How Do I Get Better Air Flow in My House?

Good airflow can make a house feel quite comfortable – and the opposite is true, as well. A house without good air movement is hard to enjoy and can quickly start to feel stuffy or stale. There are a few tactics you can use to upgrade your airflow right away, and some of those will be discussed below.

Are you hoping to work with a trusted Greensboro HVAC company to improve the performance of the system that serves your home? You’ve come to the right place. Berico is an industry leader in HVAC repair and will jump into action right away.

Clear Your Vents

If you don’t feel like the air from your HVAC system is really moving through the house effectively, the first thing to check is the vents. Make sure that nothing is blocking your vents, such as a piece of furniture that is sitting right on top of the open vent. Check each room and make any adjustments that are needed to allow air to move around the entire house freely while the HVAC is on.

Replace the Air Filter

You’ll see this piece of advice over and over again in relation to HVAC problems – always check your air filter. If the air filter is dirty, air won’t be able to move through the system as freely as it would with a clean filter. It’s a good habit to replace the filter every two or three months, or even more often during a period when the system is working hard. Fortunately, air filters are affordable and easy to change, so this is an easy point to check off of your to-do list.

Consider Ceiling Fans

Adding a couple of ceiling fans in strategic locations in your home can also help with airflow. If you have a high ceiling in your living area, for instance, you could have a ceiling fan installed as a way to move the air around and make sure the temperature is balanced throughout the space. Bedrooms are also good candidates for ceiling fans, as placing one above your bed can provide a nice steady airflow and make it easier to rest when it’s hot outside.

Upgrade to a Zoned HVAC System

There might be no better way to keep your house comfortable all year long than moving to a zoned HVAC system. With zones, you can dial in the right temperature for every room or section of the home. This is a bigger project than the other options mentioned above, to be sure, but it’s an upgrade that will pay off for many years to come.

A Trusted Name in Greensboro

If you ask your friends and neighbors who they use when an AC repair company is needed, the name Berico is likely to come up again and again. Berico has been a leader in this region for over 100 years, and you’ll be in good hands no matter what type of project is on the agenda. Reach out now to learn more.

How to Improve Air Conditioning Upstairs?

Air conditioning never seems to work as well upstairs as it does downstairs in a home. Sure, warm air rises, but isn’t there a way to get around this problem and find better performance in the higher parts of your house? This article will go over some possible solutions to help you sleep better at night.

It might be the case that some HVAC repair is needed to get the best possible performance from your air conditioner. If that’s where you find yourself, call Berico now to schedule an appointment and look forward to cooler nights ahead.

The Root Causes of the Problem

Warm air rising is the fundamental issue that is leading to your upstairs being warmer than your downstairs. That’s not the only problem here, however. The other issue is that your attic is a hot place during the summer months, and it is located directly above your upper floor. So, that large mass of hot air is sitting right on top of the upstairs, meaning the air conditioning will need to work even harder to keep up.

Look to Dampers for Help

As a starting point to address this issue, you can alter the position of your dampers throughout the house. Specifically, close or partially close some of the downstairs dampers to help redirect cool air toward the upstairs vents. This isn’t a perfect solution, but it can help to even things out a little bit. Also, make sure to leave doors open upstairs so the cool air produced by the AC unit is able to circulate effectively.

Upgrade Your Attic Insulation

Knowing that the attic is a big part of the problem, look into upgrading the insulation in your attic to help keep the hot air up there where it belongs. This is a particularly important step if you live in an older home where the insulation in the attic is not as fresh or effective as it once was. Adding new insulation can be surprisingly affordable and may make a big difference.

Shop for a Zoned AC System

Perhaps the ultimate solution here is to have a zoned AC system installed in your home. A zoned system can be programmed differently for different parts of the house. The system uses dampers and multiple thermostats to dial in its performance perfectly. Taking this approach would be a larger financial investment than some of the other options, but it would deliver outstanding results. If going with a zoned system is a bit too much to take on right now, you could also look into the possibility of adding a mini split unit to the upstairs for extra cooling power.

The Right Partner for the Job

As a leader in Eden HVAC services, Berico has everything you need to tune up your system and get it working better than ever. Berico has been offering the best AC repair Eden has to offer for generations, and nothing is going to change about that service anytime soon. Now is the time to make your first appointment!

How Long Should My AC Run Before Shutting Off?

When an air conditioning system is running properly, it will go through cycles that last relatively consistent, regular intervals. When the thermostat triggers the AC, the system will come on, run for a while, and then turn off. As you live in a home with the same air conditioner for months and then years, you start to get used to those cycles, and you have a sense for how long they last. But what happens if those intervals don’t seem quite right? This page will discuss how long your AC should really be running and what to do if it gets off track.

For the best AC repair Burlington has to offer, take a moment now to call Berico and schedule an appointment to have your system inspected.

What’s a Normal AC Cycle?

In general, an air conditioner should run in cycles that last around 15-20 minutes. That will vary some depending on a number of factors, including the outdoor temperature and thermostat settings. It’s normal for the cycles to get a bit longer on a particularly hot day, for example. However, the cycling should remain pretty consistent as the unit comes on and off to keep the house at the desired temperature.

Reasons for Short Cycling

Short cycling is the term used to describe an air conditioner that is coming on and off far too regularly. When this occurs, the cycles might last just a few minutes – which really isn’t long enough to effectively control the temperature in the house.

There are a few issues that can cause short cycling. One is a clogged air filter. Without good airflow, the system will overheat and shut itself off for safety purposes. Also, if you have an air conditioner that is actually too large and powerful for your house, it will cool spaces too quickly and then shut off before the cycle is complete. Short cycling is a problem because it dramatically reduces energy efficiency and can lead to premature wear and tear on the system.

What If the AC Runs Constantly?

On the other end of the spectrum, it’s also a problem if your air conditioner just keeps running with no end in sight. This can stem from low refrigerant levels, an undersized AC unit, or dirty condenser coils. Also, the air conditioner might keep running and running if you have the thermostat set too low based on the conditions outside. In the middle of a heatwave, you can’t expect your home to stay nice and chilly all day long. In such a situation, just bumping up the thermostat setting by a few degrees can solve the problem right away.

No Time to Waste

It’s frustrating – and uncomfortable – to deal with hot North Carolina weather without a reliable air conditioning system to keep you cool. Whether you need a repair or Burlington AC replacement, the next step is the same. Get in touch with Berico today to get the help you need.

Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

It’s an unwelcome feeling to realize that your air conditioner is blowing warm air in the middle of a hot North Carolina summer. You have the AC on, of course, to cool your home down – only to find that it is doing exactly the opposite. What has gone wrong, and how can it be fixed? This article will take a closer look so you can start to search for answers.

To get help with heating and air conditioning issues in Greensboro from an expert team of pros, call Berico right away. The Berico team is experienced with all types of AC repairs and will be sure to get the cold air flowing again as soon as possible.

Check the Thermostat

You should always start with the simplest possible solution when dealing with HVAC problems. In this case, that means checking the thermostat to make sure it is set at the right level. If you have the thermostat set higher than you thought it was, the air coming out of the vents might not feel cool. Confirm that the settings are right before moving on to other potential issues.

A Dirty Air Filter Can Be a Problem

This is another simple solution that won’t require professional help. Take a look at your air filter and replace it if the surface looks dark and dirty. You can buy a new air filter for little money, and it only takes a matter of moments to put it into place. When a filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, which causes the AC to not work as effectively as it would otherwise.

Refrigerant Issues

The refrigerant that runs through your air conditioner is what allows it to actually cool the home. Without enough refrigerant to soak up heat, the AC won’t perform very well. If a leak has developed in your system that has allowed refrigerant to escape, performance is going to decline significantly. This is a situation that requires the help of a professional to address, so call in the Berico team right away to figure out what is going on.

How to Deal with the Problem

Having a water softener installed is the best way to deal with hard water. This is a device that is designed to pull excess minerals out of your water supply before they can do damage to your plumbing system. If you suspect that hard water is an issue for your home and your plumbing, call in a professional to have the water tested as a first step.

Compressor Failure

Another problem that will require professional help is a compressor failure. If the compressor that is part of the outdoor unit of your air conditioner isn’t working correctly, the whole system will be compromised. You might hear the system running, but it isn’t going to be cooling the air as usual. If the compressor has failed, it will need to be replaced by licensed pros before the air conditioner is going to get back to producing the cold air that you need to stay comfortable.

Get Comfortable Again

It’s hard to enjoy a Greensboro summer when you don’t have a cool, air-conditioned space to use when the heat gets too intense. Whether it’s repairs or AC installation, Berico can deliver the service you need for an excellent price. Reach out right away to get on the schedule as soon as possible.

What Size AC Unit Do I Need for My Greensboro Home?

Having the right size AC unit for your home is a key component of staying comfortable in Greensboro throughout the hot summer months. It might seem like the only problem here would be having an AC unit that is too small, but having a system that is too large for your home can be problematic, as well.

If you are getting ready for an air conditioning installation project, reach out to Berico today to get help from experienced professionals. You’ll be in good hands with the Berico team, and you can be sure that the finished product will be a system that serves your family well for years.

 

The Importance of AC Sizing

Bigger is not always better in the world of air conditioning. If you just purchase a large AC unit and assume it will be more than enough to cool your home, you’ll have problems with it cycling on and off too often – leading to high energy bills and increased wear and tear.

Of course, if your AC unit is undersized, it won’t be able to keep up with the demands of keeping a house in Greensboro cool in the middle of the summer. Accurately assessing your home’s needs and getting as close as possible to the perfect size is important if you are going to get efficient performance year after year.

 

Understanding How to Read Air Conditioner Sizes

When you look at various air conditioners on the market, you’ll see that they are labeled with a “ton” capacity. That’s how much heat the system can take out of a house in an hour, with a ton equating to 12,000 British Thermal Units. So, for example, a small air conditioner might be rated for just 2 tons, while a bigger unit could be rated for 4 or more.

 

Estimates and a Warning

You can roughly estimate the size that your air conditioner should be based on the size of your home. If you have a smaller home around 1,000 square feet, a unit in the 1.5 – 2-ton range will often work well. On the other hand, a house at 2,000 square feet or more is usually going to need at least a 3.5 – 4-ton system.

The warning that applies here is that there are other factors to weigh that need to be evaluated by a professional. To get the right size system for your home, and to be sure the system is going to serve you well for years to come, work with an experienced contractor right from the start.

 

Berico Does More Than AC Installations

Installing a new, properly-sized air conditioner is one of the many tasks Berico can complete on your Greensboro property. A/C repair is also available to get your system back up and running in no time. If the need for Greensboro AC repair has popped up during a particularly hot stretch of weather, simply call Berico right away and look forward to the cold air flowing again shortly.

Why is My AC Unit Freezing Up (and What Can I Do About It)?

You count on your air conditioner to perform well all summer long in this part of North Carolina. This is a great place to live, but no one wants to spend a hot summer day without air conditioning. If your AC unit keeps freezing up, you need to find the right solution as soon as possible to get back on track.

To fix your Greensboro AC system right the right time, there is only one call to make – connect with the Berico team and schedule your appointment immediately. Berico will make sure your home is cool and comfortable again as soon as possible!

 

Airflow Blockage

One of the first things to check with your AC unit when it is freezing up is the airflow that is available to the outdoor unit. The part of the air conditioner that sits outside of your home needs to have plenty of free air available around it. As the fan inside the unit spins, the air should move across the coils, taking the heat energy from inside and dumping it outside.

If there is anything blocking off free airflow, like too much vegetation accumulated around the unit, problems may arise. Be sure to keep the area around the outdoor unit as clear as possible so the system can breathe properly and work as it should.

 

Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is what allows it to effectively cool down your home. That refrigerant “soaks up” heat from inside the house and takes it outside where it is released. However, if there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, the process won’t work effectively, and you might wind up with a frozen unit.

Your solution here is to call in the professionals for help. Adding refrigerant to your system, or even checking the levels, is a job for a licensed and experienced pro. Bring in assistance and have the refrigerant topped off, if necessary, to get back up and running.

 

Dirty Air Filter

Another likely possibility is one that is easy to fix on your own. The air filter that serves your HVAC system needs to be replaced regularly, as it will get dirty quite quickly with consistent use. If you haven’t swapped out the filter in a while, your system is probably struggling to breathe, and it might freeze up as a result. Fortunately, replacement air filters are relatively cheap to purchase, and you can install them yourself. Take care of this task consistently during the summer to make sure your air conditioner lives up to its potential.

 

Many Services Available

Berico is a leading provider of heating and air services in the Greensboro area. In addition to AC repair work, Berico also offers furnace repair, air quality services, and on and on. Whether you have worked with Berico before or this will be your first time, you are in for a great experience. Call now to get started.

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running (And Is It Wasting Water)?

There are few things as frustrating to the average homeowner as a toilet that just won’t stop running. No matter what you do, it seems like the water just keeps flowing. The sound is annoying, as is the concern that you might be wasting water at all hours of the day and night.

This post will help you understand what is happening here and what you can do to fix it. For professional toilet repair from a trusted team of experts, call Berico right away. A running toilet might be annoying, but it doesn’t have to be a problem for long. Make your appointment today and put this problem in the past!

 

Is the Running Toilet Wasting Water?

The easy answer here is yes – and it might be wasting far more than you would imagine. In fact, depending on how bad the problem is, it’s possible that the toilet could be wasting hundreds of gallons in a single day. That’s bad for both the environment and your bank account. Even a small amount will add up rather quickly when it is allowed to persist for 24 hours per day.

 

A Few Possible Reasons

There are a variety of reasons that you might be dealing with a running toilet. Whatever the cause might be, call Berico for help as soon as possible so you can put an end to this problem shortly.

  • Flapper issues. The flapper is the part inside the toilet tank that stops the water from flowing. If it is worn-out, or poorly aligned, you’ll end up with a running toilet. A new flapper is cheap and easy to install, making this a simple fix.
  • Chain problems. Another potentially easy solution to this issue is fixing a problem with the chain that controls the movement of the flapper. The chain might be too long or too short. A plumber will easily be able to correct this issue so the flapper can get back in the right spot to do its job.
  • Faulty fill valve. This valve is responsible for controlling the water that goes into the tank. If it’s not working, the water can just keep flowing and flowing with no end in sight. When the valve is worn out, having it replaced is the solution.
  • Float position too high. The float is another component in the tank. Its job is to manage the water level in the tank and make sure it doesn’t get too high. The height of the float can be adjusted with the screw that holds it in place – lowering it can stop water from constantly flowing into the overflow tube.

 

Put Your Toilet Worries to Rest

Do you have a broken toilet, or is there just a simple fix needed to get yours back into proper working order? The Berico team will be able to figure it out for you. Simply call the Berico office today to talk about your situation and find an appointment time that fits in your schedule. Don’t wait another day!

Why Is My AC Turning On and Off Constantly?

adjusting thermostat in your homeYou don’t need to be an HVAC expert to know how your air conditioner is supposed to work. Most of the time, when it turns on, it will run for a while before turning back off. So, if yours has started turning on and off frequently, it’s likely that there is a problem you need to address.

This article will highlight some of the reasons for your AC turning on and off regularly, which is often called short cycling. To have AC repair completed, or for an AC tune up, get in touch with the experts at Berico today. Your air conditioner will be back in proper working order in no time at all!

 

Understanding Short Cycling

The problem known as short cycling occurs when an air conditioner turns off before the full cooling cycle has been completed. Then, it comes right back on only a short time later. You can think of this kind of like driving your car by constantly revving the engine up to the red line rather than just keeping steady pressure on the accelerator. It will lead to dramatic wear and tear and use far more energy than normal to cool the house.

 

Why Air Conditioners Short Cycle

Plenty of different possible explanations exist for the problem of short cycling. Those listed below are among the most common, so there is a good chance that one of these is to blame for the problems you are facing.

  • Clogged air filter. This is the best place to start because it’s such an easy fix. If your air filter hasn’t been changed in a long time, it’s almost certainly clogged and restricting airflow into the air conditioner. The system may shut down prematurely because of the strain it is under. All you need to do is pick up a new air filter, swap it in for the old one, and the issue may be resolved.
  • Thermostat issues. Your thermostat is responsible for sending the right instructions to the air conditioner. If it is malfunctioning in some way, it might be telling the AC to turn on and off faster than it should. If the thermostat is to blame, it will usually need to be replaced.
  • Oversized AC unit. It’s possible that the air conditioner in your home is actually too big for the house. When that’s the case, cooling will happen too quickly, and the thermostat will tell the system to shut off before the full cycle is finished. It might be necessary to replace the oversized unit with a smaller one if this is the problem at hand.

 

Fix This Problem Today

As an HVAC contractor serving customers in and around the Greensboro area, Berico has been a trusted option for many generations. Whether it’s a repair project or a new AC installation, you’ll be in good hands and will get excellent value for your money. Take a moment today to contact the Berico team and learn more.

What is the Most Common Electrical Problem?

Electricity is incredibly reliable. Just flip a switch and an entire room will light up time after time. But what happens when it doesn’t? Electrical problems can pop up on occasion, and some of the most common issues will be highlighted below.

 

To work with a Greensboro electrician you can trust to handle any problems you encounter, contact Berico to make an appointment today. You’ll be in good hands with the experienced pros on the Berico staff.

 

Four Common Electrical Problems

It’s not going to be possible to list every potential electrical problem you could encounter in your home. Below, however, you will find four of the leading issues that people in the Greensboro area may face with their systems.

 

  • Frequent circuit breaker trips. This is a frustrating one, to be sure. If your breakers keep tripping, it could be due to an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. One potential issue is having too many high-energy appliances plugged into the same circuit.

 

  • Flickering lights. If your lights keep flickering on and off, you might be dealing with a loose electrical connection, outdated wiring, or an overloaded circuit.

 

  • Dead outlets. It can be surprising to plug something into an outlet only to find that no power is being supplied. At first, you might think the problem is with the item that you plugged in rather than with the outlet itself, but there could be a more serious problem.

 

  • Burning smell. This one is immediately concerning, even if you don’t know anything about electrical systems. Consider a burning odor to be a serious red flag as the circuit is likely overheating and a fire is possible.

 

How to Address a Troublesome Electrical System

When you encounter an electrical problem, it’s important to address it right away. Fixing electrical issues quickly will not only allow you to get back to using the system as intended, but it will also cut down on the risk of a dangerous fire.

 

First, bring in a professional electrician to deal with the specific problem you are facing. For instance, if your breakers are tripping regularly or if your lights are flickering, have a contractor address the matter right away. These types of fixes are often rather affordable and can be completed quickly in most cases.

 

From there, make it a point to get on a regular schedule of electrical inspections with your contractor. Those inspections will allow you to catch potential issues before they become bigger, more dangerous problems. Just as you may have your HVAC system serviced annually, you can also have your electrical work inspected to ensure everything is in good condition.

 

Are you dealing with a frustrating electrical problem in your Greensboro home or business? Stop wasting time searching for an “electrician near me” and just call Berico instead. You’ll immediately be working with a qualified electrical contractor that offers competitive rates and prompt service. Make the call and leave your electrical struggles in the past!

What Causes Sudden Low Water Pressure (And How Is It Fixed)?

One of the best things about modern living is not only that you have access to water in your home at all times, but that there is pressure behind that water. It’s the pressure that makes a warm shower possible and makes it easy to do the dishes in your sink.

So, what do you do when the water pressure suddenly drops for no obvious reason? Call for plumbing services from Berico, that’s what. As the best plumber Greensboro has to offer, Berico is up to the challenge of solving your plumbing worries quickly and easily. Get this problem solved today!

 

A Clogged Faucet or Showerhead

Before you dive into more serious potential causes for low water pressure, the issue could be as simple as something clogging up your faucet or showerhead. Typically, that “something” will be mineral deposits that have accumulated over time. The little holes in the faucet aerator or showerhead can get clogged and cause the pressure of the water coming out to be lower. Cleaning the faucet or showerhead with vinegar should be enough to open things up once again.

 

Valve Problems

There are a couple of different ways that valve issues can impact your water pressure. For one thing, the shut-off valve that allows water to come into the house might not be fully opened, which would negatively impact pressure. Likewise, the water meter valve could also be only partially open, which will occur sometimes after utility work is done. You can possibly check the main shut-off valve on your own (if you are a good handyman or handyperson but will need to contact the utility company to check on the meter-side valve.

 

Pipe Leaks

This is where things start to get a little more serious. If you live in an older home with pipes that may have corroded over the years, it’s possible to develop a leak. And when a leak occurs, the water pressure will be reduced because some of it will be escaping through that leak. Of course, in addition to lower water pressure, you’ll also need to be worried about the damage that that water is doing under your home, behind the walls, etc. This is a problem that will require professional help to solve.

 

Water Supply Issues

There is one possibility that is completely unrelated to anything on your property, and that is the water pressure coming from the main supply. During times of high demand, or when there is a repair being performed by the utility company, the water pressure may drop for a while. You could reach out to the utility directly, or even just ask your neighbors, to see if this explanation might apply.

 

Fixing Low Water Pressure is Just the Start

Greensboro plumbing repair from Berico can go far beyond dealing with your low water pressure issue. No matter what it is that is giving your plumbing system trouble, calling Berico to bring a Greensboro plumber out to your property is the right step to take. Soon enough, the problem will be identified, and the right fix will be completed. Put the wheels in motion today!