If you have lived in your home for a long time, or if you have recently purchased an older home, you may have electric heat in place. While electric heat is rarely used today, it used to be an option for some situations. If you are still operating electric heat and would like to move away from that system and its cost, it’s worth learning more about converting to propane.

Berico is the ideal partner to change your home from electric heat to propane heat. With a proven track record of excellent service and competitive prices, you’ll love what Berico has to offer.

Two Main Pieces of Equipment

To make this switch, you will need two main pieces of equipment installed on your property. The first is a propane tank – and no, not the kind that provides gas to your grill. This tank will be much bigger, as it will have to provide enough energy to heat your home, along with possibly running other appliances. This big tank will be installed outside, and it can even be placed underground if you would prefer.

Along with a propane tank, you are also going to need a propane furnace. This new furnace will convert the propane that runs into your home into heat, so you will no longer be reliant on electricity as your source of warming energy. A new propane furnace should be expected to perform far more efficiently than your old electrical unit or electric baseboard heating, allowing for better performance and cost savings.

Adding Other Appliances

You can run other appliances in your home off of propane beyond your new furnace. Depending on the age and condition of your appliances, you may be able to convert some of them to propane, or they may simply need to be replaced with a new unit. Some of the possibilities for propane appliances include your oven, your washer and dryer, and more. The same efficiency and performance gains you enjoyed with your furnace may be available by upgrading other appliances, so it’s worth your time to consider each of them one by one.

A Professional Job

No matter how you look at it, the conversion from electric heat to propane is a job that needs to be left to an experienced team like the one at Berico. Installing a large propane tank and a new propane furnace alone is the kind of work that should not be trusted to a company without extensive experience in the industry.  The equipment required, and the potential risks involved, all point to the use of a trusted team to do the work.

With that said, while this is a job for a professional crew, it is not a complicated task. To answer the question from the title of this article, yes – it is easy to convert from electric heat to propane. By pairing with the right contractor from the start of the job, and having a plan for which appliances you would like to include in this conversion, your home can be running on efficient propane energy sooner rather than later.

Are you considering a new propane supplier? Whether you’re using propane for the first time or you’re considering switching suppliers, it can be difficult to find a good one. What should you look for in a propane supplier in Greensboro?

 

Ask your current supplier or any potential new propane supplier these questions to help you decide on the best service.

 

Do you offer automatic refills?

Automatic refills keep you from running out of propane. Not only is it inconvenient to run out, but it is bad for your tank and gas lines. Look for a supplier that will calculate your usage and schedule automatic refills before you run out.

 

Do you offer free tank swap outs for new customers?

If you’re thinking of switching to a new supplier, it is important to find one that will not charge you to swap out tanks. Your current supplier will need to reclaim their tank and your new supplier will deliver one of theirs. Find a new supplier who will take care of this entire process for you at no charge.

 

Are your prices competitive?

Ask about pricing and how theirs compares with other suppliers in the area. Most suppliers should be around the same price based on the standard price of propane. Some suppliers may be able to offer reduced rates for deliveries because of other reasons or incentives. Ask how you can get the lowest price for propane.

 

Are you reliable?

Of course a propane company who is trying to earn your business will say that they are reliable. Ask them to explain why they are reliable and what they can do specifically to ensure their reliability. You can ask for references and even read online reviews to get a better sense of the quality of service you can expect.

 

Do you deliver in emergencies?

This is an important quality. If you run out of propane at night, on the weekend, or during a holiday, not all companies are available. Find out if your potential new propane supplier in Greensboro will make emergency deliveries if needed.

 

Do you offer HVAC repair and maintenance services?

It is extremely convenient to have a propane supplier who can also service your furnace and air conditioner. In addition to propane deliveries, it is important to have regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system yearly or twice a year. Ideally you can schedule one appointment to get your propane refilled and an HVAC system tune up.

 

Berico: The Propane Supplier Who Can Do it All 

If you’re looking for a new propane supplier who does all of the above and more, Berico can. Berico is an HVAC service and propane supplier in Greensboro with competitive prices and reliable service. Berico is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and on holidays. If you need a refill or have a problem with your HVAC system, call (336) 273-8663 or request service.

As the weather cools, the sun sets earlier, and the nights get chilly, your furnace begins its busy season. Is your furnace operating efficiently? Is it ready to keep your home warm and cozy for the next few months? If you’re not sure, it may be time for some furnace maintenance. Some things you can do yourself at home, and other things may require the help of a Greensboro furnace repair service. Here are the top 5 things you should do to keep your furnace in good shape.

 

• Replace your Filters. This is the equivalent to your computer guy telling you to turn off your computer and turn it back on again. Whenever there is a problem with your furnace, 9 times out of 10 you just need to replace your dusty, clogged filters. You should change your intake filters at least every 6 months or quarterly for best performance.
• Consider your Thermostat. Check your thermostat settings the first time you turn the heat on. See that you have it set to an ideal temperature and that the furnace comes on when you switch it to heat for the first time. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one. It can help you save energy when you’re home and when you’re out of the house by automatically adjusting the temperature setting based on the time of day. Many are controllable from your phone or another device.
• Check your Vents and Ducts. Inspect all of the vents in your home and make sure they are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains, etc. Look over the ducts you can see, whether in your attic or basement and make sure there are no obvious cracks or holes. You may want to consider having your ducts cleaned and sealed if you haven’t done so in a few years.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation. Make sure your intake and exhaust pipes are clear of leaves, debris, ice, nests, or any other potential blockage. If you are unable to access these areas on your own, consider having a Greensboro furnace repair service come out to inspect them.
• Schedule a Furnace Tune Up. Speaking of Greensboro furnace repair, the absolute best thing you can do to keep your furnace in good working condition is to schedule professional maintenance every year. This inspection, cleaning, and tune up ensures your furnace is ready for the cold weather months.

 

Furnace Maintenance and Repair by Berico 

Your furnace is the most important appliance in your home during the fall and winter, but you may not realize it unless it stops working. Make sure your home is always warm and cozy on the coldest days and nights by keeping up with furnace maintenance.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 today for Greensboro furnace repair or schedule HVAC service.

Are you having problems with your furnace? Sometimes the problem requires just a simple repair. Other times there is a more complex issue with your system that needs to be addressed. How do you know when a furnace is worth repairing and when it should be replaced? There are some common signs that may indicate your furnace is on its last legs. If you notice any or a combination of the following, it may be time to find an HVAC contractor for furnace replacement in Greensboro.

 

Frequent Repairs are Needed

Have you had your furnace repaired more than once this year? One tune up or one repair should be all that is needed in a single heating season. If your furnace continues to have problems even after it has been repaired or tuned up, it may mean that it is time to replace it. Multiple problems in a short period of time suggest that your furnace may not be ready to handle a whole season of cold weather. And by continuing to repair it, you are sinking money into a furnace that may be a lost cause. Invest that money in a new furnace instead.

 

Your Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old

Furnaces have an average life span of 15 to 20 years. If your furnace starts to have problems and it is close to being 15 years old, it may not be worth repairing. Replacing your old furnace will likely operate much more efficiently than your old furnace, which will save you money on your heating bills and help offset some of the cost.

 

You Notice New or Strange Noises Coming From Your Furnace

Have you noticed noises you’ve never heard before coming from your furnace? If you hear a banging, whistling, scraping, squealing, or other noise from your furnace or the vents in your home, it is an indication that your furnace is not operating properly. The problem may be able to be repaired inexpensively. But if the noise indicates an expensive repair, especially if the repair is more than what your furnace is worth, it may be in your best interest to replace it.

 

Rising Energy Bills

Do your heating bills seem to be getting higher and higher each month? Is your propane tank requiring more frequent refills? It could be that your furnace is using up too much energy due to a mechanical problem. It could also be that your furnace is showing signs of age and is not working as efficiently as it once did. A thorough cleaning and a tune up could restore it to efficient operation, but if not, it may be time to replace it with a high-efficiency furnace that could save you money.

 

Cycling On and Off Repeatedly

Does your furnace turn on, run for a few seconds, and turn off again? Does this cycle keep repeating itself without reaching the desired temperature in your home? This is sometimes just an indication that your furnace needs to be cleaned. But it can also indicate a more severe problem that could be expensive to fix. If your furnace seems to be constantly running without sufficiently heating your home, it may be time to consider furnace replacement in Greensboro.

 

Your Home Has Warm and Cool Spots

Do some rooms in your home feel warm and cozy while others are cool and drafty? Uneven heating is another indication that a furnace is not operating as it should. For a new furnace, this can mean that it is simply not big enough to sufficiently heat the total square footage of your home. But if it is an old furnace, and the problem is new, you may need to upgrade to a new furnace.

 

Problems with the Pilot Light

Pilot lights are designed to light automatically in newer furnaces. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pilot light is electrically lit and the furnace fires up. If the pilot light won’t light for some reason, the furnace can’t create heat. Sometimes this is just a problem with the electric starter, but other times it is a deeper issue that can indicate that a furnace is close to breaking down.

 

Experiencing Furnace Problems? Berico Can Help

When your furnace isn’t working properly, it can be frustrating. You may hope that it can be repaired inexpensively, but sometimes an old furnace just needs to be replaced. Berico provides reliable furnace replacement in Greensboro if repair isn’t the best option.

 

Call (336) 273-8663 or request service today. Berico offers specials and financing to make your new furnace more affordable.

Back to school season, Labor Day weekend, earlier sunsets–all are signs that cold weather is on the way. And with it comes cooler temperatures and eventually it will be time to make the flip from AC to heat. When’s the best time to discover that there’s a problem with your furnace? The first night temperatures drop low enough that you’re forced to turn it on? Sure, if you want to shiver in the cold while you wait for furnace repair in Greensboro along with everyone else who is facing the same problem.

 

No, the best time to discover a problem with your furnace is well before the weather turns cold. Avoiding unexpected furnace repairs is just one of many reasons you should schedule a tune-up toward the end of summer and early fall.

 

Your Furnace Needs a Thorough Cleaning

One of the most common reasons your furnace may fail to work properly when you first turn it on at the beginning of the cold season is the fact that it is dirty. Dust and soot build up inside your furnace and on the flame sensor causing it to misfire, cycle on and off repeatedly, or not run at all. A dirty furnace is also a fire safety hazard as well as a carbon monoxide risk.

 

A furnace tune-up performed by a professional HVAC service will involve a thorough cleaning of each and every part to ensure optimal performance and proper functioning throughout the heating season.

 

Potential Problems Can Be Discovered Early

A professional furnace tune-up also involves an extensive inspection of the system and parts. This inspection will identify any potential problems that may occur, such as parts that are wearing out or loose, wiring that needs to be tightened or replaced, or other signs of wear and tear that could be a cause for concern. In some cases parts need to be lubricated to prevent friction from causing premature wear or becoming an energy drain.

 

Discovering these problems early not only prevents an inconvenient situation where your furnace fails, but it also prevents a small problem from becoming a bigger problem that is more expensive to fix.

 

You Can Avoid Paying Emergency or After-Hours Fees

If your furnace quits in the middle of the night or on a weekend or holiday, you could be charged extra for repairs. Many HVAC companies are glad to offer emergency and after-hours services, but at higher rates. However, you can most likely avoid these extra fees by being proactive and scheduling preventive furnace repair in Greensboro before the busy season.

 

Of course furnaces, just like any other machine, can malfunction without warning. But this is much less likely to happen if you had a preseason tune-up performed by a reliable HVAC service.

 

Your Furnace Will Run More Efficiently All Season, Saving You Money 

Perhaps the most important reason to get a furnace tune-up is the fact that it can save you money. A clean, well-tuned furnace will run more efficiently and use less energy. If you want to get the maximum energy-efficiency rating out of your furnace, you’ll need to keep it well maintained with the help of an HVAC professional.

 

Whether your furnace runs on natural gas, propane, heating oil, or electricity, you’ll save money by keeping up with regular furnace maintenance. It is recommended that you schedule a furnace tune-up every year prior to the cold weather season.

 

Get Top Quality Furnace Repair in Greensboro From Berico 

Not all furnace tune-ups are the same. Some HVAC companies will do a more thorough job than others, making sure that your system is fully inspected, cleaned, and running properly. Ask to see a copy of the checklist the technician will use to inspect and clean your furnace beforehand. After completing the tune-up your technician should then go back over the checklist with you and explain any potential problems that were identified and the steps that were taken to correct them.

 

Berico goes above and beyond the standard furnace tune-up checklist to ensure every aspect of your furnace is as it should be. You’ll be sure your furnace is ready to keep you warm and cozy this winter.

 

To schedule furnace repair in Greensboro, call (336) 273-8663 or request service. You’ll be glad you made your appointment early for more flexible scheduling.