keep your system operating properly. Whether you need AC installation or just a tune-up, Berico is only a phone call away.
1 – Better Performance
First and foremost, you’ll get improved performance from your air conditioning system when it has been maintained properly. Without maintenance, various parts are going to get dirty, and they won’t perform as well as they should. That means the space won’t get as cool as you would like while the AC is running, or it will take more energy to get the results you desire.
2 – Improved Efficiency
Speaking of using more energy, a dirty air conditioning system is one that is going to run inefficiently, and it will cost you more to have it on as a result. With the length of the summers we experience in this area, you could wind up spending a lot more money on energy than was necessary simply because you skipped your preventive maintenance visit.
3 – Longer Lifespan
Another way in which a tune-up can benefit you is by getting a longer useful life out of the equipment you already own. If you fail to maintain it, your system is inevitably going to fail sooner, and as a result, you’ll find yourself back on the market shopping for an entirely new piece of equipment. Put that expense off for as long as possible by keeping up with annual maintenance.
4 – Catch Developing Air Conditioning Problems
Even if it seems like the system is working just fine at the moment, going through with a tune-up appointment will allow any small issues to be caught and corrected before they turn into bigger problems down the line.
5 – It’s a Great Value
We’ve talked quite a bit already about how you can save through maintenance by getting more life out of your system and by improving efficiency. On the other side of that coin, these tune-up visits are very affordable, so the return on your investment is impressive.
6 – Avoid Hot Spots
Most homeowners know the feeling of having some of the rooms in their home stay nice and comfortable in the summer – while other rooms just won’t cool down no matter what you do. Keeping up with maintenance will make your system work better and it should lead to a more even cooling throughout the whole house.
7 – Prevent Downtime
Aside from potential financial savings, yet another advantage here is being able to steer clear of repairs that might take a while to complete in the middle of a hot summer. It’s no fun to live through a heatwave for a week or two without a functioning air conditioner, so stay ahead of the game and make that outcome less likely.
Understanding R-Value: How It Affects Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important topic for the modern homeowner. By taking steps to make your home as efficient as possible, you can save money on your utilities and do a favor for the environment at the same time. Insulation is a big part of the efficiency picture, and R-value is an important measurement of efficiency for that insulation. While this topic can get quite technical, the article below will keep things simple and help you understand why this is so important and what you can do about it.
Are you searching for “air conditioning repair near me” with no luck finding the right contractor? For the best HVAC services in High Point, stop your search and just call Berico today for great service, excellent prices, and reliable performance.
What is R-value?
The ability of insulation to control the heat transfer in your home is measured by R-value. When you add insulation to a building, the goal is to minimize how much heat moves from inside to outside, or vice versa. So, when it is cold outside, you want the insulation to prevent that cold from coming in. The same is true in the summer, as good insulation can limit the impact that outdoor heat has on your space.
Of course, not all insulation products are the same, which is why R-value is such a valuable piece of information. Using the R-value of an insulation product, you can determine if it is a suitable option for your needs, based on where that insulation will be used and how thick it will be. On the low end of the range, you will find insulation around R13, while products up around R30 and beyond will provide far more insulative ability.
It’s Not That Simple
Just looking at the stated R-value on a type of insulation will help you understand what that product can do, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. You also need to think about how thick the insulation is going to be once installed. R-value only determines the insulating ability of a one-inch thickness, and you can multiply the power of the insulation by making it thicker. So, a product that rated at R15 when it is an inch think would offer R45 insulation if it was installed to a thickness of three inches. Insulation in attic spaces is often layered because there is more space in an attic as compared to the inside of a wall.
A Big Difference
Having proper insulation in your home can make a huge difference in how your HVAC system performs. Poor insulation will lead to excessive heat transfer between inside and outside, meaning your heating or cooling is going to have to work harder than it would otherwise to achieve the same effect. It’s the combination of great insulation and quality HVAC equipment that will lead to the comfortable, efficient space that you’d like to create. Reach out to Berico today to learn more.
Are There Different Qualities of Home Heating Oil?
It’s always tempting to look for the lowest possible price when making any type of purchase. Saving money is always a good thing, so no one could blame you for looking for a deal. Unfortunately, seeking out the lowest possible price can lead to trouble in some cases, and that’s the case with heating oil. There are various qualities of heating oil on the market, and finding the right blend of quality and price can be a tricky task.
If you are searching for an oil heating company near me and want to go with a trusted industry leader, Berico is ready to serve you. Oil heating service is just one of many offerings from this long-standing company, so get in touch today to learn more.
The Answer is Yes
To be clear, there certainly are different qualities of home heating oil available. When you purchase your oil, it’s important that you know what you are getting and that you confirm it’s the right product for your system. That doesn’t mean that you need to buy the most expensive heating oil available to get good performance – in fact, that probably won’t be the right choice – but you do need to pick out a product that is going to deliver the performance you expect.
Where You’ll See a Difference
The primary difference between the grades of heating oils tends to be found in efficiency. With a better oil, you are going to get more efficient performance when you burn it to create heat. And, as you would expect, the better heating oils are going to be more expensive as a result.
So, if you are presented with two options for purchasing heating oil, automatically going with the cheaper one might not actually save you money in the end. Sure, you’ll pay less on a per-unit basis for the oil, but if you have to burn more of it to warm your home, the math might not work out in your favor. It’s best to build a relationship with a company like Berico who only sells the highest quality oil, Ultra Low Sulphur Heating Oil.
Another Important Heating Oil Factor
Beyond the cost of the oil itself, you are also going to need to think about the cost of having that oil delivered. It’s the total bill for heating oil delivery that you should care about, so always get detailed quotes that cover everything involved in the process. Cheap oil won’t do you any good if it is of low quality and comes with a high delivery fee.
For example, Berico is committed to offering customers affordable heating oil solutions, meaning the whole package of oil and delivery is likely to beat what you can find elsewhere. When you factor in the other incentives that Berico offers – such as monthly payment options – you will quickly see why so many people have trusted this brand for generations. Reach out today to schedule your first delivery or to get more information.