Is it Time to Upgrade your AC this Year?

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Does your air conditioner do a good job of keeping your home cool? It’s about the time of year to switch your HVAC system over from heat to cool. Is your AC up to the task of keeping your home cool during a long, hot summer? If you’re not sure, this may be a good time to consider an upgrade for your AC in Eden.

 

Signs your AC Might Need to be Replaced

If you’re wondering how you’ll know when your air conditioner may be on its last legs, here are some of the common warning signs.

  • You hear strange noises. Unusual noises coming from your AC may indicate a loose part or a mechanical malfunction of some kind. If the noises are new or start to increase, your AC may be ready to give out.
  • Your home cools unevenly. Are some rooms cooler than others when your AC is running? An AC system that is wearing out will struggle to keep a consistent temperature throughout your home.
  • There’s a musty smell coming from your vents. This is a sign that there may be mold or mildew growing somewhere in your air conditioning system or the ducts. Excess moisture is typically the cause, which can indicate an issue with your AC.
  • Your home feels humid. If it feels damp or humid inside your home when your AC is running, it’s an indication of a problem. A properly functioning air conditioner should be able to regulate the humidity in your home.
  • Your energy bill keeps rising. An AC that is malfunctioning uses up more energy than it should, which causes your power bill to rise.
  • Your AC is more than 10 years old. Air conditioning systems have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. If yours is 10 years old and climbing or has reached the max of 15 years, it likely won’t have too many more years of good operation in it. A new system will definitely be more energy efficient due to advancements in technology.

 

When is the Best Time to Replace your Old AC System?

If you do need a new system, the best time to replace it is before the onset of hot weather. AC installation in Eden can take a few hours and often the better part of a day. If that’s a particularly hot day, you’ll be without any AC and the temperature inside your home will rise quickly. It’s best to schedule the replacement for early spring when the weather is still mild.

 

Carolina Fuels Can Install your New AC in Eden

When you’re ready to replace your old air conditioning system, hire the experts at Carolina Fuels to handle the job. A reliable service with decades of experience replacing AC systems, Carolina Fuels technicians are trained and knowledgeable. Proper installation is crucial for your system to function efficiently and last for the intended lifespan.

5 Tips to Get Your AC Ready for Summer

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Is your air conditioner ready for warm weather? As temperatures rise and you realize that you may need your AC soon, it’s important to make sure it’s ready to go. Don’t wait until the first hot day to turn on the air because if it doesn’t work, you’ll be stuck in the heat waiting for repair. As you do your spring cleaning and home maintenance, don’t forget AC maintenance. Try these 5 tips to make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle a long, hot summer.

 

  1. Change your filters. At the very least you should change your filters twice a year, and the best time to do it is in the spring when you switch from heat to AC and in the fall when you switch back to heat again. Filters are very inexpensive, but they are some of the most crucial parts of your HVAC system. Filters keep dust, dirt, debris, allergens, and other particles out of your ducts and the mechanical parts of your air conditioner and furnace.
  2. Inspect your vents. Walk around your home and make sure all the vents in your home are open and not blocked by any furniture, curtains, or other items. Make sure there is no dust or debris inside the vents. If there is, remove the vent cover and clean it out. If you have children, sometimes small toys fall into floor vents. If you have pets, pieces of chew toys or tufts of fur can end up in your floor vents. Ceiling vents are less likely to collect debris, but sometimes collect cobwebs that need to be cleared out.
  3. Inspect your outdoor AC unit. Go out to your outdoor AC unit and check its condition. Clear leaves, branches, and debris off the unit. Trim back bushes or weeds that may have grown up around it. Look for any dents or signs of damage from the long winter months. Also check to make sure the line leading from the unit into your home is insulated (usually a layer of foam insulation is wrapped around the line).
  4. Check your thermostat. Test your air conditioner by switching your thermostat over to cool and lower it to a cooler temperature than the current indoor temperature. You should hear your AC come on and the outdoor unit will start humming. After it runs a few minutes, walk around your home and feel for cool air coming from your vents. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one to save energy.
  5. Schedule AC Maintenance. Even if your air conditioner seems to be running well when you first turn it on, this is still a good time to schedule professional AC maintenance. Your HVAC expert will perform a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune up of your system, following an extensive checklist to make sure everything is in good working order and nothing is missed. Professional AC maintenance will improve the efficiency of your system and help you avoid unexpected costly repairs.

 

Schedule AC Maintenance with Alamance Oil Today

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared: HVAC Maintenance

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Is your air conditioning system ready for another hot summer? It’s been sitting unused for a few months now, collecting dust while your furnace has done all the work. Unfortunately this is the perfect recipe for an AC malfunction. When temperatures rise you’ll turn it on, hoping for cool air, but what if something goes wrong? Don’t get caught unprepared; schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden before the weather gets hot. Here’s why.

Summer is a Busy Season for HVAC Services

If you wait until the first hot day to test your AC, you’ll be one of thousands who are doing the same thing. And you will likely not be the only one who discovers that their AC is not working. It could take a while to get an appointment when everyone else is calling too. If you had called back in the early spring or late winter to schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden, you could have avoided a hot, sticky situation.

High Heat Index Creates Unhealthy Conditions Fast

When your AC goes out on an extremely hot day, your home can become unlivable in a matter of hours. If you’re waiting around for repair service inside a sweltering house, not only will you be very uncomfortable, but you might even be risking your health. This unpleasant situation could have been avoided if HVAC maintenance had been done months or even weeks beforehand.

Avoid After Hours and Emergency Fees

Why is it that unfortunate events never seem to happen at a convenient time? If your AC happens to break down during the night or on the weekend, you could be charged additional fees to have a technician come out to your home after normal business hours. Preventive maintenance could have caught this potential problem before it occurred, saving you money and stress.

Can I Perform HVAC Maintenance Myself?

There are some aspects of HVAC maintenance that can be done by the homeowner, such as changing filters, clearing off the outdoor unit, and checking the thermostat. But a trained HVAC professional can handle the technical aspects of maintenance that an untrained person may not know how to do. HVAC technicians are trained to notice signs of wear and loose parts that the untrained eye wouldn’t notice. There are even adjustments that may need to be made to the electrical components that could be potentially dangerous for someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. For your own safety and for better results, hire professional HVAC maintenance in Eden.

Trust Your HVAC System to the Experts at Carolina Fuels

If you want to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the season ahead and avoid any unfortunate surprises, make an appointment for maintenance with Carolina Fuels. Knowledgeable, trained technicians will thoroughly inspect and clean your system as well as make any necessary adjustments. If there is anything that needs attention they will let you know so that it can be repaired or replaced if necessary. Then you can rest easy in your comfortably cool home for the duration of the summer and into the fall without worrying about your HVAC system.

Call (336) 623-9741 today to schedule HVAC maintenance in Eden or request service.

The Importance of Year-Round Comfort

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Routine HVAC Maintenance is Key

An HVAC system typically consists of a heating system and cooling system that each work independently of each other depending on the need due to the weather outside.

To achieve year-round comfort, both of these systems have to work properly when they are needed. The best way to ensure that they do is to schedule regular maintenance from a company that specializes in HVAC in Burlington and the surrounding area. A professional HVAC service will take the necessary steps to prepare your heating and cooling system for whatever season lies ahead.

Year-Round Comfort Requires Year Round Maintenance

One professional maintenance appointment every few years is not what your HVAC system requires. Even once a year is not enough. HVAC experts recommend a tune up twice a year to ensure that both your heating and cooling system are working properly and efficiently. It is best to schedule one appointment in late summer or early fall for your heating system and one appointment in late winter or early spring for your cooling system. This ensures that each system is ready for the season during which they will be most heavily used.

Save Money with an Affordable Year-Round Comfort Plan

Having your HVAC system serviced twice a year will not cost you more; in fact it can save you money. Most companies offer packages that include two appointments per year for one affordable price. If you have a propane or oil furnace your year-round comfort plan can also include fuel delivery at a discount. Gas log fireplace maintenance can also be bundled into your service package. Being a regular year-round comfort customer will offer you additional perks with most companies, such as priority service and fewer fees.

Allergies: Another Important Aspect of Comfort

Home comfort goes beyond just the temperature of your home. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your HVAC system can be part of the problem or part of the cure. At the very least, changing your filters regularly (the more often the better for allergy sufferers) can help prevent allergy symptoms. Upgrading to high efficiency filters is the next step. But if you want the cleanest indoor air possible, consider getting an air purification system. These systems are designed to filter the smallest particles possible out of the air, kill allergens like dust mites, and actually create fresh, clean air to distribute throughout your home.

Alamance Oil HVAC in Burlington Provides Year-Round Comfort Care

If you’re looking for an HVAC service to handle the maintenance for your heating and cooling system, Alamance Oil can do it all. From heating and cooling system tune-ups to fuel delivery and more, you can experience year-round comfort with the help of just one service for HVAC in Burlington.

Call (336) 226-9371 today to make an appointment or schedule service. Alamance Oil is looking forward to becoming your year-round comfort provider.

Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer Now

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adjusting thermostat in your homeWhen is the right time to find out if your AC is ready for summer? On the first hot day when you need to turn it on? No! Not unless you like unpleasant, expensive surprises. The time to make sure your air conditioner is in good working order to handle a long, hot summer is right now, before it gets hot outside. It’s time to schedule AC maintenance in Greensboro to make sure your system is ready to go.

When is the Best Time to Schedule AC Maintenance in Greensboro?

It’s wise to schedule maintenance in either late winter or early spring, before the weather gets hot and the busy season starts for HVAC companies. If you make your appointment early you’ll have an easier time getting a time that is convenient for you. Once the weather gets hot and everyone starts turning on their air conditioners only to discover that they aren’t working properly or at all, the HVAC technicians will be busy with emergency repairs and you may be waiting a while for your service appointment.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Need Maintenance Every Year?

After a hot summer where your AC worked hard to keep your home cool, it may have experienced a little normal wear and tear. Dirt and dust tends to settle on the evaporator coil, condensation drains get clogged, and your outdoor unit may have collected some debris during the winter while sitting dormant, among other things. These things can all lower the efficiency of your system at the very least, and cause a complete system malfunction in extreme cases. It’s important to have your AC inspected, cleaned, and repaired every year.

Avoid After Hours and Emergency Fees

Do you prefer to pay more or less for HVAC repair? Of course you would rather pay less, and the best way to do that is to schedule preventive maintenance, meaning having repairs done before there is a problem. When your technician inspects your system, any loose or worn out parts will be identified so that they can be tightened, repaired, or replaced. If you don’t know you have a part that is ready to give out, it will choose to break at the most inopportune time, such as during the night or on the weekend. If you have to call a technician out to your home after normal business hours you will likely be charged a higher fee.

Get a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico

Make AC maintenance in Greensboro effortless with a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico. The plan includes two maintenance appointments per year and can also include fuel delivery if you need propane or heating oil. Berico will call you when it’s time to schedule maintenance so you don’t have to worry about remembering to make an appointment. You also enjoy the added perks of priority service, waived after hours and emergency fees, a 20% discount on diagnostics and repairs, and credits toward new equipment.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule service and get started on a Comfort and Protection Service Plan.

8 Reasons for an HVAC Tune-Up

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You see advertisements about it. You get coupons in the mail for it. But what’s the big deal about an HVAC tune-up? Why fix your AC if it isn’t broken? There are plenty of reasons why you should hire a professional to tune-up your HVAC in Greensboro every spring. Here are 8 of the top reasons.

  1. Save Energy/Money. Maintenance helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. When a technician cleans it up, tightens up any loose parts, and makes sure it’s running properly, it will consume less energy to keep your home comfortable. And less energy means a lower energy bill.
  2. Lengthen the Lifespan of your HVAC System. Keeping up with regular tune-ups will help your HVAC system last longer. Replacing parts when they need it and making sure your system is running efficiently means it won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, which can add years onto its life.
  3. Prevent Premature Damage to Parts. When one part is loose or starting to wear out, it can cause damage to other parts in a sort of chain reaction. Taking care of these things before they progress is important, and regular maintenance makes that possible.
  4. Keep your Warranty Valid. Some warranties on new heating and cooling equipment requires you to schedule regular maintenance with a licensed, certified provider of HVAC in Greensboro. If this is not done, your warranty may be null and void when you need a repair.
  5. Avoid Unexpected Repairs. A malfunctioning HVAC system is a surprise no one wants. If you prefer not to be surprised in this way, routine maintenance can help prevent it. By inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up all the working parts, your system is less likely to experience problems. Don’t get surprised by a broken part that could have been prevented with a simple preseason inspection.
  6. Keep your Indoor Air Cleaner. Is your indoor air clean and safe to breathe? How do you know? Your HVAC system has a lot to do with indoor air quality. The filters are responsible for removing dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air, but can only do so successfully if they are clean. It’s recommended that you replace your filters with clean ones every 6 months at the very least, quarterly for better results, and monthly in the presence of any new construction or for someone with severe allergies. Also, maintenance for your furnace ensures that it is producing normal levels of carbon monoxide and that it is being vented outside of your home.
  7. Better Home Comfort. A properly operating HVAC system can help you achieve greater overall comfort in your home, providing consistent heat or cool throughout every room.
  8. Humidity Control. Your HVAC system is also responsible for regulating the humidity in your home. Too much moisture in the air leads to mold and mildew growth indoors, which is definitely something you want to avoid. Maintenance ensures your HVAC system will keep humidity levels normal.

Schedule a Tune-Up for Your HVAC in Greensboro

When it comes to making an appointment for maintenance, the sooner the better. If you wait until the weather gets hot, you’ll be competing for technicians’ time with other customers who need emergency repairs. Schedule a tune-up for your HVAC in Greensboro today and you’re more likely to find a time that’s convenient for you.

Call (336) 273-8663 today to make an appointment or schedule service. Get a jumpstart on spring HVAC maintenance.

Debunking Heating Oil Myths

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Among the different heating fuels and energy sources for home heating, people seem to have some misgivings about oil. However, oil is still in use and not just because there are old homes that still exist with oil furnaces. New homeowners are choosing to build custom homes with oil heat because of its efficiency among other benefits. In many North Carolina towns like Madison, heating oil is increasing in popularity. So let’s dispel some of the common myths about heating oil. 

Myth: Heating Oil is Expensive. 

Truth: Heating oil may seem to cost more at the time of purchase, but a little bit of oil creates a large amount of heat. Oil is actually one of the most efficient sources of home heat. It may seem to cost more when you pay for a tank refill, but you’ll feel differently when you see how long that refill lasts. 

Myth: Heating Oil Pollutes the Environment.

Truth: Heating oil is actually very clean. It produces so little emissions that the Federal Clean Air Act doesn’t even regulate it. Not only does it burn clean, but heating oil leaks or spills won’t pollute groundwater or soil. 

Myth: Heating Oil is Not a Renewable Resource. 

Truth: Oil is becoming more renewable as technological advancements have moved toward making heating oil a blend of renewable and non-renewable fuel. In time heating oil will be completely renewable. 

Myth: Heating Oil Creates Soot in Your Home.

Truth: A properly operating oil furnace does not create soot. If you have soot coming from your vents or you find a residue on your surfaces, it means your furnace needs to be serviced. It could be as simple as replacing dirty filters or having your furnace thoroughly cleaned. 

Myth: Heating Oil is Dangerous. 

Truth: There is no need to worry about the safety of heating oil. It only burns at extremely high temperatures and only through the complex conversion system that oil furnaces use to make heating oil combustible. 

Myth: Heating Oil is Only Used in Old Houses. 

Truth: It may surprise you to know that new homes are being built with heating oil furnaces. It’s not an outdated heat source that you only find in older homes anymore. The efficiency of heating oil and the warm, radiant heat it produces are just a few of the reasons this type of heat is making a huge comeback. 

Madison Heating Oil Supplier Carolina Fuels Wants You to Know the Truth

Don’t let the myths about heating oil make you choose a less efficient heat source for your home or cause you to avoid purchasing a home you love because it has an oil furnace. You can rest assured that you can still be earth-conscious and use heating oil and that your home and family will be safe. Now that you know the truth about heating oil, choose a Madison Heating Oil supplier you can trust. Carolina Fuels supplies heating oil to Madison, NC, and the surrounding area. Experts are always available to honestly answer any questions you may have. 

Call (336) 623-9741 today to schedule heating oil delivery or furnace maintenance.

10 Reasons to Choose Propane

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Whether you’re choosing a home heating fuel, home energy source, grilling fuel, camping fuel, commercial fuel, fireplace fuel, or even a temporary fuel option, propane can do any and all of these jobs. From a premier propane supplier in Eden, here are 10 reasons to choose propane.

1. Efficient

Propane is highly efficient. It burns extremely hot which creates a warm, radiant heat for home comfort. It’s also ideal for water heaters as it allows the hot water to recover much faster than electric water heaters. 

2. Portable

Propane is transported as a liquid in tanks, making it possible to deliver to any location. From large whole-household tanks to small cylinders used for grilling, the portability of propane is one of its biggest advantages. 

3. Available

In rural areas where other energy sources may not be available, propane can still be delivered. It only requires a tank to be placed somewhere on your property, either above the ground or buried underneath the ground. 

4. Versatile

Propane can be used for so much more than just home heat. It can be used for cooking inside and outside, heating water, drying clothes, heating pools, and hot tubs, fueling fireplaces, heating campers, and more. 

5. Affordable

Propane is comparable to other energy sources in price, but it gives you more bang for your buck than some of the others. There are ways to save on propane refills with your propane supplier in Eden, such as automatic deliveries, price lock plans, and maintenance packages. 

6. Safe

There is no risk of explosion or fire with propane, as it requires extremely hot temperatures and a complex system to be converted from a liquid into a gas so that it can create the necessary heat and energy to operate appliances. 

7. Clean

Propane burns clean is non-toxic and doesn’t release any greenhouse gases. You can rest assured that your energy source is sustainable. 

8. Made in America

90% of propane that is used in the United States is processed right here in the country. 

9. Plentiful

There is plenty of propane available and it will continue to be so. It is gradually replacing gasoline consumption in commercial vehicles, which will increase production due to supply and demand.

10. Still Works When the Power Goes Out

If you lose power for whatever reason (weather, a fallen tree, an accident) you’ll still have heat, hot water, and the use of any other appliances that run on propane. Propane can also power a generator to offer temporary electricity when needed. 

Looking for a Propane Supplier in Eden?

Carolina Fuels provides affordable, reliable propane delivery services to Eden and the surrounding area. Wherever you live, propane can most likely be brought to you. Save money with the price lock plan, automatic deliveries, and a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement. An added benefit to choosing Carolina Fuels as your propane supplier in Eden is that you have an HVAC specialist at your disposal as well to keep your furnace and air conditioning system working properly and efficiently.

Call (336) 623-9741 today to request a propane delivery or schedule HVAC service. New customers benefit from the free tank swap program. 

5 Benefits of a Propane Delivery Service

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5 Benefits of a propane deliveryIf your home runs on propane, you know that periodic propane tank refills are necessary. Do you have a go-to company for propane delivery in Greensboro? There are some definite advantages to having a regular propane delivery service. Consider these 5 benefits.

1. Never run out of propane

Running out of propane on a cold winter day is unpleasant. But what’s worse is that when your tank gets empty it can cause problems that need specific attention. Your tank and gas lines will need to be inspected before the tank is refilled because when the amount of propane in the tank gets too low, the pressurization is disturbed. 

2. Bundle propane delivery and HVAC services

When your propane supplier is also an HVAC specialist, you can have your furnace inspected and tuned up with each propane delivery. This ensures your system is working properly and efficiently, which helps you avoid unexpected furnace issues and save money on heating fuel. 

3. Avoid fluctuating propane prices

As you probably know, the price of propane fluctuates based on the price of crude oil just like gas prices do. You can’t guarantee what the cost will be when you need a refill unless you sign up for regular propane delivery in Greensboro with a supplier who offers price protection plans. When you agree to purchase a certain amount of propane you can lock in the current price so that a price spike won’t affect you. 

4. Get preferred customer benefits

With some companies, when you are a regular delivery customer you get additional perks. Sign up for a plan that includes HVAC maintenance and you’ll also enjoy other benefits, such as a propane discount, repair discounts, and credits toward new equipment. In the long term, sticking with one company for propane delivery in Greensboro will save you money. 

5. Propane refills won’t break your budget

Another advantage of committing to one delivery service is a monthly payment plan. You can spread the cost of your propane over the year and pay monthly so that one tank refill won’t seem so overwhelming to your budget. 

 

Enjoy These Benefits and More When You Make Berico Your Propane Supplier

1. Berico ensures you never run out of propane

Delivery schedules are carefully calculated based on your household usage and the projected weather for the season so that you will never run out. 

2. Comfort and Protection Service Agreements from Berico

Berico offers service plans that combine HVAC maintenance and propane delivery in one convenient bundle. 

3. Price Protection Plans

You can lock in your propane price with Berico when you agree to purchase a set amount each year. If prices go up, you still pay what you originally agreed on. 

4. Berico Customer Perks

When you sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement you get 20% diagnostic and repair fees, priority service, waived emergency or after-hours fees, bonus bucks toward new equipment, and more. 

5. EZ Pay Program

Berico offers monthly payment plans to make the cost of propane more budget-friendly. 

 

Make Berico your propane supplier today. Call (336) 273-8663 to request propane delivery or HVAC service. 

5 Benefits of Heating Oil

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

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

1. Efficiency

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

2. Safety

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

3. Comfort

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

4. Monetary Savings

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

5. Availability

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

Find Top Suppliers of Heating Oil in Burlington

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

 

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