How clean is the air in your home? You may not give it much thought, but something that seems so insignificant can actually cause some serious health issues. But how can you tell if your air quality is good or bad? And if it’s bad, what can be done about it? The good news is that air quality issues are usually easy to fix with basic HVAC maintenance in Burlington. Here are some signs that may indicate your indoor air quality isn’t optimal.  

1. New or Worsening Allergy Symptoms. If you suffer from allergies, whether seasonal or otherwise, you may notice that your symptoms have worsened recently. If you’ve never had allergies before, but recently you have begun to sneeze, have itchy or watery eyes, a scratchy throat, or a cough that doesn’t seem to be related to a cold or other illness, your indoor air may be to blame. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can get through filters, in some cases because they are dirty, and blow around your home through your HVAC system. Mold is another type of allergen that can form due to excess moisture. New mold growth can cause allergies for some who don’t normally suffer from allergies.  
2. Serious Health Concerns. Beyond just typical allergy symptoms, poor indoor air quality can cause more serious health concerns. Headaches, fever, nausea, asthma, and even some root causes of pneumonia can be the result of prolonged exposure to poor air quality.   
3. Unusual Smell in the Air. If the air in your home smells musty or odd, and it doesn’t seem to be due to any other culprit (like trash or pets), you may have an issue with your HVAC system. A musty smell is most likely due to mold or mildew growth in your system or ducts. Other strange odors could be due to any number of issues with your AC or furnace and are best diagnosed by your HVAC technician.  
4. Dirt Collected On or Around Air Vents. If you think you may have an indoor air quality issue, walk through your home and inspect your air vents. If you notice dirt, dust, or soot collected around or directly on the vents, it’s safe to assume that the air isn’t very clean.  

Get Cleaner Indoor Air with HVAC Maintenance in Burlington 

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your heating and cooling company as soon as possible. When your family’s health is at stake, there is no time to waste. There’s a good chance that all your system needs is a good tune-up. HVAC maintenance in Burlington from Alamance Oil is not only affordable, but it will save you money in a variety of ways. When your system is well maintained, it runs more efficiently, lowering your monthly energy bill. Regular maintenance also keeps your HVAC system running well for many years longer than an unmaintained system, meaning your system will last much longer. Keep your indoor air cleaner, saving you money and protecting your family from allergies and other health issues that stem from poor indoor air quality.  Call (336) 226-9371 to schedule an appointment with Alamance Oil today.

Ice on your air conditioner on a hot summer day? It hardly makes sense, but it’s actually quite common. If you experience this it can be confusing and you may wonder what to do. Taking the proper steps in this situation can make all the difference when it comes to the cost of repairs and the overall lifespan of your air conditioner. Chances are you are simply in need of a thorough AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. 

1. Turn off your AC. Any time your air conditioning isn’t working properly, the first step should be to turn it off. Whatever is going wrong will only continue to worsen as long as the system is running. This protects your air conditioner as well as your home and family.  
2. Check your filters. Extremely dirty or clogged filters can impede air flow into your HVAC system. Your air conditioner is supposed to take in warm air which blows over the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil contains refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air and transfers it outside. The cooled air is then blown out through the vents in your home. When not enough hot air is blowing over the evaporator coil, it will get too cold and start to form ice. If your filters are dirty, replace them. 
3. Turn your AC back on and check air flow. If dirty filters were the problem, air flow through your vents should improve. You should feel a strong flow of cool air. If this is not the case, it may indicate a different problem. 
4. Turn your AC back off and call your HVAC service. Unless you have professional experience with HVAC systems, filters are the only maintenance item you should attend to yourself. If dirty filters are not the reason your system is frozen over, there is likely an internal problem such as a dirty evaporator coil or not enough refrigerant in the coil. Experts can clean the coil and the rest of your system as well as recharge the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant can be due to a leak which will need to be repaired. There are other possible causes of ice on your AC unit that your HVAC technician can diagnose and repair.  

Protect your AC from Further Damage, Prolong its Life, and Save Money by Acting Fast 

If you see ice on your outdoor AC unit, don’t ignore it. Ice is a sign of a malfunction that will only get worse if left unattended. Having it repaired at the first sign of a problem can prevent further damage and costly repairs. It can also prevent full system failure and expensive system replacement. Continuing to run your frozen air conditioner will also waste a lot of energy, which will cause your bill to go up significantly.  

Prevent a Freeze Over with an AC Tune-up in Burlington, NC 

Want to avoid this entire unpleasant situation? Schedule regular yearly maintenance for your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. A thorough inspection and cleaning of your system will help you to avoid unexpected problems with your AC on hot summer days. Call Alamance Oil for an AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. (336) 273-8663.  

If your air conditioner seems to be leaking, you probably have a lot of questions. Why is it leaking? What is leaking from it? What should I do? Rest assured that leaks are quite common and it’s likely an easy fix. But if you see excessive moisture coming from your air conditioner you should definitely call an HVAC service in Greensboro to come and take a look.

What is the Liquid that’s Leaking from my Air Conditioner? 

Most likely it is just water from condensation. As warm air moves over the cold evaporator coil, condensation or water forms. This water is supposed to go outside through a drainage system when your air conditioner is working right. When it isn’t, the water ends up inside underneath the AC unit.  

In some cases, your system may leak refrigerant. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a water leak and a refrigerant leak. The common signs of a refrigerant leak include ice on your outdoor unit or on the evaporator coil, warm air coming from your vents, and sometimes a lack of airflow in general. If any of these symptoms accompany your leak, there’s a good chance it’s not just water.  

Why is it Leaking? 

If your AC is leaking water, it is likely because the drainage tube is blocked in some way so that water isn’t getting out like it should. It could also mean that the drain pan or drainage tube is cracked, causing water to leak. It could be that a malfunction of your system is causing excess moisture to build up faster than it can be drained out. Your air conditioner also works as a dehumidifier for your home during hot, humid summers. If you notice that your home feels more humid than it should like if windows fog up when it’s hot outside, it indicates that your AC is not working properly. You could prevent a leak before it starts if you pay attention to the early warning signs.  

Air conditioners leak refrigerant if there is a crack or hole in the evaporator coil. Strange as it seems, a lack of refrigerant can cause ice to form on the coil or the outside of the AC unit.  

What Should I Do About It? 

When you’re sure the water is coming from your air conditioner and not your plumbing or elsewhere, you should contact your HVAC service in Greensboro. Rely on the experts at Berico to accurately diagnose the problem and repair it properly.  

The same thing applies if you suspect your system is leaking refrigerant. The coil will need to be repaired or replaced and recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant, which is a job for a trained HVAC technician. 

How can I Prevent Leaks Before they Start?

Yearly maintenance for your air conditioner can prevent leaks and other problems from ever happening. Avoid water damage to your home from water and refrigerant leaks by having your system inspected, cleaned, and repaired every spring before the weather gets hot. Berico offers maintenance contracts that include AC and furnace maintenance along with other perks like discounted repairs and priority service. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico keeps your entire HVAC system (furnace and air conditioner) working efficiently throughout the year, keeping your home comfortable in any weather. Take the most important step in preventing heating and cooling problems. Call for Berico HVAC service in Greensboro: (336) 273-8663.  

Houses are built on many different types of foundations. Whether crawl space, basement, slab, or another type, the foundation of your home affects the amount you pay to heat and cool it each month. No one type is better than another, but each needs to be handled differently when it comes to heating, cooling, and insulation. It’s also important to consider your foundation when choosing a new system for AC replacement in Burlington, NC.

Extra Insulation in your Crawlspace Foundation Can Save You Money

Do your floorboards feel cold in the winter time? If you have forced air heating and a crawlspace foundation, you may find that your feet are always cold and your heating bill is high. Without proper insulation, your crawlspace could be letting in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer. Your HVAC system then has to work harder to achieve the desired indoor temperature, using more energy and increasing wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner. Sealing and insulating your crawlspace keeps the outside air where it belongs—outside.

Sealing your Basement Can Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs

Basements can be cold and damp. They can also be hot and stuffy, lacking ventilation. Properly sealing your basement can keep moisture and cold out, making it easier to keep it warm and cozy during the winter. Your furnace will require less gas, propane, or electricity which saves you money during the winter. Excess moisture and humidity in your basement can be an added challenge for your air conditioner during the summer months as well. Keeping basement humidity under control allows your air conditioning to cool the space more efficiently, also lowering your energy bill.

Slab Foundations Should Also be Insulated to Save Energy

In very warm climates, slab foundations are sometimes not insulated. But in climates where the winter months reach freezing temperatures, insulation is extremely beneficial. Both cold and warmth from the ground can impact your indoor temperature. Insulation keeps the air temperature in your home more even, making it easier to heat and cool consistently from room to room. Your HVAC system will require less energy to make your home comfortable, and the energy is what costs you money.

Less energy usage results in a lower energy bill. It’s that simple.

Evaluate your Foundation Insulation Before AC Replacement in Burlington, NC

If you are thinking about replacing your air conditioning system or if it dies and leaves you with no choice, be sure to check your foundation and insulation before you choose a system. It’s also important to get an accurate number of square feet that needs to be heated and cooled. If you recently finished your basement or attic or added on to your home, your new HVAC system may need to be larger to accommodate the additional space. Make sure your basement is sealed and your crawlspace or slab is insulated before you go through with AC replacement in Burlington, NC. Alamance Oil can perform an energy audit on your home and let you know if outside air is getting in due to insufficient insulation. Expert technicians can install a new HVAC system that is properly sized to heat and cool your home efficiently, saving you money each month. Call (336)226-9371 for a free home energy audit or AC replacement estimate.

It’s likely the biggest, most expensive appliance in your home that uses the most energy: your heating and cooling system. It may be one complete system, it may be a separate furnace and air conditioner, but all together it’s what keeps your home comfortable. It requires proper installation, regular maintenance, and may one day need to be replaced. For all of these services, you need the help of a stellar HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service. If you don’t currently have a trusted heating and cooling company, it can be hard to know which one to choose. But all it really takes is a little research to find quality AC installation in Greensboro, NC.

Read Reviews from Multiple Sources. It’s easy to find online reviews of businesses online, but the key is to use multiple sources. Don’t write off a potentially good company because of one less than stellar review on one website. Check with reliable sources like the Better Business Bureau and look at the reasons and comments behind the ratings.

Look for Proper Credentials. Be sure that any company you consider has all the required certifications such as state licensure and that every technician is properly trained and receives continued training. Not every HVAC company is a licensed contractor for installation of heating and cooling equipment. Before you hire anyone for an installation job, be sure they are properly certified.

Pricing Can Be Deceiving. Be careful when it comes to pricing. Choosing the lowest price is not always the wisest choice. Ask yourself why their price is lower than the competition. Is it because they are starving for business? Or is it a legitimate reason such as the fact that they are a smaller, lesser-known business? Get multiple estimates so that you have a general idea of what the average price range is for the service you need.

Ask for References and Actually Call Them. Any reliable HVAC company will have a list of references you can contact. Before a big project like AC installation in Greensboro, NC, be sure to call the references provided and get a feel for the type of business you are hiring. Listen for qualities that you want in an HVAC service. Ask questions about the things you’re most concerned about.

Nothing Beats Experience. The longer a company has been in business, the more reliable they tend to be. Years and years of experience make a business solid at what it does. However, beware of companies that seem to be stuck in the past, using old practices and not keeping up with current technology. A successful business must be progressive, always changing and adapting with the times.

Hire Berico for AC Installation in Greensboro, NC

Berico has every quality a reliable HVAC company should possess. Years of experience, proper licensing and certification, an A+ accredited business with the BBB, competitive pricing, positive reviews, and stellar references. If you’re in need of a new heating and air conditioning system, whether residential or commercial, Berico is up to the task. Call (336)273-8663 for a free estimate.