When you have any type of plumbing work done on your home – whether it is a repair or a new installation – you have a variety of choices to make. One choice, of course, is which of the many Greensboro plumbers you are going to call in for the job. On that point, simply pick Berico and know that you are in good hands.

You’ll also need to decide if you would like to improve your home’s eco-friendly performance while having this work done. Green plumbing is the concept of making small improvements to the way the water system works in your house in order to consume less and help the environment. This type of environmental plumbing is an excellent way to get the performance you need while doing your part for the world around you, as well. This page will take a closer look at this topic and why it’s so important.

 

An Introduction to Green Plumbing

If you stop and think about it, the way your home utilizes water is likely pretty inefficient. A significant amount of water is used up each time you flush the toilet, for example. Added up over the course of a month, or a year, countless gallons of water are wasted in the average residential plumbing system that could have been saved with a bit of careful planning and through upgrading a few key components.

This is the foundation of green plumbing. More and more people are looking to find ways that they can save water while still having a plumbing system that is able to get the job done. That goal is within reach when green plumbing is employed, and the rest of this page will explain why this is such a worthwhile project and how you can make it happen in your house.

 

A Number of Notable Advantages

The primary advantage of green plumbing is the way that reduced water consumption can benefit the environment. Modern life places a tremendous strain on the limited water resources we have available, so if every home was able to reduce how much water it went through on a daily basis, the difference would be enormous.

Cutting down on water consumption is far from the only advantage, however. Some green plumbing measures also help to reduce energy consumption – more on that later – so that’s another benefit to the earth that can be enjoyed. Between using less water and using less energy, it’s easy to see how green plumbing can lead your entire household toward having a smaller environmental footprint.

Finally, you might also enjoy a longer useful life out of some of your appliances when you reduce water consumption. When less water is moving through the system, less wear and tear will accumulate, and you should be able to get an extended life span out of some of your components as a result.

 

Help the Environment – And Save Money at the Same Time

You might be primarily motivated to explore green plumbing because of the environmental benefits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the financial savings that will come along with it. In fact, you can go a long way toward offsetting the cost of the plumbing upgrades when you start to see savings on your utility bills moving forward.

Using less water simply means you will spend less on that resource month after month. Cutting down on your water bill is a great start, and if you include upgrades that reduce energy consumption, you can reduce the size of that bill, as well. Even if these savings are modest at first, they just keep coming month after month, and the cumulative effect over the coming years will end up being significant.

You could also wind up saving some money by avoiding plumbing repairs after you upgrade your system. Once many of your fixtures have been replaced by new, green fixtures, you’ll be well-positioned for potentially many years of hassle-free plumbing performance.

 

Types of Green Plumbing Fixtures

So, what kinds of upgrades to your plumbing system will fall into the category of “green plumbing”? There are many to consider, including those listed below –

• Low-flow toilets. If you were to break down the water consumption in your home, you would likely find – perhaps to your surprise – that your toilets are the main water usage feature. An inefficient toilet can use several gallons of water in just one flush, so you can easily imagine how that will add up over time. Upgrading to low-flow toilets can save more than 10,000 gallons of water in your home in just one year!
• Low-flow showerheads. While your toilets might lead the way in terms of water consumption, your showers aren’t far behind. This is particularly true in a home with several family members. Adding low-flow showerheads will cut down on the volume of water that is used during showers, without any significant loss of performance. You’ll be able to get just as clean in a shower with a low-flow head, and you’ll be saving water – and money – at the same time.
• Tankless water heaters. While this is a bigger investment than a low-flow toilet or showerhead, making the switch to a tankless water heater is a great way to make your plumbing system far more green. The value here is found in the reduced energy consumption of the tankless system. Rather than continuously using energy to keep a big tank of water warm, tankless models only heat the water when you are going to use it, meaning significant energy savings are enjoyed. There is also a functional benefit to tankless water heaters that shouldn’t be ignored – since there is no tank and the water is heated on demand, you won’t run out of hot water during a long shower or an extended dishwashing session.

If you would like to have some green plumbing fixtures added to your home, or if you simply have some repairs that need to be made, Berico should be your first pick. Give the friendly Berico team a call today and get started on this important project.

Life is good when your HVAC system is simply working as it should, and you don’t have to think twice about it. Of course, that’s not always the case, and sometimes problems will come up that require your attention. While it’s always smart to turn to the experts when any actual repairs need to be completed, you can educate yourself with some basic troubleshooting tips to start the process on your own.

 

This article will dive into five helpful tips that can guide you in determining what the issue may be with your HVAC system and what will be needed to get it back on track. When you are ready to bring in an experienced team to professionally diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repair, reach out to Berico. A proven HVAC contractor with a strong track record in and around Greensboro, you’ll be in good hands when Berico is your chosen partner.

 

Check the Thermostat

As a starting point for dealing with any kind of HVAC trouble, stop by your thermostat and make sure everything looks as it should. If the batteries have failed, or something has changed about the settings that you didn’t realize, that could be at the heart of the problems you are facing. This is an easy fix in most cases, so it’s a logical place to start.

 

Replace the Air Filter

Another one of the easy points you can check off is replacing the air filter that serves your system. If you haven’t replaced the filter in a while, it could be clogged up and impacting the performance of your HVAC equipment. Swapping the old one out for a new one is a quick and affordable job that can make a big difference.

 

Open the Vents

If you don’t feel like your HVAC system is circulating warm or cool air around your home as it should, the problem could be as obvious as some closed vents. Take a moment to walk through the house and confirm that all of the vents are in the open position. While you are doing this, you could also clean off the vent covers to limit how much dust is spread.

 

Visit Your Breaker Box

When the HVAC system won’t turn on at all, it’s possible that a breaker has been tripped and needs to be reset. Of course, there could be a more serious problem at play, but before you dive into anything else, it’s worthwhile to go to the circuit box and make sure all of the breakers are in the “On” position.

 

Evaluate the Outdoor Unit

One last tip to keep in mind is that you should check on the condition of your outdoor unit. It’s possible that leaves or other debris have built up around the unit, or that some other issue has caused the unit to stop functioning. Exercise caution around this piece of equipment and always turn to a professional for any repairs that are needed.

 

When HVAC repair is required, there is only one team that you should trust with the job – Berico. Whether you need the best furnace repair Greensboro has to offer, or there is something else around your home that needs to be taken care of, the Berico team is reliable, timely, and friendly. Take a moment now to get in touch and learn more.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everything is getting more expensive all the time. And, to a certain extent, it’s true – costs rise steadily across most of the things that you have to buy regularly. But does that apply to propane? This article will take a closer look at the cost of propane and what the future may hold.

To work with a Greensboro propane supply company that you can trust to always deliver on time and for a fair price, call Berico as soon as possible. As a propane supplier, Berico has a long and respected history in the Greensboro area, and you’ll be in the good company of many friends and neighbors that rely on Berico for their “Always Dependable” service.

 

A Steady Energy Source

There are price fluctuations in the propane market just like any other market. Propane is purchased and sold like anything else, and based on supply and demand – along with other economic factors – the price will move up and down. With that said, if you look at the historical trends in the price movement of propane, you’ll see an encouraging chart that indicates rather predictable pricing.

Picking out a couple of historical data points is a handy way to understand just how steady propane prices can be. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price of propane in March of 2024 was $2.56 per gallon. If you go all the way back to March of 2008 – a full 16 years ago – the price was $2.60 per gallon. Of course, that price has moved around in between those two points, but those snapshots show just how flat the overall trend is for propane pricing.

 

Many Other Reasons to Like Propane

When choosing a fuel as an energy source for your home, picking something that is going to have a steady price over time is a great starting point. But that’s not the only thing to think about. As you take a closer look at some of the other factors, you’ll see that propane scores well across the board.

For example, propane is a very efficient fuel, meaning you will get a lot of value for your money in terms of performance. Also, that efficiency means propane is kind to the environment, which might be something that is personally important to you while making this choice. There is also the matter of safety to consider. Propane is very safe, especially when you partner with a team like Berico to handle all aspects of your system. If you have had any worries in the past about keeping a tank of propane on your property to run your systems, you can set those thoughts to the side – propane is known to be a very safe option and is one worth your consideration.

Ready to set up propane delivery service that won’t let you down? Berico is the easy pick, and you can get started by calling directly or reaching out through the website. Either way, you’ll be getting consistent propane service before you know it!

By its very nature, a furnace is meant to be able to handle cold temperatures. After all, that’s the point of having this unit in your home – to warm up your spaces while it is cold outside. But what if it gets particularly cold? This article will look at what you need to be concerned with if the weather outside dips even lower than normal for a few days.

If you need furnace maintenance from an experienced HVAC contractor with an excellent reputation in the Greensboro area, turn to Berico today. Of course, the Berico team is ready to take on many other projects beyond furnace maintenance, so don’t hesitate to get in touch no matter what job is on the agenda.

 

It’s About Stress

As a homeowner, you should understand that particularly cold weather is going to put your furnace under a lot of stress. Basically, the conditions outside are demanding the furnace to work harder than usual, and that workload can cause things to break down. Some of the components that may be at risk include the blower motor, the heat exchanger, and the burners.

One way to help reduce the stress on your furnace during extremely cold weather is by ensuring that your home is properly sealed. Check for drafts around windows and doors, as these can allow cold air to enter, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adding weatherstripping or using draft stoppers can help keep the warm air inside and reduce the workload on your heating system. This simple step can make a big difference in your furnace’s efficiency and longevity during a cold snap. Additionally, make sure your furnace filter is clean and clear of debris to ensure optimal airflow and prevent unnecessary strain on the system.

 

Watch for Airflow Problems

If there is a lot of snow outside, or if some ice has formed around your home, it’s possible that the exterior vents that serve your furnace could be blocked. That will lead to reduced airflow, and again, additional stress on the system. Quickly clearing away these vents to make sure the air can move freely will go a long way toward getting the performance you need without causing the furnace to break down.

 

Frozen Drain Pipes Are a Concern

Along the same lines as the previous point, you might also find a situation where the condensate drain line that serves your furnace freezes up and can no longer drain water away. This could lead to a problem if the water backs up through the pipe and causes the furnace to shut down. When you know a cold snap is coming, you can install some pipe insulation to keep the line from freezing, or you could just check it periodically during the cold weather and thaw it out to open the line, if necessary.

Have you been searching for “Eden furnace repair near me” without any luck? That search can stop now by calling Berico and getting exactly the type of service you deserve. As soon as you start chatting with the Berico team about your needs, you will know you are in the right hands. Don’t wait any longer!

Modern plumbing systems are incredibly reliable. You probably don’t think much about how your system is working behind the scenes, so to speak, but for the most part, it just gets the job done, and you move on with your life. So, when something comes up that isn’t working as it should, it’s rather surprising, and you might not know what to do next.

 

To help you understand how plumbing works and what can go wrong, this page is going to discuss some of the most common problems that are likely to pop up in your home. Of course, simply understanding the problem is only half the battle, as it will still need to be solved so you can use your system properly once again. For that, the Greensboro plumbers at Berico are your best bet. For clogged drains, dripping faucets, and other plumbing issues, Berico is always the right call.

 

Clogged Drains Lead the Way

If you start to count them up, you might be surprised to find how many drains are actually in your home. They have a pretty simple job to do – take used water away and funnel it out to the sewer line– but they can’t get that job done if they are clogged up.

 

Sometimes, a clogged drain is the result of someone in the home. If you put something down the drain that shouldn’t be there, it can clog it up quickly and make it impossible for water to pass. In other cases, a clogged drain will be the result of buildup in the pipe over time that gradually narrows it to the point that it doesn’t work any longer.  Or another problem can arise when roots clog up the line.

 

Leaking Pipes Plague Older Buildings

Another common problem is leaking pipes, although this tends to be more of an issue in older homes as compared to new construction. The materials formerly used to manufacture pipes were prone to corrosion, and they could eventually fail as a result. Modern pipes are much less likely to leak thanks to their advanced materials, but nothing is perfect, and a leak is always a possibility.

 

It’s a good idea to pay attention to any signs of a leak in your pipes, such as a higher than usual water bill or odd stains on your walls or ceilings. Acting quickly is the best way to limit the damage that a leaking pipe can cause.

 

 

Are Your Toilets Constantly Running?

This is one of those problems that doesn’t seem like more than a minor annoyance until you take a look at your utility bill at the end of the month. A surprising amount of water can be wasted by a toilet that is just slightly running throughout the day and night. If you hear one or more of your toilets running when it isn’t being used, that’s an issue that should be attended to promptly.

 

It is commonly the flapper valve in your toilet tank that is to blame for the water running constantly. In many cases, just replacing that valve with a new one will be enough to rectify the situation.

 

Dripping Faucets Is a Frustrating Issue

When you turn the handle of your faucet into the “Off” position, you expect the water to stop flowing. But what happens when it doesn’t? This is a frustrating issue that, just like the running toilet, can waste a lot of water.

 

For those with some basic DIY skills, fixing such a problem is usually pretty straightforward. Replacing the washer or O-ring in the faucet will usually bring the dripping to a stop. If not, it might be time for either professional help or the installation of a new faucet.

 

Low Water Pressure is Often a Symptom

One common problem with a plumbing system is low water pressure, but this is usually a sign that something else is wrong, rather than being the problem itself. For example, if you have a leak in one of your pipes, some of the water pressure will be lost to that leak, and the force of the water coming out of your faucet or showerhead may be compromised.

 

As a starting point to get to the bottom of this problem, you can test all of the fixtures in the home to see if they are all affected or if the issue is isolated to one area. If the root cause of the low water pressure is a serious plumbing issue, you’ll want to get help from Berico right away to get back on track.

 

A Burst Pipe is a Plumbing Emergency

Some of the issues highlighted so far – dripping faucets and running toilets, for example – need to be fixed but don’t fall into the category of a plumbing emergency. It’s a different story when it comes to a burst pipe. This type of event needs to be taken care of as soon as possible to limit the damage. Start by turning off the main water supply to bring the flooding to a halt, and then get in touch with the pros.

 

Dealing with Sump Pump Failure

In a home that relies on a sump pump to avoid flooding issues, the failure of that pump is a serious problem. Unfortunately, this is the type of issue that is usually only noticed once the water is flooding the space, so a prompt response is important. Whether it’s a clogged line in the sump pump system, a power failure, or some other problem, it’s important to get it back in working order before flooding leads to major damage.

 

If you spot signs of leaking pipes in your home, or if the toilet keeps running and you don’t know why, it’s a good idea to act quickly. Rather than letting the problem get worse, call for plumbing repair from Berico immediately. Knowing that the expert team from Berico is on the job will put your mind at ease, and life will get back to normal in short order.