The Top 5 Benefits of Duct Cleaning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

Why is My AC Leaking Water?

When you notice water leaking anywhere in your home, it can be alarming. When the water is coming from your air conditioner it can be both alarming and puzzling. There are actually some very common reasons your AC may be leaking water, and in most cases, it can be easily repaired. But before you call for AC repair in Burlington, you may want to have a general idea of what’s going on with your air conditioner. 

Common Causes of Water Leakage in Air Conditioners 

  • Clog in the condensation drain. As warm air is converted to cool air, condensation takes place, meaning moisture is created. Excess moisture should drain out through the condensation drain, unless there is a blockage of some kind.  
  • Lack of air flow. If filters are clogged or vents are closed or blocked it can decrease the amount of air moving through your air conditioner. Without proper air flow, excess moisture can be created and leak out. 
  • Broken condenser pump. When excess moisture builds up in your AC unit, there is a pump that gathers the water and sends it out through the condensate drain. If the pump is malfunctioning, the water could be leaking inside. 
  • Poor sealing and insulation. If your air conditioner isn’t sealed well or doesn’t have the proper insulation, hot air can get to the condenser coil, which creates excess moisture that may leak out. 
  • Uneven installation of the outdoor unit. If your outdoor AC unit is not on a level surface it can cause excess moisture to be created or to fail to drain properly.  
  • Damaged drain pan. The drain pan holds excess moisture, so any leaks in it will cause the water to leak out. It is common for the drain pan to get old and rusted after holding water on a constant basis.  
  • Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level in your system gets low it can cause it to freeze. Then when it warms again it melts, causing water leakage. 

What Should You Do if your AC is Leaking? 

If you see water around your air conditioner and you’re sure that’s where it’s coming from, not a separate plumbing issue, take the following steps. 

  1. Turn off your AC. The only way to keep the problem from getting worse is to turn off your air conditioning system.  
  2. Soak up the water. Use something to soak up the water, such as old towels or paper towels, to prevent any water damage to the interior of your home.  
  3. Check all of your filters and vents. Make sure your filters are not too dirty or clogged. Make sure all vents are open and unblocked. If everything looks to be in order, move on to step 4. 
  4. Call for AC repair in Burlington. At this point, you will need the help of an HVAC professional who can diagnose and repair the problem. Alamance Oil is a reliable source for AC repair in Burlington and the surrounding area. A certified, trained technician will have your air conditioning repaired and operating properly as soon as possible.  

If you’re experiencing leaking water from your air conditioner, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

5 Ways to Ensure Pests Don’t Enter your Home through your HVAC System

hvac unitsKeeping pests at bay can be a constant battle for homeowners. Like most of us, we appreciate nature but prefer it to stay outside in nature and not in our homes. You may think you have sealed up every spot where pests could enter your home, but there’s one area you may have overlooked: your HVAC system. Unfortunately, your heating and air conditioning system has to allow air to come in and go out, and that opens up your home to the potential for pests to enter. Prevention is the best measure, because once pests get in, it’s a lot more difficult to remove them. Here are some ways to keep your HVAC system pest-proof from your Reidsville air conditioner specialists, Carolina Fuels.

 

  • Seal ductwork. Make sure there are no holes or openings in your ducts where pests could get in. Insects can get in through even the smallest of holes. Seal up any openings you can see. This also keeps outside air from seeping in and reducing your HVAC efficiency.

 

  • Install screens over vents and flues. There are places where air has to be vented out. Cover your vents and flues with screens to keep bugs and other pests out while ventilation can still occur as it should.
  • Keep the area around your outdoor AC unit clear. The outside unit is a common favorite place for pests, but keeping it clear of weeds, leaves, and other debris can deter pests from the area. You could even use a non-toxic pest repellent around it.
  • Have your system inspected by Reidsville air conditioner specialists. Yearly maintenance can go a long way toward preventing pests from getting in through your HVAC system. A thorough inspection would reveal any existing pests and any potential areas where pests could enter. Maintenance typically includes cleaning and repairing any potential problems. And you get the added bonus of better efficiency from your air conditioner.
  • Have your ducts cleaned. Keeping the inside of your ducts clean offers many benefits, such as removing pests and any evidence of their nesting. It also makes your ductwork less desirable to pests looking for a place to nest.

Why is Pest Prevention so Important to my HVAC system?

Obviously, no one wants pests to enter their home. But the damage they can possibly inflict on your HVAC system is pretty severe. Nesting in ducts can cause damage, leaks, and animal waste and bacteria to enter your ventilation. An odor coming from your vents may be your first indication of an infestation. Snakes and rodents are the most common duct nesters. Bees and other types of stinging insects also like to nest in and around the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. Insect nests can block various parts of your AC unit, potentially causing damage.

Reidsville air conditioner specialists, Carolina Fuels, can help repair any damage caused by pests and help prevent pests from entering your system again, or in the first place. Whether or not you suspect you may have pest issues, Carolina Fuels can help. Call (336) 623-9741.

Is a Smart Thermostat Right for My Home?

ThermostatAlmost everything is “smart” these days with smart phones at the center of personal technological devices. Even your home’s heating and cooling system can be controlled from your phone when you use a smart thermostat. There are many benefits to upgrading to a smart thermostat, so consider these when deciding whether or not a smart thermostat is right for your home. Your HVAC service in Burlington, Alamance Oil, can install a smart thermostat in your home if you decide to make the switch. 

A Smart Thermostat Offers Many Benefits to Homes 

Homeowners can enjoy many benefits from the use of a smart thermostat to control indoor comfort.  

  1. Save energy. When your home is unoccupied, it is not necessary for your HVAC system to maintain the same temperature as it would when occupied. Save energy by programming your smart thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when no one is home. 
  2. Save money. When you save energy, you save money, which helps your household budget by lowering your monthly bill.  
  3. Convenience. With a smart thermostat, you can enjoy the convenience of being able to control your HVAC system from a distance, 24/7. Override your programmed settings when it turns out you will be home due to weather or a holiday, all from your phone. Forgot to change your thermostat before leaving on vacation? No problem, as long as you have your phone with you 
  4. Comfort. The smart thermostat allows you to change the temperature right before you arrive home so that you can maximize your comfort even with an irregular schedule. It also allows you to turn up the heat before you get out of bed in the morning. 

With all of these benefits, the initial cost of a new smart thermostat will be worth it and will eventually pay for itself in energy savings. 

Get a Smart Thermostat Upgrade from the Best HVAC Service in Burlington: Alamance Oil 

There are many reasons it’s wise to have your new smart thermostat installed by an experienced, reliable HVAC service in Burlington. 

  • Not every smart thermostat is compatible with every HVAC system. Certain HVAC systems will work with certain thermostats. Let your HVAC company recommend a compatible thermostat for your home or office.  
  • Proper installation is crucial to proper operation and energy savings. For your smart thermostat to give you optimal energy savings, installation is keyEach technician at Alamance Oil is trained to know how to do the job right so that you can get the most from your new thermostat.  
  • Your HVAC technician can teach you how to program and use the new thermostat. After it’s installed, your technician can walk you through your new thermostat and teach you to program it both in your home and from your phone.  

When you’re ready to upgrade your thermostat, use the HVAC service in Burlington you can trust. Alamance Oil has decades of experience with heating and cooling systems. Always on the cutting edge of technology in HVAC equipment, Alamance Oil can easily install a smart thermostat in your home. Alamance Oil can also keep your thermostat and HVAC system operating efficiently with regular maintenance visits. Call (336) 226-9371.