Did you know there is a time of year that’s best for scheduling HVAC maintenance? Experts recommend yearly maintenance for both your furnace and your air conditioner to keep it running efficiently and to prevent unexpected and potentially expensive problems. This means two separate appointments are needed each year. So, when should you schedule this annual maintenance to avoid costly HVAC repair in Burlington, NC?

Air Conditioning Maintenance Should Be Done in Late Winter or Early Spring

Late Spring is a very busy time for heating and cooling companies. As the weather starts to warm up, homeowners start turning on their air conditioners for the first time, and many will be met with the unfortunate situation of a system that isn’t working properly. Either it won’t come on at all, or when it does it makes weird noises, or it won’t blow enough cool air. If you wait too long in Spring to schedule your spring maintenance, you’ll hit the busy season when it’s more difficult for your technician to find a time that suits your schedule. The earlier you call, the more flexible and easier scheduling will be. By calling early, you know you’ll be prepared for hot weather; that your air conditioner is in excellent working order and will run efficiently and consistently.

Furnace Maintenance Should be Scheduled in Late Summer or Early Fall

For the same reasons that AC maintenance is best done in spring, furnace maintenance should be done in late summer or early fall. Avoid the rush and the busy season for HVAC companies by being proactive and making sure your furnace will be ready to handle that first cold fall night. Another thing to consider about furnace maintenance is propane or heating oil refills. If your furnace runs on propane or oil, your tank needs periodic refills to avoid running out. Purchasing heating fuel ahead of schedule helps you to get a better price and avoid shortages that can sometimes occur during particularly cold winters. You can knock out both maintenance and fuel delivery in one appointment when your HVAC company and fuel supplier are one in the same.

The Benefits of Calling Alamance Oil for System Maintenance and HVAC Repair in Burlington, NC

1. Save Money. HVAC maintenance saves you money in many ways. A well-tuned system runs more efficiently, thus uses less energy, resulting in lower energy bills. By keeping your system well-maintained, you avoid unexpected problems that could lead to after-hours and emergency repair fees. Being on a regular maintenance agreement means discounted repairs when needed, among other perks like priority scheduling and waived after-hours and emergency fees. And filters are included in the total price of the maintenance.
2. Avoid System Failure. Don’t suffer in the sweltering heat or freezing cold while you wait for repairs. Your system is already in great shape following preseason maintenance.
3. Get All-in-one Home Comfort Service. Alamance Oil combines fuel delivery with HVAC repair in Burlington, NC so that you receive a discount on your fuel and you save time by making one call to schedule just one appointment.

Call today to schedule your spring AC maintenance: (336) 226-9371.

Are you interested in gas logs for your home? Gas logs can be installed in an existing wood fireplace or a fireplace that was designed for gas logs. They can add warmth and ambiance to your home with a relatively simple installation. Some types don’t even require an actual fireplace to be in place. The versatility of gas logs is one of their biggest benefits. But choosing the right type for your home is important. Before you decide on gas logs for sale, consider some of the following things.

Choose Between Using Propane or Natural Gas Logs

If you already have natural gas access in your home, gas logs are most likely the easiest choice. However, some homeowners still choose propane because they can operate the logs separate from their other gas appliances. If natural gas is not available in your area, propane may be your only choice when it comes to having a gas log fireplace.

The Next Choice: Vented or Vent-Free Gas Logs

Vented	Vent-Free
Pros: ·       cost less to purchase ·       offer ambiance more than heat ·       realistic flame ·       no CO detector needed ·       no smell	Pros: ·       create more heat (can heat a full room) ·       less pollution ·       use less fuel ·       no ventilation necessary, more flexible use
Cons: ·       produce less heat ·       use more fuel ·       need a chimney or other ventilation	Cons: ·       may increase indoor humidity ·       depletes oxygen in the room ·       requires oxygen depletion and CO detectors ·       less realistic flame ·       slight odor released

 

Choosing your ventilation type may also depend on your home. If you already have a wood or other vented fireplace, installing vented logs may be the easiest choice. If you lack a ventilated space, vent-free logs can be installed in a cabinet or other space that is able to withstand the heat created. Heating a full-size room is easier for a vent-free fireplace, but a vented fireplace offers supplemental warmth for an already heated space.

The Advantages of Gas Logs over a Wood Burning Fireplace

• Gas logs burn clean, leaving no ashes behind to shovel and no chimney to sweep.
• You won’t have to cut, haul, or purchase wood.
• You’ll experience fewer allergy symptoms from all the particles released into the air when wood is burned.
• Gas log fireplaces are safer for your home and family.
• Enjoy the ambiance of a fire at the flip of a switch.

Gas Logs for Sale and Quality Installation by Carolina Fuels

Once you’ve decided to purchase gas logs, whether or not you’ve decided on a type yet, go ahead and contact Carolina Fuels at (336)273-8663. Expert technicians have experience installing all kinds of gas log fireplaces and can help you choose the best type for your home. Whatever kind of fireplace you have in your home and even if you don’t have one at all, Carolina Fuels can help you achieve the glowing warmth a fireplace brings to a home.

Spring and summer of 2018 are predicted to be hotter than average. Sweltering heat and oppressive humidity will make your air conditioner work overtime. Is yours up to the task? If you’re not sure and it hasn’t had any repairs for a while, it’s time to look into AC maintenance in Eden, NC. Maintenance for your air conditioner involves inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and repairing the various parts of the system so that it runs more efficiently.

AC Maintenance in Eden, NC has Numerous Benefits

The benefits of yearly maintenance for your air conditioner include, but are not limited to:

1. Save money. There are a few different ways that AC maintenance will save you money. First of all, your system will run more efficiently when it is clean and tuned up, meaning it uses less energy and keeps your bills low. The following benefits also save you money as well as stress.
2. Avoid AC breakdowns on hot days. If your air conditioning fails on a sweltering summer day, you will feel it almost immediately. The indoor temperature will climb up fast and you’ll have to wait for your HVAC company to come out and fix it. And that’s after they fix the other customers’ air conditioners who are in the same boat as you but called in earlier. Scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring can prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money on repairs.
3. Add years to the life of your air conditioner. Like any machine, a well-maintained AC unit will operate properly for many more years than a neglected system. You can avoid replacing your system as often by taking good care of the one you have, which saves you money as well.
4. Avoid emergency and after-hours repair fees. If your AC fails in the evening or on a weekend, you may need an emergency repair. Many HVAC companies charge higher rates for emergency and after-hours service calls. Regular maintenance can help prevent these ill-timed breakdowns so you can avoid the higher rates and fees.
5. Enjoy perks from your HVAC company. When you sign up for a maintenance plan, your HVAC company comes out regularly to give your system a checkup and tune-up. A plan or agreement also comes with added perks like discounts on repairs and diagnostic fees, waived emergency/after-hours fees, priority service, and more.

A Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Carolina Fuels Comes with Serious Perks

Now that you know the major benefits of yearly maintenance for your air conditioning, you should also know the added perks that come along with signing up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan with Carolina Fuels. Your yearly AC tune-up also gives you 20% off repairs and diagnostic fees, priority service scheduling, waived emergency and after-hours fees, and $50 in bonus bucks that can be used toward any new equipment. Save money and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with AC maintenance in Eden, NC. Call Carolina Fuels at (336)623-9741.

Heating your home with a propane furnace is a relatively common practice. Many homeowners use propane by choice, others use it because natural gas is not available in their area. Probably the most common use of propane is in backyard grills. But did you know there are at least 7 other household appliances that can run on propane? Propane in Burlington, NC is convenient and affordable. It can be delivered and automatically refilled by Alamance Oil. Consider trying these propane-powered appliances.

1. Water Heaters. This one may not be too surprising, as propane water heaters are not uncommon. The most common energy sources for water heating are typically electricity or natural gas, but propane is a close third. Propane burns hot and resonates, meaning you can heat a lot of water quickly.
2. Fireplaces. Gas log fireplaces are often propane-sourced. There are advantages to propane logs over burning wood, such as cleanliness and convenience. It’s easier to hook a propane tank up to a gas log fireplace than it is to tap into an underground natural gas line.
3. Stoves and Ranges. Propane stovetops and ovens are an efficient alternative to electricity. Some homeowners prefer to cook over a flame as opposed to a flat top stove or coil. A propane powered oven preheats faster than electric.
4. Clothing Dryers. You can conserve electricity by purchasing a propane clothing dryer. Clothes will even dry faster as propane creates heat more quickly and keeps a steady heat over time.
5. Outdoor Fire Pits. The convenience of propane-fueled fires does not have to be confined to the indoors. Outdoor fire pits can also be propane fueled, allowing you to skip the work of starting a wood fire and just flip a switch.
6. Pool and Hot Tub Heaters. If you have a pool you wish to heat or a hot tub, propane is a much more efficient heating fuel. The rapid heating time and longevity of the heat make it a wise choice for warming large quantities of water.
7. Refrigerators and Freezers. These are much less common, but still a possibility. But most often, campers can benefit from propane-powered refrigerators and freezers.

The Major Benefits of Using Propane in Burlington, NC

• Efficient. Propane burns hotter than gas and heats much faster than electricity.
• Environmentally Friendly. Propane burns clean and does not emit greenhouse gases.
• Safe. Propane tanks are sturdy and rarely leak. In the case of a leak, the smell alerts you.
• Can save you money. In many cases propane is more affordable than gas or electricity.
• Good for emergencies. If the power goes out or the gas line is interrupted, your own personal propane supply is still available.
• Versatility. Propane can be used for many different household appliances besides just home heating.

Alamance Oil is your Burlington Propane Supplier

If you are interested in trying propane or purchasing additional propane-powered appliances, contact Alamance Oil. Your supplier will install your tank and can assist with hooking up new appliances to your propane source. Automatic deliveries are available for propane in Burlington, NC. Call (336) 226-9371.

You start to notice some unusual water sounds coming from your inside HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit. Whether it’s a dripping sound, a rushing water sound, or a bubbling/gurgling sound, you wonder if it’s a new noise or something you just never noticed before. Most likely it’s new if it’s suddenly caught your attention. So what does it mean? There are a few different possible causes of water sounds in your inside unit. It’s best to have an HVAC technician, or what some might call an air contractor in Greensboro, NC like Berico diagnose and repair the problem, but if you want to know what to expect, here are some probable causes.

Sound: Dripping Water. If you hear the sound of dripping water coming from your indoor unit, it likely means condensation is not draining properly. Moisture naturally builds up in your HVAC system and should drain out if it’s working correctly. A blocked drainage tube could be preventing condensation from properly draining. Other problems can cause humidity and moisture to build up in your ductwork too quickly for the drainage system to keep up. If you have a refrigerant leak, you may hear the sound of dripping as it runs out. The bottom line: you shouldn’t be hearing the sound of dripping water from your inside unit. If you do, call your HVAC technician at Berico for a checkup.

Sound: Bubbling or Gurgling. A bubbling or gurgling water sound coming from your indoor AC or furnace unit is usually an indication of a pressure issue. Improper internal pressure could be due to an overcharge of refrigerant (too much). It could also be the result of a refrigerant leak. Anytime the refrigerant level is incorrect, it causes an imbalance of pressure and air can get in where it shouldn’t be, which in turn causes the bubbling or gurgling noise you are hearing. The best thing to do is to call Berico, your heating and cooling company, to come out and inspect your system in order to find any potential problems. A trained technician will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to diagnose and repair the problem.

Prevent Moisture and Pressure Problems with Routine Maintenance

Leaks from your HVAC system can cause severe water damage in your home. You may be lucky enough to hear the warning sounds before a major leak occurs, but if not you could have a big, expensive mess on your hands. To avoid unexpected furnace and air conditioner issues, schedule preventative maintenance with Berico, your air contractor in Greensboro, NC. Maintenance Plans include a yearly checkup and tune-up for your HVAC system. When you enter into a maintenance agreement, your technician will visit once in the fall to tune up your furnace and once in the spring to tune up your air conditioning. A typical maintenance appointment includes changing your filters, inspecting and cleaning your system, and performing any necessary repairs including replacing worn out parts. Your refrigerant levels will be checked as well as the drainage system, which should prevent any water-related issues. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement with your HVAC technician, or if you prefer the term air contractor in Greensboro, NC, Berico. Save money and enjoy better home comfort. Call (336)273-8663.