Common Burlington HVAC Problems and How to Prevent them

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pic_heatingCooling-300x141In the Triad we experience all four seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. As the winter season is upon us, we have switched our furnaces on to battle the cold night temperatures. If your heating system is not working properly, there are a few common problems that tend to occur that may require HVAC service in Burlington.

Common heating problems:

  1. Mechanical failure. HVAC systems are complex machines with many moving parts. Over time these parts are destined to wear out and require repair or replacement. Besides simply wearing out, parts can loosen up over time or dry out and need to be lubricated.
  2. Low air flow. If it seems that there is insufficient air coming from your vents, you may have a problem with air flow to or from your system. Often this is due to dirty or clogged filters. Replace your filters and check to see if the flow of air is stronger. If the problem persists, schedule service with your Heating & Air Conditioning company.
  3. Uneven heating. Do some rooms feel warmer than others when your heat is on? Are there some areas of your home that do not heat to a comfortable level? This could be due to a number of different problems from ductwork to mechanical issues. Again, check your filters for excess dust and replace if necessary. If the situation doesn’t improve it may be time to call a professional heating and air conditioning service.
  4. Thermostat issues. Have you set your thermostat for your desired temperature, only to find that your home never reaches that temperature? Does your heat run constantly? Is there a warning light on your thermostat that is on or blinking? These things can mean any number of problems with your thermostat or the system itself. It’s best to have an Heating & Air Conditioning specialist diagnose and repair the problem.
  5. Pilot problems. The pilot light is what ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber in order to heat the air that warms your home. In older furnaces the pilot stays lit all the time during the heating season, unless it unexpectedly goes out. Newer furnaces have electric ignited pilots that do not need to remain lit all the time. Whatever the type, if the pilot malfunctions your system will fail to produce heat.
  6. Electrical issues. Electrical wiring can easily become loose, disconnected, or corroded. If electrical connections are not right the entire system could lose power, leading to no heat on a cold day or night. It is important to have a professional handle all electrical issues for safety reasons.

Prevent common HVAC problems with regular maintenance from Alamance Oil

Most of the above problems can be prevented with Burlington HVAC maintenance. Often referred to as preventative maintenance, a yearly tune-up for your central heating and air conditioning system can eliminate these problems before they occur unexpectedly and leave you in the cold. Maintenance involves inspecting, cleaning, and if necessary, repairing all the parts of your HVAC system. Filters are replaced, parts are cleaned, electrical wiring is checked, and the thermostat is tested. Alamance Oil offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that can prevent common HVAC problems. Schedule service or call 336-226-9371 to get started with a plan today.

Cold Weather is Here – Have Your Heating Repair in Greensboro Performed Now

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Although off to a warm start, The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another cold winter this year, including possible icy conditions in late January. You don’t want to be caught on a cold, icy night with no heat. This is why early detection is so important. Annual maintenance can identify potential heating repairs earlier, saving you money and preventing you from spending a night shivering under the blankets with no heat.

Maintaining your heating unit is similar to maintaining a car. Any mechanic will tell you that the most important maintenance task for cars is changing the oil on a regular basis. Simple, yet effective for maintaining all the working components of an engine. If a car owner fails to have the oil changed, then the engine parts are not lubricated adequately and they begin to fail. Annual heating maintenance ensures that all the heater components are working properly, parts are well lubricated, and belts are changed, if needed. Quite often, the service technician can spot issues early preventing major breakdowns on those cold, wintry nights.

Safety Concerns that Warrant Heating Repair

The burning process for gas and oil produces carbon monoxide. Since your heating system burns these elements to produce warm air, a small amount of carbon monoxide is normal. The ventilation system is designed to eliminate this small amount of carbon monoxide by filtering it out of the home. However, a crack in the ventilation system or a dirty furnace can allow this poisonous gas to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can be extremely dangerous, and can cause death.

Most homes today are super-insulated. This is great for reducing your energy costs because it keeps the cold air out and the hot air in. However, creating an airtight environment also creates an ideal environment for carbon monoxide buildup. By having your furnace checked and repaired promptly, you and your family are protected from this silent but extremely dangerous gas.

Heating Repair & Tune-ups: Why They Are Important

The simplified recipe for creating warm air is easy: fuel, air and fire to generate the burn. In order to operate efficiently, the proper mixture of all these ingredients (air, oil, or gas) must be monitored. When a technician comes out to check your heating unit, this mixture is checked to ensure that the burn is efficient plus he checks the burners to ensure proper ignition and burner flame. Additionally, the technician checks to make sure there are no leaks or blockage in the ventilation system and to make sure that the wiring is not corroded or damaged.

By simply performing an annual check-up, you can minimize your heating repair costs and protect your and your family from the harmful effects of a leaky ventilation system.

Don’t delay in having your heating repair in Greensboro completed today, call Berico Heating and Air Conditioning at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a check-up before the cold weather arrives.

Heating Repair in Greensboro from a Reliable Company

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When your heat goes out in winter it is inconvenient to say the least. You are faced with the hassle of finding an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service to repair it. There are so many Heating and Air companies out there. How do you know which one to call? There are certain things to look for in a heating and air repair company that can give you reassurance that you will get reliable service. These criteria will help you to narrow down your choices for the best heating repair in Greensboro and find a quality business.

An HVAC company should be:

  • Licensed. Heating and Air companies have to be licensed in the state where they offer services. Licensure requires testing and periodic renewal. You can check a company’s licensing here. Consider only licensed HVAC contractors for heating repair to be sure you receive reliable service.
  • Bonded and insured. Bonding and insurance protects you, the homeowner, if the technician repairing your heating system were to be injured. The company you hire should have their own insurance and bonding so that you don’t have to pay for insurance of your own or be faced with the responsibility if there is no insurance for either party.
  • Experienced. Look for a well-established Heating and Cooling company to do your heating repairs. The longer a company has been in business, the more knowledge and experience they have repairing heating systems. Technicians are more likely to be familiar with your system if they’ve been doing heating repairs for a while.
  • Reputable. A quality local HVAC company will have a good reputation in the area. Ask friends and neighbors and see if some of the same names come up. Read reviews online. Look for awards or accreditations such as the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List.
  • Affordable. Of course you don’t want to pay too much for heating repair. But be wary of a company whose rates are significantly lower than what others are charging. Their rate may be lower because they cut corners or because they have trouble keeping customers. That doesn’t mean you should choose the most expensive company either. Find a reasonable price and let the other criteria influence your decision.

Berico meets (and exceeds) these criteria:

  • Licensed. Berico is licensed to provide HVAC services in North Carolina.
  • Bonded and insured. Berico is fully bonded and insured to protect their technicians and customers.
  • Experienced. Berico has been providing Heating & Air services to Greensboro and the surrounding area since 1924.
  • Reputable. Ask anyone in the Greensboro area and they have probably heard of or hired Berico. Berico is Better Business Bureau accredited and has received the A+ Super Service Award from Angie’s List.
  • Affordable. Berico’s rates are competitive with others in the area. We offer specials, discounts, and referral credits to help you save even more.

For reliable heating repair in Greensboro, schedule service or call Berico today at 336-273-8663.

Gas Logs in Greensboro are Cozy and Convenient

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gas log fireplaceAs the air gets crisp and the holidays are approaching, do you find yourself wishing for the cozy ambiance that a fireplace brings? Do you have a fireplace that you rarely use due to the hassle of hauling wood and shoveling ashes? If so, consider having gas logs installed in your fireplace. Gas logs in Greensboro have many advantages over wood burning fireplaces. If you want to have the warmth and the beauty of a fireplace without the work, a set of gas logs will make that possible.

Gas logs are low maintenance

Once your gas logs are installed, the work ends there. You can have instant flames at the flip of a switch. No need to haul wood inside and painstakingly coax a flame into existence. Skip the shoveling and sweeping of ashes afterwards. And it’s time to let your chimney sweep go; you will no longer be needing his services. If the hassle of building a wood fire is more than you wish to undertake, a gas log fireplace is your solution.

Breathe cleaner air by avoiding wood smoke

Whether your gas logs are fueled by natural gas or propane, they will burn cleaner than wood. Natural gas and propane are both non-toxic, clean burning fuels. The small amount of carbon monoxide that is produced is vented outside through the flue, but there is no smoke. Wood smoke is a respiratory and eye irritant.

Gas Logs are much Safer

As safe as your fireplace may be, there is always a chance that a spark or ember could escape and cause a fire in your home. A wood fire must always be watched and tended to in order to keep it burning safely. A gas log fire is much safer as it is contained within the confines of the fireplace and can be turned off instantly if necessary.

Storing wood has its problems

One of the biggest problems with a wood burning fireplace is wood storage. Stacking wood against your house can invite pests like termites, spiders, snakes, and rats. It also must be kept dry in order to burn properly without producing too much smoke. Unless you have a wooded lot with your own source of wood for burning, purchasing firewood can get pricey. Gas and propane are actually less expensive than wood.

Get new gas logs installed in time for winter

If we’ve sold you on the merits of gas logs in Greensboro, you can have yours installed before the coldest months. When the air gets chilly and you need a little extra warmth, gas logs are a painless way to achieve a toasty, glowing atmosphere. At Berico we have a showroom that allows you to view different gas log options to find the one that will work and look best in your home. Request a call or call us at 336-273-8663 to get more information on gas log options and gas log maintenance in Greensboro.
For added safety security Berico has an annual service plan where we will come out and clean, light the pilot, and check the logs every year.

For more information on the benefits of gas log fireplaces: http://articles.latimes.com/2001/dec/23/realestate/re-abrams23

When to Schedule Your Furnace Repair in Burlington, NC

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Furnace Repair in BurlingtonNo one wants to spend a night shivering in the cold, waiting on a furnace repairman to come out and fix their furnace. Now is the time to check your furnace to ensure that it is heating properly and none of the issues below are evident.

Issues that Require Furnace Repair

  1. Heating or Cycling Problems – When you start your furnace for the season, notice whether there is adequate heat flowing out of the registers. Sometimes it is as simple as you closed a register and forgot to reopen it. Other times, there could be an issue with airflow, which will decrease the amount of heat flowing into your home. Also, take time to notice if the furnace is staying on all the time or if it is cycling on and off every five minutes. The constant state of cycling on and off could indicate a dirty flame sensor or that your furnace is overheating or could indicate a leaky heat exchanger. If you notice this issue, call your furnace repair technician immediately.

  1. Pilot Light – A clogged line can prevent the pilot light from burning or it could be burning too low. Sometimes pilot lights simply fail to stay lit. Newer furnaces with the electronic ignition also need to be maintained. The electronic ignition can fail, need replacing, or it can have an electrical issue that prevents it from operating as it should.

  1. No Heat Coming Out – There are many issues that could result in your furnace not blowing hot air. For example, it could be as simple as an issue with your thermostat or more complicated mechanical or electrical issues. With the advances in computer technology, newer units have control boards that evaluate specific conditions before releasing fuel into the heating system. Almost like the motherboard in your computer – if everything is working properly, the computer starts. If the motherboard detects issues, then the computer doesn’t start. The control board works in a similar fashion. The control board runs a diagnostic to make sure certain conditions are met and, if everything meets the criteria, fuel is released and heat is generated. If the conditions are not met, then the fuel is not released and no heat is generated.

  1. Blower Issues – Sometimes you may turn on your furnace and although you heat the furnace turn on, no hot air flows out of the registers. This can be caused by issues with the blower, which is responsible for blowing the warm out into the ducts and through the registers. Issues with the blower can be as simple as a belt that needs replacing or something more serious like the motor overheating.

  1. Ductwork – If you notice that warm air is not flowing out of one of the registers, it could be an issue with the ductwork. The ductwork could be damaged, which then causes the warm air to leak into other areas.

  1. Funny Noises – If you hear squealing, grinding, or rattling noises coming from your furnace, it is best to call a repair technician. It could be an easy fix (ie a belt that needs replacing) or signal something more serious like a furnace motor dying.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, then call Alamance Oil to schedule your furnace repair in Burlington, NC today at (336) 273-8663.

Berico Launches Their Yearly “Gift of Warmth” Campaign

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Berico Launches Their Yearly “Gift of Warmth” Campaign

To provide Heating Assistance for the less fortunate in Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham and Caswell Counties.

GREENSBORO, NC, December 2, 2015 — As the temperatures drop, and cold weather sets in, many area residents could use some help obtaining heat for their homes. Every year, Berico Heating & Air Conditioning, Carolina Fuels, and Alamance Oil step up to give something back to the community. They have rolled-out their yearly Gift of Warmth Campaign to the delight of many local folks. The Salvation Army is forced to turn away far too many requests for help with heating expenses each Winter. Berico Heating & Air Conditioning along with Alamance Oil and Carolina Fuels, BB&T Bank, WFMY Channel 2, and other thoughtful sponsors have teamed up to raise $50,000.00 to provide heating aid to those less fortunate. Assistance is made through The Salvation Army at several locations.

Berico Heating & Air Conditioning is requesting the public’s support for this very worthy cause. This is the Holiday Season, what a great gift to give, “The Gift of Warmth”. Berico will match all donations up to $20,000. The funds will be used for any qualifying home, regardless of the type of heat whether it’s electric, gas, LP or heating oil. This is a tax deductible contribution that can be made at the nearest BB&T Bank or even through Paypal. All proceeds are managed by the Salvation Army and distributed to those in need.

Since 1924, Berico Heating & Air Conditioning, along with their partner companies Carolina Fuels, Inc., and Alamance Oil Co. have provided residential heating and cooling fuels and service throughout Greensboro, Eden, and Burlington. This consortium of companies offer propane, home heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, and lubricant products. Commercial customers throughout the triad receive heating oil, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel services through Gateco Oil Co., Berico is also a major player in the HVAC service sector, serving all four partnering companies with all types of equipment; from oil furnaces to air conditioners and electric heat pumps, and more. The team at Berico are also experts in evaluating a home’s heating & cooling efficiencies, and making recommendations for proper heating and AC repairs, service plans and/or new unit installs.

Berico Heating & Air Conditioning has become the dominant force in the heating and cooling sector in this area. Customer Testimonials show why. This is what Nancy McCoy, a Verified Customer, had to say: “I first used Berico in August of 2009 and I am now entering my 6th year. I have always believed that it is better to prevent a problem than to solve one and your technicians have done a “bang-up” job of keeping my unit in excellent working order. They have caught a couple of components going bad and replaced them quickly. Your technicians are most skilled at their jobs and don’t mind me asking questions.”

For complete information, please visit: Berico Heating and Air Conditioning

Media Contact:

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning

Attn: Media Relations

2200 E Bessemer Ave

Greensboro, NC 27405

336-273-8663

info@GiftOfWarmth.com

How to Choose a Propane Delivery Service in Burlington

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Propane Delivery Service in BurlingtonAre you in need of a propane supplier? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your current propane supplier. Or maybe you recently bought a home with a propane furnace and you’ve never had one before. Maybe you are considering having a propane furnace installed in a new home or switching to a propane furnace from a different heating fuel. Whatever the reason, you want to find an affordable, reliable propane delivery service in Burlington.

But what qualities should you look for in a propane supplier?

  1. Safety. The most important quality in a propane delivery service, safety records are a great way to start. A reputable heating fuel supplier should be able to provide you with references. Suppliers are most likely involved in safety programs that can further attest to their emphasis on safe practices.
  2. Better Business Bureau Accredited. If you want to find out about a company’s customer service history, the BBB is a great resource. The BBB gives businesses a letter grade rating based on a number of criteria, such as customer complaints and resolution, business practices, and government action taken against a business. Look for a propane supplier with an A+ rating with the BBB.
  3. Experience. Choose a supplier with plenty of experience. If a company has been in business for a long time, they must provide excellent customer service. Otherwise they wouldn’t be in business today. And a company with experience can be trusted to do the job right. If you sign up for a delivery plan, the company will know how to calculate your usage and be sure to refill your tank before you run out.
  4. Heating fuel supplier and HVAC service in one. A propane supplier who can also repair your furnace is quite convenient. You can combine your yearly furnace maintenance with a propane refill. Every year before the winter cold sets in, your HVAC company/propane supplier can give your furnace a tune-up and refill your propane tank to get you all set for the heating season. Combining these two services will save you money.

Propane delivery in Burlington is convenient with Alamance Oil

Alamance Oil Company exceeds all of the above criteria. Serving Burlington and the surrounding area since 1924, we have the experience necessary to safely deliver your propane on time. We are A+ accredited with the Better Business Bureau and we were awarded the Super Service Award by Angie’s List. We offer service plans that include propane delivery discounts. New propane customers enjoy special pricing and free tank swap out if you are switching suppliers. We deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergency. By switching to Alamance Oil you can save up to $150 a year. Schedule fuel delivery or call 336-273-8663.

For more information on choosing a propane supplier:http://www.propane101.com/choosingapropanecompany.htm

HVAC in Greensboro: Now is the Ideal Time for Maintenance Checks

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HVAC in GreensboroMost homeowners make the mistake of waiting until it gets cold and their furnace goes out before they call for maintenance. Actually, now is the perfect time for servicing your HVAC in Greensboro NC. The weather is transitioning from hot to cold and, during this transition, service technicians can perform routine maintenance to ensure that when cold weather arrives, your heating unit is performing efficiently. Plus, by having your heating and cooling system maintenance performed now, it could save you money. Research has shown that by performing annual maintenance, homeowners can actually save money since well-maintained units break down less often than poorly maintained units.

Routine Maintenance on HVAC in Greensboro Includes

  • Lubrication of all those moving parts. Just like your car needs oil to adequately lubricate all the moving parts of the engine, your heating and cooling system also needs lubrication to keep things moving smoothly.

  • Checking electrical wires and connections to ensure they are adequately tightened and there are no loose wires or damage to the wires.

  • Checking your thermostat to ensure that it is working properly. The HVAC unit can only keep your home at a comfortable temperature if the thermostat is working properly.

  • Cleaning the condenser unit. A dirty condenser unit increases the workload on your unit and can cause unexpected repairs. By keeping the unit clean, you use less electricity and the unit works more efficiently.

  • Check coolant levels. While some may believe that more is better, coolant levels can err on the side of too little or too much. A service technician checks to ensure your unit has just the right level, not too much or too little. This also ensures that your unit performs optimally for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

  • Check blower components. Airflow can cause your system to loose heating efficiency. Cleaning and making adjustments to the blower components ensures that your unit is providing the best airflow possible, saving energy and puts dollars in your pocket.

  • Check to ensure unit cycles on and off properly. Homeowners generally know if the unit is on or off but the technicians actually check to make sure the HVAC unit is cycling on and off properly. In other words, is the unit cycling on or off too much (unnecessary wear and tear) or is the unit staying on too much (indicative of other issues). These checkups can identify a small issues that may require furnace repairs and prevents them from becoming major issues later.

Berico Heating & Air in Greensboro, is dedicated to keeping your home the right temperature 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. HVAC service and repair, home heating oil and propane delivery has been our specialty in Greensboro, High Point, Eden, Burlington and the surrounding areas since 1924. As an HVAC contractor we are able to diagnose and resolve problems for all heating or cooling systems. If you need your HVAC in Greensboro services, call us today to schedule an appointment at (336) 273-8663.

How to Decide between Heating Repair and Replacement in Greensboro

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heating replacement in GreensboroIs your furnace showing signs of poor performance? Do you hear noises you’ve never heard before, or is your furnace running louder than it did in the past? Has your gas bill been higher than usual? Does your home seem to heat unevenly, where some rooms are warmer than others? These are all signs that your furnace is not running properly. It may be that a simple tune-up is all that is necessary. A small repair could have it back in tip top shape. Or it could mean that your HVAC system will need to be replaced soon. How do you decide between heating replacement and heating repair in Greensboro?

Consider the following factors:

  • Age of your furnace. A typical furnace lasts between 10 and 20 years. If your furnace is older than 8, it may be in your best interest to replace it. New furnaces are significantly more energy efficient, which can save up to 20% on heating costs.
  • Frequency of repairs. If it seems that your furnace has needed a lot of repairs in the recent years, it may be time to consider replacement. Don’t keep investing in an old furnace when you could be putting your money toward a new one.
  • Cost of current necessary repair. If your furnace needs a costly repair at this time, consider the amount. If the repair is going to cost more than half the price of a new furnace, then replacement is a better option.

Consult a Professional HVAC company

If your HVAC system in Greensboro has not been running well lately, contact a professional HVAC service. A trained technician can inspect your system and offer the best advice based on its age and condition. They can also recommend the best new heating system for your home. Technicians calculate the size of heating system you need based on the square footage of your home. You can be sure that a certified heating and cooling technician can correctly install a new furnace in your home.

Consider replacing an old furnace with a new propane furnace

If you do decide to replace your furnace, consider switching to propane. Propane is a non-toxic, clean burning fuel that is very efficient for home heating. New propane furnaces can be 95% efficient or higher, which will definitely save you money on heating costs compared to your old furnace. Propane delivery is convenient and affordable. Propane is safe for the environment as it is not considered to be a greenhouse gas. The best part: propane provides a warm, radiant heat that keeps your home comfortable on the coldest days and nights.

Berico provides reliable heating repair and heating installation in Greensboro

When you are ready to consult a professional HVAC service, call Berico. A Berico technician will assess your current heating system and provide honest advice on repair or replacement. With over 90 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry, you can trust that Berico will offer accurate advice and reliable service. Berico is also a propane supplier if you choose to have a propane furnace installed. All of your heating and cooling needs can be met by one great company. Schedule service or call 336-273-8663.

For additional information on repairing vs. replacing your furnace: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/it-time-replace-your-old-gas-furnace.htm

Make Sure Your Heating & Furnace Repair in Eden is Completed Before Cold Weather Rolls In

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Now is the time to have your furnace repair in Eden completed before the cold weather rolls in this year so you can stay warm and toasty all winter long.

All too often home owners forget to have their furnace checked before the cold weather sets in. As luck would have it, on the coldest night of the year is the same night their heater dies. This scenario can be prevented by having your furnace repair completed, if needed, or prevented by performing an annual maintenance check now.

Most home owners fail to recognize all the different furnace components that need to be serviced or checked on a yearly basis. In fact, most warranties for the most popular furnaces include a statement that voids the warranty caused by improper maintenance. Having your heating unit or furnace checked on a regular basis really is important. It is sort of like changing the oil in your car, a simple thing – yet, extremely important as the oil lubricates all the major parts of the motor. After a certain amount of miles the oil breaks down, the parts are lubricated inefficiently and this causes other engine components to go bad quicker.

Safety Concerns that Warrant Furnace Repair

Furnaces typically use either propane gas or oil to produce heat. The burning of these substances produce carbon monoxide. While your plants may love it (they actually filter the carbon monoxide out of the air), it is deadly to humans. Typically, the amount of carbon monoxide emitted from your heating unit is minimal and eliminated through the furnace ventilation system. However, if there are cracks in the ventilation system, or the furnace is dirty, carbon monoxide can increase and leak into your home. Additionally, today’s homes are super-insulated, which is great for keeping the cold weather out and the heat in. However, the downside is that an airtight environment creates an ideal environment for buildup of carbon monoxide. Having your furnace checked annually and any heating repair performed promptly protects you and your family from dangers of this silent and harmful gas.

Furnace Repair & Tune-ups and Why They Are Important

Although generating heat is complex, in simple terms, warm air is generated by burning some type of substance (oil or propane gas). In order to operate efficiently, the proper mixture of all these ingredients (air, oil, or propane gas) must be monitored. When a technician comes out to check your furnace, this mixture is checked to ensure that the burn is efficient plus he checks the burners to ensure proper ignition and burner flame. Additionally, the technician checks to make sure there are no leak or blockage in the ventilation system and to make sure that the wiring is not corroded or damaged.

Don’t delay in having your furnace repair in Eden completed today. Carolina Fuels services the Eden and Reidsville areas. Call us today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a check-up before the cold weather arrives.