Is your heating and air conditioning system showing signs of old age? Are you beginning to wonder how much longer it’s going to last? Unfortunately HVAC systems don’t last forever, and you may not be prepared for the day your system breaks down. But there are some telltale signs that indicate you should start talking to your trusted HVAC service technician about replacement. It may be time to upgrade if you notice any of the following signs.

1. Unusual noises. If you hear noises you haven’t heard before coming from your heating and cooling system, it can mean there are serious problems. Vibrations, loose parts, a motor that’s wearing out, and more can cause new noises or just an increase in the amount of noise coming from your system.
2. Rising energy bill. Does it seem like your electric or gas bill gets higher each month? Are your bills higher this year than they were at the same time last year? These are both signs that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. New systems are significantly more energy efficient than those that are more than 8 to 10 years old.
3. Unpleasant odors. Strange or unpleasant smells coming from your HVAC unit or your vents? Odors can be caused by a variety of problems, such as mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture inside the unit or refrigerant leaks.
4. Tripped circuit breaker. If your HVAC system trips the circuit breaker once, it may not be any cause for alarm. But if it happens repeatedly, you may have a system that is showing signs of wear. A small repair may be able to help, but it likely won’t last long and your whole system will soon need to be replaced.
5. Frequent repairs. Does it seem like you’ve had your HVAC service out for repairs too many times lately? Too many repairs in a short period of time, even small things, are a definite sign that your AC is wearing out.
6. Uneven indoor temperatures or decreased comfort. Does your home seem less comfortable lately? Are some rooms warmer than others? Uneven heating or cooling is often a sign that your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. If you’re lucky, a simple repair could fix the problem, but more than likely a replacement is in your near future.

Upgrading to a New Heating and Cooling System Can Actually Save You Money

The price of a new HVAC system can seem a little overwhelming. No one wants to pay to replace their central air. But after the initial cost, the upgrade in efficiency will save you money on a monthly basis, especially if your current system is eight years old or older. If you notice any of the above signs, call Carolina Fuels for HVAC service immediately. An expert technician will evaluate your current system and give you a recommendation on whether to repair it or replace it. Call now: (336) 623-9741.

Most of us know that air conditioning systems require routine maintenance to operate efficiently. But if you have pets, there are specific maintenance areas that need to be addressed. Whether you have cats, dogs, or other furry friends and regardless of whether they live inside or outside, certain steps and precautions should be taken to keep pets safe and your HVAC system running smoothly.

1. Change filters often. Pet hair and dander clog up filters, blocking air flow and allowing your system to get dirty inside. Typical households should change air filters every 6 months. Pet owners, especially those with multiple pets or long haired pets, should change filters quarterly or even monthly.
2. Protect the outdoor unit. If your pets, especially dogs, have free reign in the area that contains your outdoor AC unit, they are likely to use it as a place to lift their leg. Pet urine can cause corrosion and other damage to the unit. Pets may also claw the outdoor unit, causing damage or injuring themselves. Enclose your outdoor unit with fencing or some other barrier that allows for air flow.
3. Secure electrical cords. Pets like to chew on electrical wires and cords, which is dangerous for them and can cause damage to the wires. Enclose electrical wires in conduits.
4. Keep pets clean and well groomed. Bathing pets and brushing off excess hair, even having them professionally groomed can reduce the amount of hair that is loose in your home. Less hair laying around means less will end up in your filters and ducts.
5. Vacuum up pet hair regularly. Keeping pet hair in check with frequent vacuuming reduces the amount of hair and dander that can be sucked in by your intake vents.

Air Conditioning Systems Last Longer and Run More Efficiently with Regular Maintenance

A yearly tune up for your AC offers a range of benefits. A well maintained system will give you many more years of good operation than a system that isn’t. And keeping your AC tuned up means it will run more efficiently, using less energy and keeping your monthly bill lower. You won’t have to worry that your AC will break down in hot weather, because a typical yearly checkup will catch any potential problems like parts that are wearing out or loose.

Pets put an added strain on your air conditioning system because of the hair, dander, and dirt that invade your vents and ducts. But you can combat this with yearly maintenance and by following the tips listed above.

Carolina Fuels offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that include yearly tune ups for your air conditioning, furnace, and any other HVAC equipment you own. Service plans can also be combined with fuel delivery such as propane, heating oil, and more. Your total home comfort can be managed by just one company. Sign up for a service plan today to keep your HVAC system in the best possible condition. Call (336) 623-9741.

So you’ve started seeing ice forming on your air conditioning unit. You’re wondering how it’s possible for it to freeze in the scorching heat of summer. This is actually quite common and there are a few potential causes to explore. The good news is that this problem can be fixed by a specialist in heating and air in Greensboro, NC. Use this troubleshooting guide to help you identify the problem. Then take any necessary steps that can be done from your end or call Berico for assistance.

1. Low air flow. Your air conditioner requires sufficient flow of air through the system in order to work correctly. The air that comes in and goes out passes over an important part called the evaporator coil. The coil is full of refrigerant that cools air down and transfers warm air out as it passes to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Possible reasons for low air flow:

• Clogged filters. Check your filters and replace them if necessary. Consider changing your filters monthly to achieve maximum air flow.
• Blocked or leaky ducts. Have a professional HVAC company check your ductwork for any blockages or leaks that may be interfering with proper air flow through your system.
• Blower failure. If the blower is not properly moving air over the evaporator coil, it can cause ice to form.

2. Low refrigerant. The evaporator coil must contain a very specific amount of refrigerant to properly cool incoming air and remove heat from outgoing air. If there is not enough refrigerant, it can cause your AC to freeze up.

Possible reasons for low refrigerant:

• Leaky coil. If there is a leak somewhere in the coil, the refrigerant level will be too low to transfer heat out and cool down the incoming air.
• Refrigerant line kinks or leaks. If there are any leaks in your system where refrigerant is getting out, or if there is a kink in the refrigerant line, it leads to an insufficient amount of refrigerant in the coil.

Trust Your Frozen Air Conditioner to Berico Heating and Air, Greensboro, NC

If you notice ice anywhere on your air conditioning unit, the only action to take on your own would be checking and changing your filters. Any other repairs should be handled by a professional HVAC service. Berico is a trusted name in heating and cooling services in Greensboro and the surrounding area and has been for decades. A frozen outdoor unit is a common problem with air conditioners, but it can be prevented with regular yearly maintenance. An AC tune up includes filter replacement, refrigerant charging, blower and ductwork inspection and repair, and more. A frozen AC unit is just one of many common problems that can be prevented with regular tune ups. Sign up for Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and breathe easy knowing your system is in good hands. Call (336) 273-8663 for repairs or maintenance today.

Replacing commercial air conditioning systems is a larger undertaking than residential. There are many more things to consider and opportunities for savings that you may not be aware of. If you think it may be time for AC replacement in Eden NC for your office, warehouse, store, restaurant, or other building, here’s what you need to know.

Recognizing When it’s Time for AC Replacement

Half the battle is noticing the signs that your air conditioning system is beginning to struggle. If you can replace your system before it quits altogether, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. Look for any of the following signs:

• Unusual noises.
• Strange smells.
• Rising energy bills.
• Uneven cooling.
• High indoor humidity.
• Low air flow.

These are the most common indications of a problem with your air conditioning system. If you notice these or any other unusual symptoms, call your HVAC service immediately. Acting quickly can help you avoid full system failure.

How to Save Money on Your New Air Conditioning Installation

Large buildings often require more than one AC unit to cool the entire indoor space. If you do have more than one unit, you can save money by replacing all of your units at the same time, even if only one is broken. Heavy duty equipment such as trucks and cranes may need to be used for the installation, and you can avoid paying extra fees for future replacements of other equipment. If all of the AC units are the same age and one is starting to fail, there’s a good chance others will soon follow, especially if they are reaching or have surpassed their life expectancy.

Upgrading to a more efficient air conditioning system will also save you money. If replacing one old unit will lower your energy bill, imagine what replacing all of them would do. There are state and federal tax incentives for businesses that are energy conscious to install efficient appliances.

Berico Provides Reliable, Affordable Commercial AC Replacement in Eden

If your air conditioning system needs replacing, you can save your business money by calling Carolina Fuels at the first sign of a problem. Carolina Fuels, along with Berico’s technicians have the necessary training and experience to handle even the biggest commercial AC installations. Affordable pricing makes is possible for you to save on upfront costs as well as future maintenance. Call Carolina Fuels today for a free estimate: (336) 623-9741.

Is your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system starting to show signs of old age? If so, you’re faced with what can seem to be the daunting task of purchasing a new system. HVAC units can be expensive and if the cost does not fit into your current budget, you could be facing a difficult financial situation. But there are ways to spend less on heating and air installation, you just have to know where and how to look. Read more