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.

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.

Any 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.