You’ve made the choice to have central air conditioning installation take place. The next decisions you will need to make are what brand to install and who to hire to install it. These aspects are equally important because certain brands are known to have better performance, which is dependent upon proper installation. A study was done by consumersearch.com comparing brands of central air conditioning units based on consumer surveys. It was found that proper installation and maintenance is just as important as the brand of air conditioner.

The main brands are:

Lennox – which owns Ducane

Goodman – which makes Amana and Janitrol

York – which makes Coleman and Luxaire

Trane – which also makes American Standard

Carrier – which owns Bryant

Rheem – which owns Rudd

The main factor taken into account when comparing these brands is reliability. Consumers simply want their air conditioner to work properly and continue to do so. According to survey information these brands are about equally reliable.

Poor installation is more likely the reason behind the poor performance of the air conditioner. Most brands, including York and Lennox, have specific requirements for the technicians who install their products. This ensures that the air conditioning units are installed correctly for better performance and reliability. If you have a Goodman air conditioner installed by a reliable contractor it can perform just as well as any other brand.

So if these brands are mostly equal, how can you decide which air conditioner to buy? Some models stand out in consumer studies based on three criteria: efficiency, quietness, and warranty length.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive – SEER rating of 24.5, extremely quiet (59 decibals), 12 year warranty, made the energystar.gov 2013 list of most efficient air conditioners

Dave Lennox Signature Collection, XC21 – SEER rating of 21.2, 10 year warranty, very quiet (69 decibals) XC17 – SEER of 18 and less expensive, same quietness and warranty

Carrier Infinity Series, 24ANA1 and 24ANB1 – SEER rating of 21, very quiet (65 decibals), warranty lasts 10 years if product is registered within 90 days of purchase, otherwise 5 years, known for humidity control

Trane XL20i – SEER rating of 20, warranty of 12 years for the compressor, 10 years for the rest, well known, well recommended brand known for being tough and long lasting

Rheem Prestige RASL-JEC/Ruud Ultra UASL-JEC – SEER rating of 19.5 but still included in the Energystar list of efficient air conditioners, 10 year parts warranty and 10 year conditional replacement warranty

Amana ASXC18 – SEER of 18, quiet (71 decibals), 10 year limited warranty on parts and Amana offers a lifetime limited warranty

Alamance Oil can install any of these top brands and models of air conditioners in the Burlington area. Qualified technicians will help you determine the best model for your home and install it correctly to ensure the best performance.

Installation of a central air conditioning unit in Greensboro is a job that is extremely critical to the efficient operation of your system. Proper installation will ensure the best performance from your air conditioning system. Poor installation can cause your air conditioner to break down more often and run less efficiently. Find a reputable contractor who can recommend the best air conditioning unit for your home and install it correctly.

One of the most common mistakes that is made when installing a new central air conditioner is incorrect size. It is crucial that a thorough assessment of the home is done in order to determine the right sized air conditioner. An air conditioner that is too small will not be able to fully cool the home and keep it comfortable. The system will have to run harder and more often, which will shorten its overall lifespan and require more repairs. It will also be less energy efficient and cause energy bills to go up. An air conditioner that is too big will have problems with humidity control and will be more expensive to run.

Another part of installation that can be an issue is the size of the ductwork. The same assessment that is done to determine the size of the air conditioner should also be used to determine the size of the ductwork. Improperly sized ductwork can cause too much or too little airflow in and out of the unit. This can cause your compressor to be overworked, resulting in early equipment failure. It will also impede efficiency.

A common problem that can occur with the ductwork is poor sealing. If the ductwork is not properly sealed, the cool air that should be blowing out of your vents to cool the lived in rooms in your home will escape into the attic or some other area instead. Of course this causes poor cooling of the home and higher energy bills.

Condensate drains are an important part of air conditioning installation that is often done wrong. If excess moisture cannot drain properly out of the AC unit it will cause humidity in the home and will eventually cause other problems. Also, if an emergency drain pan is not installed, any water that overflows from the main drainage pan will leak out into walls and ceilings causing damage to drywall and other problems.

Sometimes air conditioner installation in Greensboro is done with an incorrect level of refrigerant. Refrigerant level has to be very accurate to ensure the best performance from an air conditioner. If the refrigerant is low by even 10% it will cause the energy bill to go up by 20%.

With so many things that can go wrong with installation, be sure to hire a reputable company to do yours. Berico Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving Greensboro since 1924. Certified Berico technicians will accurately assess your home to be sure that the right size system is installed in your home. They have the experience necessary to install the ductwork properly, as well as the drains and refrigerant. You can rely on Berico to do it right the first time.

Each fall you likely receive dozens of direct mail advertisements on specific HVAC services, such as annual furnace check-ups. Although it may seem like a trivial money-wasting idea, an annual furnace inspection has several benefits. You see, over the years your furnace is susceptible to harsh weather which can wreak havoc on its performance. Fortunately, an annual inspection and tune-up can ensure that your furnace lasts through the winter – and for many years to come. Although that is reason enough to have an annual check-up, many homeowners simply forgo the process. But there are several other benefits to having an annual furnace check-up. Here are just five:

• Guarantees proper airflow. During a yearly check-up, our technicians will examine your entire heating system to ensure it is receiving – and offering – the right airflow. A furnace with limited airflow may not only cause your heating bills to spike, but it may also cause unnecessary strain on your heating or cooling system. It may not sound important, but proper airflow is crucial to preventing the need for furnace repair.
• Keeps your family safe. A furnace burns fuel to produce heat for your home. In order to maintain safety and efficiency, the process of combustion must be exact. Even the smallest issue can lead to a gas or carbon monoxide leak, both of which are dangerous. Although it may seem like a money-saving idea to do an annual inspection yourself but because of safety issues, it’s best left to the professionals.
• Reduces the need for repairs. Furnaces tend to go out in the dead of winter, leaving homeowners panicked. Just like all mechanical devices, furnaces seem to know when we most need them and break down at that time. Oftentimes, these issues could have been prevented with an annual inspection and tune-up.
• Improves energy and fuel efficiency. An annual inspection and tune-up doesn’t just look for potential issues, it also includes cleaning. Over the months, your furnace collects dust, dirt, and debris. If left uncleaned, these debris can really take a toll on your furnace including your energy and fuel bills. But, with a quick cleaning from our professionals your furnace will be running as good as new, saving you both time and money.
• Maintains the manufacturer’s warranty. If your heating system is under a manufacturer’s warrant, it is important that you have annual inspections and tune-ups. Most manufacturer’s state that the warranty becomes null and void if the system is not regularly maintained. Fortunately, an annual furnace check-up can meet the requirements set within your manufacturer warranty.

As you can see, there are several benefits to having your furnace regularly inspected and tuned-up. Not only does it save you time and money, but it also helps to keep your family safe. At Berico, Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels, we believe in flexibility; which is why we offer a variety of different furnace repair, inspection, and tune-up options as well as on-going maintenance programs. From basic inspections to complicated repairs, we have you covered. We even offer completely free energy audits, which are designed to help you save even more on your energy bills. So if you’re in need of a furnace check-up in Greensboro, repair, or tune-up contact us today!

As the colder temperatures of fall approach, one thing is certain: you’ll soon be using your furnace on a regular basis. Perhaps the thought has slipped your mind, but now you realize it’s time to schedule a furnace tune-up. But then you think to yourself, “Are furnace tune-ups really all that necessary?”

So, Are Furnace Tune-Ups Necessary?

Put simply; YES, an annual tune-up is necessary. After all, your furnace is one of the most expensive appliances within your home; and just like your car, it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. Aside from providing savings on your energy bill, an annual tune-up helps to keep your family safe. Even better, annual tune-ups ensure that your furnace stays within the manufacturer’s warranty.

What Options Are Available to Me?

At Berico, we believe that flexibility is key for any relationship. We understand that not everyone needs a complete tune-up. So we’ve created a variety of annual check-ups, each with different price points and perks. Our services include:

• Furnace inspection and tune-up. When you select this option you can rest comfortably knowing that your furnace is in the hands of professionals. Our technicians will visit your home to perform our multi-point inspection, clean, and tune-up your furnace.
• Furnace repair. If we find issues with your furnace during the annual inspection, we will gladly inform you, allowing you to choose if you want to repair now or another time. Even better, you may qualify for discounted repairs if your furnace is still under warranty or you are on one of our service plans.
• Emergency Service & Repair. We understand that accidents may happen, which is why we have technicians on-call 24/7. If you have an emergency that needs to be addressed quickly, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll be happy to send out a technician to assist you, even if it’s 3 am.
• Furnace replacement. If your furnace has simply given out, don’t worry. We offer several replacement options. Our comfort specialist, will meet with you to discuss your best options. We can then order and install your new furnace of choice. We install all types of systems: oil furnaces, propane furnaces, heat pumps, gas furnaces, solar units, geothermal units, duel fuel units and more.
• Tank Installation. Our technicians are fully equipped to install oil, gas, and propane tanks. We even offer tank installation at commercial businesses.
• Free Energy Audits. That’s right, we offer completely FREE energy audits. Simply call to schedule your free audit and we’ll send out a technician to evaluate your home. We’ll give you a list of possible improvements and savings, and let you decide what to do next.

As you can see, we offer a variety of different services to suit your needs. Whether you need a basic furnace tune-up or a complete overhaul, Berico can handle it.

Locally owned and operated in the Greensboro area, we at Berico are committed to keep you comfortable in the summer and winter. If you’ve been debating on a home furnace tune-up, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll answer any questions you may, show you the benefits, and schedule an appointment.