Air Balancing: How to Avoid Hot and Cold Spots in your Home

open kitchen and living room spaceDo you experience uneven heating and cooling in your home? It can be frustrating and downright uncomfortable. And it’s probably costing you more in energy as your HVAC system attempts to maintain your desired temperature. This problem can be corrected by your HVAC service in Eden, increasing your home comfort and decreasing your monthly energy bills.

 

Getting to the Bottom of the Issue

What causes these hot and cold spots in your home? There’s a variety of possible causes, and getting to the source of the uneven temperatures is the first step in correcting the problem.

  • Low air flow. Stand under one of your vents while the air is on. Can you feel air coming out? If not, or even if you have to stand on a stool to feel it, you are experiencing low air flow from your HVAC system. Low air flow is most often caused by dirty or clogged filters. Change your filters first. If you don’t feel an improvement in airflow, it may be a mechanical issue instead.
  • Outside air getting in. It could be that outside air is getting into your home through cracks or holes in your walls, foundation, or roof. Air can also seep in around doors and windows that aren’t properly sealed. Insufficient insulation could also be failing to keep outside air out of your home. If outside air is getting in, it lowers the efficiency of your HVAC system and forces it to work harder than necessary to achieve the desired indoor temperature.
  • Your HVAC system is aging. If your heating and cooling system are old it may be starting to fail. Older systems are also less efficient than newer systems, which means they don’t heat and cool as evenly.

Preventing/Correcting the Problem for Optimal Home Comfort

Now that you have an idea of what may be causing the uneven temperatures in your home, here are some solutions to the problem.

  • Change your filters often. If you haven’t changed your filters in a few months, it is definitely time. Replacing dirty filters with new could correct the lack of air flow through your system. Changing your filters often, at least every 3 months, can help prevent airflow issues from ever starting. If filters aren’t the problem, call your HVAC service in Eden to inspect your system for other possible issues.
  • Seal up cracks and upgrade insulation. If you find any cracks or holes where outside air may be getting in, seal them up. Add weather stripping to windows and doors. Upgrade or add insulation if you feel yours may be insufficient. If your home has old windows you can save a lot of energy by replacing them with new insulated windows.
  • Consider replacing your HVAC system. An old HVAC system may be the cause of uneven heating and cooling. Have your system evaluated by a reliable HVAC service in Eden who can make a recommendation about a replacement.

Tired of hot and cold spots in your home?

When you’re ready to have this issue resolved, Carolina Fuels can help. Expert technicians can diagnose and repair the problem so your home will be more comfortable all year round. Call (336) 623-9741.

6 Winter Weather Safety Tips for your Propane-Powered Home

propane tankDoes your home run on propane? Whether you use it for home heat or other appliances, propane is a safe, clean-burning, efficient energy source. But just like any other type of fuel, it’s important to follow basic safety tips during use. Winter is prime usage season for propane, which makes it a great time to check on your tank and appliances. And if you haven’t already had your Reidsville furnace repair company out for an inspection and tune-up, the sooner the better. Keep these 6 winter weather safety tips in mind throughout the year.

 

    • Get your tank refilled before you run out of propane. It’s always best to stay on top of propane refills. When a tank gets completely empty, there’s a risk of leaks and other problems due to internal tank pressure (or lack of). A gas line and tank inspection is absolutely crucial before a completely empty tank is refilled. Not sure you can remember to schedule refills? No problem. Sign up for a regular delivery plan with Carolina Fuels and you’ll never run out of propane.
    • Keep the area around your propane tank clear. Don’t let vegetation encroach on your tank for a variety of reasons. For one, plants growing on and around your tank can cause premature corrosion of your tank from the outside, which can eventually reach the inside. Clear snow off and away from your tank as well to avoid added stress on your tank. A damaged tank is a potentially dangerous tank. Also, keeping the area clear makes it easier for Carolina Fuels to check and refill your tank, especially in the case of an emergency such as a gas leak.
    • If you smell gas, leave the home and call Carolina Fuels. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, turn off all appliances and lights and get everyone out of the house and to a safe distance away. Then call Carolina Fuels. Don’t use your phone until you are at a safe distance from the house. If you don’t reach anyone right away, call 911.
    • Never use a propane grill inside. Your backyard grill is not meant to be used indoors for any reason, cooking or space heating. It requires outdoor ventilation of carbon monoxide.
    • Never use your propane range as a heat source. If the power goes out or your furnace quits working, never attempt to use your oven to heat your home.
    • Schedule routine Reidsville furnace repair and appliance inspection. Yearly inspection for your furnace is an important step for safe propane usage. A properly working furnace will efficiently use propane and vent carbon monoxide outside the home. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can cause carbon monoxide to contaminate the air inside your home, which can cause all sorts of health problems and even death.

Carolina Fuels Supplies Propane and Performs Routine Reidsville Furnace Repair

Carolina Fuels wants you and your family to be safe while enjoying all the benefits of propane. Follow these safety tips and you can safely heat your home, cook your food, dry your clothes, heat water, and more with propane. Call Carolina Fuels today to schedule Reidsville furnace repair: (336) 623-9741.

Gas Logs Won’t Light? Tips from Your Propane Supplier in Greensboro

logs on fire

On a cold winter night or snowy day, a fire in the fireplace makes your home feel cozier. And if your power goes out, it may become a necessity. But when you go to turn it on, nothing happens. No flame, no warmth, nothing. Before you get all fired up, try these troubleshooting tips from your propane supplier in Greensboro.

 

  • Check Your Propane Tank: Is it possible your tank is empty? You may need to check. How do you know how much propane is in your tank? If you have an upright propane tank where the valve is on top, simply pour hot water down the side. Then run your hand down the side where you poured the water and you should feel a distinct spot where the temperature changes from hot to cold. That’s the level of propane in your tank. If you have a larger horizontal tank you may need your propane supplier in Greensboro to help you read the gauge and determine if a refill is necessary.

 

  • Make Sure the Propane is Turned On: During the off-season, you may have completely shut off the propane and not remember doing so. Check that the propane is turned on to your gas logs.
  • Purge the Air out of the Pilot Tubing: If the pilot won’t light, air may be trapped in the pilot tubing due to lack of use. You can purge this air by simply holding the pilot light down for a few minutes. Then try to light the pilot again.
  • Check the Igniter: When gas is coming out of the pilot (you should be able to smell it) but the pilot still won’t light, it could be a problem with the igniter. Try clearing out any debris between the igniter and the thermocouple. If your gas logs still won’t light, you may need a new igniter.
  • Check the Thermocouple: If the pilot lights but won’t stay lit, you likely have worn out thermocouple that needs replacing.

 

 

If you’ve tried all of these easy fixes and still can’t get your fireplace to light, it’s time to call in a propane supplier in Greensboro.

Berico Can Make your Home Feel Cozy Again with Expert Propane Fireplace Repair  

So when you’ve tried everything and you still don’t have a fire blazing, pick up the phone and call in the experts. Re-wrote the sentence to make it less DIY, but it still teeters on the brink of violating the rule and “experts” and “professionals” are awfully close. Berico specializes in propane and has decades of experience with propane fireplaces. A trained technician will inspect every aspect of your fireplace as well as your propane tank and gas line to locate the problem and repair it. Whether you simply need a tank refill or your thermocouple has gone bad, Berico can have your fire burning in one short visit.

Call Berico and get your fireplace working, day or night.

Berico provides emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Routine maintenance is also available to keep your propane fireplace operating properly and safely. Don’t get left in the cold on a winter day. Call Berico today (or tonight) at (336) 273-8663.

 

10 Ways to Cut your Hot Water Energy Bill

shower head spraying waterHot water may not be an official necessity, but it’s a modern convenience that is pretty hard to live without. If you enjoy warm showers, clean dishes, and white laundry loads, hot water is important. Your water heater is probably what uses up a significant portion of your home energy after your furnace, especially during the winter. Whether you have an electric or gas water heater, there are ways you cut your hot water energy bill back a little bit or even a lot, depending on how far you’re willing to go toward conservation. Carolina Fuels, a reliable company offering air conditioning and furnace repair in Eden as well as delivery of many types of heating fuels, suggests these 10 ways to cut your hot water energy bill.

 

    • Take shorter, cooler showers. This one is hard, because a hot shower is such a luxury, especially when it’s cold outside. By shortening the length and temperature of your showers you can help your water heater use less energy. And besides saving energy, there are other reasons a shorter, cooler shower is beneficial. It’s also better for combating dry skin that so often plagues us during dry, cold winters. It also helps to prevent dry scalp issues that can lead to dandruff.
    • Replace shower heads and faucets with low flow models. A low flow shower head reduces the amount of water used during each shower. Low flow faucets can conserve a lot of water too in the kitchen and bathrooms.  
    • Do most of your laundry in cold water. When it comes to your multi-color loads, there’s really no advantage to using hot water and it could cause your colors to run. When it comes to white loads, if you use bleach, wash in hot water but rinse in cold to save some energy.
    • Set your water heater to a lower temperature. Aim for around 120 degrees and your water heater will save a lot of energy it would normally expend to heat the water to a higher temperature and preserve that temperature in the holding tank.
    • Run your dishwasher less often. Wait until you have a full load of dishes before running your dishwasher.
    • Fix leaky plumbing. Letting a faucet drip can waste an amazing amount of water, and sometimes it’s the hot water that’s leaking, meaning your hot water heater is working overtime.
    • Add insulation to your water heater. Water heater insulation can be purchased and applied on your own, but make sure you follow the directions to avoid problems. Consider having a professional apply the insulation.
    • Get a new water heater. Upgrading to a new energy-efficient water heater will save you a lot in energy costs. Especially if you purchase an on-demand or tankless water heater.
    • Get a new dishwasher. An older dishwasher will use much more water than a newer one will. Newer dishwashers also have more advanced heating elements so that it self-heats and doesn’t require as much hot water.
    • Get a new washing machine. A high-efficiency washing machine will also use less hot water when you do need to run a warm water load. 

Call Carolina Fuels for Water Heater and Furnace Repair in Eden

If you need a professional to evaluate your water heater’s condition and energy usage, Carolina Fuels can help. In addition to furnace repair in Eden, Carolina Fuels provides a wide range of energy audit services. If you currently have an electric water heater, you may find that you can save the most money by switching to a propane water heater. Call Carolina Fuels to find out how you can save energy today: (336) 623-9741.

Why is My Heating System Clicking?

Have you started noticing a clicking sound coming from your heating system? Clicking could indicate any number of things. Determining the cause depends on a few factors, such as the type of heating system you have, the age of your system, and the energy source. For an accurate diagnostic and furnace repair in Greensboro, it’s best to call a reputable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service. Consider the following possibilities and then contact Berico for service. 

Possible Sources of a Clicking Sound in your Heating System 

  • Pilot Light. If there is a problem with the pilot light, whether it is unable to light or stay lit, you may hear a clicking sound as the system attempts to relight the pilot. 
  • Bearings. Most heating systems have a motor, and every motor has bearings that will eventually wear out or become dirty. When the bearings are worn or dirty they can make a clicking sound that may be loud enough to notice. 
  • Inducer. A fan or blower is an important part of older oil furnaces, used to expel smoke and fumes from the burning oil. It’s called an inducer, and if this part becomes dirty or loose it will make a clicking sound.  
  • Gas Valve. If you have natural gas or propane, you may hear a sporadic clicking sound with no discernable pattern. This indicates a problem with your gas valve, which can only be handled by your gas company. Do not call your HVAC company for furnace repair if you suspect there is an issue with your gas valve, line, or meter.  

Likely Causes of the Problem 

  • Age of your System. If your heating system is older than 15-20 years, it may be showing signs of age. Extra noises are often an indication that your old furnace needs a tune up or possibly replacement.  
  • Wear and Tear. Over time certain parts of your heating system may start to wear out from constant use and movement. Worn out parts may make some noise, alerting you to the possibility of a problem.  
  • Lack of Maintenance. The most common cause of unusual or increased noises coming from your heating system is lack of maintenance. Your furnace will get dusty and dirty from use, soot will build up, parts will wear out, and lubrication will dry up. These are all problems that regular maintenance can solve. You can prevent heating system issues, extend the life of your system, and save energy by keeping your system operating more efficiently.  

Call Berico for Furnace Repair in Greensboro and the Surrounding Area  

Don’t ignore strange noises coming from your heating system. Call your trusted HVAC company for furnace repair in Greensboro before the problem gets any worse. A minor issue left unattended can become a major problem that could lead to expensive system replacement instead of an easy, affordable repair. Call Berico today for furnace repair and maintenance: (336) 273-8663.

Tips for Reducing Heating Costs

money savingsLooking for ways to cut back your heating costs this season? There’s actually a lot you can do to pay less to heat your home. Some of these tips involve your heating system itself, others deal with your home insulation, and still others are about heating fuels. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC service in Greensboro can perform an energy audit on your home to determine where you’re losing energy, how to stop that loss, and prevent it in the future.  

Reduce Heating Costs with Routine HVAC Maintenance 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance for your heating system. Over the months and years that your system runs, it accumulates dirt and dust that can build up throughout the various parts of your heating system, reducing its efficiency. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and repairing your system, which restores it to top condition for the best possible performance. A clean, tuned up heating system will lower your energy costs during the cold weather months.  

Stop Losing Valuable Heat: Add or Repair your Insulation 

Poor or insufficient insulation is forcing your heating system to fight a losing battle. If the warm air your heating system creates can just seep out and cold air can seep in, you’ll never achieve a comfortable indoor air temperature. Your heating system will cycle on and off repeatedly, taking a beating in the process. The solution is to improve your insulation. Seal cracks, replace weather stripping around doors, and add insulation to places where there isn’t enough or any at all. If you’re not sure where you are losing heat, your HVAC service in Greensboro can do an energy audit, which will pinpoint cold spots in your home. Experts can then advise you on how to better insulate your home, or take care of the insulation improvements for you.  

The Heating Fuel you Use and How you Purchase It Can Reduce your Heating Costs 

Not all heating fuels are created equal. There have been many studies done to compare the cost of the main energy sources for heating: natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity. These energy sources are difficult to compare because they are all measured differently and they all create different amounts of heat from what seems to be the same amount of energy. If natural gas is already established in your home, it is one of the most cost-effective options for home heat. However, if you wish to use a gas log fireplace in addition to your home heating system, you may save money using propane for it separately. If you have an older home that happens to have an oil furnace, you’ll find that although oil seems to be more expensive to purchase, you can get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil when compared to propane or gas. Propane is another popular choice. You can save on energy costs by using propane for other appliances as well as home heat, such as your range and clothing dryer. You don’t typically have a choice which natural gas company provides your service, but you can choose from whom you purchase propane and oil.  

Save Money on Heating this Season with Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement 

The best way to cut back on energy costs is to work with Berico, a leading HVAC service in Greensboro. Save money on propane and heating oil when you sign up for regular deliveries. Keep your heating system running efficiently with routine maintenance. Combine all of these in one Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico and you will not only save money, but get convenience and peace of mind. Call (336) 273-8663 and stay warm for less this winter.

5 Signs you Need a New Furnace

cold young girlHow is your furnace performing lately? If that question made you stop and think and you realize that you hardly even notice it, then your furnace is most likely operating well. However, if you have been noticing some unusual changes around your home lately, it’s possible your furnace is on its last leg. If you’re wondering whether you need furnace repair in Burlington or a complete furnace replacement, consider these signs that you may need a new furnace.  

  1. You notice unusual or increased noises coming from your furnace. Is your typically quiet furnace starting to sound like a jet plane taking off every time it fires up? Are you noticing a bunch of rattling, humming, or buzzing that you never noticed before? New or increased noises are a sign that your furnace is not operating properly.  
  2. Your furnace runs but never reaches your desired temperature. Does it seem like your furnace is always on, but you still feel chilly and your thermostat is not reaching the desired set temperature? A furnace that is producing insufficient heat will run overtime and eventually burn itself out. 
  3. Your energy bills have been higher than usual. Are you looking at your gas bill and thinking that it seems quite high compared to last year’s bill? Increased energy usage is a sign your furnace is starting to fail. A furnace in poor condition will use more energy and cause your bills to noticeably increase.  
  4. Frequent furnace repairs have been necessary. Does it seem like you’ve had to call for furnace repair much too often lately? Frequent repairs are a sign that your furnace may need to be replaced sooner than later.  
  5. You see visible signs of damage or wear. If you look at your furnace and see obvious rust, cracks, or other signs of age, its likely time for a new system. By the time the outside shows the damage, the inside is worse.  

Furnace Replacement can Save you Money and Offer you Peace of Mind 

It’s common to dread the cost of a furnace replacement. It seems like a lot of money up front, but furnace replacement can be a blessing in disguise. When you replace your old furnace with a new one, you save money in a lot of different ways. Remember those high energy bills? With the latest technology, your new furnace will be so much more efficient than your old system, it will noticeably lower your energy bills. Tired of paying for furnace repair in Burlington every season or every few months? Put that money toward a new furnace that will run for many years with only periodic maintenance required. Would you like to stop worrying that your furnace might fail on a cold night and know for sure that your home will be consistently comfortable? A new system offers you that peace of mind. Alamance Oil can expertly replace your old furnace with a new, high-efficiency furnace. Call (336) 226-9371 to get a free estimate today.

5 Common Heating Problems and How to Avoid Them

HVAC maintenance and tune upThe last thing you want to encounter on a cold day is a chilly house. Whether you wake up cold or come home to a frigid house after work, it’s obvious there is a problem with your heating system. It’s unpleasant, inconvenient, and potentially expensive to repair. Want to keep your Burlington furnace repair needs down to just routine maintenance? Consider these 5 common heating system problems and tips to prevent them. 

  1. Lack of Heat. When your heating system is running, but the air coming from your vents is not warm, there are a few probable causes. There could be an internal mechanical error with the heat exchanger, pilot, or other parts. If you are experiencing a lack of heat, call your Burlington furnace repair service to diagnose and repair the problem. The best way to prevent this issue is to schedule yearly preventative maintenance in late summer or early fall.  
  2. Constant On/Off Cycling. If your furnace seems to turn on, run for a short time, turn off, and then turn right back on again, this is definitely a sign of a system malfunction. Do not let this problem go unattended, because the constant cycling is hard on your heating system. You may have an electrical or mechanical error, or your flame sensor may need to be cleaned. The best way to prevent this problem? Routine furnace maintenance.  
  3. Low Air Flow. Is there a lack of air or a low flow of air coming from your vents? This is most likely due a clogged filter, which is an easy fix. Simply replace your filters every 3 months to prevent excessive buildup of dust. If changing your filters doesn’t improve the air flow, there might be a problem with the blower itself. Call your HVAC service for repair.  
  4. Pilot Light Issues. If your pilot light is supposed to stay lit and doesn’t, or if the electric pilot starter isn’t working properly, your furnace can’t make heat. In some cases the problem is with the gas or gas line itself, but it could also be internal furnace parts. Call your Burlington furnace repair service for pilot light issues. But if you smell gas in your home, call your gas provider and get out of the house. Preventative measures: you guessed it, routine furnace maintenance.  
  5. Thermostat Malfunction. Sometimes thermostats don’t work properly or need to be recalibrated. If your thermostat isn’t properly sensing the temperature or calling for heat when it is needed, your furnace won’t be able to do its job. You may need your thermostat repaired or replaced. Digital thermostats are very reliable and programmable thermostats can help you save energy. If your old thermostat needs to be replaced, consider upgrading.  

Prevent Most Common Heating System Problems with Routine Burlington Furnace Repair 

If you’re only repairing your heating system when something goes wrong, you’re not getting the best performance out of your equipment. Yearly cleaning and maintenance will go a long way toward preventing malfunctions and saving you money on heating costs. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 for Burlington Furnace Repair and Maintenance.

How to Read your Propane Tank Gauge

Running out of propane is most likely an experience you never want to have. On a cold winter day, if your propane tank is empty you’ll find that your furnace stops working and the temperature inside your home drops drastically. In addition to being cold and inconvenienced, letting your propane tank run completely out of fuel can actually cost you extra fees to get it refilled. To avoid running out, it’s a good idea to check your gauge occasionally. Not sure how to read your gauge or what percentage means you need a refill? This guide will help you to determine when it’s time to call your Eden propane supplier for a delivery.  

How Does the Gauge Work? 

The tank float gauge measures the level of liquid propane in the tank. The float, just as it sounds, floats on the top of the liquid propane. It is connected to the gauge which gives an approximate percentage of the liquid in the tank. The float gauge is not 100% accurate, but it gives a pretty close estimate, close enough that you can determine when a refill is necessary.  

What Do the Numbers on the Gauge Mean? 

The needle points to a number on the dial, which translates to a percentage. That percentage is the amount of propane in the tank in relation to how much the tank will hold. The following chart lists the percentages and how they translate to different tank capacities. 

Gauge Reading  150 Gallon Tank  250 Gallon Tank  500 Gallon Tank 
80%  120  200  400 
70%  105  175  350 
60%  90  150  300 
50%  75  125  250 
40%  60  100  200 
30%  45  75  150 
20%  30  50  100 
10%  15  25  50 

 

Simply read the percentage on your gauge and compare it to the size of your tank in gallons. You should easily be able to see how much propane you have left in your tank. Notice that the bottom two lines on the chart are in red. When your tank gets below 20% you should schedule a refill soon. If your tank has 10% or less, you are in danger of running out completely. Err on the side of caution, because the float gauge is not always perfectly accurate. You could actually have less propane than your gauge suggests.  

Avoid Running Out of Propane with Regular Deliveries from Carolina Fuels 

Would you prefer not to worry about reading your gauge and trying to determine when you need to order a refill? Ease your mind and sign up for regular Eden propane deliveries from Carolina Fuels. The experts at Carolina Fuels can time your refills based on your typical household usage and the weather. You’ll only pay for the amount of propane that goes into your tank, so you won’t overpay for an early refill if your tank wasn’t low. But you’ll never have to worry about running out. Combine propane deliveries with regular furnace maintenance and save on the combination of services. Regular maintenance will keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently all winter and scheduled fuel deliveries will keep your tank full. You get worry-free home heating for a cozy winter. Call Carolina Fuels to schedule your Eden propane deliveries and maintenance: (336) 623-9741.

5 Commonly Asked Questions About Propane

Thinking of using propane for home heating in Eden this winter? If you’ve never used propane before you probably have questions about it. Here are 5 commonly asked questions about propane that should help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home. 

  1. What is Propane? Propane is a by-product of natural gas and petroleum (crude oil) that is typically manufactured at oil refineries. It is a highly versatile fuel that can be used to heat homes and supply energy to stoves, ovens, clothing dryers, water heaters, and more.  
  2. Is Propane Safe? Propane is an extremely safe way to heat your home. Propane is typically stored in liquid form in a tank outside your home, either above or below the ground. It has an odor that resembles rotten eggs that will alert you if there is a leak. Propane tanks and equipment are designed with special features to ensure the highest level of safety.  
  3. Will Propane Harm the Environment? After the safety of home and family, people often consider the environment when thinking about heating fuels. Propane is non-toxic, clean-burning, and will not harm the environment. When it burns it does not release any greenhouse gases. You can rest assured that propane is environmentally friendly.  
  4. Is Propane More or Less Expensive than Other Fuels? Homeowners want to know that they are making an affordable choice for home heating. Propane home heating in Eden can seem to be more expensive than natural gas when you compare pricing directly, but there have been times when natural gas was more costly. Propane also burns more efficiently than natural gas, so you use less, thus saving money. In addition to price, consider the other benefits of propane, like its versatility (it can power other appliances such as dryers and water heaters, which is more efficient than electric) and the fact that it can be delivered to places where natural gas is not available. 
  5. How Will I Know if My Tank is Getting Low? Running out of propane is a valid concern, but it’s completely avoidable. If you’re not sure how much propane is in your tank, have Carolina Fuels check the level and refill it if necessary. Then sign up for regular propane deliveries that will ensure you never run out. 

Switching to Propane Home Heating in Eden is Easy 

Now that some of your questions are answered, you should know that switching to propane is easy if you choose to go that route. A propane tank can be installed on any property, as long as you own your home and land. The tank can be above or below ground, whichever you prefer. If you are simply switching from another propane supplier to Carolina Fuels, the tank swap is free. Regularly scheduled deliveries are convenient and can include complete HVAC maintenance as well for both your furnace and your air conditioner. If you have additional questions about propane home heating in Eden, call (336) 313-0466.