Human health is a complicated matter. There are not one or two things that determine whether or not a person will be healthy, but rather countless elements come together to contribute to the bigger picture of health. One of the factors that is important but commonly overlooked is home air quality. People are breathing constantly, meaning whatever is in the surrounding air is going to go into the body, as well. This article will look closer at the connection between air quality and your health.
If you would like to add an air purifier to your home, or if you have any other heating and air needs in or around Greensboro, Berico is the right partner for the job. Call today to learn more.
What is Air Quality?
Before it’s possible to discuss the impacts of air quality on health, it’s important to first identify what is meant by the term “air quality”. As the name suggests, this is simply a measure of how clean the air is, and how safe it is to breathe. Even when air seems clear, there can be a variety of pollutants and contaminants and contagions present in different quantities. Particulate matter can be suspended in the air and make its way into the lungs, sometimes as the result of things like wildfires, combustion from engines, and so many other things that we often are completely unaware of that it can be difficult to determine where the pollutants originated.
Poor Air Quality and Health
When a person spends an extended time in a place with poor air quality – whether indoors or out – a number of negative health impacts can result. Those can include respiratory diseases, allergies, and even degraded mental health. In some extreme cases, poor air quality could trigger a major health event like a heart attack or stroke. Given the potentially serious nature of many of these health outcomes, it’s important for people to monitor air quality and do what they can to avoid exposure to low-quality air.
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“Air Pollution and Stroke”, Abstract Published on the National Institute of Medicine: Link to Full Article
“There is now substantial evidence linking air pollution and cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke. Controlled exposure studies in man and experimental studies have provided insight into the pathobiological mechanisms leading to the induction of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, platelet activation, and propensity for coagulation. Air pollution should be recognized more widely as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals will have an important role in promoting the awareness of this evidence, not just to improve the care of individual patients, but also to place pressure on policy makers for air pollution to be a public health priority.”
Some Steps to Take
When the air quality outside is extremely poor, the only viable option is to stay inside as much as possible to limit exposure. But unfortunately for many people, the quality of air in their homes is worse: Indoor air pollution, identified by the EPA as one of the top five environmental hazards, poses significant risks to health. In fact, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Fortunately, Berico offers great solutions, iWave and Phenomenal Aire. These air purifying devices, seamlessly integrated into duct HVAC systems, generate ions that combat pathogens, allergens, and odors, fostering a healthier indoor environment without harmful byproducts.
With these innovative products, not only are air ducts purified, but surfaces like tables, furniture, and countertops also benefit, promoting a safer environment for your family. Activation is simple—just power on your fan, furnace, or air conditioning system to experience cleaner, safer air throughout your home.
With the right HVAC Contractor, one of these whole house air purifiers can be easily added to an HVAC system to make it safer for everyone inside to breathe. Not only will this be a big step in the right direction from a health standpoint, but it can also make an indoor space a more comfortable, enjoyable place to be.
By working with Berico for all of your Greensboro AC and other HVAC needs, you’ll have a trusted and reliable partner on your side. Don’t risk the results of your next project with an unproven contractor when Berico is ready and willing to get started right away. Get in touch as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
Why Does My AC Smell Rotten – Dealing with Unpleasant Odors
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerFor A/C repair that you can trust in the Greensboro area, don’t hesitate to turn to Berico for the job. With a century of experience and a talented and friendly team on staff, you’ll be happy with the service you receive time after time.
Mold is a Common Smell
There are many different possible smells that could be coming from your air conditioner, but a moldy odor is probably the most common. As you might imagine, if you are smelling mold, it means you have some type of water problem within the system. It could be that there is standing water in the drain pan, which has allowed mold to grow, or you might have moisture in the ducts or vents that has led to mold. Either way, this is a problem that needs immediate attention, as not only will the smell be unpleasant, but the mold spores that are being spread around the home can be detrimental to your health.
Smelling a Burning Odor
One of the more concerning smells that you can find coming from your air conditioner is an odor that reminds you of burning. When that happens, there are a couple of possibilities to explore. For one thing, it could be that you simply haven’t used the air conditioner in months, such as the first time it comes on after winter. In this case, the smell might be nothing to worry about, and it should go away pretty quickly after running for a while. On the other hand, if the system hasn’t been sitting idle, and if the smell doesn’t go away, something in the A/C system may be overheating and you’ll want to get professional help right away to make sure the problem is addressed.
A Smell of Rotten Eggs
You might be surprised to find that it’s possible for your HVAC system to smell like rotten eggs when it comes on and starts to push air around the room. Not only is this a nasty smell to deal with, but it’s also a sign of a potentially serious issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. That smell is intentionally added to the gas supply that serves your house so it can be a warning that there is a gas leak. If you smell rotten eggs, turn the system off and contact a professional team to get help immediately.
In many cases, a repair job is all that will be needed to solve this smelly problem and get your air conditioning back in proper working order. Of course, if A/C installation turns out to be needed, Berico is more than capable of handling that job as well. Take a moment today to reach out for more information.
How Does Air Quality Affect Your Health?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerIf you would like to add an air purifier to your home, or if you have any other heating and air needs in or around Greensboro, Berico is the right partner for the job. Call today to learn more.
What is Air Quality?
Before it’s possible to discuss the impacts of air quality on health, it’s important to first identify what is meant by the term “air quality”. As the name suggests, this is simply a measure of how clean the air is, and how safe it is to breathe. Even when air seems clear, there can be a variety of pollutants and contaminants and contagions present in different quantities. Particulate matter can be suspended in the air and make its way into the lungs, sometimes as the result of things like wildfires, combustion from engines, and so many other things that we often are completely unaware of that it can be difficult to determine where the pollutants originated.
Poor Air Quality and Health
When a person spends an extended time in a place with poor air quality – whether indoors or out – a number of negative health impacts can result. Those can include respiratory diseases, allergies, and even degraded mental health. In some extreme cases, poor air quality could trigger a major health event like a heart attack or stroke. Given the potentially serious nature of many of these health outcomes, it’s important for people to monitor air quality and do what they can to avoid exposure to low-quality air.
——————————————————————————————————————-
“Air Pollution and Stroke”, Abstract Published on the National Institute of Medicine: Link to Full Article
“There is now substantial evidence linking air pollution and cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke. Controlled exposure studies in man and experimental studies have provided insight into the pathobiological mechanisms leading to the induction of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, platelet activation, and propensity for coagulation. Air pollution should be recognized more widely as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals will have an important role in promoting the awareness of this evidence, not just to improve the care of individual patients, but also to place pressure on policy makers for air pollution to be a public health priority.”
Some Steps to Take
When the air quality outside is extremely poor, the only viable option is to stay inside as much as possible to limit exposure. But unfortunately for many people, the quality of air in their homes is worse: Indoor air pollution, identified by the EPA as one of the top five environmental hazards, poses significant risks to health. In fact, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Fortunately, Berico offers great solutions, iWave and Phenomenal Aire. These air purifying devices, seamlessly integrated into duct HVAC systems, generate ions that combat pathogens, allergens, and odors, fostering a healthier indoor environment without harmful byproducts.
With these innovative products, not only are air ducts purified, but surfaces like tables, furniture, and countertops also benefit, promoting a safer environment for your family. Activation is simple—just power on your fan, furnace, or air conditioning system to experience cleaner, safer air throughout your home.
With the right HVAC Contractor, one of these whole house air purifiers can be easily added to an HVAC system to make it safer for everyone inside to breathe. Not only will this be a big step in the right direction from a health standpoint, but it can also make an indoor space a more comfortable, enjoyable place to be.
By working with Berico for all of your Greensboro AC and other HVAC needs, you’ll have a trusted and reliable partner on your side. Don’t risk the results of your next project with an unproven contractor when Berico is ready and willing to get started right away. Get in touch as soon as possible to schedule your appointment.
How Do I Install a New Propane Tank?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerTo work with a propane supplier that has been pleasing customers in and around Greensboro, High Point, and the surrounding areas for many years, call Berico at your convenience. Not only does Berico deliver propane in Greensboro, but you can also trust their team to perform tank installations and many other projects. Don’t wait any longer to get reliable propane delivery to your home or business; call Berico today!
It’s a Professional Job
The first thing to know about installing a new propane tank on your property is that this is a job for professionals. There are many great DIY projects that homeowners can tackle in and around their homes, but installing a propane tank is not one of them. It’s true that propane has an excellent safety history, but it is still necessary to have this kind of work done by trained experts who know how to complete the job according to all relevant rules and regulations.
A Few Important Steps
When you bring in a team like the experts at Berico to do this project on your property, there are a few different steps that will need to be completed. Before the work can begin at all, it will need to be determined what size propane tank is going to be suitable for the needs of the home or business. With that sorted out, the site where the tank will be installed can be selected and prepared. This is a collaborative effort with the desires of the homeowner considered and weighed against the practical requirements of the tank’s placement. Some tanks will be installed above ground, while others will be installed underneath the surface.
With all of the important decisions made, the installation team can do the work of placing the tank in the selected spot, running all of the necessary lines, adding a monitor to the tank, and hooking it all up. From there, it will be thoroughly tested to make sure everything is functioning as it should and no issues need to be addressed. Once complete, a quality propane tank that has been installed correctly is something that can serve your home or business well for many years to come.
Stop searching the web for “propane near me” while trying to find a trustworthy supplier and simply call Berico instead. With the Berico team, your new propane tank will be installed properly and safely, and all future propane deliveries will be sure to arrive in a timely manner. The best partner for propane in the Greensboro area is just a phone call away!
How Do I Know If My AC Unit is Low on Refrigerant?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerTo work with the leader in Greensboro HVAC, simply place a call to Berico today. Whether it’s for repair or AC installation work, you can trust that the Berico team is more than up to the challenge.
Not the Right Temperature
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your AC unit is lacking refrigerant is that the air coming out of your ducts is not as cold as it should be. This is the easiest one to notice, of course, as you’ll be waiting for relief from the heat, but that relief just won’t come – or it will take a very long time to arrive. The refrigerant in the system is supposed to pull heat out of the indoor air and dump it outside. Without enough refrigerant, that doesn’t happen, and the inside of your home or office will remain warmer than you would like.
Frequent Short Cycles
You can also pay attention to how often your air conditioner is coming on and off throughout the day. If it is regularly turning on only to turn off again shortly thereafter, you are dealing with a short-cycling problem that could stem from low refrigerant levels. This is something you’ll need to take care of right away, as it can wear down your system and send your energy bills through the roof. A properly functioning air conditioner will run for a rather long time before it shuts off, and then it will stay off for a while. If the cycles seem to be getting shorter and more frequent, it’s time to call in the pros for help.
An Accumulation of Ice
One of the surprising things about owning an air conditioning system is seeing ice build up on the outdoor unit in the middle of a hot summer day. This is an obvious indication that something is wrong, so don’t ignore this warning sign. When ice builds up on the coil, there is likely a refrigerant level problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Turn off the system when you see signs of this problem and make an appointment for the system to be serviced right away. Continuing to run the system while it is freezing up could do more damage or could even be dangerous.
The best AC repair Greensboro NC has to offer is available from Berico. It might be that your air conditioning unit needs additional refrigerant, or it might be something else entirely, but the first step is always the same – call Berico to get started and learn more.
Get Your HVAC Unit Checked in Time for Spring and Warm Weather
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerAs a team of leading AC contractors in High Point, Berico is the easy selection when you need any kind of repair or maintenance performed on your system. Simply call today to schedule an appointment and the Berico team will take it from there.
The Value of an Annual Inspection
When your HVAC system is running, it’s easy enough to think that you don’t need to do anything with it. That approach might get you by for a while, but eventually, you’ll run into trouble. It’s a good idea to simply plan on having an annual inspection completed where your whole system can be checked out and basic maintenance points can be handled. These affordable appointments don’t take very long and will set you up for a summer of nice cool air blowing throughout your home.
Check on the Air Filter
Something you can do on your own to improve the performance of your HVAC system is to make sure the air filter is changed out regularly. This is a simple job that only takes a matter of moments to complete, as long as you have the right filter on hand and ready to install. When your system is working hard – as it does in the summer months to keep the house cool – you’ll want to think about replacing the filter monthly. During the times of year when the system isn’t running as often, switching it out every three months should be just fine. A fresh filter will allow the system to breathe freely and will optimize the cooling performance that you experience. A great way to keep up with filter changes is to take advantage of the Berico filter service through FilterFetch. With FilterFetch, homeowners can benefit from swift and complementary filter delivery, eliminating concerns about filter shortages or compatibility issues. Additionally, customers receive automated filter change reminder emails, ensuring timely replacements for enhanced indoor air quality and HVAC system performance. These reminders are sent periodically, aligning with your filter change frequency to maintain optimal HVAC system operation. Click on this link to sign up for Berico’s filter delivery service
Consider a New Thermostat
While you are thinking about your HVAC system, consider upgrading an old thermostat to a newer model. Modern thermostats have plenty of advanced features that weren’t available on older versions, such as the ability to connect with your smartphone and make changes on the go. A new thermostat can also help to make your whole system more efficient by making it easy to dial in precisely the right schedule for your needs.
Whether it is time for AC repairs or you happen to need AC installation in High Point, the first step is the same – just call Berico to get started. You are sure to get great value and honest service when you team up with Berico on this important job. Call Berico today.
HVAC Terminology
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerWhen the time comes for AC repair or furnace repair in the Triad area, simply get in touch with the team at Berico for the assistance you need.
Air Handler
A central air system or heat pump always needs a way to distribute the air that it warms or cools around the house, and that is the job of the air handler. If your system seems to be struggling to move air through the ducts, a problem with the air handler may be to blame.
Indoor Coil
This is the part of an AC system or heat pump that lives inside the building and is where the air moving through the ducts is actually heated or cooled. The coil will be warmer or cooler than the air being moved, depending on which system is running, and some of that energy will be transferred to the air.
Outdoor Coil
As the name suggests, this part lives outside and is the most noticeable component of your air conditioning system or heat pump. When running in AC mode, the outdoor coil dumps heat energy from inside to outside. Alternatively, when in heating mode, the outdoor coil can gather up heat energy from the outdoors for use inside.
Energy Efficiency Ratio
This ratio is an easy way to demonstrate how efficiently a system is able to turn energy into cooling power. The math is done by dividing the BTUs per hour offered by the unit by the overall input in watts. That equation leaves the system with a rating that is BTUs per hour per watt.
British Thermal Unit
Almost always referred to simply as a BTU, this is a unit of measure that is defined by the amount of heat needed to elevate a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. When looking at HVAC equipment, capacity is often measured in BTUs, with a higher number indicating a more powerful unit or system.
I.A.Q. or iWave System
I.A.Q., or indoor air quality, is extremely important. The iWave System is an excellent way to cut down on indoor pollution and is one of the I.A.Q solutions offered by Berico. That pollution can come from pet dander, dust, and many other factors. The installation of iWave is quick and easy, and once installed, it can cut down on allergens while making the air smell better at the same time.
Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a modern piece of equipment that is able to intelligently manage the operation of an HVAC system. Using a smart thermostat may allow you to control the system from your phone, establish detailed schedules to make sure you are using your HVAC efficiently, and much more.
While the glossary above should help, you still don’t need to be an expert in HVAC repair to have your system running at optimum efficiency. For that, all you need to do is call Berico and the talented and experienced team will jump into action. Call now to learn more or to get started.
Is My HVAC Thermostat Bad?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerIf you would like to work with the leading AC repair company in North Carolina, simply reach out to Berico today to get more information or to schedule an appointment. Berico can complete any type of HVAC service in a timely manner and for an excellent price. You are sure to be impressed with the quality of workmanship and people.
Start with the Basics
You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to notice when something is wrong with your thermostat. In fact, if you just pay a bit of attention to how it is operating, you should be able to spot signs of trouble so you can reach out for help.
As an obvious starting point, if your system simply won’t turn on, it might be that the thermostat is to blame. You should hear the system kick on with the clicking noise when it needs to either heat or cool the room. You’ll know it should be running because the temperature reading for the room is higher or lower than the temperature you have set on the thermostat. If the system just won’t come on even though it looks like it should, your thermostat is one of the first things to check.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can also be a sign of a faulty thermostat if your HVAC system won’t turn off when it should. The system should not just run and run without stopping – it should get to the desired temperature and then turn off for a period of time. The calibration may be off when it won’t shut down at the right time, so this is another reason to reach out to Berico for help.
Watch for Short-Cycling
A short cycle in an HVAC system is when the system comes on for just a little bit but then turns back off again. It should run for a little while, even when only a modest temperature adjustment is needed, before turning off again. If you hear it coming on and off excessively, have a professional look at the system to see if the thermostat or another component is causing the problem.
Your Settings Are Lost
One of the nice things about a modern thermostat is that it can remember the settings you want to use for your system and use them over and over again. If you have taken the time to program your thermostat, and then those settings just disappear, something may be going wrong with the unit. It might be possible to reset it and restore proper function, or the thermostat may need to be replaced.
Upgrading your Thermostat
Even if you are not having any problems, updating thermostat can pay for itself. The industry has come a long way since dial thermostats. Today you can control your thermostats from your phone, set schedules, and program specific settings all which help you reduce the cost of operating your heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, some thermostats are able to help diagnose or prevent problems by notifying your HVAC company. Similar to your “check engine light” in your vehicle, your thermostat will let you (and your HVAC contractor) know if an issue occurs.
Whether it’s furnace repair, new equipment installation, or any of a number of other important tasks related to your HVAC system, you can trust the team at Berico to be up to the challenge. Call Berico right away to get the help you need.
Who Makes the Best Commercial Air Conditioner?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerAs you think about adding a new commercial air conditioner to your building, or as you work on constructing a new building and need A/C, you might be wondering who makes the best system on the market today. The article below will tackle that question to help you make an informed choice.
Sticking with Known Brands
As a good starting point when looking for a commercial air conditioner that you can trust, shop among some of the known brands on the market. You don’t necessarily have to buy from the one or two top names, but you also don’t want to invest your money into a system that hasn’t yet proven its worth. Remember, this air conditioning equipment will need to perform well for years if you are going to get good value out of the purchase, so stick with brand names that your commercial HVAC contractor has worked with for years and knows to be trustworthy. Saving a small percentage on the purchase by going with an unfamiliar brand is not going to pay off in the long run.
Getting the Sizing Right
Just as important as getting the “best” commercial air conditioner is finding a system that is the appropriate size for your building and the spaces that need to be cooled. Even the best brand in the world is going to offer disappointing performance if it isn’t the right size unit for how much space you need to cool during the middle of a hot North Carolina summer. Not only will an undersized unit struggle to keep the building comfortable, but it will also be likely to wear out prematurely because it will have to work so hard to keep up.
Work with Trusted HVAC Pros
The most important single piece of this puzzle is to work with a known HVAC contractor like Berico with an excellent reputation in the local area. Berico will provide you with quality commercial air conditioning equipment, and that equipment will be selected after a careful review of your specific needs. This is the best way to come away with a system that is ideal for your building and what it will require out of the air conditioner moving forward. Instead of guessing as to the brand and size that will give you the desired results, you can simply work with Berico and you’ll know that you have gotten it right the first time.
To get started right away, just contact Berico and explain your situation. The Berico team is always happy to answer questions and will provide you with an estimate for your job right away.
Are HVAC Repairs Capitalized?
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerNo matter how your taxes play out, one thing is for sure – you should always work with a trusted HVAC contractor when anything needs to be done on your property. Berico has an expert team with the experience needed to handle any heating and cooling projects, so get in touch today to learn more.
The Answer – It Depends
You probably aren’t surprised to learn that the answer to a tax-related question is that “it depends”. That always seems to be the case with tax issues, and it is the case here. Ultimately, it will depend on what exactly is being done to your HVAC system. Some types of work conducted on the system will usually be accounted for as expenses, while other costs will be capitalized.
As a starting point, you can think of ongoing maintenance to keep the current system running properly as an operating expense. Most likely, these expenses will just be deducted from the income statement in the period that they occurred. For example, if you bring in Berico to complete a routine inspection of the system, or to replace the filters and address any minor issues that have developed through routine operation, those are all likely to be operational expenses.
Shifting to Capital Expenditures
It’s typically when the costs become greater and the work becomes more notable that you will start to think about your HVAC costs moving over into capitalization instead. This is when you have done something to significantly upgrade the HVAC system or made an improvement that is going to allow you to continue to use the system for a much longer time to come. Adding some equipment to the existing system in a way that enhances its performance or gives you a reason to think you can keep using this system for a lot longer, might allow you to use capitalization in accounting.
Always Get the Right Help
These decisions should not be made without the help of a qualified accountant. You want to make sure your financial professionals are involved in such important choices so you can get it right the first time and not run into any trouble later. For a relatively large business, establishing policies for what is expensed and what is capitalized will help to streamline the process and add consistency.
You shouldn’t let tax concerns slow you down when needing A/C repairs in the middle of a hot Greensboro summer. Simply get in touch with Berico today to have the work completed promptly.
Understanding HVAC Efficiency Ratings: What You Need to Know
/in Uncategorized/by William HammerFor an HVAC company you can trust to deliver outstanding results over and over again, Berico is the only name you need to know. Simply pick up the phone, call Berico to schedule an appointment, and you will be well on your way.
Starting with Cooling
If you are looking at the efficiency of your cooling system, the metric that is relevant to the discussion is SEER. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a number that demonstrates the energy efficiency of a piece of equipment that was designed to cool an indoor space. It can be applied to either an air conditioner or a heat pump.
This scale is designed to be simple for everyone to understand, so what you need to know is this – the higher the number, the more efficient the system. Current standards dictate that all new cooling equipment be rated with a SEER of at least 14 in the warmer states in the U.S. So if you buy a new system, it will be rated at least at a 14, but you could shop for a unit with a higher rating for even better efficiency. Plus 14 SEER may be today’s minimum, but manufacturers now produce HVAC equipment up to 21+ SEER. Call a Berico representative today who can help you better understand your system’s SEER rating and the potential return on investment for a higher efficiency system.
Remember that if you are using a rather old air conditioner currently, it could be operating with an effective SEER number of well under 10. So, by installing any type of new equipment, even if it only meets the standard of 14, you’ll be dramatically improving the efficiency of the setup.
A Couple of Heating Measures
Things are a little more complicated when it comes to the measurement of heating equipment, but it’s still simple enough to understand. If measuring a furnace that uses oil or gas to heat an indoor space, its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, should be checked. Again here you want a higher number, as the percentage reflected in this measurement shows how much of the fuel is actually converted to heat. Modern equipment can actually perform at a level of 95% or above, which is incredible efficiency, while older units might barely surpass the 50% mark.
There is a separate measure to track the performance of the heating side of a heat pump system. That number is HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, and the minimum rating is 8.2, although you can find products up to 10 on this scale if you want to be as efficient as possible.
Is it time for HVAC repair at your home or business? Do you need HVAC maintenance completed so you can avoid costly repairs later? Whatever the case may be, you are only one phone call away from getting the help you need for a fair price. Reach out to Berico and get started today.