Steps to Take if you Suspect a Propane Gas Leak

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Gas flameA propane gas leak is a very serious matter, and should not be taken lightly. While propane is a safe fuel that only burns at very high temperatures, a leak could lead to a high concentration of gas in a certain area and a spark could cause it to ignite. If you smell gas or suspect a leak for any reason, your Reidsville propane supplier, Carolina Fuels, recommends taking the following steps.

Step 1: Put Out Any Source of Flame or Spark. If you’re grilling, turn off your grill. If you’re home, turn off your furnace. Put out candles and any other source of flame. Do not use electricity.

Step 2: Turn off the Gas Valve on your Propane Tank. If you can, turn your propane off at the tank valve. Simply turn it clockwise until it won’t turn any further. If you can’t figure out how to turn it off or if you are having trouble turning the valve, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Get Away. If you smell propane inside your home, get yourself and your family out immediately. If you smell propane outside, leave the vicinity. Do not go back inside your home. Get to a safe distance before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Call your Reidsville Propane Supplier. Once you are a safe distance away, use your cell phone or another phone to call your propane supplier and alert them that there may be a leak. If you can’t get your propane company on the phone, call 911. Your local fire department will respond to a potential gas leak if necessary.

Step 5: Stay Away until the Area is Deemed Safe. Do not return to your home until it is determined to be safe according to your propane supplier or another emergency responder. Only take the word of a professional in this case.

Prevent Propane Gas Leaks with Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Propane gas leaks are not common, but unfortunately they can happen. However, you can help prevent them by scheduling routine inspection and maintenance for your tank and gas line. Your Reidsville propane supplier will typically do an inspection when refilling your tank. But if it’s been a while since your last refill, it would be wise to have an inspection. Large tanks won’t necessarily need to be refilled every year; it depends on the amount of propane your household uses. For ultimate safety, an inspection should be done yearly whether or not you get a refill.

Carolina Fuels Performs Propane Tank and Gas Line Inspections

Safe propane use is a top priority for Carolina Fuels. Whether you’re new to propane use or you’re a seasoned pro, always exercise proper safety precautions when it comes to your propane tank, gas line, and appliances. If you’re ever unsure about any aspect of your propane, contact your Reidsville propane supplier, Carolina Fuels: (336) 623-9741. Consider signing up for a Comfort and Protect Service Plan for regular HVAC maintenance and propane delivery. Your inspections and tank refills will be automatic, meaning you don’t have to try and remember to call. Let Carolina Fuels handle all of your propane and home comfort needs.

3 Ways the Weather can Affect your Air Conditioner

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lightning strikeIt should come as no surprise that the temperature outside affects your air conditioner’s performance. The weather outside is the reason you have an air conditioning system in the first place. While the weather can affect your AC in a variety of ways, the best way to keep your system operating properly is to schedule professional AC repair in Greensboro each year.

 

  • Performance. The outside temperature can affect your AC’s performance. When the temperature outside is in the middle range, your AC operates one way, using the heat exchanger to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside. When the temperature outside is hotter, your AC operates another way, where the compressor does more of the work to create cool air. The hotter it is, the harder your AC will have to work. An older system that is in need of maintenance will have a more difficult time operating in hotter temperatures. An extreme heat wave could send an air conditioner that is on its last legs right over the edge into system failure.
  • Efficiency. The hotter the outside temperatures, the harder your AC will have to work to achieve your desired indoor temperature. It then requires more energy to perform and its efficiency lowers. Air conditioners are assigned a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) that indicates the level of efficiency you can expect. The higher the SEER, the better its efficiency in hot temperatures. An air conditioner with a SEER of 14 or higher is considered efficient. A SEER of 18 or higher is a high-efficiency system.
  • Can cause damage. Extreme weather can actually cause damage to the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. Hail can cause denting or other damage to metal of the outdoor unit. High winds and especially tornadoes can do significant damage to your AC from falling branches to upheaval. If lightning strikes your outdoor unit it can do damage to the electrical systems inside. Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent acts of nature that can damage your system. But you can take a few precautions: turn off your AC during a thunderstorm and cover your outdoor unit with a tarp or a cover designed specifically for air conditioners if the forecast calls for high winds.

 

Help your HVAC System Battle the Weather with Preventative AC Repair in Greensboro

Is the weather outside keeping your AC from operating at peak efficiency? While it’s true that extreme heat can make your AC less efficient, you can optimize your system’s energy efficiency by keeping it tuned up. Yearly AC repair in Greensboro before the warm season begins can significantly increase the performance of your system and its overall energy usage. Battle the weather with a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico, which includes twice yearly maintenance for your AC and furnace, heating fuel discounts, 20% off diagnostic and repairs, priority service, and more. Eliminate the worry that your AC is not up to the task of keeping your home cool despite extreme weather. Trust your AC to Berico: (336) 273-8663.

Preparing your AC to Handle Allergens

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wild weeds and pollenYou probably know that springtime is one of the worst times of the year for allergies. With all of the extra pollen in the air from trees, plants, and flowers it can be an allergy sufferer’s nightmare. But what you may not know is that the top culprit for spreading allergens around your home is your HVAC system. Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and more can get through your AC filters and into your ducts. Those allergens are then blown out through your vents to contaminate your indoor air. However, there are ways to prevent the spread of allergens through your HVAC system. These suggestions will also improve your HVAC efficiency and delay the need for AC replacement in Eden.

Have your HVAC System Professionally Cleaned

The first step in preparing your AC to handle allergens is to schedule a professional cleaning of your system. Dust, pollen, and other allergens will build up in your system over time, lowering the efficiency of your HVAC system and spreading allergens throughout your home. A thorough cleaning will remove these allergens, improving both the energy efficiency of your AC and your indoor air quality.

Use High-Quality HVAC Filters

Basic air filters will remove a lot of particles from the air. But high-quality air filters can remove more allergens and finer particles from the air in your home as it moves through your HVAC system. After a thorough cleaning of your system, you can keep it clean with high-quality filters.

Get your Ducts Professionally Cleaned

If you’ve been using basic air filters in your HVAC system, there’s a good chance your ductwork is full of allergens. You can have your system cleaned, but if you don’t also clean your ducts you could end up right back where you started in no time at all.

Have an Air Purification System Installed

There are many different air purifiers out on the market, but the most effective types are those that work directly with your HVAC system. An air purification system can be installed in your existing ductwork that will not only filter out the smallest of particles, but even create new clean air to be released into your home.  

Consider AC Replacement in Eden if you have an Older, Less Efficient System

If your HVAC system is old, especially your air conditioner, it is not operating efficiently. A system that is 10 years old or older is significantly less efficient than those manufactured today. An older system is more likely to spread allergens because it has accumulated more dust and particles over time. And older, less efficient systems are not as effective at filtering particles out of the air. Consider AC replacement in Eden to achieve higher quality indoor air with fewer allergens.

Carolina Fuels can Help Improve your Indoor Air Quality with AC Replacement in Eden

If you or someone in your household is suffering from allergies, you may see significant improvement when you invest in a new HVAC system. Combine AC replacement in Eden with clean ducts, high-quality air filters, and an air purification system for the best possible results. Are you ready to improve your allergy symptoms? Call Carolina Fuels today: (336) 623-9741.

The Top 5 Benefits of Duct Cleaning

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open living room in big houseIs it necessary to have your air ducts cleaned? It may not be necessary, but it is certainly beneficial. If you have a central HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, your home has a series of ducts that lead from your air conditioner to the vents throughout your home. Over time dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris will accumulate in your ducts, contaminating your indoor air and causing your HVAC system to run less efficiently or possibly even malfunction. If your HVAC service in Burlington offers duct cleaning, you would be wise to take advantage of that service. Consider the top 5 benefits of duct cleaning.

  • Improve allergies. If you or anyone else in your household suffers from allergies, duct cleaning will be a major benefit. Allergy sufferers see immediate improvement once allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and more are removed from the ducts in their home.
  • Improve indoor air quality. Besides allergens, other contaminants can build up in your ducts and lower your indoor air quality. Pests may have built nests in your ducts that you are unaware of, contaminating your air with droppings. Soot from your furnace can also build up in your ductwork and be circulated through your home. A thorough duct cleaning will improve the quality of your indoor air.
  • Freshen your air. Improving the quality of your indoor air will also freshen your home. Eliminate the odors that are caused by some of the previously mentioned contaminants in your ducts. You’ll notice a difference immediately and you can discontinue use of potent air fresheners.
  • Save energy. Perhaps the biggest benefit of duct cleaning is the energy savings. By having your ducts professionally cleaned and your system cleaned as well, you improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Your monthly energy bills will be noticeably lower.
  • Dust less often. Who likes to dust their home? Not many people. Once your ducts have been cleaned you’ll notice much less dust settling on furniture and floors. You’ll find you can go a lot longer between dusting.

Finding an HVAC Service in Burlington that Offers Duct Cleaning

Looking for duct cleaning services? Not every HVAC service in Burlington offers duct cleaning, but Alamance Oil does. Most homeowners know the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning for HVAC systems, but not everyone knows how important duct cleaning is. The HVAC experts at Alamance Oil know that cleaning your air conditioning unit is only part of the routine cleaning that needs to be done. If your system is cleaned but your ducts are not, your HVAC system will be dirty again in a very short time. These services should go hand in hand for the best possible results. Cleaner, fresher air, fewer allergy symptoms, energy savings, and more can only come from a completely clean system, including the ductwork. When it’s time for yearly maintenance, call an HVAC service in Burlington that will thoroughly clean your entire HVAC system, such as Alamance Oil: (336) 226-9371.

4 Signs it’s Time for a New AC

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air conditioning unitHow do you know when you need a new air conditioner? The fact that you’re wondering is probably a strong indicator that it may be time. Before you start looking for HVAC companies who handle Burlington AC replacement, consider these 4 common signs that it’s time for a new AC. 

  1. Lack of Comfort. Does it seem as if your home doesn’t feel as cool lately as it used to feel? Are there some areas of your home that feel cooler than others? When your air conditioner is starting to get closer to needing to be replaced it tends to cool less sufficiently or less evenly.  
  2. Unusual Noises. Has your air conditioner been making more racket than usual? Have you noticed it making noises you don’t think it made before? You are right to be alarmed. Sometimes it happens so gradually you hardly notice. But unusual noises can mean your AC is starting to wear out and may need to be replaced soon.  
  3. High Energy Bills. Does it seem as if your electricity bill keeps getting higher and higher? It may not be in your head. If your air conditioner is starting to go it can become a real energy drain. And even if it’s running as well as it ever did, if it’s more than ten years old it uses much more energy than new systems do. Replacing an old AC can help get those bills back down.  
  4. Excess Humidity. Do you feel a dampness inside your home? Does it smell musty? Do you notice condensation on windows, mirrors, or metal surfaces? These are all signs of excess humidity in your home, which means your air conditioning is not working properly. Your AC should automatically control the humidity inside your home, removing moisture from the air as it comes in and cools down.  

If you notice any of these signs, the first step is to call your HVAC service for inspection and maintenance. It’s possible it may just need a tune up. Your technician will be able to give you an accurate recommendation for either repair or replacement after thoroughly inspecting your air conditioner and evaluating its current condition.  

Burlington AC Replacement Done Right by Alamance Oil 

Air conditioner replacement is a big undertaking and you want to make sure it’s done right. Alamance Oil has been providing Burlington AC replacement for decades. Experienced, certified installers will replace your old, worn, and outdated air conditioner with a new, efficient model. The noises will stop, your energy bills will go down, and your home will feel comfortable again. Proper installation ensures that you will get the most out of your air conditioner from energy efficient operation to many years of home comfort. Call Alamance Oil today to have your current system inspected and either repaired or replaced: (336) 226-9371. 

4 Common AC Service and Maintenance Questions Answered

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kitchen in homeYour AC is a large appliance that is responsible for as much as half of your home’s total electricity usage during the warm weather months. To keep it working properly you will occasionally have need of an HVAC service in Greensboro. One such service, Berico, wishes to answer some of the commonly asked AC questions for you.

    • Does my Air Conditioner Really Need Preventative Maintenance?

Do you ever wonder if your AC actually needs maintenance? If it’s still running, homeowners have a tendency to assume all is fine with their AC. But there’s a lot more going on inside your system than you may be aware of. Over time dust builds up and clogs your intake filters. If these are not replaced regularly, that dust then gets into your ducts and eventually into your air conditioner. Dust inside your AC can cause all sorts of problems from an evaporator coil malfunction to other mechanical errors. If your AC hasn’t broken down yet, it is likely working harder than necessary due to the lack of maintenance. Your energy bills will be higher and eventually, you’ll experience system malfunction. Preventative maintenance keeps your AC operating efficiently and prevents unexpected problems that could result in expensive repairs.

  • How Often Does my Air Conditioner Need a Tune-Up?

Any reputable HVAC Service in Greensboro will recommend a yearly tune-up for your AC. A tune up is just another term for maintenance and typically involves a thorough inspection and cleaning, followed by any necessary repairs such as replacing worn out parts or tightening bolts. Replacing filters is also included in most tune-ups. Having your local HVAC company perform a yearly tune-up in the late winter or early spring ensures your AC is ready for the upcoming home cooling season.  

  • How Often Should I Change my Filters?

It is recommended that you replace your filters every 3 months, and at the very least, every 6 months. You should replace them monthly if your home is newly constructed or if any recent renovations have taken place. The monthly principle applies for up to a year following any construction. The reason is that construction projects create additional dust and debris that would not normally be present in your home.

  • What are the Warning Signs that my AC is not Operating Properly?

Many homeowners ask this question too late after their AC breaks down a hot day. But the experience is often so inconvenient they want to know how to prevent it from happening again. Pay attention to these clues: unusual noises, excessive humidity, uneven cooling, constant cycling on and off, and low air flow. If you notice these or any other unusual signs from your AC, call your HVAC service in Greensboro right away. You may be able to avoid complete system failure by being proactive.

Don’t hesitate to call Berico with any other questions you have regarding your HVAC system: (336) 273-8663. Berico can tune up your system yearly to keep it operating efficiently. Schedule a maintenance appointment and consider becoming a Comfort and Protection Service Plan Customer to receive regular maintenance and other benefits.

5 Things to Consider Before Having a New AC Installed

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house with red roofIs it time for a new air conditioner? Whether your old system has died or you’re building a new home that needs its first system, there are some important things to take into consideration. Before you schedule Greensboro air conditioning installation, consider these five things.

 

  • Type of System. There are many different types of air conditioners from heat pumps to ductless systems. The type of system you choose should be determined based on factors such as climate (for example, heat pumps work best in mild temperatures), your home (two-story houses and larger houses can benefit from multi-zone systems), and your budget (HVAC systems range in prices).
  • Size of System. The size of your system should be based on the size of the area you need to cool, such as how many square feet your home has. An air conditioning system that is too big or too small can cause a variety of problems. The HVAC contractor you choose to handle your Greensboro air conditioning installation can help you determine what size you need.
  • Energy Rating. Every air conditioner is assigned a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. This gives you an idea of the level of energy efficiency you can expect to experience, so long as you keep your equipment properly maintained. Anything above a 14 SEER is considered to be an efficient air conditioner, and the higher the number the better the efficiency. Systems with higher SEER ratings tend to be more expensive, but your energy bill will be lower. Therefore, in the long run, a higher SEER rated air conditioner can actually save you money.
  • Ductwork. Whether you’re having AC installed in an existing home or a new structure, ductwork is important. If your home already has ductwork, a forced air system would be best to use the ducts available without additional construction. If your new home is currently being built, consider the type of HVAC system you want and whether or not ductwork will be a necessary part of your home’s construction. Consider what type of heating system you have or wish to use as well, because a forced air furnace, for example, will use also use ducts.
  • Installation Service. The HVAC service you choose to install your new air conditioning system can make all the difference in the performance of your system. Proper ductwork installation, if you choose a forced air system, is a huge part of the overall project. Quality installation by an experienced, certified HVAC installer is critical. Your careful choice of the type, size, and energy rating of your system can all be for naught if the installation is faulty.

 

Quality Air Conditioning Installation by Berico

You can count on Berico to take all of these things into consideration and then some. When it comes to planning your Greensboro air conditioning installation, you can trust your home and equipment to the experts at Berico. With decades of experience and numerous successful installation projects resulting in satisfied customers, you can be sure your home is good hands. Call Berico today to schedule your Greensboro air conditioning installation today: (336) 273-8663.

4 Tips for Protecting your AC Unit During Storms

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thunderstormThe warm weather season can bring out the worst in Mother Nature. From thunderstorms to hurricanes and even tornadoes, weather can sometimes be severe and the outdoor unit of your air conditioner could be at risk for damage. There are some measures you can take to protect your AC unit during storms so that you can avoid unnecessary AC repair in Burlington. Try these tips when extreme weather is headed your way. 

  1. Turn off your AC during a thunderstorm. This is a very basic step that can go a long way in protecting your system from an electrical surge due to lightning. Air conditioners run primarily on electricity, and outdoor units are susceptible to lighting strikes. By turning off your AC during a thunderstorm, it is less likely to be damaged by lightning. It may get a little warm inside your home, but thunderstorms usually pass quickly so your discomfort should be short-lived. 
  2. Get a cover for your outdoor AC unit. There are covers specifically designed for air conditioner units that will keep debris out. When storms bring high winds, all sorts of things can blow into your AC unit that can cause damage. The cover will save you from having to clean out your unit after each storm. An AC cover can be especially helpful if you have a vacation home that you don’t year-round. As part of your closing ritual for the season, put the cover on your AC unit after it’s been turned off. Never put the cover on when the air conditioner is running, and be sure to turn it off through your thermostat so that it won’t come on at all when the cover is on it. If your system has a master power switch for the unit, turn it off. Only use a proper AC cover. Never use plastic, such as a trash bag or plastic wrap, because it will seal in unwanted moisture.  
  3. Remove hazards from the area. One of the best things you can do is to be proactive before a storm. If you know severe weather is coming, secure things like outdoor furniture and put away any heavy items that could be blown against your AC unit and cause damage. Look for dead trees or dead limbs in your yard and remove them before the storm.  
  4. Take precautions for flooding. Flooding from heavy rains or hurricanes can damage your outdoor unit. Make sure you have adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling. In severe flooding, use sandbags or other methods to divert water away from your AC unit. If you live near the water, consider installing your outdoor unit on a raised platform.  

If your AC Unit Gets Damaged by Storms, Call Alamance Oil for AC Repair in Burlington 

In the unfortunate event that a storm causes damage to your air conditioner unit, Alamance Oil can repair or replace it. When it comes to AC repair in Burlington, Alamance Oil is a trusted name with decades of experience in the HVAC industry. Call today: (336) 226-9371.  

HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

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cat on tableDid you know that your furry, 4 legged friends can affect your HVAC system? If you have pets in your home there are some extra maintenance steps you should take regularly to keep your heating and cooling system from being affected by your furry family members. Avoid frequent AC repair in Reidsville from damage inflicted by pets.

 

  • Change your filters often. Pets tend to shed, and that excess hair ends up in your HVAC filters, which clogs them and disrupts air flow. Also, if you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies, changing your filters regularly, perhaps even monthly, can improve allergy symptoms by eliminating allergens before they get into your ducts.
  • Have your ducts cleaned. Duct cleaning can remove pet hair and dander that gets past the filters and into your ductwork. Duct cleaning can be done as often as you wish, but yearly is probably enough as long as you’re keeping up with changing your filters. If you’ve never had it done, you’re likely way past due for a thorough cleaning.
  • Clean up hair regularly. Do your best to clean pet hair off of floors and furniture as often as possible. The less hair lying around, the less that hair will find its way into your HVAC system. Consider investing in a vacuum that is specifically designed to clean up pet hair.
  • Keep pets well groomed. Take your pet to a groomer to remove excess hair and to keep the hair shorter. In between appointments at the groomer, brush your pets to remove excess hair. When pets have less loose hair on them, they shed less and there won’t be as much hair floating around your home.
  • Protect your outdoor unit. If pets can get to your AC unit while outside unsupervised, they can potentially cause damage. Dogs or cats may claw at the outdoor unit which could damage the unit and possibly injure them as well. Also, keep pets from urinating on the outdoor unit, which can cause corrosion of the fins and coils. Either keep your pets fenced in away from the unit, or put a fence around the unit to keep them out. Just be sure to allow plenty of space for air flow around it.
  • Schedule regular AC maintenance. Every air conditioner needs to be cleaned and tuned up each year, and that is especially true for AC units in homes with pets. A big part of AC maintenance is a thorough cleaning of the system, which will remove any pet hair that has found its way into the system.

 

Carolina Fuels Understands that Your Pets are Family

Whatever kind of pets you have, from dogs to cats to parakeets, you love them like family. And since they also live in your home, it’s important to keep the above tips in mind follow them regularly, not only for the good of your HVAC system, but for the health of your pets and the rest of your family. Schedule AC repair in Reidsville to get a thorough cleaning of your system for a fresh start, then these tips should help keep your system clean in between yearly maintenance. Call Carolina Fuels today: (336) 623-0741.

How to Test your Indoor Air Quality

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well ventilated living roomDo you ever wonder about the quality of the air inside your home? Surprisingly, the air inside your home likely contains more pollutants than the air outside. Perhaps you’ve never considered it before. Maybe you have but you don’t know how to go about testing the quality of your air. It’s certainly something worth looking into, for your own health and the health of your family and pets. Your central air system is key to indoor air quality, so one of the best places to start is with your Greensboro HVAC service. 

Start with an HVAC Inspection and Tune-Up to Improve Indoor Air Quality 

Before you even bother with testing the air quality in your home, first call your Greensboro HVAC company for an inspection and tune-up. A complete HVAC inspection and tune-up should include: 

  • Furnace or Heating System(s). If you have a furnace that runs on natural gas, propane, or oil, it creates carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fuel. A properly operating system will produce minimal amounts of carbon monoxide and vent it outside of your home. An inspection will reveal any problems that could cause carbon monoxide to be present in your home. A tune up will fix any of these problems.  
  • Air Conditioner(s). Air conditioners are typically electric, which means they don’t produce carbon monoxide, but they can be the cause of other air pollutants such as mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow inside of air conditioning systems that are not properly controlling humidity, and those major allergens can cause all sorts of health problems. An inspection will reveal any mold or mildew growth and a thorough cleaning will remove it.  
  • Ventilation. The ventilation for your HVAC system plays a big part in the removal of carbon monoxide and the prevention of mold and mildew growth. The ductwork and other parts of the ventilation system need to be inspected and repaired if necessary to prevent indoor air pollution. 

Indoor Air Quality Tests: Which is Right for You? 

There are do-it-yourself kits for various air pollutants as well as professionals who will come and test your air. Typically the do-it-yourself kits are less expensive but may not be as reliable. If cost is a factor for you, it can be helpful to determine what you should test for, since many of the DIY kits only test for one particular air pollutant. Some of the typical household air pollutants are: 

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals found in household cleaners and other items you may keep in the home. One example is formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.  
  • Lead. Typically found in older homes (before 1978) from paint, or in homes near highways where leaded gasoline pollution is possible.  
  • Radon. A radioactive gas that occurs naturally within the earth can seep into your home from the ground through cracks in your foundation. Most homes have radon testing before being built or sold, but if you’ve been in your home for many years it would be wise to test again.  
  • Allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew are the most common allergens that may exist in your home air.   
  • Bacteria. Some harmful bacteria can build up in your air and become highly concentrated so as to cause health problems.  
  • Carbon Monoxide. As mentioned above, carbon monoxide typically comes from your furnace or any other gas appliance you may have.  

When purchasing or ordering tests, only choose the ones for the air pollutants you think could be the problem in your home. For example, if you don’t have any gas, propane, or oil appliances, you probably don’t have a carbon monoxide issue. If your home was built in the 1980s or later, you probably don’t have an issue with lead.  

Call Berico, your Greensboro HVAC expert, to make sure your home’s air system isn’t the cause of poor quality air in your home: (336) 273-8663.