With all the sources of energy for heating your home, it can be difficult to decide what’s the best one for you. Between natural gas, electricity, propane, and heating oil, you have some choices. There may be some limitations in availability. For example, natural gas is not always available in rural areas, but propane and heating oil can be delivered anywhere. If you prefer older homes, you may find that more of them have oil furnaces and tanks already in place. 

The good news is that any home can be equipped with a furnace and tank for heating oil in Burlington. Thinking of switching? House Hunting? Building a new home? Consider these 5 benefits of heating your home with oil. 

1. Efficiency

The number one goal for an energy source is efficiency. You want a heating fuel that will make the most heat while consuming the least amount of fuel. This is the very definition of efficiency, and heating oil achieves it. When comparing heating oil to other sources of energy for creating heat, a small amount of oil makes a significant amount of heat. It is more efficient than electricity, and it also outperforms natural gas and propane when you compare their heat output per gallon.

2. Safety

Heating oil is not explosive. It only burns via a complex system that oil furnaces use to convert the oil into heat. It is non-toxic and won’t pollute the soil or groundwater if it leaks or spills. It burns clean and does not pollute the air with any greenhouse gases.

3. Comfort

A major advantage of oil is that it burns hot, hotter than other fuels. This creates a cozy, radiating warmth that lasts longer, helping your home to feel comfortable and maintain its temperature each time the furnace runs. Not all energy sources create the same feeling of comfort in your home.

4. Monetary Savings

Because of its extreme efficiency, you can save money by heating your home with oil. The price of oil does fluctuate, but depending on your supplier, you may be able to purchase oil when the price is low and lock in that rate when you buy a certain amount. You should require fewer tank refills with heating oil because each tank will go a long way toward heating your home.

5. Availability

The availability of heating oil is another benefit. Some energy sources, such as natural gas, are not available everywhere. Rural areas and homes that are not in housing developments are often not set up with natural gas sources. Heating oil can be delivered anywhere. It can be stored on your property in an above-ground or underground tank.

Find Top Suppliers of Heating Oil in Burlington

If you’re interested in oil heat and looking for a reliable supplier, Alamance Oil delivers to Burlington and the surrounding area. When you’re an Alamance Oil customer you can enjoy competitive pricing, price lock plans, and combined furnace maintenance. An all-in-one home comfort company, Alamance Oil can also maintain your air conditioning system and provide other home comfort services. 

Call (336) 226-9371 today to talk to an expert at Alamance Oil about becoming a new customer of heating oil in Burlington. You can also schedule a fuel delivery here. 

There are some heating systems out there than can be a safety risk when you have small children, especially in older homes. But there are some strategies you can try that have been created by other parents and homeowners just like you to protect both your children and your heating systems. Your propane supplier in Eden has gathered this list of ways to childproof your heating systems over many years of experience in the HVAC industry. 

Secure your floor vents/registers

Vents and registers in the floor are a bit of a challenge for parents with young children. Registers can be hot, toys and things can be dropped down into either one, and the vent covers can be lifted. Consider putting a layer of chicken wire underneath the vent covers to keep small objects out and then secure them with screws if possible. Sticky strips can sometimes work to secure vent covers. If the registers get too hot, use a barrier or screen to keep children from getting burned. 

Put a barrier around radiators

Radiators get hot to the touch and little ones are curious and explorative. Place screens or barriers around your radiators. You can purchase them, order them online, or if you rent you can ask your landlord to provide them (they are obligated to in some cases). 

Use plug covers for outlets

Outlets that are not being used can be protected using just basic plug covers. When a heater needs to be plugged in, there are plug covers that allow two cords to be plugged into an outlet with a cover over them. The cords can get out but the child cannot access the plug to pull it out. 

Purchase covers for baseboard heaters

Like radiators, baseboard heaters are also hot to the touch. Covers can be purchased or ordered that fit over the baseboards to let heat out but prevent burns. 

Use a fireplace screen

If you have a fireplace with either gas or wood logs, a secure fireplace screen can prevent children from getting too close to the fire. A baby gate or partition can also keep small children at a safe distance. 

Prevent access to furnace

If your furnace is in a closet, keep the door closed and secure. If your furnace is in the basement or any area of the home that a child can access, be sure never to leave a child unattended in that area or use some sort of barrier as the furnace itself can be hot to the touch. 

Carolina Fuels Wants you and your Family to be Safe this Winter

Your propane supplier in Eden, Carolina Fuels, wants the best for you and your family. 

If you have young children, please be aware of the potential danger your heating system may pose to them. Follow the above steps for to childproof your heating systems so that you can enjoy a cozy and safe winter. 

Call (336) 623-9741 today to speak with your propane supplier in Eden about safety precautions and child-proofing products.

As the weather gets colder you may find that you need a propane tank refill. When you need propane in Greensboro, you can call your supplier to schedule a delivery. But before they arrive, there are some preparations you, the homeowner, need to make for the delivery go fast and smooth. Follow this guide to prepare for your propane delivery. 

Clearly Mark Underground Tanks

Do you have a buried propane tank? If so, you should always have it marked for your own sake as well as that of the propane supplier. It can also be helpful for any other service you may need that would need to know where the tank is located before digging. Keep buried tanks visibly marked at all times and check to make sure the markings are still clear before your propane supplier arrives. 

Clear a Path to Your Propane Tank

Before your supplier arrives, make sure they have a clear path to the tank for easy access. That means moving any large items or other vehicles out of the way and making sure there is no yard waste or debris in the path. On the rare occasion that there is snow on the ground when you are expecting a delivery, clear a path in the snow to where the tank is located. Clearing snow off of your driveway would also be helpful. 

Remove Snow or Ice from your Tank 

On the rare occasion that it snows in the piedmont region of North Carolina, it’s a good idea to clear the snow off of your tank. The moisture can cause your tank to rust or make existing rust worse. Rust on the outside of your tank can eventually rust through to the inside of your tank, which can be a serious problem. Also, as the snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, ice can form on the tank and gas lines, which is not good for either. 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

When your tank needs a refill it is also a good time for a furnace tune-up. If you schedule furnace maintenance whenever you get a propane delivery, you can make sure your furnace is in good working order as well. If your propane supplier also handles HVAC maintenance, you may be able to get both done during the same visit, saving you time and money. 

Berico is a Top Supplier of Propane in Greensboro

Looking for a propane supplier? Whether you need a refill or you’re interested in switching to propane for your home heat and other appliances, Berico supplies propane to Greensboro and the surrounding area. Berico is also a complete home comfort service, providing HVAC maintenance and repair as well as propane. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and you can bundle both services into one convenient, affordable package. 

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule propane delivery and furnace maintenance or request service. 

Are you looking for ways to save money on propane and heating oil in Madison, NC? One of the best ways to save money is to avoid extra fuel charges that can sometimes get tacked on for various reasons. Here are 5 tips on how to avoid extra fuel charges. 

1. Order before you run out

It is never a good idea to let your tank get completely empty because it can actually cause damage to the fuel lines and other parts of your heating equipment. If your tank is completely empty when your supplier comes for delivery, you may be subject to extra fees that come with necessary inspection and possible repair any parts that may have been affected. 

2. Set up automatic deliveries

The best way to avoid running out of heating fuel is to sign up for an automatic delivery plan with your supplier. Companies that provide propane and heating oil in Madison, NC can calculate your potential heating fuel consumption based on the size of your home, the weather, and the number of appliances in your household that will use the fuel. Your supplier will ensure you never run out by refilling your tank on a regular schedule. Automatic delivery plans not only help you avoid fees, they may come with fuel discounts. 

3. Buy fuel in the offseason

If you’re not on an automatic delivery plan, the best time to buy fuel is in the offseason. Having your tank refilled in the spring, summer, or early fall could save you money because heating fuels are not in as high demand as they are during late fall and winter. High demand leads to higher prices. 

4. Conserve fuel

Another way to avoid extra fees and high fuel prices is to conserve fuel in the first place. There are many ways to use less heating fuel in your home, such as:

• Make sure you have sufficient insulation in your home and that there are no leaks or gaps that need to be sealed up to prevent cold air from entering the home. 
• Schedule furnace maintenance to keep your furnace operating a peak efficiency, using the minimum amount of heating fuel to keep your home at the desired temperature. 
• Set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away from home or at night when everyone is sleeping. Install a programmable thermostat to make it easier to keep temperatures under control. 
• By using less fuel in general you can keep your heating fuel costs low.

5. Lock in your propane price

Take advantage of price lock programs if they are available. You can save money and avoid rate spikes by purchasing your fuel before you need it when prices are low. The only disadvantage is that if fuel prices dip below your locked-in rate, you will still pay the rate you agreed to when you made your purchase. 

Avoid Extra Fuel Charges with Carolina Fuels

Fuel prices and fees are predominantly controlled by your supplier. The key to avoiding extra fuel charges is choosing a supplier of propane or heating oil in Madison, NC that values customer satisfaction above all else. Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to find out how you can save money on heating fuel this winter and in the future.