There is never a bad time to save money. Whether the economy is going strong or in a recession, it’s always smart to cut back where you can in order to leave more money in the bank at the end of each month. This article will look at some simple steps you can take to cut back on utility spending for your home. Even modest savings can add up in a big way by the end of the year.

If you need reliable AC service in Greensboro, turn to Berico for help. As one of the leading HVAC companies in the area, Berico can provide HVAC installation, AC repair, regular maintenance, and much more.

1 – Consistently Change Your Air Filter

This is one of those cases where you need to spend a little bit of money to save more money in the long run. It’s important to regularly change the air filter in your HVAC system because a fresh filter allows your system to perform at its optimal level. When the filter gets dirty, airflow through the system is reduced, and it does not perform as well. In other words, the HVAC system winds up using more energy than necessary to achieve the desired level of heating or cooling. Keep up with changing out the filter and you’ll keep your system running as cost effectively as possible.

2 – Smart Programming

It’s important to set the program that controls your HVAC system so that it accurately mirrors the realities of your life. If the thermostat is set to cool the home down in the summer when you are at work, you might want to consider having it run a little less cool when you know no one will be home. Check on the timing of your program each time the seasons change to make sure your current plan makes sense for your lifestyle and the schedule of everyone in the home.

3- Replace Old Appliances

Our “test-everything-and-record-the-results” friends at Consumer Reports have the data that shows that replacing your old appliances with newer more efficient ones is a great way to lower your utility bills. And there is an added bonus that it can also reduce greenhouse gases.

For Example; Newer Energy Star washing machines use 25 percent less energy and up to 75 percent less water than machines that are just 20 years old according to Consumer Reports.  And while we are on the topic of replacing appliances, your HVAC system is your largest appliance and if it has some age on it, replacing it might reduce your energy consumption considerably. If you want to have it evaluated

4 – Be flexible with a little higher and lower temperature

You might be tempted to crank your thermostat way down into the 60s on a scorching hot summer day, but that’s just asking to spend a ton of money on energy. As a good rule of thumb, don’t ask your air conditioner to bring the indoor temperature down more than 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside. So, if it’s going to be 95* outside, set your thermostat in the mid-70s and you should still be quite comfortable.

5 – Annual Maintenance Matters

Here is another point where it’s important to spend some money to help your system work well and run efficiently. Call in a team like Berico for an annual maintenance visit to keep your equipment running properly and avoid the kind of inefficiency that can lead to mounting utility bills. Also, keeping up with annual maintenance should help your equipment last longer, which is another way to save money in the long run.

6 – Manage Your Vents

Whether you are running the cooling system in the summer or the heat in the winter, pay attention to the position of your vents to avoid wasting air on rooms that aren’t being used. For instance, if you have an extra bedroom or two in your house that are not regularly used, close the vents and don’t bother cooling them day after day. This will allow your system to conserve energy while still properly serving the parts of the house that are actively used.  You generally don’t want to shut off the vents to more than one or two rooms because it can create problems for the system if too many vents are closed.  So while shutting off one or two is OK, closing more than that is not recommended.

Get ready for a day of great golf at Bryan Park. You can find this great golf course at 6275 Bryan Park Rd. Brown Summit, NC 27214. Home to two golf courses, players can take their choice of enjoying the Players Course or the Champions Course. Both of these courses offer 18-holes of pristine views and great golf for beginners and professionals alike.

More About Greensboro

The Golf Courses

Bryan Park is best known for the two golf courses that visitors can choose from. Both are 18 holes courses and many challenges that can make them more unique than some of the other golf courses you may have tried. The two golf courses available at Bryan Park include:

The Players Course

The Players Course opened in 1974 and was designed by George Cobb. In 1988, Rees Jones modified the course to its modern look and design. The course includes eight lakes and ponds as well as 79 bunkers. Most visitors to this golf course come for the sheer enjoyment of golfing, but it will only take a few minutes on this course to really that it is a challenge to your golfing skills. It’s a Par 72, course and has plenty to offer golfers of every level.

The Champions Course

The Champions Course is newer than the Players Course, opening in 1990 and is a masterpiece of Rees Jones. This golf course has 18 hold and features seven holes that border Lake Townsend, numerous hollows and grass bunkers, and a total of 97 sand traps. It was ranked as the runner-up for the Best New US Public Course by Golf Digest in 1990 and has consistently ranked high ever since. This 72 Par golf course will give you a run for your money and can be a challenge for everyone who comes to visit.

Golf Rates

Rates for a game of golf will vary depending on the day, whether you are a resident of Greensboro, and the time of day. For example, weekends and holiday rates are $64 per golfer while twilight hours during the week are $41 per golfer. Residents of Greensboro County get a $5 discount per golfer.

Hosting Events at Bryan Park

Bryan Park is the perfect place to host your next big event. Many couples choose to have their wedding or reception at Bryan Park, enjoying the scenic views of the lake and a unique atmosphere that they are not able to enjoy anywhere else. Let Bryan Park take care of the details of your wedding or big event, with facility rentals including foundation set-up of tables and chairs, a sound system, podium, and your own Event Host to help make the night go off without any problems. Corporate events, special occasions, and more are welcome at Bryan Park.

Whether you want to try a challenging course or get out and enjoy the weather, an afternoon at Bryan Park is a great option. You can visit at 6275 Bryan Park Rd. Brown Summit, NC 27214.

Learn More

It’s the homeowner’s biggest fear: HVAC replacement. Whether your system unexpectedly quit on a hot summer day or your latest inspection by your HVAC technician did not bring good news, the most common question is always about HVAC cost.

What is the average cost of HVAC replacement in Greensboro, NC? Here’s what you can expect as you start gathering estimates.

Average Cost of HVAC Replacement 

Although the cost of HVAC systems vary between manufacturers and models, here’s the average HVAC cost range.

• Full System: $7,000-$17,000. This is the typical price range for a complete system replacement including both the air conditioning system and the furnace, but of course larger homes and other factors can add to this.  It is more cost effective to install a full system at the same time rather than splitting up installations of your Air Conditioner and Furnace.
• Air Conditioner Unit: $4000-$8,000. This price range is for the air conditioning system alone. Air conditioners typically don’t last as long as furnaces.
• Furnace: $4,000-$7,000. This is the price range for a furnace replacement. A furnace will typically cost less than the air conditioning portion of your system and will most likely last longer.

Additional Factors That Affect the Cost of HVAC Replacement

Here are some factors that may add to the overall cost of your new system:

• New installation vs replacement. A brand new HVAC system when there was not an existing system will cost more than replacing an old one. This is because additional equipment will be required, such as ductwork and vents.
• Labor costs. In addition to the retail price of your new system, labor costs for installation will be factored into the total cost.
• Disposal of old unit. There will be a cost for disposing of your old HVAC unit that will be factored into the overall cost of replacement.
• Adding square footage. If you have added any new spaces in your home to be heated or cooled, that extra square footage will add to the cost of your installation as you may need a larger system and additional equipment.
• Special features. Special features such as a smart thermostat can increase the overall cost of your HVAC replacement.

Do I Need to Replace Both My AC and Furnace Together?

Whether or not you should replace both the heating and cooling parts of your HVAC system at the same time depends on a variety of factors.

If your whole system is old, such as more than 15 or 20 years, it would be in your best interest to replace the entire system. Newer systems are so much more efficient, you would save energy and money.

Another consideration is the cost of labor and installation. If you replace just your air conditioner now and then your furnace needs to be replaced a few years later, you could have paid less in labor costs for having them both installed at once.

Compatibility is another matter. When you replace just one part of your HVAC system it is important that the new system is compatible with the old system. Equipment such as blowers and ductwork is shared between your AC and heat in a forced air system. Your technician can recommend a system that will be compatible.

Berico Provides HVAC Replacement in Greensboro, NC 

If you need to replace your HVAC system or you’re not sure of its current condition, Berico can provide you with an inspection and estimate. Call 336-273-8663 or schedule service today.

How old is your HVAC (heating and cooling) system? If it’s more than 10 years old, it may be time for HVAC replacement. But why invest money into replacing an appliance that isn’t broken? Because replacing your old HVAC system with a new one can actually save you money. Here’s how.

Efficiency

Advancements in technology have made new air conditioners and furnaces much more efficient than they were just 10 years ago. Every new model is more efficient than the last. By upgrading to a new HVAC system, you can save money every month on your energy bill. Your electricity bill will be lower in the summer and your gas bill will be lower in the winter. If you upgrade to a propane or gas furnace, you could save money on fuel prices.

Fewer Repairs

A new HVAC system will require fewer repairs than an older system. In fact, a brand new system shouldn’t need any repairs for many years after installation, just basic yearly maintenance. If your older HVAC system is prone to repairs, you know how expensive they can be, especially when they occur after hours or on the weekends when repair rates are higher and there are extra fees.

Avoid Unexpected System Failure 

An older HVAC system is often like a ticking time bomb, ready to give out at any moment. All it takes is a heat wave and your air conditioner suddenly gives out, leaving you in a difficult spot. Your home can become dangerously hot in just a few hours without AC on a sweltering summer day. You need HVAC replacement fast, but a financial decision of this magnitude should be something you take your time with. You may find yourself accepting your first estimate without having time to compare estimates and find a better price. All of this hassle could have been avoided if you replaced your old system when you had the chance.

Take Advantage of Tax Incentives

Purchasing a new, energy efficient HVAC system can make you eligible for tax incentives and rebates. The key to qualifying for these is to get an Energy Star rated system or one with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). You can receive your rebate after HVAC installation or file it as a deduction on your tax return.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Another way to save energy with a new heating and cooling system is to get a smart thermostat as part of your HVAC installation. A smart thermostat is programmable so that you can preset temperatures for different times of the day. This way you won’t have to heat or cool your home as much when no one is there. You can also adjust the temperature for nighttime when you’re sleeping. Smart thermostats can be controlled from your smartphone or other mobile device in case you forget to set your thermostat while you’re away from home.

Berico Can Help You Save Money with HVAC Installation

If you’re thinking about upgrading your HVAC system, Berico can evaluate its current condition and provide you with an estimate. Berico installs a wide range of makes and models to suit all homes and budgets. Start saving money now with a new, efficient HVAC system.

Call 336-273-8663 or request a quote today.

Like all technology, HVAC systems are constantly evolving. While it has been in existence since the 1950s, the ductless mini split HVAC system is recently gaining popularity. New models are more efficient than ever, even surpassing central air in energy savings.

What is a mini split AC system? Here’s an overview of this type of HVAC unit and how it works.

How the Mini Split System Works 

There are many clues to the way a ductless mini split system works right in the name. The first word to consider is “ductless” because a mini split system does not require ductwork. Air does not originate in one location to be forced through a series of ducts in order to be distributed throughout your home like in a central air system. The next keyword is “split” which refers to the fact that there is a separate unit in each room of your home, and each is connected to a single outdoor unit. The word “mini” simply refers to the small size of each indoor unit.

The wall mounted indoor unit in each room contains an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant. The evaporator absorbs heat from the indoor air, cools it down, and the fan blows it back out into the room. The heat that is absorbed travels through the conduit to the outdoor unit containing the condenser where it is released. The heating portion is essentially the same process, but in reverse.

A mini split system works like a heat pump in that it transfers heat from the inside to the outside and vice versa. A heat pump uses less energy than most other HVAC systems because it maximizes the heat that is available, using it as efficiently as possible.

Benefits of the Mini Split AC System 

There are many benefits to the mini split HVAC system, such as:

• A mini split system is more efficient than a central air system for multiple reasons. One is the lack of ducts. Up to 30% of optimized air energy is lost through the ducts in a forced air system. Another way the mini split system is more efficient is the way heat is transferred, minimizing the amount of energy required to condition the air.
• Custom climate per room. Each room in your home with a wall mounted unit can be set to the temperature that is desired for that room. This means that each individual can choose their own indoor climate. It also means that you can avoid heating or cooling rooms that are not being used, saving energy.
• A ductless mini split AC system can be installed in any home and in any room. You don’t have to have existing ductwork or add any ductwork. It is ideal for added spaces, finished basements, and sunrooms.
• Save money. The energy savings you get with a mini split system will save you money immediately and in the long run. You also save money on installation because you avoid paying for ducts to be installed throughout your room, which is a significant renovation.

Berico Installs Mini Split HVAC Systems

Looking for an AC company that installs ductless mini split HVAC systems? Berico installs mini split systems from a variety of manufacturers, including Lennox, American Standard, and Rheem. Before doing any HVAC installation, Berico can perform a thorough energy audit on your home to determine the best system for energy efficiency. This also includes an insulation check to look for areas where air might be escaping. The ultimate goal is to help you get the most out of your HVAC system.

Call 336-273-8663 or request a quote today.