Mold Problem? Hire an HVAC Contractor in Eden, NC to Install a New HVAC System

HVAC Contractor in EdenWhen the weather gets hot outside, your AC system may run most of the day to maintain a comfortable temperature.  While it is operating, the system also removes moisture from both indoor and outdoor air brought in for ventilation. However, sometimes old air conditioners do not function as they should and don’t remove as much moisture. Warm environments with high humidity levels can lead to mold growth which is a health risk for everyone in the home or building. Mold reproduces through spores that can remain dormant for years. They become active again when there is moisture. However, mold growth can be managed indoors by controlling moisture indoors. An HVAC contractor in Eden, NC can install a new system that will help control moisture indoors and provide better air circulation.

Mold Caused by Inefficient HVAC Systems Can Damage Property

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, you should regularly examine your HVAC system, not just for mold, but for moisture. When there is excessive moisture, mold growth will often happen, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered. Mold damage can cost a business a lot of money to repair. In libraries, mold growth can deteriorate rare books and documents, which are costly to replace. The pungent odor of mold or visible water damage are sure signs there is a problem. Mold colonies are capable of growing inside of the walls of your building, and they continue to grow as long as there is moisture. A library in Shreveport, LA needed HVAC replacement because of mold damage, as noted in www.shreveporttimes.com:

“Shreve Memorial Library will spend upwards of $236,000 to upgrade its heating, ventilating and air conditioning system to combat the growth of mold on rare, historical text, microfilm and books housed on the third floor of its downtown Shreveport branch, according to the Board of Control’s September minutes.

According to the minutes, engineering firm Storer Services recommended repairs be made to retrofit the library’s poorly functioning HVAC system. The system allowed for high humidity which created conditions for mold to grow.”

Improve Health with a new HVAC System, which reduces Mold Growth

It is important to have an HVAC professional like Carolina Fuels, to routinely inspect the drain and condensate pans to make sure they are draining properly. If they are blocked, the moisture that accumulates will be a breeding ground for mold. They will also make sure that all HVAC ducts and system components are free of any moisture. If your cooling system is over ten years old, it may not be dehumidifying properly or operating efficiently. Eliminate a mold problem by replacing an inefficient, older HVAC system with a new system and breathe healthier air. Quality, high-efficient HVAC systems that deliver consistent cooling and dehumidification are essential to the overall health of homes or commercial facilities. Moisture removal can enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and comfort while maximizing the life of your building or home. Continually taking moisture out of the air while maintaining comfortable temperatures, your HVAC system works efficiently to filter out harmful bacteria and mold.

In hot and humid regions, such as the Southeast,there is a possibility you could have mold growth. Carolina Fuels will send an HVAC contractor in Eden, NC to examine your existing heating and cooling system, and provide a quote for a repair or replacement to help you restore efficiency and humidity balance. Protect your business by having a safe, effective and highly efficient HVAC system in place to moderate temperatures and humidity levels inside of your facility. Call us today for a free consultation at 336-623-9741.

(Source: Mold Spurs Library to Upgrade HVAC System, www.shreveporttimes.com, January 31, 2015)

Burlington Air Conditioners Contribute to Better Concentration at School

Burlington Air ConditionersWant to concentrate better and alleviate watery, itchy eyes? By using your well-maintained Burlington air conditioner, you can reduce allergens and humidity levels, improving the indoor air quality. Studies have shown that students who are in schools with improved ventilation and air conditioners tend to have better test scores and higher concentration levels. If it makes a difference to the kids in school then certainly it’s important to children and adults at home and in the workplace.

Improve Performance Levels of Students with Air Conditioning

With high efficiency air conditioners, school children are healthier and able to concentrate better. The United States Environmental Protection Agency evaluated Indoor Air Quality & Student Performance among schools in the U.S., and found that schools with air conditioning showed fewer absentee rates as well:

“Early studies in schools have found that air conditioning is associated with lower absentee rates or improved performance, and that schools with humidification systems are also associated with lower absentee rates.”

Alamance Oil specializes in Burlington air conditioner maintenance, installation, and repairs for commercial and residential customers. The ventilation layout and efficiency is important not only for schools, where classrooms need adequate ventilation to maintain indoor air quality but also for businesses and homes.

HVAC Maintenance Can Positively Impact the Health of Students in Schools

Just as old carpeting needs to be replaced to help with reducing dust allergens, HVAC systems require annual maintenance to keep the air healthier and cleaner. At Alamance Oil, we provide AC system maintenance and expert repairs to keep the indoor air quality at a healthy level. In schools, this is a necessary part of general operation, to help children breathe clean air and stay healthy at school:

“A review of building investigation reports also suggests significant benefits to health and performance from good HVAC maintenance. Presumably, these benefits result because properly maintained HVAC systems can provide consistently good thermal and ventilation control while also reducing the risk of biological contamination. Overall, the evidence suggests that good housekeeping designed to control surface dust plus care and maintenance of the HVAC system, including provisions for good filtration performance, are important aspects of school operating protocols designed to improve student health and performance.”

Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Mental Function

Increase productivity, health and concentration with a high performance Burlington air conditioner at school, work and home. Studies have shown that efficient air conditioners will circulate cleaner air, reduce dust and improve ventilation at schools, allowing school children to learn in a healthy indoor environment. Poor indoor air quality has the opposite effect on student’s performance, as mentioned in the Indoor Air Quality & Student Performance report by the EPA:

“Evidence continues to emerge showing that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause illness requiring absence from school, and can cause acute health symptoms that decrease performance while at school. In addition, recent data suggest that poor IAQ may directly reduce a person’s ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, or memory.”

Keep your indoor air quality healthy with regular maintenance and repairs. Contact Alamance Oil for all of your HVAC needs, including installations, Burlington air conditioner repairs, replacements systems and maintenance: 336-226-9371.

(Source: Indoor Air Quality & Student Performance, neisd.net, August 2003)

Hire a Qualified HVAC Contractor in Eden, NC for the Right Fit

HVAC Contractor in EdenAre you considering replacing your old heating and cooling system? When you are ready to research options for a new system, be sure to hire a qualified HVAC contractor in Eden, NC to complete the installation. If an inexperienced contractor recommends a system that is too large or too small for your home, you will either be paying too much on your energy bills or the system will not provide the comfort you need. To get a new HVAC system that is the correct fit for your space, a trained and certified contractor will be able to recommend the proper size and expertly install your new heating and cooling system. Carolina Fuels’ technicians complete ongoing training and education about HVAC systems and are thoroughly qualified to help you with your comfort needs. How does the right person help you to save money when it comes to installing new heat or air conditioning system?

The right-sized HVAC system will be the most efficient for your home

You probably would not buy the largest, most expensive refrigerator if you only have a few items that need refrigeration on a daily basis. Likewise, you also would not buy a Suburban if you only needed to commute by yourself a few miles each day. The extra expense and energy usage wouldn’t make sense. The same logic applies to your heating and cooling system for your home. It needs to be the right size and fit for your home so you will not be paying for more that you need.  On the flip side, your home may need 42,000 BTU’s (British Thermal Units) per hour to optimally cool every room so that a 3.5-ton unit would be the best match. However, if you put in a 3-ton unit, which has 36,000 BTU’s per hour, you would probably not have the comfort level that you desire in your home. Plus, this would increase your energy bills because your HVAC system would keep running to try to meet the desired temperatures. Carolina Fuels’ heating and cooling specialists know the exact measurements and insulation properties to provide you with an accurate range of systems that will meet your needs and budget.

Detailed SEER information will help you make an informed decision for a new HVAC system

A knowledgeable technician will provide you with the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) information for the heating and cooling systems that are recommended for your home. When comparing systems, keep in mind that a higher SEER rating will offer cost savings on your utility bills as well as provide more efficient and comfortable heating and cooling in your home. There may be multiple air conditioning systems with the same SEER ratings. However, each unit may offer various options such as programmable thermostats, to name one, that would be a better option for you.  Carolina Fuels takes the time to explain all the options and answer all of your questions, so you will be able to make an informed decision regarding a new HVAC system.

If you have any questions about heating and cooling systems, we are available to help you with your needs. For trustworthy and dependable HVAC contractors in Eden, NC, contact Carolina Fuels at (336) 273-8663. We will help you to find an energy efficient solution for your home.

AC Repair in Greensboro Helps You Go Green

ac-greensboro-green-300x290It’s not easy being green. However, the payoffs are worth it. Utilizing air conditioning services in Greensboro will make your cooling system more efficient, reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and promote a cleaner environment. Environmentally-conscious homeowners are continuously searching for ways to reduce the carbon footprint in their homes. Going green sounds great, but what exactly can we do to so there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions from our home? The bottom line is: reduce energy use through energy efficiency. Berico has some suggestions on how to accomplish this.

1. Use an Energy Star Heating and Cooling System in Your Home

The ENERGY STAR label was founded to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by inefficient use of energy. Berico offers installation, repair services and maintenance on a variety of Energy Star HVAC systems, with high-efficiency ratings and beneficial energy savings.

According to www.energystar.gov, the label goes to products who meet the following:

“Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.

If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.

Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.

Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers”

2. Maintain Regular Heating and Air Conditioning Services in Greensboro

Annual maintenance for your heating and cooling systems is essential to keeping them working at maximum efficiency. The better prepared the systems are for the hot and cold seasons, the great their performance levels will be throughout the year. With minimized leaks and optimal air circulation, your Energy Star HVAC system will provide your home with comfortable temperatures and utility bill savings.

3. Insulate Your Home by Sealing Cracks and Gaps Around Windows and Doors

A recommended task for the spring and fall seasons is to do a visual inspection of your doors and windows to look for gaps or leaks. When you discover one, seal it with caulking or adding strong weather stripping, to prevent outdoor air from coming in and making your heating and cooling system work harder. Create a tightly sealed home for optimal energy efficiency.

Going green is a smart lifestyle choice, and with the right products, you can help the environment and experience savings on your bills. Making wise decisions about your home’s heating and cooling system can have a large impact on your utility bills, your comfort and the environment. When your older air conditioner or furnace needs to be replaced, look for Energy Star systems to provide you the best efficiency available. Berico’s heating and air conditioning services will help to maintain that high-efficiency level in your home so you can go green and stay green throughout the lifetime of your system. Enjoy a healthier home, greater comfort and cost savings with our heating and cooling systems and service. Contact Berico today to begin your journey towards a cleaner and energy efficient home: (336) 273-8663

(Source: How a Product Earns the ENERGY STAR label, www.energystar.gov, 2015)

Greensboro Air Conditioning Service and Tips For A Cool Summer

Have a Cool Summer with Greensboro Air Conditioning Service and Tips

Greensboro Air Conditioning ServiceSpring is almost in the air, with summertime shortly afterwards. If you felt too hot last summer, we have some tips and ideas for keeping cooler air in your home this summer. At Berico Fuels, now is the time that our customers usually receive maintenance for their AC units to make sure that everything is working correctly before the hot and humid summer months. Along with the recommended annual Greensboro AC maintenance, there are a few things that you can do, according to www.treehugger.com, that will keep you cool naturally and bring you more comfort this summer:

1. Use awnings.

According to the Washington Post, The Department of Energy estimates that awnings can reduce solar heat gain—the amount temperature rises because of sunshine—by as much as 65 percent on windows with southern exposures and 77 percent on those with western exposures. Your furniture will last longer, too.

We noted in Planet Green last spring that this can translate into a saving of cooling energy of 26 percent in hot climates, and 33 percent in more temperate climates where it might even make air conditioning unnecessary.”

Awnings are often overlooked, however a drive through the Greensboro, NC area will show you that they are widely used and compliment the overall look of the home. Determine which direction your house faces and use awnings in the locations that will bring the most energy savings for your home. In Greensboro, HVAC service will not be needed as frequently if the AC unit is not running at full capacity as often due to more shade and less heat coming into your home. Here’s another tip:

2. Plant a tree.

Geoffrey Donovan studied it in Sacramento, and calculated the savings.

“Everyone knows that shade trees cool a house. No one is going to get a Nobel Prize for that conclusion,” says the study co-author, Geoffrey Donovan. “But this study gets at the details: Where should a tree be placed to get the most benefits? And how exactly do shade trees impact our carbon footprint?”

Find out in Planet Green: Be Cool and Plant a Tree

Trees are great for the environment and they help to keep your house cooler. Research the various types of trees that grow well in the Greensboro area, and plant a few to keep your home shaded so you will not have to use your AC unit as often. Here’s a tip that can make a huge difference with your home’s temperature this summer:

3. Plant vines.

Climbers can dramatically reduce the maximum temperatures of a building by shading walls from the sun, the daily temperature fluctuation being reduced by as much as 50%.Together with the insulation effect, temperature fluctuations at the wall surface can be reduced from between –10°/14°F to 60°C/140°F to between 5°C/41°F and 30°/86°F.”

Virginia creeper and ivy have been known to grow quickly in the Greensboro climate, and they can greatly help with the coolness of your home this summer. With an energy efficient air conditioner, your energy savings will help you save money and stay cooler this summer.

There are some other ways to stay cool, such as painting your roof a lighter color, using ceiling fans throughout your home and using your outside grill to cook hot foods instead of preparing them indoors. All of these techniques and tips will assist you with keeping your home comfortable and cooler this summer. At Berico Heating and Air Conditioning, we provide Greensboro AC maintenance so you can rely on your system the entire season and not need to make emergency repair phone calls or experience any downtime. Call us at 336-273-8663 to schedule your Greensboro air conditioning service today.

Do Greensboro Air Conditioners Create High Energy Bills?

Greensboro Air ConditionersIn the middle of the summer season, are you afraid to look at your utility bills? Since you are running your Greensboro air conditioner every day in the hot summer months, there may be some reasons why your bill is higher than your neighbor’s energy bill. At Berico Fuels, we can help you find the causes of these higher payments, and help you on the path to cost savings. Here are 5 top reasons you may be paying so much each month for your air conditioning:

Your AC Unit is Older and Not as Efficient

Older cooling systems are not as effective at cooling, and the efficiency is much lower than today’s newer systems. This lower efficiency results in higher energy bills since the HVAC system requires more energy to get to the desired indoor temperature for your home. It may be time for a replacement system, which will be an initial investment that carries excellent cost savings over the years with significantly lower energy bills.

The Cooling System’s Fan is Set on the Thermostat to Constantly Run

If there is a fan setting on your programmable thermostat, it should be set to “Auto” instead of “On” for greater efficiency. If family members are constantly going back and forth with the temperature setting changes on the thermostat, they probably have also moved the fan switch to “on”. Achieve the best performance from your air conditioning unit by setting one main temperature setting for the hours that you are home and a few degrees’ warmer setting for when you are away from the house. Frequent changing of the temperature, even by a few degrees, not only creates an inefficient energy flow but puts more stress on your equipment as it constantly tries to adjust to these frequent changes. Agreeing on the most comfortable indoor temperature for everyone in your household and maintaining that level throughout the summer will help your system run more efficiently.

Your AC Unit is Inefficient as a Result of Skipped Maintenance

Regular annual maintenance is necessary to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. If you skip a year or two, it can result in a heavy collection of dust, dirt and other debris that will cause your system to not work at its best and most effective level. Contact Berico to schedule your HVAC maintenance visit in Greensboro, and we will check parts and connections while providing a complete cleaning.

Duct Blockages and Leaks in Your Cooling System Can Cause Higher Utility Bills

Trying to send air through blocked areas in your ductwork creates more pressure, and your cooling system needs to work harder to circulate the air, therefore using more energy. The quality of your ductwork is important because it provides the outlet to send cooled air throughout your home. When the ducts have holes or leaks, or connections are blocked off, this could result in higher energy bills. Regularly checking the ductwork in your home will help fix these issues before they become costly repairs and help to keep your energy bills down.

Keep Cool Air inside with Good Insulation

Your AC system may be working overtime to not only cool the inside of your home, but also the outside. Properly fitted windows or adding weather stripping around the windows will help the cool air from leaking to the outside and keep the hot air from coming in. Adequate insulation and weather stripping will help keep your HVAC system from running unnecessarily to accommodate the loss of cool air in your home. Keep the nice, cool air inside of your home and let the outside stay warm with added insulation. When you need service for your air conditioner in Greensboro, Burlington or Eden, contact Berico Heating & Air, Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels at (336) 273-8663.

Control Humidity Levels With Air Conditioning in Greensboro

Air Conditioning in GreensboroWhen it comes to air conditioning, it will seem that a larger unit would provide better cooling in your home. However, a Greensboro air conditioner that is too large for your home will waste energy, and potentially cause high humidity problems, such as mold buildup and even condensation on your walls and windows. At Berico Fuels, we will only consider the air conditioning systems that are the right size for your square footage when we do a new AC installation at your home or business. Keep a normal humidity level in your home and receive the highest energy savings with a new high-efficiency air conditioner that is sized just right for your home. Why does a larger AC unit cause higher humidity levels?

Air Conditioners That Are Too Large Do Not Dehumidify Effectively

When an air conditioner turns on, it needs to run at least 15-20 minutes to kick into the dehumidification of your indoor air. Larger systems will shut off faster than properly sized air conditioners, leaving most of the humidity still in the air. Your house will feel much cooler, however if it’s a humid, summer day and the AC does not run for a long time, you will be left with greater humidity levels in your home. At Berico Fuels, we will evaluate your home’s insulation, layout, and cooling space before recommending replacement systems. It is important to size the system accurately to provide optimal cooling and humidity control in your home, as well as utility bill savings. If you have an oversized air conditioner condenser unit, not enough air will move across the cooling coil to effectively remove humidity since the large system cools the rooms so quickly. If the air conditioning system could run longer, it would remove more moisture from the air.

Factors to Consider Prior to Replacing a Greensboro Air Conditioner

Size matters with Greensboro air conditioner replacements. However, there are other factors that need to be reviewed and evaluated to determine the best fit for your specific cooling area:

1 – Is there direct sunlight on your home or building? This makes a large difference when comparing systems, since the constant sunshine on your house through windows will warm up your home more than a house in the shade.

2 – Is your business or home drafty or well insulated? With a lot of drafts, indoor temperatures are affected more by the outside air.

3 – How many people live in the home or work in the office building? Heat sources, such as people, will vary the amount of cooling that is needed to reach the optimal temperature.

4 – Are the ceilings low or high, and are there ceiling fans in place? This will determine the size of the blower that is needed to provide the greatest amount of airflow to your home or business.

Save Money and Energy with the Right Sized Air Conditioner

Berico Fuels researches all of the factors that contribute to finding the replacement air conditioner that will fit your home’s needs for optimal cooling and humidity control, prior to making recommendations. We know that HVAC systems need to be accurately sized to reduce heating and cooling repairs, as well as to provide better cost savings. It is important to go with a reputable HVAC company when you need to have a new AC system installed. Contact the expert team at Berico Fuels for all of your heating and cooling service needs:336-273-8663

(Source: Common HVAC Noises and What They Mean, hvac.com, Nov. 6, 2014)

Eden Air Conditioning is More Efficient with Home Energy Audits

Eden Air ConditioningHave you ever thought about having an HVAC expert evaluate your home’s energy efficiency? Air conditioning systems are becoming more energy efficient and Eden, NC homeowners are learning about various ways to save energy after completing a home energy audit. On www.energy.gov, the professional energy assessment is explained,

“Professional energy assessments generally go into great detail to assess your home’s energy use. The energy auditor will do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills.”

Home Energy Audits Include a Review of Utility Bills

Checking through previous energy bills will provide a very clear idea of your home’s energy efficiency. Careful inspection of each room will also allow the auditor to analyze your Greensboro home in detail. Carolina Fuels offer home energy audits in the Eden and surrounding areas to help homeowners save money and find the best solution for optimal efficiency. What is the best way to prepare for the home energy audit? At www.energy.gov, the following steps are recommended:

“Before the energy auditor visits your house, make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Have copies or a summary of the home’s yearly energy bills. (Your utility can get these for you.) Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit. The auditor first examines the outside of the home to determine the size of the house and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows). The auditor then will analyze the residents’ behavior:

  • Is anyone home during working hours?
  • What is the average thermostat setting for summer and winter?
  • How many people live here?
  • Is every room in use?

Your answers may help uncover some simple ways to reduce your household’s energy consumption.”

An Energy Audit is a Preventative Step to Better Energy Efficiency

Prevent energy loss by scheduling a home energy audit today. Your savings will start to appear on your utility bills after steps are implemented to increase efficiency. At a home energy audit, the professional service expert will look for signs of energy loss in your home. Using diagnostic equipment, they can find areas that could be improved and be able to make recommendations for your overall energy use within your home. Some suggestions may include using insulated curtains or room darkening window treatments to maximize energy efficiency. The condition of existing vents, doors and walls will be inspected as well.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

There is cost saving reasons for having a professional conduct a home energy audit. According to www.energy.gov., you can save a significant amount of money by making the recommended upgrades, following an audit:

“A professional energy audit gives you a thorough picture of where your home is losing energy and what you can do to save money.
You can save 5%-30% on your energy bill by making upgrades following a home energy assessment.You may be eligible for state, local, or utility incentives to assist with your home energy audit.”

Create an energy efficient home environment and enjoy savings this year. Carolina Fuels provide thorough home energy audits to help you know exactly how to save more money on utility bills in your home. Carolina Fuels performs air conditioning repair service and installations for the Eden area. Have a comfortable summer with great cost savings, by calling us at 336-273-8663

(Source: Professional Home Energy Audits, energy.gov, Nov. 6, 2014)

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden: Spring is the Ideal Time

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden: Spring is the Ideal Time

Air Conditioning Repairs in Eden

Spring is almost here, and most people will be busy clearing out closets, scrubbing walls and washing windows. However, if you just clean the parts of your house that you can see, you may be doing only half the job. Preventative maintenance on your cooling system should be a part of your regular spring-cleaning activities. Air conditioning repair and maintenance check-ups will help your entire house be clean and dust free. The technicians at Berico Heating & Air get busy once summer hits, so spring is the ideal time for air-conditioning repairs in Eden.

Why Schedule an Air Conditioner Check Up

According to the Department of Energy,

“Annual maintenance can help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner while prolonging the life of your unit.”

It is especially important to schedule this maintenance check up in the springtime because the severe weather of the winter months can have a negative impact on your cooling system. The number one cause of air conditioning system failures, as reported by HVAC professionals, is the lack of routine maintenance. Another reason to schedule annual air conditioner maintenance and repair in Eden is cost savings.

According to Energy Star, a division of the EPA,

“The percentage of the average household’s energy use that goes to space cooling is only 6%, yet this can increase during the warm months.”

Small problems can be detected and fixed before they become bigger, more expensive problems by scheduling regular check-ups. Fixing a small refrigerant leak shouldn’t cost much, however, purchasing a new compressor when low refrigerant levels damage your current one can cost thousands of dollars. The other way an annual spring check up saves money is by making certain that your cooling system is working at peak efficiency. When your air conditioner is running well, it uses less energy to cool your house. Lower energy use means increased savings for you on your monthly energy bill.

Typical Maintenance Checks to Ensure Optimum System Performance

  • Thermostat settings should be examined to ensure the cooling system keeps you comfortable when you’re home and saves energy while you are away.
  • Defective electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components. Electrical connections should be inspected and tightened, and voltage and current on motors measured.
  • Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that are not lubricated properly can cause friction in motors resulting in increased electricity consumption.
  • One way an air conditioner cools your home is by decreasing the amount of moisture in the air or humidity. If the condensate drain is clogged in your cooling system, this can not only cause water damage but also affect humidity levels in your home.
  • All system controls should be checked to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off correctly.
  • Evaporator and condenser coils remove heat and humidity from the air using a refrigerant. These should be checked and cleaned. Energy Star, a division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports that dirt and neglect are the top causes of cooling system inefficiency and failure. Dirty coils prohibit the system’s capacity to cool your home. It can also cause the cooling system to run for an extended amount of time, inflating costs and reducing the life of the system.
  • Blower and fan motors should be tested and inspected for greater comfort levels. Airflow difficulties can lessen your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent as stated by the Department of Energy.

Do it Yourself Cost-Saving Tips

  • Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your air conditioner. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and can cause refrigerant lines to freeze resulting in possible breakdowns and serious damage to other system components. According to the Department of Energy, this can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15 percent.
  • If you have a window air conditioner, inspect the window seals to keep cool air from escaping. According to Energy Star, homeowners typically save up to hundreds of dollars a year in cooling costs by air sealing their homes.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This could help you save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs a year.

No matter what kind of cooling system you have in your house, you can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining your equipment. Routine maintenance check ups lower energy bills, increase comfort in the home and extend the useful life of your equipment. Now is the time to schedule your air conditioner check up in Eden, Greensboro and Burlington, NC. Berico Heating & Air want to make your home comfortable and your life easier. Contact us today.

SOURCES: Energy Saver (www.energy.gov/energysaver), the Energy Department’s Building Technologies Office; A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling

Greensboro Commercial Heating and Cooling Comfort For Employees

Commercial HeatingComfort levels are different for each unique individual. One office employee may be wearing a scarf and jacket in the office, while a coworker is using a fan and wearing short sleeves. This can be challenging for business owners, since it has been proven that temperature affects office productivity. As the owner of a company, you want to find the right temperature that will keep the majority of your employees at the peak comfort level, while not making the others uncomfortable.

At Berico Fuels, we provide energy efficient HVAC systems that have programmable thermostats with numerous options for settings. You can optimize your office’s comfort levels by programming the thermostat to keep an ideal temperature setting during working hours. In a study by Andrews Sykes Hire, the following eye opening statistics were found for Greensboro business owners:

“…almost a third of employees lose productivity because they aren’t comfortable with the temperatures in their offices. The fact is, temperature affects people very differently thanks to a number of factors, including gender, clothing, and metabolic rate. And only 24% of survey-takers agreed that their office temperature was suitable for working through the entire year.”

Increase comfort levels and increase productivity

Why are 80% of employees complaining about the office temperature? There are personal factors and environmental factors that cause the variations, such as what you wear and your metabolic rate. Wearing heavier clothing in the winter and getting more exercise will help employees to stay warmer. The humidity level, air velocity differences, air temperature and radiant temperature also affect your comfort level indoors. It could be sunny and warm outside, with higher humidity levels inside, resulting in warmer than usual temperatures indoors. As a business owner, if you can spend a day in the various offices, cubicles and workstations to determine if the airflow and temperatures are sufficient, you will have gained insight into the problem areas or be able to move employees into spaces where they will be more comfortable. If you find that the Greensboro commercial heating and cooling system is not circulating the air properly to all of the work areas, it is time to make an HVAC service call.

Commercial heating and air repairs

A suspected problem with your commercial HVAC system should be followed up with a call to Berico Heating and Cooling. We will send a certified and dependable technician to perform a complete inspection and diagnostic evaluation of your system and determine if a repair is needed. Regular tune-ups are necessary to keep your commercial heating and cooling system performing at peak capacity. At Berico Fuels, our maintenance programs will provide you with our high quality, thorough inspections that prevent leaks and extend the life of your commercial HVAC system.

Increase office productivity levels by maintaining the optimal temperature in your office environment, adjusting slightly when humidity levels or radiant temperatures cause differing comfort levels. At Berico Heating and Cooling, we will help you with your commercial heating and cooling needs in Greensboro, including HVAC installations, repairs and maintenance. Call us today at 336-273-8663.