6 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home HVAC System

York HVAC systemsIs 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.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Home Humidity

As the weather gets hot, the humidity seems to increase. Humidity is the moisture that gives the air a heavy, damp feeling that makes a hot day seem even hotter. Outdoor humidity is perfectly normal, but when you are experiencing a high level of indoor humidity, it can cause moisture-related problems. Mold and mildew growth in walls and carpets that lead to odors, allergies, and even structural damage are the direct result of excess indoor humidity. There are variety of ways to keep indoor moisture in check, including HVAC maintenance tips. Try any or all of these ways to reduce your home humidity.

Reducing the humidity in your home

  1. Use vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Most kitchens are equipped with vent fans above the stove top, which can greatly reduce cooking-related humidity. Run your bathroom fan when you take a shower or bath to vent excess humidity that comes from using hot water.
  2. Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are machines that collect moisture from the air and turn it into water that can be drained or dumped out. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements can prevent damage from too much indoor humidity.
  3. Keep your air conditioner well maintained. Central air conditioning systems as well as window units and portables automatically control humidity when they are working properly. If you start to notice excess humidity all of a sudden (think fogged up windows and moisture collecting on metal surfaces), it likely means your air conditioner is not working properly. It could be a blocked drain pipe or some other issue with your system. Follow basic HVAC maintenance tips and get a tune up to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and properly controlling indoor humidity levels. If you notice humidity after installing a brand new system, it may mean your new air conditioner is not the right size for your home.
  4. Make sure your clothes dryer is properly ventilated. Clothes dryers typically vent to the outdoors. If this is not the case or if your ventilation tube is blocked, the excess indoor humidity could be coming from your laundry room. Check your dryer to make sure it is in good working order and venting as it should.
  5. Seal your basement and/or have a sump pump or French drain installed. If a damp basement is the root of your humidity issues, consider having it professionally sealed to keep out excess moisture from the ground that can seep through concrete walls. French drains and sump pumps remove moisture from your basement by pumping the water up and out.

A Dry Home is a Cooler, More Comfortable Home

Besides the obvious benefits of preventing mold and mildew, keeping humidity levels low in your home will make it feel cooler and more comfortable during the hot weather season. You can even raise the temperature in your home and still feel cool enough when the air is drier, which helps you save energy and keep your power bill lower. Follow the above suggestions and HVAC maintenance tips to keep your home dry and comfortable this summer. And call (336) 226-9371 to schedule AC maintenance with Alamance Oil, Carolina Fuels or Berico.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

pet ownersMost 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.

Becoming an HVAC Technician: What You Need to Know

HVAC technician photoAny job in the heating and cooling industry is a lucrative career. Becoming an HVAC technician is an ideal career choice for someone with a high school diploma and mechanical aptitude. Salaries are competitive for technicians in North Carolina, and the job market looks positive for the near future. If you are interested in a career with a reputable HVAC company in NC, here’s what you need to know.

Minimum Requirement is a High School Diploma or GED

It is necessary to have completed high school and received a diploma or a GED as a base requirement to consider training to be an HVAC technician. Math, chemistry, physics, shop, and computer classes all contribute to a solid background for learning how to repair and install heating and air conditioning systems.

Start Out as an HVAC Technician’s Assistant to Gain Experience

Before enrolling in a technical school or community college, it is wise to get some on the job experience first. Get a job as an assistant to an HVAC technician in order to see firsthand what the job of a technician truly entails. If you are still interested in training to be a technician after a few months on the job, it’s safe to say you should continue on with your education in the field.

Complete an Associate’s Degree or Certification

Once you’ve worked in the field a while and you are still interested in becoming a technician, enroll in a program at your local community college or technical school. Employers may offer financial assistance or tuition reimbursement for your schooling as long as you continue to work for the same HVAC company after completing your certification. You may even be able to find a paid apprenticeship program that will allow you to work and gain your certification or degree at the same time.

Get Your HVAC Technician License and Keep it Renewed

In order to work as an HVAC technician in North Carolina you are required to be licensed. You will have to pass a test to gain licensure, and it is your responsibility to renew your license periodically as necessary. You may have opportunities to complete training courses through the HVAC company you work for, as they are required to employ licensed technicians.

North Carolina is one of the Best States for HVAC Technicians

There’s always a need for HVAC technicians in North Carolina. With hot summers and chilly winters, it seems there’s always repairs, maintenance, and installation to do. Average salaries are competitive with the cost of living and rival the salaries of people with four year college degrees working in other fields.

If you are interested in becoming an HVAC technician and you wish to work for Alamance Oil or Berico, submit your resume online on the careers page. Whatever step in the process you are currently working toward, you may find just the right opportunity here.

What You Need to Know About Commercial AC Replacement

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.

Thermopride HVAC systemRecognizing 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.

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home

Are you in need of air conditioning installation in Reidsville? Adding air conditioning to your home or building is a smart decision that will provide you with comfort throughout the year, especially during hot North Carolina summers. But to stay comfortable you need the right air conditioning system. There are a few factors to take into consideration when purchasing an air conditioner.

Goodman HVAC systems

Size: The size of your air conditioning system is crucial to comfort. Bigger is not always better. A system that is too big can be just as much of a problem as a system that is too small. An air conditioner that’s too small will fail to cool sufficiently on hot days. An oversized air conditioner will cycle on and off too much, leading to excess indoor humidity. The sizing depends on the number of square feet that need to be cooled. Your HVAC contractor can do the math for you and recommend an appropriately sized system.

Efficiency: The next most important factor to consider is the energy efficiency of the air conditioner you want to install. Air conditioners are assigned a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. Aim for something around 16 or higher for optimum efficiency and go no lower than 13. A system with a higher SEER may cost more up front, but you will save more in the long run on your energy bill. You may even be eligible for tax incentives when you purchase an efficient air conditioning system.

Features: Different models come with different features which help to achieve maximum comfort and improve efficiency. Multi-zone cooling, variable speed blower, large coils, and high temperature rating are just some of the features available that can save you money and keep your home or workplace more comfortable.

Warranty: Each make and model will come with its own warranty. Some are longer than others and cover more parts and other inclusions. It pays to take the time to consider the warranty that comes with each model you are considering since repairs and certainly replacement can be pricey outside of warranty coverage.

Air Conditioning Installation in Reidsville is Fast and Reliable

Carolina Fuels can recommend the best system for your home or place of business and install it quickly and correctly. Proper installation is essential for optimum comfort and efficiency and will extend the life of your air conditioning unit. Call today for a free estimate: (336) 623-9741.

4 Ways to Spend Less on a New HVAC System

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

Safety Tips for Using a Backup Power Generator

A power outage can be frustrating, and in some cases even dangerous. But what’s even more dangerous is incorrect use of a generator. If you have a generator to use as a backup power source or you’re thinking of getting one, safety should be your most important consideration. Follow these generator safety tips and you can rest assured your home or business will always have power when needed. Read more

Why Is My AC Freezing Over?

To find ice on your outdoor air conditioning unit on a hot day may seem strange, but it’s actually quite common. Central air conditioners sometimes malfunction in a way that causes ice to form on your outdoor unit. There are a few different causes for this, but most importantly, if you see ice on your AC unit you should call for AC repair services immediately. Acting quickly can prevent further damage to your HVAC system. Read more

Tips for Buying a New AC System for Your Historic Home

It’s easy to fall in love with a historic home. Whether it’s been well maintained or needs to be fully renovated, the allure and enchantment prevail. But old homes come with unique challenges, such as incorporating modern comforts like air conditioning. It is possible to add AC to an historic home without disturbing the architecture or the integrity of the home? There are a few options to choose from when it comes to central AC installation in an older home, and your choice will likely come down to pricing and aesthetics.

Historic Home renovations

Central Air Conditioning: The Cost Effective Option

Pros: Less expensive than more specialized systems, energy efficient, and controls humidity.

Cons: Ductwork takes up space in both rooms and closets and the outdoor unit may distract from the historic look.

Pricing for central air conditioners comes down to efficiency or the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The more efficient the system, the higher the price. A SEER of 16 or higher is considered to be a high-efficiency system, but the ratings go as high as 18-20 for some models. More expensive models also do a better job of controlling humidity, which is important to the preservation of historic homes.

Installing ductwork in an existing home means sacrificing closet space and may require boxing in corners of rooms or lowering ceilings. This may disrupt the authenticity of the historic interior design.

Mini-Duct Air Conditioning: The Space Saving Option

Pros: Small ducts take up less space and are less intrusive to install.

Cons: Strong air flow from vents means less flexibility for furniture arrangement.

Mini-duct systems use 3 inch ducts that can be snaked through walls and floor joints so they are less conspicuous. No need to sacrifice closet space or square footage of rooms.

The small ductwork causes the cool air to come out fast and furious. You wouldn’t want to be sitting or sleeping right next to or under one of these vents. You may have to arrange your furniture accordingly.

Ductless Air Conditioning: The Quiet Option

Pros: Quiet operation, very little construction, and room-by-room cooling.

Cons: Pricier and modern looking.

Ductless systems mount to the wall and only require a small hole through which a pipe can fit to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Each room to be cooled requires its own indoor unit that can be set to whatever temperature is wanted on a room-by-room basis. No ductwork is required, meaning very little indoor construction. Fans operate quietly, making ductless systems as unobtrusive as possible.

Ductless systems are more expensive than central air conditioning, but the fewer number of rooms that require cooling, the less it will cost. If you can get away with only cooling bedrooms and most frequently used rooms, you can save a lot. The only other downside to ductless systems is that the wall unit looks very modern, which distracts from the historic look of the home and décor.

Trust Your Historic Home to Carolina Fuels

Every decision you make when renovating a historic home matters. Once you make a permanent change it can never be undone. Trust the beauty and integrity of your priceless home to the experts at Berico. Whether you choose central AC installation, a mini-duct system, or a ductless unit, you can count on your HVAC contractor to install it right. Call Berico for a free estimate: (336) 273-8663.