6 Little Energy Saving Tips that can Save you Big Money

Use Ceiling Fans and set your Thermostat HigherYou probably know some common simple ways to save energy in your home. You likely make a point to turn off the lights when you leave a room. But there are many other small steps you can take that will save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Many of these tips are related to your HVAC service in Greensboro. Give these tips a try this summer and see how much you can save.

  • Keep Appliances Away from your Thermostat. Many different appliances generate quite a bit of heat. Your television, if placed near your thermostat, could cause your AC to run more often. If your thermostat is located in your kitchen, the heat generated by your stove, refrigerator, and other appliances could confuse it. Either move the thermostat or the appliances, whichever is easier.
  • Set your Thermostat for 78° Fahrenheit. This has been determined to be the optimal temperature for comfort and energy-efficiency. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less often your air conditioner has to run.
  • Use Ceiling Fans and set your Thermostat Higher. You can still feel comfortable at a higher indoor temperature when you keep the air circulating with ceiling fans. The amount of electricity needed to keep a fan spinning is less than what your AC uses to create cool air. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room. It only serves you well when the room is occupied.
  • Schedule Regular HVAC Service in Greensboro. It goes by many names from preventative maintenance to an AC tune-up, but every year your air conditioner should be serviced. This typically entails cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, repairing, and general tweaking of your system to make sure it is running properly. A properly functioning air conditioner runs much more efficiently, which saves you money.
  • Have your Ducts Cleaned and Inspected for Leaks. Regular HVAC maintenance does not typically include duct inspection and cleaning. There is a good chance that your system is losing efficiency due to clogged or leaky ductwork. If your AC has just created cool air, but it encounters hot air that has leaked into your ducts, the air coming out of your vents will not be as cool as it should be.
  • Get a Programmable Thermostat. The newest technology in HVAC efficiency is programmable thermostats. These gadgets allow you to preprogram your desired indoor temperature for certain times of the day. You can set it to be higher while you’re out and cooler while you’re home. You can set it to be cooler or warmer at night, depending on your sleeping preferences. And some even allow you to program them remotely using a smartphone or other device.

Schedule a Tune Up and Duct Inspection with Berico

Be sure that your AC is working as efficiently as possible by scheduling regular HVAC service in Greensboro. Berico can perform routine maintenance, check your ducts for leaks, and install a programmable thermostat in an ideal location. Call (336) 273-8663 to make an appointment today.  

Top 3 Signs your HVAC System Needs Attention

girl cool off with a fanWhen your air conditioner completely stops working, it’s obvious that it needs repair. But there are some more subtle signs that you need HVAC service in Burlington. These signs may be less noticeable, but catching them early can mean the difference between an easy repair and complete system replacement. Be on the lookout for the three “U”s of HVAC symptoms.

Unusual Noises. Is your AC making more noise than usual? Do you hear rattling or banging? It could be that something is loose and interfering with the fan or causing the outdoor unit to vibrate on the surface it’s sitting on. Do you hear the system turn on and off repeatedly? That can be a sign of a variety of problems. Do you hear the whir of electricity as the system attempts to start up but fails to get going? It could be an electrical or other related problem. The bottom line is this: if you hear anything unusual related to your HVAC system, it may be time for service.

Unpleasant Odors. If you notice an unusual smell and it seems to be coming from your vents, you may have a problem. First of all, what kind of a smell is it? A musty odor could indicate mold or mildew growing in your system or ducts due to excess moisture from a drainage issue or other problem. A burning smell could mean an electrical issue or friction from parts rubbing together that shouldn’t be. Any number of odd smells can be generated from a poorly operating air conditioner. Contact Alamance Oil, your HVAC service in Burlington, to get to the source of the smell.

Uneven Cooling. Are you starting to notice that some rooms in your home are cooler than others? Of course, it’s normal for a dark basement room to feel cooler than an upstairs bedroom with the sun streaming through the windows. But when the temperature seems inconsistent throughout your home whether it’s day or night, it’s often a sign of a poorly functioning air conditioner. It may be an issue with insufficient airflow through the system. It’s possible the refrigerant is low due to a leak. It may even be that the system is too small for the size of the home it is trying to cool. Whatever the reason, uneven cooling is a sign that service is past due.

Prevent the Three “U”s with Regular HVAC Service in your Burlington Home

Before any of these problems occur, you can prevent them with routine maintenance. HVAC systems need periodic service just like cars or any other working machine. Once you notice strange sounds or smells it may be too late for a quick fix. Instead, you’re looking at expensive repairs or possibly whole system replacement, which may have been prevented by having your system tuned up every year. Preventative maintenance is recommended by your HVAC service in Burlington to be scheduled once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your furnace. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement with Alamance Oil and your maintenance appointments will be automatically handled. Call (336) 226-9371 to keep your HVAC system running well throughout the year.

HVAC Tips for Renovating an Older Home

Older homes have a certain charm, a beauty that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Homes were once built with a level of personalized craftsmanship that is rarely displayed in newer homes. At the same time, older homes are often missing the modern conveniences homeowners have come to appreciate, such as central air conditioning. Installing a brand new AC system in an older home is possible, but it comes with its own set of challenges. If your home has an existing HVAC system, it may simply need a little tender loving care. Whether you need a full installation or AC repair in Reidsville, Carolina Fuels can handle the job.

Does the House have Existing Ductwork?

If there are ducts leading to each room of the home from either a forced air heater or an old air conditioning system, the project will be much easier. The most important thing to consider is that the existing ducts should be cleaned and inspected for leaks. If any leaks are found, they should be repaired if possible or the entire duct system should be replaced, especially before you consider installing a new air conditioning system. Faulty ductwork will drastically reduce the efficiency of your new AC and you’ll most likely find yourself repairing or replacing it. If your home does not have any ductwork, installation is possible, but it isn’t always an attractive option. Ducts installed against ceilings are difficult to disguise and may require ceilings to be lowered, which isn’t always ideal. It can take away from the overall aesthetic of the home and often make rooms feel smaller and cramped. Another less visible option is to install ducts in closets, but consider that you’ll lose valuable storage space, which older homes are often lacking by modern standards. If neither of these options sounds appealing to you, there’s still another viable avenue.

Ductless HVAC Systems are Flexible and Affordable

One of the best options for installing air conditioning in a home without ductwork is a ductless mini-split system. Mini-split refers to the fact that the system is basically split between a small outdoor unit and an individual wall-mounted unit in each room. Most older homes already have some type of heating system, whether it’s a radiator, furnace, boiler, or other type. Air conditioning can be added to it with a mini-split ductless system. The best part is that the wall-mounted unit is the only part that needs to be installed inside the home. You save a lot of space by opting out of ductwork that can be intrusive and bulky. Another major advantage is that you can achieve zone cooling inside your home, meaning the temperature in each room can be set according to personal preferences.

AC Repair in Reidsville Can Restore an Old System to Like-New Condition

If you are moving into an older home that has an existing air conditioning system, it is wise to have it thoroughly inspected and any issues repaired. An old system may not have to be replaced, it may simply need restoration. While newer systems tend to be more efficient, the real key to efficiency is a well-maintained air conditioner. For a maintenance plan or a free quote on AC repair in Reidsville or installation of a new air conditioning system in an older home, call Carolina Fuels: (336) 623-9741.

Managing your Thermostat for Optimal HVAC Performance

adjusting thermostat in your homeYour energy bill is a necessary expense, but you can lower it with just a few minor changes. One major key to energy savings is your thermostat. Your thermostat settings play a big part in keeping your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. You should always have your thermostat checked yearly as part of your regular maintenance schedule in order to keep your system running at peak performance and prevent expensive AC repair in Reidsville.

What are the Recommended Thermostat Settings for Heating and Cooling?

Ideal temperature settings are highly subjective and often the source of debate in many homes. Some prefer warmer temperatures and others prefer cooler temperatures. Finding an ideal setting for everyone in the family is difficult. But focusing on the best temperature for energy-savings rather than personal preference simplifies things. During the winter when your furnace is running, the optimal temperature setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The closer you set the temperature to the outside air, the less your furnace will have to work to heat your home. The same concept applies to your air conditioner in the summer. The ideal setting for your AC in hot weather is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is closer to the outdoor temperature while still feeling comfortable inside. This is the recommendation set forth by Energy Star, a joint federal program run by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Programmable Thermostat is an Excellent Way to Save Energy

Technology continues to improve when it comes to HVAC systems, and one of the best innovations is the programmable thermostat. It gives you the ability to program a variety of different temperature settings for different times of the day. In the warm weather months, you can program your thermostat to raise the temperature while you are gone and lower it before you come home, saving energy that is unnecessarily wasted to cool an empty house. In cold weather you can do just the opposite, allowing your home to cool down while you are gone and warm up before you get home. And you can lower the temperature at night while you’re under the covers and set it to warm up just in time for you to get up in the morning. Once you program your thermostat, you can forget about it.

But what if you need to make a change and you’re not at home? There are now smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely from your phone or other device. Say you’re out of town and expected to be home on a certain day, but plans change and you won’t be home when you originally thought. Simply change your thermostat settings from wherever you are.

AC Repair in Reidsville can include a Thermostat Replacement or Upgrade

If you’re ready to experience optimal HVAC performance and energy savings, have the experts at Carolina Fuels install a programmable thermostat in your home. A new thermostat combined with yearly maintenance for your air conditioner and furnace ensures that your entire central air system will perform at its best all year. Call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741 to schedule a thermostat replacement, maintenance appointment, or AC repair in Reidsville and start saving money on your energy bill.

Signs of an Indoor Air Quality Problem

sneezing due to allergiesHow clean is the air in your home? You may not give it much thought, but something that seems so insignificant can actually cause some serious health issues. But how can you tell if your air quality is good or bad? And if it’s bad, what can be done about it? The good news is that air quality issues are usually easy to fix with basic HVAC maintenance in Burlington. Here are some signs that may indicate your indoor air quality isn’t optimal.  

  1. New or Worsening Allergy Symptoms. If you suffer from allergies, whether seasonal or otherwise, you may notice that your symptoms have worsened recently. If you’ve never had allergies before, but recently you have begun to sneeze, have itchy or watery eyes, a scratchy throat, or a cough that doesn’t seem to be related to a cold or other illness, your indoor air may be to blame. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can get through filters, in some cases because they are dirty, and blow around your home through your HVAC system. Mold is another type of allergen that can form due to excess moisture. New mold growth can cause allergies for some who don’t normally suffer from allergies.  
  2. Serious Health Concerns. Beyond just typical allergy symptoms, poor indoor air quality can cause more serious health concerns. Headaches, fever, nausea, asthma, and even some root causes of pneumonia can be the result of prolonged exposure to poor air quality.   
  3. Unusual Smell in the Air. If the air in your home smells musty or odd, and it doesn’t seem to be due to any other culprit (like trash or pets), you may have an issue with your HVAC system. A musty smell is most likely due to mold or mildew growth in your system or ducts. Other strange odors could be due to any number of issues with your AC or furnace and are best diagnosed by your HVAC technician.  
  4. Dirt Collected On or Around Air Vents. If you think you may have an indoor air quality issue, walk through your home and inspect your air vents. If you notice dirt, dust, or soot collected around or directly on the vents, it’s safe to assume that the air isn’t very clean.  

Get Cleaner Indoor Air with HVAC Maintenance in Burlington 

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your heating and cooling company as soon as possible. When your family’s health is at stake, there is no time to waste. There’s a good chance that all your system needs is a good tune-up. HVAC maintenance in Burlington from Alamance Oil is not only affordable, but it will save you money in a variety of ways. When your system is well maintained, it runs more efficiently, lowering your monthly energy bill. Regular maintenance also keeps your HVAC system running well for many years longer than an unmaintained system, meaning your system will last much longer. Keep your indoor air cleaner, saving you money and protecting your family from allergies and other health issues that stem from poor indoor air quality.  Call (336) 226-9371 to schedule an appointment with Alamance Oil today.

House Plants: Natural Air Purifiers

Indoor plants bring the beauty of nature into your home. They are pleasing to the eye and make wonderful décor. But they offer another benefit that is invisible to the eye. Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb air pollutants and release fresh air into the atmosphere. While houseplants can help to keep your indoor air clean, they are no replacement for regular maintenance and filter changes to avoid breakdowns and expensive AC repair in Greensboro.

How Do Plants Purify the Air in your Home?

The leaves of plants are naturally porous. The pours are designed to absorb gases, allowing photosynthesis to take place. Flashback to your middle school science class and you may remember that photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy. The byproduct of this process is oxygen, which the plant releases into the atmosphere. Therefore, your houseplants are taking the carbon dioxide out of the air and adding oxygen to the air, creating fresh new air in your home constantly.

Houseplants Remove Toxins from the Air

Besides just carbon dioxide, plants remove all sorts of hazardous gases from the air. Some of the most harmful chemicals in the air are called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOCs, like Benzene, are found in fabric, plastic, paint, cigarette smoke, and some pesticides. If you’ve recently purchased new carpet or had remodeling done, you might experience headaches or dizziness from the fumes these products exude. Formaldehyde is another VOC found in some cleaners, soaps, and cosmetics. Your houseplants can remove these chemicals from the air, making your inside air much healthier.

Why is Indoor Air Quality so Important?

Air pollutants cause a number of health issues from mild conditions like allergies and asthma to more serious health problems like pneumonia and emphysema. You may not even be aware that your indoor air is polluted, as the symptoms can come on gradually and some health issues don’t manifest until many years after exposure.

What Are the Best Houseplants for Better Air Quality?

  • Peace lily
  • Rubber plant
  • Boston fern
  • Parlor palm
  • Sanseveria
  • Spider plant
  • English Ivy
  • Aloe Vera (also has healing properties)
  • Gerbera Daisy (bright colored flowers)

The Added Benefit of an Air Purification System

If pure indoor air is a high priority for you, consider installing an air purification system. Many products are designed to work with your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to filter more toxins from the air than your regular intake vent filters do. Some air purification systems are designed to create new clean air, much like plants do. Contact Berico, the premier company for AC repair in Greensboro, to ask about air purification products.

Berico is the Choice for General HVAC Maintenance and AC Repair in Greensboro

A properly functioning HVAC system is an important element of keeping indoor air clean. Replacing your filters regularly keeps dust and other particles out of your system. Regular maintenance includes filter replacement as well as system cleaning that removes other dirt and debris before the air comes out of your vents. It also ensures that your air conditioner and furnace are operating and venting properly. Call Berico to schedule an AC tune-up and filter change to keep your indoor air pure and clean: (336) 273-8663.

4 HVAC Myths Busted

ac filter changeBecause most newer homes have pretty standard HVAC systems installed, the average homeowner may think they know all there is to know about using one. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about heating and cooling systems that need to be busted once and for all. Alamance Oil wants you to know the truth so you can avoid expensive AC repair for your Burlington home. 

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change your Filters Once a Year. 

How often do you change your HVAC filters? Every year as part of your spring cleaning regimen? If that’s the only time you replace your old dusty filters, you could be causing unnecessary harm to your central air system. Clogged filters don’t allow the intake vents to pull in the air your HVAC system needs in order to operate properly. Dirty filters will also let extra dirt and dust get into your system which lowers its efficiency. Changing your filters twice a year is good, changing them quarterly is better, and changing them monthly is best.  

Myth 2: An Energy Efficient HVAC System Automatically Saves you Money.  

False. An energy efficient system will maximize energy usage, meaning your energy bills should be lower, right? Not necessarily. Other factors affect your energy bills such as insulation and other sources of energy usage in the home. It is also important to select the right size HVAC system for your home. Always consult a reliable company that offers services such as AC repair, maintenance, and replacement, to recommend the best system for your home.  

Myth 3: Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy. 

This is one of the most harmful myths about HVAC systems. Closing vents in certain rooms will not save energy. In fact it will cause problems with your system by causing the air pressure to become unbalanced. Your AC will struggle to keep proper airflow throughout your home and the system itself and could even cause leaks in the ductwork.  

Myth 4: HVAC Maintenance is a Scam.  

Wrong. The truth is, HVAC companies make more money off of customers who call for emergency repairs or those who need their systems replaced more often because of lack of maintenance. By paying a minimal yearly fee for a maintenance agreement with your HVAC company you avoid emergency repairs, save on your monthly energy bill, and get many more good years out of your heating and cooling system.  

Save Money by Avoiding Extensive AC Repair in Burlington 

Now that you know the truth about some of the most common HVAC myths, you can avoid pitfalls, save money, and stay comfortable in your home. Alamance Oil offers a Comfort and Protection Service Plan for twice-yearly AC repair in Burlington to keep your system running efficiently. Call (336) 226-9371.

Could your Air Conditioner be Causing your Cough?

Do you have a persistent cough? It may have started with a cold or allergies, but if you have a chronic cough that has been plaguing you for weeks, it’s not normal. Sometimes a cough is due to poor indoor air quality, which could be directly related to your central air system. If your home has ductwork and air vents, you have a central or forced air system in your home. The air that blows out of your vents is primarily the air that you breathe, and when that air isn’t clean, your health can suffer. Beat the cough once and for all with Reidsville air conditioner repair. 

Indoor Air Quality: The Hidden Health Influencer 

You may not give much thought to the air quality in your home. You may assume that you’re more likely to experience air pollution outside, when the opposite is actually the case. When your home air is compromised it can cause allergy symptoms, chronic respiratory issues, and aggravate asthma. So if you’re suffering from a cough you can’t seem to shake or other ear, nose, and throat issues, your home air is possibly the reason. 

Your Central Air System is the Biggest Factor in Home Air Quality 

Now you’re probably wondering why your home air quality could be bad. Poor air quality is the result of a few different factors, mostly related to your HVAC system. When working properly, your central air system uses filters to keep dust and dirt out of your ducts and indoor unit. When the filters get overly dirty or clogged, dust and other allergens like pollen can get through.  

Another concern is with your furnace, which can release carbon monoxide into your home when not working properly. Furnaces create heat using natural gas, propane, or heating oil. When these fuels are burned, carbon monoxide is created. A properly functioning furnace will vent these fumes out of your home. If there are problems, such as holes or leaks in the ventilation system or other malfunctions that cause your furnace to produce too much CO, it can enter the air in your home. Your CO detector will only alert you if the CO level gets dangerously high. However, even low levels can cause serious health problems. 

Improve Your Health with Reidsville Air Conditioner Maintenance and an Air Purification System 

The most important step you can take in improving your indoor air quality and your health is to schedule biannual HVAC maintenance. Preventative maintenance is a tune-up for your furnace and air conditioner involving cleaning, inspecting, repairing, lubricating, and generally restoring your system to its best condition. This will keep your Reidsville air conditioner running efficiently and blowing cleaner air.  

Want the cleanest indoor air possible? Consider an air purification system. Fitted directly onto your current HVAC system, an air purifier will remove the finest particles from the air before they pass through the vents into your home. State of the art technology not only cleans the air, but creates new clean air molecules.  

Kick that cough by calling Carolina Fuels for Reidsville air conditioner maintenance: (336) 273-8663. 

Why (and What) is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

If your air conditioner seems to be leaking, you probably have a lot of questions. Why is it leaking? What is leaking from it? What should I do? Rest assured that leaks are quite common and it’s likely an easy fix. But if you see excessive moisture coming from your air conditioner you should definitely call an HVAC service in Greensboro to come and take a look.

What is the Liquid that’s Leaking from my Air Conditioner? 

Most likely it is just water from condensation. As warm air moves over the cold evaporator coil, condensation or water forms. This water is supposed to go outside through a drainage system when your air conditioner is working right. When it isn’t, the water ends up inside underneath the AC unit.  

In some cases, your system may leak refrigerant. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a water leak and a refrigerant leak. The common signs of a refrigerant leak include ice on your outdoor unit or on the evaporator coil, warm air coming from your vents, and sometimes a lack of airflow in general. If any of these symptoms accompany your leak, there’s a good chance it’s not just water.  

Why is it Leaking? 

If your AC is leaking water, it is likely because the drainage tube is blocked in some way so that water isn’t getting out like it should. It could also mean that the drain pan or drainage tube is cracked, causing water to leak. It could be that a malfunction of your system is causing excess moisture to build up faster than it can be drained out. Your air conditioner also works as a dehumidifier for your home during hot, humid summers. If you notice that your home feels more humid than it should like if windows fog up when it’s hot outside, it indicates that your AC is not working properly. You could prevent a leak before it starts if you pay attention to the early warning signs.  

Air conditioners leak refrigerant if there is a crack or hole in the evaporator coil. Strange as it seems, a lack of refrigerant can cause ice to form on the coil or the outside of the AC unit.  

What Should I Do About It? 

When you’re sure the water is coming from your air conditioner and not your plumbing or elsewhere, you should contact your HVAC service in Greensboro. Rely on the experts at Berico to accurately diagnose the problem and repair it properly.  

The same thing applies if you suspect your system is leaking refrigerant. The coil will need to be repaired or replaced and recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant, which is a job for a trained HVAC technician. 

How can I Prevent Leaks Before they Start?

Yearly maintenance for your air conditioner can prevent leaks and other problems from ever happening. Avoid water damage to your home from water and refrigerant leaks by having your system inspected, cleaned, and repaired every spring before the weather gets hot. Berico offers maintenance contracts that include AC and furnace maintenance along with other perks like discounted repairs and priority service. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico keeps your entire HVAC system (furnace and air conditioner) working efficiently throughout the year, keeping your home comfortable in any weather. Take the most important step in preventing heating and cooling problems. Call for Berico HVAC service in Greensboro: (336) 273-8663.  

 

What to do if Your Air Conditioner Ices Over

Ice on your air conditioner on a hot summer day? It hardly makes sense, but it’s actually quite common. If you experience this it can be confusing and you may wonder what to do. Taking the proper steps in this situation can make all the difference when it comes to the cost of repairs and the overall lifespan of your air conditioner. Chances are you are simply in need of a thorough AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. 

  1. Turn off your AC. Any time your air conditioning isn’t working properly, the first step should be to turn it off. Whatever is going wrong will only continue to worsen as long as the system is running. This protects your air conditioner as well as your home and family.  
  1. Check your filters. Extremely dirty or clogged filters can impede air flow into your HVAC system. Your air conditioner is supposed to take in warm air which blows over the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil contains refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air and transfers it outside. The cooled air is then blown out through the vents in your home. When not enough hot air is blowing over the evaporator coil, it will get too cold and start to form ice. If your filters are dirty, replace them. 
  1. Turn your AC back on and check air flow. If dirty filters were the problem, air flow through your vents should improve. You should feel a strong flow of cool air. If this is not the case, it may indicate a different problem. 
  1. Turn your AC back off and call your HVAC service. Unless you have professional experience with HVAC systems, filters are the only maintenance item you should attend to yourself. If dirty filters are not the reason your system is frozen over, there is likely an internal problem such as a dirty evaporator coil or not enough refrigerant in the coil. Experts can clean the coil and the rest of your system as well as recharge the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant can be due to a leak which will need to be repaired. There are other possible causes of ice on your AC unit that your HVAC technician can diagnose and repair.  

Protect your AC from Further Damage, Prolong its Life, and Save Money by Acting Fast 

If you see ice on your outdoor AC unit, don’t ignore it. Ice is a sign of a malfunction that will only get worse if left unattended. Having it repaired at the first sign of a problem can prevent further damage and costly repairs. It can also prevent full system failure and expensive system replacement. Continuing to run your frozen air conditioner will also waste a lot of energy, which will cause your bill to go up significantly.  

Prevent a Freeze Over with an AC Tune-up in Burlington, NC 

Want to avoid this entire unpleasant situation? Schedule regular yearly maintenance for your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. A thorough inspection and cleaning of your system will help you to avoid unexpected problems with your AC on hot summer days. Call Alamance Oil for an AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. (336) 273-8663.