As an air conditioning unit ages, it is naturally going to lose some of its efficiency. This is just the reality for all types of equipment, as wear and tear prevents machinery from working as well as it did when it was new.
Does that mean you have to resign yourself to getting poor performance from your old AC unit? Not necessarily. The tips in this article can help you improve the results you get and save money on your utility bills along the way.
If you need help with any type of Greensboro HVAC project, the team at Berico is ready to jump into action. Take a moment to get in touch today and learn more.
Replace the Air Filters
This is the obvious starting point. The air filter that serves your system is going to gradually get dirty and clogged as the system runs. Swapping that filter out regularly – or cleaning it, if it’s a reusable filter – is a great way to improve the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Efficiency drops when the filter is dirty due to restricted airflow. You want as much air as possible to freely run through the system while it is on. If you are using an old, clogged filter, not as much air will get through, and efficiency – as well as overall performance – will drop.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Free and Clear
Just as the indoor part of your air conditioner needs plenty of airflow to perform, so too does the outdoor unit. With that in mind, keep the outdoor unit free from any leaves, branches, or anything else that might restrict how air moves. As a good rule of thumb, keep all of your plants trimmed back at least two to three feet away from the perimeter of the unit at all times.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
It’s hard to run your AC system efficiently when using an old-style, traditional thermostat. If you have to manually adjust the temperature up and down throughout the day, you’ll inevitably leave it on a setting that isn’t ideal for the situation at hand.
Switching to a programmable thermostat is a big upgrade for a modest cost. This type of thermostat will allow you to set different schedules for different days of the week, ensuring the AC runs when it is needed and rests when it isn’t. You might be surprised to find just how much energy you can save by making this simple change.
Upgrade Your AC Performance Today
There are many options available to get better performance out of your air conditioner. In some cases, AC repair in Greensboro NC will be called for, as a small fix could prove to make a big difference. In other cases, you might simply need to replace your system, in which case, it will be AC installation that is required. Whatever the case, Berico is the best option in the Greensboro area for any of these projects. Call now!
Why Does My Shower Water Suddenly Change Temperature?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerBut before we tackle that issue; when you need to work with a Greensboro plumber to deal with any issues that arise in your home or business, Berico should be your first choice. Bathroom plumbing is just one of the many services that Berico can provide for a fair price. Call now to get started.
Common Reasons for Shower Water Temperature Swings
There are a few reasons that your water temperature might suddenly change while you are in the shower. One of the most common is someone else in the house flushing a toilet. When a toilet is flushed, it takes away some of the available cold water in the system, meaning that cold water can’t mix with the hot before it comes out of the showerhead. In the end, you are left with a blast of hot water that can be quite shocking.
A faulty mixing valve is another common issue. If the mixing valve gets worn or clogged over time, it may no longer be able to do its job properly. Again, the result will be a surprising change in water temperature, although that change could go in either the hot or cold direction.
Finally, you might simply be dealing with an old water heater that can no longer keep up with the demands you are placing on it. If the heater has a hard time keeping enough water warm to supply your shower, you’ll notice the temperature inconsistencies time after time.
Fixes and Preventative Measures to Explore
Some of the ways you can fix these problems might already be obvious. If you have an old water heater that is struggling to keep up, the clear fix is to have a new water heater installed. You might need to upgrade to a larger model, or it may be sufficient to simply replace the old one with a new version of the same size.
Likewise, if it is the mixing valve that isn’t working, having that replaced by a qualified plumber will get you back on track quickly. This tends to be a rather affordable repair that will make a big difference in the performance of your system.
One other thing that you should keep in mind is simply having routine maintenance performed on your plumbing system as a whole. As time passes, wear and tear can take a toll on various components and leave you with problems that continue to get worse. Stay ahead of the game with maintenance and know that you can count on your plumbing to always perform well.
Shower with Confidence Once Again
When you put Berico in charge of your shower repair project, you won’t have to worry about the results. The finished product will be exactly what you expected, and your showers will be comfortable and relaxing once again. For any type of Greensboro plumbing repair, make sure Berico is always your first choice.
How Can I Make My AC Run More Efficiently Without Replacing It?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerDoes that mean you have to resign yourself to getting poor performance from your old AC unit? Not necessarily. The tips in this article can help you improve the results you get and save money on your utility bills along the way.
If you need help with any type of Greensboro HVAC project, the team at Berico is ready to jump into action. Take a moment to get in touch today and learn more.
Replace the Air Filters
This is the obvious starting point. The air filter that serves your system is going to gradually get dirty and clogged as the system runs. Swapping that filter out regularly – or cleaning it, if it’s a reusable filter – is a great way to improve the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Efficiency drops when the filter is dirty due to restricted airflow. You want as much air as possible to freely run through the system while it is on. If you are using an old, clogged filter, not as much air will get through, and efficiency – as well as overall performance – will drop.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Free and Clear
Just as the indoor part of your air conditioner needs plenty of airflow to perform, so too does the outdoor unit. With that in mind, keep the outdoor unit free from any leaves, branches, or anything else that might restrict how air moves. As a good rule of thumb, keep all of your plants trimmed back at least two to three feet away from the perimeter of the unit at all times.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
It’s hard to run your AC system efficiently when using an old-style, traditional thermostat. If you have to manually adjust the temperature up and down throughout the day, you’ll inevitably leave it on a setting that isn’t ideal for the situation at hand.
Switching to a programmable thermostat is a big upgrade for a modest cost. This type of thermostat will allow you to set different schedules for different days of the week, ensuring the AC runs when it is needed and rests when it isn’t. You might be surprised to find just how much energy you can save by making this simple change.
Upgrade Your AC Performance Today
There are many options available to get better performance out of your air conditioner. In some cases, AC repair in Greensboro NC will be called for, as a small fix could prove to make a big difference. In other cases, you might simply need to replace your system, in which case, it will be AC installation that is required. Whatever the case, Berico is the best option in the Greensboro area for any of these projects. Call now!
Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerIt’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.
How Long Should My AC Run Before Shutting Off?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerWhen 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.
How to Improve Air Conditioning Upstairs?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerAir 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 Do I Get Better Air Flow in My House?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerGood 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.
Can I Install an EV Charging Station at Home?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerElectric vehicles are more popular than ever. More and more people have at least one EV in their driveway or garage, and as a result, they need a way to charge that vehicle while it’s not on the road. If you are getting ready to join the ranks of electric vehicle owners, you might be thinking about doing your own EV charger installation in Greensboro. But is that a good idea? This page takes a closer look.
To schedule an EV home charging set up with an expert team of professionals instead of doing it on your own, get in touch with Berico right away.
Understanding the EV Charging Options
There are two basic options for charging your electric vehicle. The first is known as a Level 1 charger. This type of device doesn’t need to be installed and can just be plugged into a standard outlet. That’s great for convenience, but as you might expect, it doesn’t work particularly well. It may even take more than an entire day to fully charge your vehicle.
This is why so many homeowners want to upgrade to Level 2 chargers. These need to be installed because they use 240-volt power, but they can charge as much as 10 times faster. For the average EV owner, having a Level 2 charger available is the only way to go.
The Problems with a DIY Install
There is simply too much danger involved with installing your own Level 2 EV charger, unless you happen to be a trained electrician. First, there are the personal risks – you would be dealing with high-voltage electricity and could be shocked or even start a fire. And, even if you avoid personal harm, you’ll be opening up the potential of doing serious damage to your car or your home.
The issues don’t end there. You may not wind up following local building codes and permit requirements when you do the job alone, and you could void the warranty of your EV. For so many reasons, installing your own charger is just a bad idea.
Professionals Are the Only Way
You will enjoy significant peace of mind when you have a qualified electrician do this job instead. The charger will be installed properly, and it will be up to code. Also, the electrician will be able to assess your system as a whole to make sure it is ready to support the daily charging of your vehicle. As an added bonus, you will probably get some degree of warranty protection along with this install, so in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you will be covered.
Get It Done Right the First Time
It’s admirable to want to attempt your own electric vehicle charging installation, but this is one DIY job that should be passed over and handed to the pros instead. Schedule an installation with Berico and know that it’s going to be done properly and safely.
Can a Generator Save You Money?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerThe Greensboro area is no stranger to power outages. When powerful storms roll through this part of North Carolina, power will sometimes be knocked out for an extended period. For those occasions, many residents of the region have generators in place to pick up where the grid left off. Would adding a generator to your property be able to save you money in the long run? This article will take a closer look.
If you decide to add a whole house generator to serve your family, reach out to the Berico team right away to talk about the project.
Avoid Lodging Costs?
One of the primary ways that a new generator could save you money during a future power outage is by allowing you to avoid hotel costs while your home is in the dark. If the power outage drags on, you might need to check into a hotel to have somewhere safe to stay while waiting on repairs to be made. The cost of that hotel stay could quickly add up as the days drag on. By having a generator on your property, you won’t need to worry about going anywhere and could end up saving a lot of money.
Cut Down on Lost Food
It doesn’t take long after the power goes out for some of your food to start to go bad. You might be able to stash some things in an ice chest for a while, but that will only work so long. The monetary value of the food you lose during a long power outage is another financial impact that can be avoided when a generator is used. With your generator in place, the fridge will keep on working while the grid is down, and no food will be wasted.
Prevent Property Damage
If the power goes out in the winter, which is often the case after a big storm, your home can be vulnerable to a range of harms if the temperatures drop. For example, if your house is cold, the pipes could freeze and burst. This type of damage would easily cost more to repair than the whole cost of purchasing and installing the generator in the first place. So, just by avoiding this one type of damage, your new generator will have paid for itself.
Keep Up with Work from Home
Countless people now do most of their work from home. If that describes your situation, you’ll need to be able to keep working even when the power goes out. Lost time working would likely mean lost income or revenue. Using a generator to keep business moving is yet another way that this investment can pay off for you.
Make This Important Job an Easy One
Generator installation takes advanced know-how, but it’s a simple task for the experienced team at Berico. With names like Generac and Honeywell available to be installed, Berico can help you pick out the right model, and it will be in place and ready to serve your home before the next storm arrives. Call today to learn more.
Can Hard Water Damage My Plumbing System?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerWhen the conditions are just right, a plumbing system can last for many years without having significant problems of any kind. Of course, things aren’t always just right, and issues with the quality of your water supply can wreak havoc. Specifically, hard water presents plenty of problems, and this article will discuss those so you can understand how to fight back properly.
If damage from hard water has led to the need for Greensboro plumbing repair, call the team at Berico today. Berico offers a long list of plumbing services and will be able to solve any issues that you are facing.
What is Hard Water?
The term “hard water” is used to describe water that has a high level of dissolved minerals. These minerals can be many things, but it is usually calcium and magnesium that are the primary offenders. While there is nothing dangerous about hard water in terms of your health, the story is very different when it comes to your plumbing system. Over time, the minerals in the water will accumulate on your plumbing components and can cause major problems.
The Impact of Scale Buildup
Over the course of a day or two, you wouldn’t notice anything different when monitoring the condition of your plumbing system when hard water is present. Given enough time, however, the mineral deposits are going to start to add up. Slowly, the interior of a pipe will narrow as a result of minerals collecting on the surface. This will start to reduce water flow, and you’ll notice a decline in the performance of your plumbing. It’s even possible for the buildup in an older pipe to get so bad that the water can’t flow at all anymore.
Problems with Soap
Have you ever noticed that the water in your house doesn’t seem to create a nice foamy lather when you mix it with soap? Hard water is likely to blame here, as well. With hard water, soap will usually turn into a sticky residue known as soap scum. This makes it difficult to clean things properly, and a film from the scum will also accumulate over time in pipes and drains.
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.
Put Expert Help on Your Side
Hard water can cause problems, but it’s nothing that the best plumber Greensboro has to offer can’t handle. Take a moment to make your first appointment with the Berico team today, and you’ll have a Greensboro plumber that will always work with your best interests in mind.
Why is My AC Unit Freezing Up (and What Can I Do About It)?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerTo 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.