The quick answer is yes. Indoor humidity has a direct effect on how warm your home feels during the winter. When the air is dry, your home can feel colder even if the thermostat is set correctly. Understanding this relationship helps explain why humidity plays such an important role in winter comfort.

 

If you need professional Eden furnace repair to help keep your family warm during the winter months, or if you require any other HVAC services, reach out to the experienced team at Berico today for help.

 

Why Humidity Matters in the Winter

Even if your thermostat is set to the same temperature all winter long, the amount of moisture in the air can significantly change how the home actually feels from day to day. When the air is drier, it is going to feel cooler, and you’ll notice that change. Of course, winter air is often drier than summer air, so this is a common issue to have to solve.

 

If you feel cold in your home during the winter, the natural response is to raise the thermostat. But that’s going to lead to higher energy costs and more wear and tear on your furnace. As you see those high utility bills come in month after month, you may start to think that there should be a better way to deal with this issue. That’s where paying attention to your indoor humidity levels comes into play.

 

How to Manage Humidity for Better Winter Heating

There is nothing you can do about outdoor humidity conditions. The humidity is going to be lower in the winter, and that’s just how it will be. However, you do have the option of controlling your indoor humidity through the use of a whole-home humidifier that is integrated into your HVAC system.

 

With this approach, you can distribute just the right amount of moisture into the air while your heater is running. This brings humidity levels up, makes you feel more comfortable, and reduces the temperature that you need to maintain at the same time. It’s a wonderful tactic that is already used by many homeowners in Eden and across the country.

 

In addition to making you more comfortable, this approach can also keep the things in your home in better condition. Wood floors and furniture, for example, are prone to drying out and cracking when humidity is low for a long period. Paint is also prone to peeling under the same conditions. By controlling your humidity level, you’ll avoid these negative outcomes and be more comfortable along the way.

 

Contact an Industry Leader

Among Eden HVAC companies, Berico is a leader due to a history that dates back generations and a commitment to outstanding customer service. No matter what kind of project you need tackled in your home, the Berico team is sure to be up to the challenge. Call today to learn more.

No furnace lasts forever. Even the best unit is going to fail at some point, and there are some signs you can watch for that indicate yours is nearing the end of its useful life. This post will highlight seven red flags that should cause you to reach out for help.

When you need an HVAC contractor for heating repair or any other type of project, Berico should always be at the top of your list. Call now to get help with any HVAC, plumbing or electrical issue.

 

Your Furnace is More Than 12 Years Old

You don’t have to automatically replace a furnace just because it is getting old, but you should understand that it’s not going to last forever. As your furnace starts to enter the 12-20 year age range, it’s likely that breakdowns will start to occur, and more and more money will be required to keep the unit running. Instead of paying for those repairs, you might just want to have it replaced.

 

Rising Heating Bills Without Explanation

Are your energy bills going up despite not making any changes to the thermostat settings? It’s likely that your furnace is becoming less efficient and is having to use more energy to get the same results.

 

Frequent Repairs Become the Norm

Having your furnace repaired one time is perfectly normal and not a big deal. If the repairs just keep coming, however, and you have to deal with downtime while the system is waiting to be fixed, it gets harder and harder to justify sticking with the old unit moving forward.

 

Uneven Temperature in the Home

A quality furnace does an excellent job of keeping a house at a steady, stable temperature throughout. Have you been noticing that your home is warmer in some areas than others? If those differences are dramatic, it could be that your furnace is no longer up to the task at hand.

 

Loud or Unusual Noises

Furnaces shouldn’t make much noise while they run. If yours has gotten quite loud, including banging or rattling noises, those sounds could be signs of trouble. The furnace might still be running now, but don’t be surprised if something goes wrong in the near future.

 

Increased Humidity Issues or Stuffiness

A furnace that’s struggling to operate efficiently may fail to properly regulate humidity levels in your home. You might notice increased condensation on windows, a persistent musty smell, or air that feels heavy and uncomfortable. On the flip side, an aging furnace can also cause excessively dry air that leads to static electricity, dry skin, and respiratory discomfort. These humidity problems occur when the furnace can no longer maintain consistent airflow and temperature regulation throughout your home.

 

Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame

In a properly functioning gas furnace, the burner flame should be blue and steady. If you notice the flame has turned yellow or orange, or if it flickers and dances around, that’s a serious warning sign. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide – a dangerous, odorless gas. This is not only a sign that your furnace is failing, but it’s also a safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention. If you observe this issue, contact an HVAC professional right away. Also, make sure your CO detectors are operational and are tested regularly to help keep you safe.

 

Short Cycling or Running Constantly

Your furnace should come on and off at a fairly regular pace. If it is switching on and off very quickly, or if it just seems to run forever with no end in sight, that’s another sign that something is wrong.

 

The Best HVAC Company in the Business

Berico is a leader in gas furnace installation in the Greensboro area, along with offering many other services. Take a moment now to reach out, and you’ll be a big step closer to enjoying a warm and cozy home all winter long.

Your furnace has just one job to do, but it’s an important one. When cold weather arrives in the Burlington area, your furnace is expected to jump into action and keep your home nice and comfortable for the whole family. So, when you hear it running, you naturally expect the space to heat up nicely. But what if it doesn’t? That’s a concerning issue, and this article will take a closer look.

If you are having trouble with a furnace in Burlington and need to work with qualified professionals on the job, Berico is ready to help. Take a moment today to call and schedule an appointment.

 

Problems with the Thermostat

In some cases, it won’t actually be the furnace at all that is to blame for this issue. Instead, it could be that the thermostat isn’t working as it should. An old thermostat just might not be functioning properly, or you might have the unit placed too close to a heat source that is causing it to think the home is warmer than it actually is. You should also check the batteries on your thermostat. Looking at the thermostat first is smart because this is an affordable fix if it proves to be the problem.

 

Restricted Airflow

The warm air that is produced by your furnace needs a clear path to move through the home. If it doesn’t have that path, the house will stay cold, even if the furnace is working. Toward this end, be sure to check all of your vents to confirm that they are open, and make sure nothing is blocking them, like furniture placed over the vent cover.

 

The Furnace Isn’t Producing Heat

Sometimes, a furnace will run but not actually produce any heat. That can be the case when the burner, pilot light, ignitor, or heating element is malfunctioning. So, you will hear the unit running, and air will be circulating throughout the house, but it won’t be getting any warmer inside.

 

Blower Motor Issues

It’s the job of the blower motor to move air after it has been warmed. If the blower motor isn’t functioning correctly and the flow of air is weak, you’ll struggle to get the house up to temperature (and some rooms will be warmer than others).

 

The Furnace is Too Small

If your house has been remodeled or redesigned, it could be the case that the current furnace is simply not large enough to handle the space that it needs to warm. A professional technician from Berico can help you understand the demands of your home and whether or not the current furnace is up to the challenge.

 

Warm Your House Up Again

You don’t want to wait long for furnace repair once winter has arrived. The best plan is to call an experienced HVAC company that will respond quickly and get your system back into working order as soon as possible. Reach out now to speak with the friendly Berico team for more information!

Electricity powers our modern lives, yet most of us take it for granted until something goes wrong. Whether you own a home or run a business, electrical problems can range from minor annoyances to serious safety hazards. Understanding the most common electrical issues you might face can help you recognize when to call for professional help and potentially save you from costly repairs or dangerous situations down the road.

Flickering Lights and Power Fluctuations

One of the most common complaints from property owners involves lights that flicker or dim unexpectedly. While an occasional flicker during a storm is normal, persistent problems usually indicate something more serious. The issue might stem from loose wiring connections, an overloaded circuit, or problems with your main electrical panel.

In commercial settings, these fluctuations can be particularly problematic. Imagine running a restaurant where the dining room lights dim every time the kitchen equipment kicks on, or operating a retail store where your point-of-sale systems reset randomly. For businesses, investing in a whole house surge protector can safeguard expensive equipment from voltage spikes that cause these disruptions.

Residential properties face similar challenges, especially in older homes where the electrical system wasn’t designed to handle modern power demands. A thorough electrical troubleshooting session with a qualified professional can identify whether you need to redistribute loads across different circuits or upgrade your system entirely.

Outdated or Overloaded Electrical Panels

Your electrical panel serves as the heart of your property’s electrical system, distributing power throughout the building and protecting circuits from overload. Many older homes and commercial buildings still operate with panels that are decades old, designed when our electrical needs were much simpler.

Today’s homes are filled with computers, air conditioning units, high-efficiency appliances, and charging stations for multiple devices. Businesses face even greater demands with servers, HVAC systems, specialized equipment, and modern lighting systems. When your panel can’t keep up, circuit breakers trip frequently, creating frustration and potential productivity losses.

An electric panel upgrade isn’t just about convenience,it’s about safety. Older panels, particularly certain brands manufactured decades ago, can pose fire risks. A licensed electrician can evaluate whether your current panel meets your needs and complies with current safety codes. For many property owners, upgrading to a 200-amp service panel provides the capacity needed for both current demands and future expansion.

Circuit Breaker Problems

Circuit breakers protect your electrical system by shutting off power when a circuit becomes overloaded or experiences a short circuit. When breakers trip occasionally, they’re doing their job. However, if you find yourself constantly resetting breakers, you have a problem that needs attention.

Sometimes the issue is simple,you’re plugging too many devices into one circuit. Other times, circuit breaker repair becomes necessary when the breakers themselves wear out or fail. A breaker that trips repeatedly might also indicate dangerous conditions like faulty wiring or a ground fault somewhere in your system.

Business owners should pay particular attention to circuits that serve critical equipment. A restaurant owner whose walk-in cooler circuit fails overnight could face thousands of dollars in spoiled inventory. Similarly, a medical office with refrigerated supplies can’t afford to ignore circuit issues. Having the contact information for a 24 hour electrician can be invaluable when electrical emergencies strike outside normal business hours.

Safety Concerns with Outlets and Switches

Outlets and switches are among the most frequently used components in any electrical system, and they’re also among the most likely to develop problems. Outlets that feel warm to the touch, produce sparks, or have scorch marks are serious fire hazards that require immediate attention.

Modern codes require GFCI outlet installation in areas where water and electricity might meet,bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. These specialized outlets detect ground faults and cut power instantly, protecting you from potentially fatal shocks. Many older properties lack adequate GFCI protection, creating unnecessary risks for occupants.

Beyond safety devices, electrical outlet installation needs often arise simply from having too few outlets for modern needs. Property owners find themselves daisy-chaining power strips, creating both fire hazards and inconvenience. Adding properly placed outlets isn’t just about convenience,it’s about using your electrical system safely and efficiently.

Inadequate Lighting Solutions

Poor lighting affects both homes and businesses in significant ways. Residential properties with inadequate kitchen lighting make food preparation difficult and potentially dangerous. Commercial spaces with poor lighting can drive away customers, reduce employee productivity, and even create liability issues.

The good news is that lighting technology has evolved dramatically. Modern LED recessed lighting provides excellent illumination while using a fraction of the energy of older fixtures. These efficient lights produce less heat, last for years, and can dramatically reduce your electric bills.

For businesses, proper lighting isn’t optional,it’s essential. Retail stores need lighting that showcases products effectively. Offices require illumination that reduces eye strain and supports productivity. Restaurants depend on ambiance created through thoughtful lighting design. Working with a residential electrician or commercial specialist can help you develop a lighting plan that meets your specific needs while controlling costs.

Outdoor and Landscape Electrical Needs

The area outside your building deserves the same attention as the interior when it comes to electrical systems. Outdoor lighting installation serves multiple purposes, from security and safety to aesthetics and curb appeal.

For homeowners, landscape lighting installation can transform a property after dark, highlighting architectural features, illuminating pathways, and creating inviting outdoor living spaces. Well-designed landscape lighting also deters intruders by eliminating dark hiding spots around your property.

Business owners recognize that exterior lighting affects customer perception and safety. A well-lit parking lot makes customers feel secure and helps prevent accidents. Architectural lighting can make your building stand out and reinforce your brand. However, outdoor electrical work requires expertise with weatherproof installations and appropriate wire types to prevent problems during harsh weather.

The Challenge of Upgrading for Modern Conveniences

As technology evolves, so do our electrical needs. Two areas where property owners frequently need upgrades involve vehicle charging and climate control.

The transition to electric vehicles has created new demands on residential and commercial electrical systems. Tesla charger installation and other electric vehicle charging station projects require dedicated circuits with substantial capacity. Many older homes need panel upgrades before they can support Level 2 charging, which requires 240-volt service similar to what an electric dryer uses.

For businesses, providing EV charging can attract customers and employees who drive electric vehicles. Retail locations, hotels, and office buildings increasingly see charging stations as an expected amenity rather than a luxury.

Similarly, climate concerns and the desire for backup power during outages have made whole house generator installation increasingly popular. Whether you’re worried about losing refrigerated food during summer storms or need to keep business operations running during power failures, a properly sized generator provides peace of mind. However, generators require professional installation with proper transfer switches and fuel supplies,not a DIY project for the weekend warrior.

When Simple Projects Become Complex

Some electrical needs seem straightforward until you begin the work. Take ceiling fan installation as an example. While it might appear simple, proper installation requires ensuring the electrical box can support the fan’s weight, running appropriate wiring if none exists, and correctly connecting all components. An improperly installed fan can wobble, making noise and potentially falling.

The same principle applies to virtually all electrical work. What starts as a simple project often reveals larger issues,outdated wiring, insufficient circuit capacity, code violations from previous amateur work, or safety hazards lurking behind walls. This is why electrical codes require permits for most work and why insurance companies care about whether licensed professionals performed electrical installations.

The Business Cost of Electrical Problems

While homeowners deal with inconvenience and safety concerns from electrical issues, business owners face additional financial pressures. Every hour that electrical problems keep your business closed represents lost revenue and potentially lost customers who go elsewhere and never return.

Consider a retail store that can’t accept credit card payments due to electrical issues, or a restaurant that can’t operate its kitchen equipment during the lunch rush. A manufacturing facility might see entire production lines sit idle. Medical and dental practices might need to reschedule patients, damaging relationships and revenue.

The cost of preventive maintenance and proper electrical installations pales in comparison to these business interruptions. Regular inspections and upgrades keep systems reliable and help you avoid emergency situations that damage your bottom line.

Recognizing When to Call for Help

Many property owners hesitate to call electricians for what they perceive as small problems. However, electrical issues rarely improve on their own, they worsen over time. That minor flickering light might indicate a loose connection that’s arcing and creating heat, potentially starting a fire inside your walls where you can’t see it.

Professional electricians bring more than technical skills to the job. They understand electrical codes, safety requirements, and proper techniques that protect your property and its occupants. They carry insurance that protects you if something goes wrong. They can obtain necessary permits and arrange for inspections that keep your property compliant with local regulations.

For property owners, the question isn’t whether to hire a professional but rather which professional to hire. Look for contractors who are properly licensed and insured, who have established reputations in your community, and who communicate clearly about pricing and timelines. Read reviews, ask for references, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bid,quality work costs more but provides far better value over time.

Planning for Electrical Improvements

Whether you own a home or a business, thinking strategically about your electrical system pays dividends. Rather than addressing problems only when they become emergencies, consider conducting a comprehensive electrical assessment.

This evaluation might reveal that you need capacity upgrades to support future needs, safety improvements to bring older installations up to current standards, or efficiency upgrades that will reduce your operating costs. Creating a prioritized plan lets you budget for improvements and tackle them systematically rather than being forced into expensive emergency repairs.

For business owners, this planning becomes even more critical. You might coordinate electrical upgrades with renovation projects, equipment installations, or expansion plans. You can schedule work during slow periods to minimize disruptions to operations.

The Bottom Line on Electrical Issues

Electrical problems affect every property owner eventually. The key to managing these issues successfully lies in recognizing warning signs early, understanding when professional help is necessary, and working with qualified electricians who prioritize safety and quality.

Your electrical system is too important to neglect and too dangerous to trust to amateurs. Whether you’re dealing with a tripping breaker, planning a major renovation, or simply want to upgrade to more efficient lighting, professional electrical service provides the expertise and assurance that the work is done correctly and safely.

By staying informed about common electrical issues and maintaining your system properly, you protect your investment, ensure the safety of everyone who uses your property, and avoid the costly disruptions that electrical failures create. The small investment in professional electrical service today prevents the major problems and expenses that come from neglecting your electrical system tomorrow.

Ideally, water smells like nothing. When you open up the tap in your kitchen sink, for example, you don’t want any kind of smell to be coming from the water that you receive. So, if that water starts to smell like rotten eggs, it will be immediately clear that something is wrong. This page will look at why that might happen and what you can do about it.

As the leading plumbers Greensboro has to offer, Berico is standing by and ready to help with any problems that you may encounter. As soon as you notice that something has gone wrong with your plumbing system, or if you have a new installation project on your to-do list, call Berico right away for an appointment.

 

The Usual Culprit

In almost every case, the rotten egg odor that you are smelling is going to come from hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas forms when certain types of bacteria break down organic material in the absence of oxygen. This is a process that can happen inside your plumbing system under specific conditions. If the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in water, it will give off that familiar and unwelcome smell that is hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much hydrogen sulfide for this to become a frustrating problem. Even very low levels can make your water unpleasant to use, whether you are drinking it or bathing in it. The water might not necessarily be unsafe when the levels are low, but it’s still an issue that you’ll want to address right away.

 

Possible Sources of the Problem

The key to getting rid of this unwanted smell is figuring out where it is starting from and then making the necessary repairs or improvements. Here are three possibilities –

• Inside Your Water Heater. Does this problem only seem to arise when you use hot water? If so, the water heater itself is likely to blame. Specifically, you may have a magnesium anode rod inside your tank that can react with bacteria and sulfur to create this gas. Swapping out the rod for one made of aluminum or zinc alloy can get rid of the smell.
• In the Plumbing System. If it’s both hot and cold water that are affected, but it only seems to happen in some of your faucets, there may be an issue in part of your plumbing system. Specifically, parts of your plumbing that aren’t regularly used may develop bacterial growth that leads to the sulfur smell. Those lines can be flushed or treated to resolve the problem.
• The Water Source. In some cases, specifically when all of the water throughout the home smells bad, it might be the water source itself that is causing the issue. You might need to add a water treatment system to process the water before it even enters the home. Options include an aeration filter or an activated carbon filter.

 

Your Trusted Plumbing Partner

For everything from emergency plumbing to water heater repair and beyond, it’s always Berico plumbers that are ready to come to your rescue. Take a moment now to reach out to the Berico team to chat about your plumbing problem.