If you are like most people, you spend more time inside your home than any other location. And, of course, you are breathing the entire time you are in your home – meaning the air quality inside the house is critically important to your health. This article will take a closer look at why air quality matters and how the right HVAC choices can improve it dramatically.
To get help with any kind of HVAC project in Greensboro, Eden, Burlington, and beyond, contact Berico right away. As an industry leader in North Carolina with almost one century of experience, you can trust Berico to be up to any HVAC challenge.
Why Air Quality Matters
Living in a home with poor air quality can have a number of negative impacts on your health. Among the many potential side effects of poor air quality include congestion, headaches, sore throat, and more. The specific symptoms will vary from person to person, but they will often feel like what you would get from a common cold. Of course, a typical cold will fade away after a few days, but these symptoms may persist if they are the result of an air quality issue. Improving the air quality in your house should directly impact the health of everyone who spends time in the space.
Focus on the Filter
As a starting point for improving your air quality, make sure to replace your HVAC air filters regularly. It’s the air filter that is the first line of defense against dirty air inside a house. As the filter ages and gets dirty, it’s not going to get the job done as effectively as it does when it’s new. Also, the system as a whole won’t work as efficiently because the flow of air will be restricted by the dirty filter, so there are plenty of reasons to swap AC air filters out regularly.
The good news is that air filters are easy to change and a new one is an affordable purchase. Some people make it a point to change the filter often – as frequently as once per month – during the times of the year when your system is working the hardest, but quarterly is more common.
Run the Fan
Sometimes, you won’t need heating or cooling in your home, as the ambient temperature will be perfectly comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your HVAC system off. If you want to run the system to get some air moving and improve the quality of that air by passing it through the filter, just switch the fan to “On” for a while and enjoy the benefits right away.
If you want to take the extra step to protect your home and family, a way to do that is by ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and free from harmful particles with iWave and Phenomenal Aire. These air purifying attachments can help keep your air ducts and surfaces clean and safe.
These devices are easy to install in any duct air conditioning system, and they work by reducing pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, and odors in the air. The best part is that they don’t produce any harmful byproducts, making them an environmentally friendly option. By simply turning on your fan, furnace, or air conditioning system, you can enjoy cleaner and safer air in your home.
Not only do these products provide a cleaner environment, but they also offer unparalleled health benefits. In just 30 minutes, iWave and Phenomenal Aire’s technology can reduce over 90% of pathogens in the air. This is 50 times more powerful than normal HVAC filtration, making these devices an excellent investment for your family’s health.
With these air purifying devices, you can ensure that the air ducts, tables, furniture, countertops, bathrooms, and practically every surface you touch is cleaner and safer for your family. Take the necessary steps to protect your home and family by investing in iWave or Phenomenal Aire air purifying devices.
If you’d like to get serious about your air quality and take big strides in this area, contact Berico right away to learn more about your options and determine what steps may be appropriate.
HVAC Upgrades for Increased Home Value
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerOf course, you’ll need an HVAC partner for these upgrades, and Berico is the right choice for all kinds of AC services in Greensboro and more. Reach out today for more information or to make an appointment.
A Smart Thermostat
The easiest and most affordable option on our list is a smart thermostat. By upgrading from a standard thermostat to a smart thermostat, you’ll gain plenty of advantages for a very minimal investment. Programming this kind of advanced thermostat is a breeze, and you should be able to better manage the temperature in your home to get exactly the results you desire. While such a simple upgrade shouldn’t be expected to deliver a significant jump in home value, it is a nice modern feature that potential buyers will like to see.
Energy-Efficient Equipment
This next point jumps up to perhaps the costliest upgrade you can make, but the one that is going to have the biggest impact. Having new HVAC equipment installed that meets modern efficiency standards is a significant improvement for the house as a whole. Not only will better efficiency mean you don’t have to spend as much on utilities each month, but it will also give you better results and improved comfort. Any potential buyer would love to know that the house comes with an up-to-date HVAC system.
Air Purification Capabilities
Adding an air purifier to your HVAC system might not be an upgrade you have previously considered, but it’s an addition that is well worth what it costs. When the air purifier is in place and running, it will cut down on pollutants and allergens in the air, allowing you to breathe easier and adding yet another appealing feature for would-be buyers to contemplate.
Add a Zoning System
Zoning systems are becoming more and more popular in residential HVAC installations, especially in larger homes. If your home typically struggles to stay consistent in terms of temperature from room to room, adding a zoning system will make it easier to dial in the results you get and balance out how the house feels. Although zoning is gaining in popularity, it’s still a relatively uncommon feature to have in your house – so this might be one amenity that helps convince a buyer that your house is the right one for their family.
Get Great Value
For an AC replacement in Greensboro, or for any other kind of HVAC project around your home, choose Berico to get great results and fair prices. Now is the time to get started!
HVAC Energy-Saving Tips: Strategies to Lower Your Utility Bills in Burlington
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerIf part of what you need to do to bring down your HVAC bills includes some AC repair in Burlington, Berico is ready to help. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and get your HVAC gear running as efficiently as possible.
Manage Your Thermostat Settings
With the ability to dial in your thermostat to exactly the temperature you’d like the house to be, it’s easy to get carried away. If you just set the thermostat to an ideal number without considering the conditions outside, you’ll wind up with an HVAC system that is running constantly and utility bills that are higher than you’d like.
You should always consider the conditions outside when setting your thermostat. For example, if the high on a summer day is set to reach 102*, don’t set your air conditioner to 68* and require it to keep up. The system will need to run almost constantly to maintain such a cool indoor temperature on an extremely hot day, but most importantly you’ll use up a ton of energy. The same line of thinking applies to keeping your house very warm on a frigid winter day. Modify your expectations during extreme weather to keep the house livable without sending your utility bills through the roof.
Keep Changing the Filter
This is one of the classic pieces of HVAC advice, and it’s as true now as it’s always been. A clean air filter will allow air to flow freely through the system, and as a result, the system is going to run more efficiently. In addition to potential utility bill savings, you should also find that you get better performance from your HVAC system as a whole, so your rooms will remain more comfortable throughout the day.
Routine Maintenance
Changing out the air filter is something that you can probably handle on your own, but other maintenance tasks should be left to the professionals. Have your system maintained on a routine basis to make sure all of the components are clean and no problems are developing. Working with Berico will make this process easy and affordable.
Avoid Silly Mistakes
One last thing to remember is that you don’t want to force your system to work any harder than it needs to day after day. So, when it’s hot outside and your air conditioner is running, don’t leave a window open and invite even more hot air into the house. Likewise, if it’s going to be chilly overnight but then hot in the afternoon, don’t have your thermostat set in a way that is going to cause the heat to come on in the morning before the AC kicks on later. That would just be using energy to warm up a house that you are going to immediately need to cool back down.
The Right Partner
For Burlington AC replacement, repair, and everything in between, Berico should be your chosen partner. With nearly a century of experience and a history of great customer satisfaction, you’ll love what Berico delivers. Get started today!
New HVAC Efficiency Standards for 2023
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerImproved HVAC efficiency benefits everyone. For the individual, a more efficient HVAC system means consuming less energy, which means a lower utility bill at the end of the month. And, if all homes and businesses are operating their HVAC systems more efficiently, far less energy is consumed overall – which has a positive impact on the environment and places less stress on valuable resources. With this in mind, it’s important to take a look at the new HVAC efficiency standards for 2023 and what impact they have on the average homeowner.
Are you looking for a reliable air conditioning installation company to work on an upcoming project? Berico is ready to help. As a leader in AC installation throughout the region, Berico will get the job done properly, for a fair price, and in a timely manner.
Raising the Bar
Effective at the start of 2023, the Department of Energy put into place new rules that dictated the minimum SEER rating required for HVAC equipment. Prior to 2023, that minimum rating was at 13, but it has now been moved up to 14. However, in the south region – where Berico proudly serves customers, the minimum SEER rating was already at 14 and is now being moved up to 15.
What is SEER?
While you have likely seen SEER ratings listed on HVAC products when shopping previously, you may not know what they indicate. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a numerical indication of the efficiency of a particular piece of HVAC equipment. When HVAC equipment is efficient at turning the use of energy into heating or cooling performance, it will enjoy a high SEER rating – inefficient equipment, by contrast, comes in low on the scale.
Over time, SEER ratings have gradually increased in this industry as technologies have improved. The increase in the minimum required rating for new equipment as of 2023 is a direct reflection of the progress that has been made in the HVAC industry over recent years.
Do You Have to Get a New Air Conditioner?
This is a common question, and the answer is a definitive no – if you already have an air conditioner or heat pump serving your property, you are free to continue using that unit, regardless of its efficiency rating. If that unit needs service like maintenance or repair along the way, you can reach out to Berico for service and continue to use the old unit for as long as it performs up to your needs and expectations.
It is when the time comes to install a new air conditioner or heat pump that you’ll need to consider these updated rules. At that time, only equipment that meets the updated standards will be available to you for purchase and installation. As a consumer, you don’t really even have to think about it – your only options are going to be products that satisfy these requirements moving forward.
For any type of HVAC project that you need to have completed, reach out to Berico. Whether it’s the installation of some new, efficient equipment, or the service of existing equipment that still has plenty of useful life left, Berico is the right partner for the job. Get in touch today to learn more.
Save Time and Money with Berico’s Motor oil, Lubricants, and Fleet Fueling.
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerEnergy Audits Can Make a Big Difference
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerWhy Efficiency Matters
If everything in your home that runs on energy is currently working, you might not feel much of a need to change it. Unfortunately, you might be missing out on some pretty significant upgrades if you fail to bring in a team like Berico to look closer at how everything is operating. An energy audit can make your home more efficient, which means you might be able to enjoy some of the benefits below –
For Today and the Future
One of the great things about a Berico energy audit is how it can help you get better results immediately and for years to come. If the audit reveals some problems that can be fixed quickly, you might start enjoying better results the same day. And, if the Berico team is able to track down efficiency problems that have been costing you money, the savings you enjoy will just keep going month after month with no end in sight.
Remember, the energy audit is a free service – so there is no reason not to call! Get in touch right away to learn more and find a time on the schedule that works for your busy life.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality: How to Improve It with HVAC
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerTo get help with any kind of HVAC project in Greensboro, Eden, Burlington, and beyond, contact Berico right away. As an industry leader in North Carolina with almost one century of experience, you can trust Berico to be up to any HVAC challenge.
Why Air Quality Matters
Living in a home with poor air quality can have a number of negative impacts on your health. Among the many potential side effects of poor air quality include congestion, headaches, sore throat, and more. The specific symptoms will vary from person to person, but they will often feel like what you would get from a common cold. Of course, a typical cold will fade away after a few days, but these symptoms may persist if they are the result of an air quality issue. Improving the air quality in your house should directly impact the health of everyone who spends time in the space.
Focus on the Filter
As a starting point for improving your air quality, make sure to replace your HVAC air filters regularly. It’s the air filter that is the first line of defense against dirty air inside a house. As the filter ages and gets dirty, it’s not going to get the job done as effectively as it does when it’s new. Also, the system as a whole won’t work as efficiently because the flow of air will be restricted by the dirty filter, so there are plenty of reasons to swap AC air filters out regularly.
The good news is that air filters are easy to change and a new one is an affordable purchase. Some people make it a point to change the filter often – as frequently as once per month – during the times of the year when your system is working the hardest, but quarterly is more common.
Run the Fan
Sometimes, you won’t need heating or cooling in your home, as the ambient temperature will be perfectly comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your HVAC system off. If you want to run the system to get some air moving and improve the quality of that air by passing it through the filter, just switch the fan to “On” for a while and enjoy the benefits right away.
If you want to take the extra step to protect your home and family, a way to do that is by ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and free from harmful particles with iWave and Phenomenal Aire. These air purifying attachments can help keep your air ducts and surfaces clean and safe.
These devices are easy to install in any duct air conditioning system, and they work by reducing pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, and odors in the air. The best part is that they don’t produce any harmful byproducts, making them an environmentally friendly option. By simply turning on your fan, furnace, or air conditioning system, you can enjoy cleaner and safer air in your home.
Not only do these products provide a cleaner environment, but they also offer unparalleled health benefits. In just 30 minutes, iWave and Phenomenal Aire’s technology can reduce over 90% of pathogens in the air. This is 50 times more powerful than normal HVAC filtration, making these devices an excellent investment for your family’s health.
With these air purifying devices, you can ensure that the air ducts, tables, furniture, countertops, bathrooms, and practically every surface you touch is cleaner and safer for your family. Take the necessary steps to protect your home and family by investing in iWave or Phenomenal Aire air purifying devices.
If you’d like to get serious about your air quality and take big strides in this area, contact Berico right away to learn more about your options and determine what steps may be appropriate.
The Top 5 Benefits of a High-Efficiency Air Conditioning System
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerHeating and air companies are numerous in this part of the country, but few deliver results like Berico. For everything from minor service and repair up to a complete HVAC replacement, Berico is ready to serve you. Get in touch today to learn more.
1 – Save Money
This is likely the primary motivation for many people to consider a high-efficiency system, so it only makes sense to start here. When your system runs efficiently, it will use less energy to reach the desired temperature – and that means you’ll spend less money on your utility bill month after month. When considering the cost of new HVAC equipment, it’s important to take this factor into consideration. As the months go by and you gradually save more and more money, the investment you made in upgraded equipment will quickly become worth it.
2 – Great Performance
You should also enjoy excellent performance when you have a high-efficiency AC system. That means that your home will cool relatively evenly from room to room, and it won’t take long to get to a comfortable temperature. Given the hot and humid summers that are common in North Carolina, upgrading your air conditioning is a logical choice.
3 – Kind to the Environment
Using less energy isn’t only helpful in terms of saving you money, but you’ll be doing a favor for the environment at the same time. Consuming energy places stress on the environment in one form or another, so cutting back is a responsible thing to do – and you can still get the great performance you desire at the same time.
4 – Stay Up and Running
There are few things quite as frustrating as having your air conditioning system unavailable during the hottest time of the year. While that possibility can never be eliminated, it can be reduced by upgrading to a modern AC system that features high-efficiency equipment. This equipment won’t have to work as hard as your old gear, so there is a good chance it will remain properly functional throughout the summer and beyond.
5 – It May Be Quieter
You might not realize just how loud your current air conditioning system is until you upgrade to modern, efficient gear. A new system will likely run far quieter than your old one, meaning you can enjoy the peace and quiet that you deserve in your home without having to give up the cooling you need to stay comfortable.
High-efficiency air conditioning equipment is here to stay, so reach out to Berico right away to discuss the possibility of making this upgrade before the hot weather arrives.
The Benefits of Fleet Fueling
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerOne of the biggest expenses – and hassles – associated with operating a fleet of commercial vehicles is fueling. Not only will fueling eat up a big part of your budget each month, but it also takes a considerable amount of time. By opting for fleet fueling, you can get around some of these issues and better position your fleet for success.
Berico is a reliable fleet fueling provider serving many customers in Greensboro and beyond. If you have been looking for affordable, reliable fuel delivery in North Carolina, give Berico a call today to learn more.
How Fleet Fueling Works
If you aren’t currently using a fleet fueling service, you are likely sending the drivers of your vehicles to stop at a nearby fueling station to top off their tanks. Those drivers may have company cards they can use to purchase the fuel, and they’ll have to take a bit of time out of their day to make this stop.
Fleet fueling is the opposite of this approach. Instead of going to the pumps, the pumps come to you in the form of a fuel truck from a company like Berico. This way, the trucks can be filled up while they are still on your lot, and then they can head out for the day without needing to worry about fuel. It’s a convenient, efficient system that is already utilized by many fleet operators.
Considering the Many Benefits
This article has already touched on some of the benefits of this service briefly, but the points below should make those benefits even more evident –
When you add everything up, fleet fueling makes a lot of sense. Once you put this system in place with a supplier like Berico, you’ll be able to take fueling headaches off of your plate and know that the vehicles will have the fuel they need to keep up with even the busiest of schedules. Get in touch with Berico today to get started.
What is a Ductless HVAC System?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerAs one of the leading heating and air conditioning companies in the Greensboro area, Berico would be proud to serve you on a new ductless HVAC project. Of course, if you already have a system and just need some service or repair, Berico will be glad to work on those tasks for you, as well. Get in touch today to learn more.
Understanding the Ductless Concept
It might be easiest to explain a ductless HVAC system by first reviewing how a standard HVAC system works with ducts. When a home has ducts, the HVAC system will heat or cool the air in a central location and then push that air out to various rooms through the ducts. This system works just fine but adding ducts to an older home that doesn’t have them is extremely costly and, in some cases, just not feasible.
Without ducts, air can’t be moved throughout the building after it has been heated or cooled, so that work needs to be done within each room. This is called a ductless, or mini-split system, and it is the best option for homeowners and other building owners who don’t have ducts to utilize.
Look for Wall-Mounted Units
If you are wondering if a particular home or building has a ductless system, the easiest way to tell is to look for the wall-mounted units that will be found in various rooms. These units are what produce the air needed to heat or cool the space, and there is a blower inside to distribute that air effectively. Rather than the air coming out of vents, which is what would be the case with a ducted system, you’ll see these small units mounted on walls up close to the ceiling.
There Are Some Advantages
While ductless systems usually aren’t the default choice, there are some advantages to opting for this style of HVAC. Specifically, because you can more easily control where in the building you want to heat or cool. The other obvious advantage is of course there are no ducts. This can be helpful in adding central air to an older home.
Whether you are ready to get started with a ductless HVAC system in your home or business, or you just want to talk to the experts about your options, call Berico today to get started.
Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerWorking with a High Point HVAC company like Berico is going to make it much easier to settle on a plan for your system. Whether you go with AC repair in High Point or you decide to replace the unit entirely, Berico will be happy to handle the project. Reach out now to learn more.
Start with the Age of the HVAC System
When an issue comes up with your air conditioner, the first thing to think about is the age of the system. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, this repair is going to need to be very affordable in order to make it worthwhile. If the repair is more than just a few hundred dollars, you’ll almost certainly want to go with the replacement option. The problem with repairing an old unit is that more and more repairs are just going to keep coming up, so your costs are going to add up over time. Also, an old air conditioner isn’t going to be as efficient as a new one, so even when it is working, it won’t work as well as fresh equipment.
Consider Timing
Another factor in the middle of the summer is how long it’s going to take for each of these two options. In some cases, it might make sense to opt for the repair if that job can be completed quickly and you can get the cold air flowing once again. If ordering a new unit and having it installed is going to take quite a while, you might not want to wait that long for results.
In this situation, going ahead with an affordable repair could be a temporary solution while you think about replacing the air conditioner system completely in the off-season. Of course, if the repair is going to be costly, you won’t want to go ahead with it only to replace the system later, so you might just need to opt for replacement even if it means spending some time without AC.
Get Professional Guidance
You don’t want to make this choice on your own. Even after doing a bit of research, you still aren’t going to have the insight into this matter that comes with having years of experience in the field. With a trusted industry partner on your side, you can ask any questions you may have and get an expert opinion on whether repairing your current system or ordering a new one is the right choice. Berico is the right team to help with this and any other HVAC challenge, so make a phone call today to get started.