When it’s working properly, your furnace is not something you have to think about often during the winter months. You simply set your thermostat and let the furnace come on and off automatically based on those settings. Unfortunately, like all other pieces of equipment, furnaces can run into trouble from time to time. One type of trouble you may encounter with your furnace is water leaking from the unit. The article below will offer some insight into why this can happen and what it may mean.

If you need the best HVAC service Burlington has to offer, contact Berico today for assistance. Whether it is furnace repair, replacement, or any other HVAC task, you can be sure that Berico is up to the challenge.

Why Does My Furnace Leak Water?
There are a few potential causes of a furnace water leak, including the following –

•The hose that is meant to carry away the condensation from the unit could be leaking. This hose may leak as a result of damage, or it could be clogged up, giving the water no way to pass through to the drain.
•A drain line is used to get the water away from the furnace. Like the drain hose, the main drain line could leak if it is damaged or clogged, or it could not be properly attached.
•It’s also possible for the pump that moves the condensate could leak. Specifically, if the drain that serves this pump is blocked up, the water will collect and leak.

Why in the Winter?
The reason that you may deal with furnace leaks in the winter is simply that your furnace is working so much harder during the winter months. In the summer, it probably doesn’t come on at all, and it may only need to run from time to time in the spring and fall seasons. In the winter, however, your furnace jumps to the foreground and it puts in plenty of working hours to keep your house comfortable. Knowing that it will be working hard on cold days, be sure to check in regularly to make sure no leaks have occurred.

A Specific Type of Furnace
The type of furnace that you need to worry about developing a leak is a high-efficiency furnace. This type of furnace uses two heat exchangers, and that design introduces the development of condensation. A single heat exchanger model won’t create condensation, so water leaks are not a concern. More and more homes and other buildings feature high-efficiency units these days, so leaks are something that the average homeowner should monitor if they have a high-efficiency model.

Consider Other Possibilities
It’s worth noting that there is a possibility that your water leak is not coming from your furnace. If you have an air conditioner in the same space as the furnace, that unit could actually be the cause of the leak – although it is not likely operating during the winter months. Also, it could be something completely unrelated, like a roof leak that happens to be coming through the space where the furnace is located. Getting the help of a professional team like Berico will allow you to get to the bottom of the problem and have it resolved as quickly as possible.

Two of the most common types of home heating systems are furnaces and heat pumps. They both work to produce heat to warm your home and ultimately they achieve the same purpose, though mechanically they work in very different ways.

Furnaces and heat pumps do have a few things in common. They require a duct system and blower in order to disburse heat throughout your home. They are both capable of highly efficient operation. And they both perform best with regular maintenance.

When it comes to Greensboro HVAC systems, furnaces and heat pumps are both widely used in the area. If you’re trying to decide which type would be best for your home, the following information should help you understand the difference so that you can make an informed decision.

Furnaces Use Fuel to Create Heat
The source of heat for a furnace comes from a fuel of some kind. Natural gas, propane, and heating oil are the three main types. Natural gas comes from a local source and reaches your home through a gas line under the ground. Propane and heating oil are stored in tanks and delivered to you by a fuel supplier.

A heat pump is an electric heating system that does not require any fuel. Although the energy source is electricity, heat pumps are highly efficient, much more so than electric heating systems of the past.

Heat Pumps Transfer Heat Energy
Rather than creating heat by burning fuel as a furnace does, a heat pump transfers air from the outside to the inside and vice versa. A heat pump moves cold air outside and collects heat from the outside air and brings it inside, all through the use of refrigerant filled coils. This is what makes a heat pump so efficient, the way it transfers heat and maximizes whatever available warmth there is.

Heat Pumps Can Have a Backup Furnace
Heat pumps work best in temperatures no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them best suited for moderate climates where winters are mild. However, heat pumps include a backup heating option for use when temperatures fall too low. This makes them a viable Greensboro HVAC option because temperatures do fall below the 40 degree threshold for only part of the year in this area.

Furnaces Only Create Heat, Heat Pumps Provide Both Heating and Cooling
A furnace is only capable of creating heat. An additional air conditioning system must be used during warm weather to cool your home. However, a heat pump provides both heating and cooling. The process used to transfer heat simply reverses when your home needs to be cooled. This makes a heat pump efficient for use in all seasons.

A Furnace Can Make Your Home More Comfortable in Cold Weather
Propane and heating oil both create more heat per unit than natural gas or electricity because they burn at extremely high temperatures. The type of heat created by heating fuel is a radiant heat, which is known to create a cozier feel that lasts longer than other types of heat.

Berico Can Install and Service Both Furnaces and Heat Pumps
Whatever type of HVAC system you choose, Berico provides installation and service for both types, as well as heating fuels such as propane and heating oil. Berico is a Greensboro HVAC service providing complete home comfort services. Call 336-273-8663 today or schedule a service appointment.

Does your home need a furnace? Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or you’re building a new home that will need a furnace, it is important that you choose the right one. The wrong furnace could leave your home feeling chilly, humid, or dry. You could also end up paying too much for heating energy.

 

There are a variety of factors that should be considered when choosing a home furnace. A reliable Burlington furnace installer can evaluate your home and give you a professional recommendation. Here’s what to take into consideration.

 

Size

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a furnace is the size. It is crucial that you get a furnace that is the right size for your home. The size of the furnace needed is calculated based on the number of square feet you need to heat. Another factor is the climate where you live, because of the average temperatures and humidity. The quality of your insulation and windows will also play a part in the size of furnace your home needs. It is necessary to purchase a furnace that can produce enough heat with all of those factors considered.

 

Efficiency Rating

Heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The number of BTUs a furnace can produce determines how many square feet it can heat. Another rating to consider is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), which is the amount of heat delivered divided by the amount of electricity used to produce it. This number is typically used for heat pumps, which are electric.

 

Heating Energy Source

There are a few different sources of energy used for heating, the most common of which are:

 

• A heat pump uses electricity to absorb heat from the outside air. It is not the same as a furnace that burns fuel of some kind to create heat. Heat pumps work particularly well in milder climates where the temperatures do not get below freezing as often. They are usually equipped with a backup furnace for extreme cold.
• Natural Gas. One of the most common heating fuels is natural gas. If your home has access to natural gas, it is an efficient heating energy source. Natural gas is usually delivered through an underground pipeline connected to a local source. You pay for it monthly based on your home’s usage.
• An efficient, clean burning option for those who don’t have access to natural gas or who simply want the benefits, propane is delivered to you and stored in a tank on your property. Propane produces more heat per unit than natural gas. It also provides a warm, resonating heat that lasts.
• Heating Oil. Heating oil is also highly efficient, producing more heat per unit than any other heating fuel. New furnaces are designed to burn oil very cleanly without producing soot the way old furnaces once did. Oil can be delivered to your home and stored in a tank on your property.

 

Manufacturer and Model

Some furnace manufacturers are known for making quality equipment. Lennox, Goodman, ThermoPride, Armstrong, and York are just a few of the top brands of HVAC systems. Do your research and read reviews on some of the makes and models that are available.

 

Ask the Experts at Berico

Choosing the right furnace is not a decision to take lightly. Get a professional recommendation from a Burlington furnace installer you can trust. Berico can evaluate your home and offer a few different options for systems that will work well for you.

 

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

 

As the temperatures fall, homeowners start turning on their gas fireplaces for a little extra warmth and ambience. Many will do this without any inspection or maintenance of their gas logs. Some will find that their gas logs won’t light this year.

 

Are you having trouble getting yours to light? Wondering why and what to do about it? HVAC companies in Burlington can inspect, clean, and tune-up gas log fireplaces so that they operate easily with the flip of a switch. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule an appointment.

 

In the meantime, here are some troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces.

 

Make Sure the Gas is Turned On

The first step is to make sure the gas line to your home is turned on. If your home uses the same gas source for your furnace, water heater, or any other appliance, it is most likely already turned on. If not, turn on the gas to your home. If you have propane, make sure the valve on your propane tank is open.

 

Next, make sure the fuel supply to your gas logs is turned on. Once it is on, you may smell a subtle scent of gas in the area of your fireplace. This is a good indication that you at least have fuel coming to your logs.

 

Vent the Tubing 

There is a possibility that there is air trapped in the tubing leading to the logs. Hold down the pilot button for a couple of minutes to let the air out. Then attempt to light the pilot again. When the pilot is lit you will see a blue flame under the logs. You can then flip the switch and flames should come up from the logs.

 

If Your Gas Fireplace Still Won’t Light: 

There may be a problem that needs an actual repair, such as:

 

• If there is a spark igniter, it may be failing to create a spark to light the pilot. This may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Does the pilot light, but then go out again? This indicates that there could be a problem with the thermocouple, the part that measures the temperature.
• There could be a problem with the electrical wiring somewhere within the gas fireplace system. This will need to be repaired in order for it to light and stay lit.

 

The Importance of Gas Fireplace Maintenance

You can avoid this problem by scheduling yearly maintenance for your gas fireplace. As with your furnace and your air conditioner, having it inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year will keep it working properly so that it starts right up when you’re ready to use it. If you wait until it doesn’t work on the first chilly day, you may miss an opportunity to use your logs while you wait for a repair appointment. You are most likely not the first one to turn on your fireplace only to find that it isn’t working.

 

Berico Provides Gas Fireplace Maintenance

If you’re looking for HVAC companies in Burlington that sell and service gas log fireplaces, Berico is your local provider. Berico can repair your existing gas fireplace or replace it with a new set of gas logs if needed.  Berico can also provide yearly maintenance for your gas fireplace.

 

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

HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment can be expensive. Whether you need a repair or a complete replacement for your heating or cooling system, the cost may be more than you can pay out of pocket. But HVAC financing is a potential option to make the cost more affordable.

 

Your HVAC system is not just a luxury, especially during the winter months. You need a heating system to keep your family warm on cold days and nights. No one should have to go without heat, which is why financing is available to help pay for repairs and new equipment.

 

HVAC Financing Options

There are a few different types of loans that can be used to finance HVAC equipment, including:

 

• Financing through your HVAC company. Most HVAC companies offer financing through a lender they partner with in the area. This is typically a good option because approval is highly likely and there is often a promotional rate negotiated to encourage the business partner relationship. In many cases you can apply and be approved in minutes for same day service.
• Credit card. Most types of credit cards can be used to pay for anything, including HVAC equipment. You can use a credit card you already have or apply for a new card to pay for your HVAC repair or replacement. Some credit cards offer a zero rate for a promotional period, but be sure to pay it off before it starts accruing interest, as the rate may be high when the promotion ends.
• Personal loan. A personal loan can be used for HVAC purchases. It is usually established as a set amount for a specific purpose. You make payments each month until you have paid off the full amount, then the loan is usually closed. It is not a revolving line of credit like a credit card.
• Home Equity line of credit. A home equity loan allows you to use the equity you have in your home as collateral for a line of credit. The limit can be as high as the total amount of equity you have in your home at the time of the application. Home equity loans are most often used to pay for home improvements, and HVAC system replacement would qualify. However, this type of loan can be risky, because if you fail to make payments you could lose your home.
• Federal loan programs. There are loan options under FHA (Federal Housing Administration). The PowerSaver loan program allows you to use the equity in your home up to $7,500 to finance energy-saving upgrades without risking your home as collateral. Replacing your HVAC system with a new, energy-efficient system, would qualify in most cases. Just be sure to check the requirements and purchase a system that qualifies.

 

Berico Offers Affordable Options for Financing HVAC Equipment

If you need an expensive repair or a system replacement, you can finance it through Berico. Berico partners with Wells Fargo to offer affordable financing with competitive rates and convenient monthly payments. Your home can be comfortable again in no time with the help of Berico services and financing.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or apply for financing today.