Whether you are planning to finish your basement or you already have a basement living space that needs air conditioning, you have a few different options. Basements have some unique challenges when it comes to cooling. Before you consider an AC system install, you want to be sure you are making the right choice that will bring optimal comfort to your basement.

Basement Cooling Challenges:

• Dampness/humidity. Basements, being underground, tend to stay damp. Keeping out excess humidity is a constant battle.
• Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements lack windows entirely. Others have very small windows that are often located up high at ground level.
• Extra square footage (when finished later). When a basement is finished after the rest of the home it adds additional space that needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there when the current air conditioner was installed. The size of a home’s HVAC system is determined based on the number of square feet to be cooled.

Basement Cooling Solutions:

• Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally manage humidity levels in any space that is being cooled. However, it may still be wise to use a separate dehumidifier to remove even more excess moisture from the air. This ensures that humidity is properly managed and that your AC can run more efficiently. The natural dampness of basements can lead to mold and mildew growth if moisture is not kept in check.
• Ductless mini-split system. Window units are either difficult or impossible to use in basements. Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are ideal for cooling a single room and only require a very small hole in the wall for a pipe to connect to an outside unit. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and efficiently cool the room.
• Add on to your current central air conditioning system. One option is to simply extend your current HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your current system can handle the additional square footage that your basement will add. If you are unsure about this, the contractor who performs your AC system install can calculate whether or not your existing unit can sufficiently cool the additional space. If not, you may consider replacing your system with a larger one (this may be a wise choice if your current system is already over eight years old). If it is relatively new and does not need replacing, but cannot handle the extra load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Cool Your Basement Efficiently with an AC System Install by a Trusted HVAC Contractor

You can only truly enjoy the additional living space your finished basement offers when it’s cool and comfortable. Let Berico expertly perform your air conditioning installation so that it looks as good as it feels. Whether you add onto your current system or install new equipment, Berico offers affordable, reliable service. Call today for a free estimate: (336) 273-8663.

With the warm weather season comes frequent thunderstorms and even the occasional hurricane. Is your HVAC system ready to handle severe weather? If you’re not sure, there are some steps you can take to make sure your air conditioner is prepared. When a storm catches you off guard, you could find yourself making an emergency call to your heating and cooling company. Don’t get stuck without AC after a storm by following these tips.

1. Turn off the power to your HVAC system from your circuit breaker box. When you know a storm is coming, no matter how minor, turning off the power to your air conditioner can save the electrical components from a power surge. When lightning strikes anywhere near your home it can cause damage to your electrical appliances. Cutting off the power prevents this. If you have a window unit or portable air conditioner, unplug it from the wall.
2. Check your backup generator. In case you lose power during a storm, make sure your backup generator is working properly. Once the storm passes you may need backup electricity until the power company can get power restored to your area. If you haven’t used your generator in a long time, it’s possible that it may not be in proper working order.
3. Cover your outdoor unit. To protect your outdoor unit from damage due to blowing debris, cover it with a tarp or cover of some kind. Make sure the power is off to your HVAC system first. Clear out the area around your AC unit to eliminate as much debris as possible that could blow into your system.
4. After the storm, check your HVAC system before turning it on. Do not turn on your air conditioner right after the storm passes if you haven’t checked the outdoor unit for damage. You may need to clear out debris that has blown against the unit. If there are any dents or obvious problems, call your heating and cooling company before using your system.

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared. Schedule Maintenance with Your Heating and Cooling Company Before Storm Season

Make sure your HVAC system is prepared for severe weather by scheduling a tune up in early spring. An AC tune up, also known as preventative maintenance, involves inspection, cleaning, and repairing your system. The inspection turns up any potential problems that need to be addressed so that repairs can be done before an emergency occurs. A thorough cleaning helps your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible. Electrical components are checked to be sure nothing is loose or worn out. Your air conditioning will be ready to weather the storm after a detailed tune up. The best time to schedule maintenance is early spring before the weather gets hot and before technicians get busy responding to emergency AC calls.

Be prepared for severe weather. Schedule maintenance now with Alamance Oil: (336) 226-9371.

Has your air conditioner been giving you reason to wonder if it’s working properly? You may think (and hope) that you are wrong, but it’s usually best to trust your gut and find out for sure. There are some typical clues that your AC may be on its last legs. But if you’re not sure if it’s time to call your HVAC company in Burlington for air conditioner replacement, look for these signs.

1. Decreased comfort. Does your home feel less comfortable even though your AC seems to be running normally? This may mean something is not right with your system.
2. Uneven cooling. Are some rooms cooler than others? When your air conditioning is working properly this should not happen.
3. Strange noises (or simply louder operation). If you hear new noises or your AC seems to run much louder than it used to, be prepared for the possibility of system failure.
4. Low air flow. Is your AC running but you can’t feel any air coming from the vents? Low air flow can be the result of a few different problems.
5. Circuit breakers repeatedly tripping. A rare occasion of your AC tripping the circuit breaker is nothing to be concerned about. However, if it happens repeatedly, you may have a problem.
6. Humidity or condensation. Does it feel humid inside? Is there water dripping or collecting in places it never did before? These are signs of an AC malfunction.
7. Unusual odor. Weird smells coming from your vents or the AC unit itself? This is not normal and may be a sign of an ongoing issue.

These signs do not necessarily mean that your air conditioner needs to be replaced immediately. It does mean that you should call your HVAC service right away to get your AC checked out. In some cases the strange noises you hear may be a loose part that simply needs tightened. Excess moisture may mean your condensate drain is blocked and needs cleaned out. Whether or not these common problems mean it is necessary to replace your entire air conditioning system is something you and your HVAC technician can decide together. One of the most important factors in this decision will be the age of your air conditioner. If it is over 10 years old, it may be in your best interest to replace it rather than repair it, if repair is even possible. Your technician will give you their best recommendation.

If you notice any of the signs above, call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371.

Have you wondered if there is a better way to heat your home? Are you thinking about switching to propane? There are many benefits to heating your home with propane, from cost to comfort. And switching is easier than you think. Berico is your propane supplier in Greensboro NC, and can help you decide if propane is right for you. Consider the following:

You buy it in bulk. Propane is stored in a tank on your property, which is often buried under the ground. You pay upon delivery and get refills only as needed. No monthly payment like you get from the natural gas company. You can save money by purchasing propane when the prices are lowest.

It is environmentally safe. Propane is a clean-burning fuel that does not harm the environment when it burns or if it leaks.

Easy to convert. You don’t have to buy a new furnace to switch to propane. Conversion kits can turn your natural gas furnace into a propane furnace with ease.

Available where you live. Natural gas lines don’t always reach all areas. If you live in an area where gas is not available, propane is a good alternative as it can be delivered anywhere.

Creates cozy comfort. Propane creates warmer air that radiates from your vents. Many people who have compared propane and gas find that propane makes their home feel cozier and more comfortable in the winter.

Switch to Berico: A Propane Supplier in Greensboro that Offers Complete Home Comfort Service

Whether you are switching from another heat source to propane or simply switching propane suppliers, Berico offers a wide range of benefits. Berico is a full home comfort service offering heating and air conditioning services as well as fuel delivery. And when you switch to Berico from another propane supplier, the tank swap out is free. Save money with a fuel delivery and maintenance agreement that ensures you never run out of fuel and keeps your furnace and air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently.

Call (336) 273-8663 to make Berico your propane supplier in Greensboro.

Propane is an efficient home heating fuel. It is a clean burning natural resource that is an excellent source of energy. When used properly, it is a safe source of energy for home heating and other household uses. They key is to follow safety tips and regulations and to work with a reliable Reidsville propane supplier like Carolina Fuels.

Safety Tips for Propane Use:

1. Know the smell. Make sure you know what propane smells like so that you can detect a leak if you ever have one. Your propane supplier can help you familiarize yourself with the smell when you get your tank refilled.
2. Do not move your propane tank. You should never attempt to move your propane tank yourself. Moving your tank can cause leaks or other damage to tank or gas lines. Contact your propane supplier for assistance.
3. Keep your furnace tuned up. Regular maintenance for your furnace is important for safe operation. A furnace tune up typically includes a thorough cleaning and inspection to make sure every part is in good working order. Any necessary repairs can be done at the same time to prevent problems and keep your furnace running efficiently. Schedule a yearly tune up with your Reidsville propane supplier.
4. Avoid running out of propane. Have your tank refilled before it gets empty. This prevents leaks that can occur in the piping due to a lack of pressure. Most propane suppliers can put you on a regular delivery schedule to make sure you never run out.

Get Complete Reidsville Propane Heating Services from Carolina Fuels

Have your furnace tuned up and your tank refilled yearly with just one visit from your supplier. Carolina Fuels offers complete HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services along with fuel delivery. Service agreements combine heating and air conditioning maintenance and fuel delivery in one convenient package so that you never have to worry about home comfort.

Call (336) 623-9741 to schedule service today.