Building a new home is an exciting adventure full of choices. And one of the choices you’ll need to make is what energy source you want for your home. When it comes to home heating, there are other options available besides electric heat.  

Propane is a common household energy source with a lot of benefits. Alamance Oil, your Burlington propane provider, is available and makes the entire process easy, so consider the many reasons you should choose propane for your new home.  

Energy Efficiency 

One of the biggest benefits of using propane is the fact that it is energy efficient. Propane produces more heat per BTU than oil or natural gas, meaning a smaller amount of propane is required to produce the same amount of heat or energy as other fuels. Building a new home that uses less fuel could mean you save a lot of money on your energy bills.  

Versatility 

Propane can be used for much more than just home heat. Propane can be used to fuel your stove, oven, grill, clothes dryer, and more. When it comes to choosing your new home appliances, keep propane in mind and find appliances that can run on propane.  

Safety 

Propane burns clean, is non-toxic, and won’t pollute the environment or contaminate groundwater if a leak occurs. It only burns at extremely high temperatures, so the fire risk is very low. It emits no greenhouse gases. By choosing propane, you are not only protecting your home and family, you’re doing your part to reduce your household’s impact on the environment.  

Affordability 

Want to avoid a monthly heating bill and reduce your electric bill? Propane is typically purchased in bulk before the cold weather season. You can pay one time a year, or even less if your tank holds enough for multiple years or if the weather is mild. However, if spreading out the cost over time works better for your budget, monthly payment plans are available as well.  

Convenience 

Propane can be delivered anywhere, even to rural areas where natural gas lines don’t reach. If you’re building your new home in the suburbs, propane might be your best option for home heat and other appliances. And propane works when the power goes out, so you’ll still have heat, hot water, and a hot meal even when there’s no electricity.  

Plan for Propane from the Start 

If you’re planning to use propane in your new home, communicate this to your builder as soon as you have decided. Your builder may ask you about your plans for home heating and cooling and other appliances before you get the chance to bring it up. But make sure it is a part of the initial planning. The sooner you incorporate this into the home design, the better. A propane home may need some specifics in structure, equipment, and landscaping.  

Want to talk to an expert about household propane usage? Call Burlington propane supplier Alamance Oil today at (336) 226-9371 to discuss your options for using propane in your new home.  

Propane is one of the most efficient and inexpensive energy sources available. It is also very versatile, providing energy for many different uses. By using propane for a variety of purposes around your home, you can save a significant amount of money. Here are 6 ways you can save money using propane in Greensboro.

• Home heating. One of the most common household uses for propane is heating. Propane is an efficient, clean-burning, and non-toxic way to fuel your furnace. Propane burns hotter and produces more heat than the same amount of other fuels, making it high on the efficiency scale. 

• Heating water. A propane water heater is very efficient, heating water faster and to a higher temperature than other energy sources. The hotter the water, the less you’ll need to achieve the desired water temperature for showering or washing dishes. And you’re less likely to run out because the hotter water will stretch further and when the supply gets low it can recover faster. 

• Cooking. Propane can be used to fuel your stove and oven. Many professional chefs prefer to cook over a flame because it creates a more evenly distributed heat. Propane gas does provide a flame burner for your stovetop. It also helps your oven to heat faster for cooking and baking. 

• Grilling. Propane is one of the most popular choices for backyard grills for a variety of reasons. It comes in small, portable cylinders that can be refilled and reused. It heats instantly, making it possible to start grilling immediately, much faster and more affordable than heating charcoal. You’ll get many more grilled meals out of a small propane cylinder than even the largest bag of charcoal. 

• Laundry. Propane dryers are much more efficient than electric dryers. Clothes dry faster using less energy. Propane also heats the water used by your washing machine for hot water loads. You save money on both machines when it comes to propane-fueled laundry. 

• Generator. When the power goes out it can be extremely frustrating. Not only are you unable to use your electrical appliances, but a long time without power can cause entire refrigerators and freezers full of food to spoil. A propane-fueled generator can create enough backup electricity to fuel your refrigerator and freezer while the power is out, and maybe even more electronics depending on the capacity of your generator. 

How to Save on Propane Tank Refills 

Now that you know 6 ways to save money using propane, here are some tips for saving money when you purchase propane in Greensboro. As you may know, the price of propane fluctuates over the months and years, typically based on the price of crude oil, the weather, and demand. But you can save money with payment and pricing programs from Berico, such as the Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan and the Fixed Price Plan. 

• Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan. This plan allows you to purchase propane in advance when the price is lower, even if you don’t need a refill yet. Read more about the plan here. 
• Fixed Price Plan. This plan allows you to lock in a price for propane as long as you commit to purchasing a certain amount during the year. On this plan you also have the opportunity to sign up for EZ Pay, which is a monthly payment plan for your propane, making the cost more budget-friendly. Get additional details here. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to inquire about prices and delivery of propane in Greensboro. Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, so make the switch today.

Propane is a widely used home and commercial energy source. It is cleaning-burning, non-toxic, and safe, as long as it is used properly. Of all the available heating fuels in Burlington, propane is one of the top choices. Propane is a versatile and efficient option that is accessible to everyone – even those without access to natural gas.  

Whether you’re new to propane or a seasoned customer, here are 8 propane safety tips that everyone should know.  

1. Store propane outside. If you use propane for home heat or other household uses, you most likely have a large tank outside on your property. If you use small propane tanks for your fireplace or outside grilling, you should not store those tanks indoors, not even in the basement.  
2. Do not leave propane tanks in closed vehicles. The extreme heat that can build up in closed vehicles is dangerous for propane tanks.  
3. Never use propane inside. Propane grills, heaters, or generators should never be used inside your home. 
4. Always have an expert attach propane tanks and gas line to appliances.  Among the many other services available, Alamance Oil has certified technicians that ensure your tanks and lines are properly hooked up. 
5. If you smell propane: Extinguish any flames, get everyone away from the area, turn off your propane valve (if you know how to do so), and call your propane supplier immediately. Do not reenter the area until a trained expert says it is safe to do so. Propane is naturally odorless, however, a rotten egg smell is added to make it detectable in the event of a leak. 
6. Don’t let your tank get empty. Allowing your tank to completely run out of propane is a safety hazard. An empty tank is susceptible to moisture and air getting inside. Pressurization issues can occur, causing damage to your tank or gas lines. When your tank is refilled, be sure your propane supplier knows that it was empty so that the proper safety checks can be performed, and precautions taken.  
7. Install propane gas detectors. A propane detector does not rely on the smell of propane. It can identify propane even if it has lost its smell, which can occur over time. An alarm will sound if the detector senses a certain concentration of propane. 

Alamance Oil is your Partner in Safety for Propane and other Heating Fuels in Burlington 

The safe use of propane is augmented by your partnership with a reputable propane supplier. Your supplier provides you with a propane tank and can also handle the maintenance of that tank. Regular refills can be made to ensure you never run out of propane. Alamance Oil supplies a variety of heating fuels in Burlington, of which propane is a top choice. If you’re interested in switching propane suppliers, Alamance Oil offers free tank swap-outs for new customers. Call (336) 226-9371 today to speak with a propane expert at Alamance Oil.  

What’s the number one reason homeowners opt out of yearly HVAC maintenance? The cost. You don’t want to pay for AC repair in Greensboro when nothing seems to be wrong with your system. But the reality is that preventative maintenance can actually save you money, in three specific ways.

• Energy Efficiency. One way that AC maintenance can save you money is through increased energy efficiency.

• As your air conditioner operates it accumulates dirt, dust, and grime that needs to be cleaned out. When your evaporator coil (the part that holds the refrigerant and does most of the work cooling the air that eventually goes through your ducts to cool your home) gets dirty it inhibits its cooling capabilities. The dirt insulates the coil, keeping the heat from transferring as it should, which can cause your system to freeze over or fail to achieve your desired indoor temperature.

• As parts wear out they need to be replaced. Otherwise, your system can fail at any time when a part breaks, and you won’t be able to predict when.

• Lubrication dries up and the moving parts of your air conditioner won’t move as easily. The friction that results causes your system to work harder than it should and parts wear out faster than they typically would.

• Fewer Repair Fees. Unexpected repairs can result in you paying more for services. For example:

• Emergency or after-hours fees. When you have to call an HVAC service to come out for a repair after normal business hours, such as nights or weekends, you may pay a higher fee.

• Frequent repairs needed. An HVAC system that is not regularly tuned up is likely to break down more often and require more frequent repairs, which will cost more in the long run than the upfront cost of yearly maintenance.

• Longer AC Lifespan. An HVAC system that receives regular maintenance will last longer than one that doesn’t. Much like a car or any other working machine, taking proper care of it will allow you to get more years of quality performance out of it. If you’ve ever had to replace your HVAC system, you know that’s a pretty significant financial undertaking. You don’t want to have to do it often or prematurely, which is more likely to happen without routine maintenance.

Save Even More when you choose Berico AC Repair in Greensboro

Now that you know the top 3 ways that AC maintenance can save you money, you should know all the ways Berico can save you even more. When you schedule yearly AC repair in Greensboro with a Berico technician, you receive the following additional benefits:

• 20% off all repairs
• 20% off diagnostic fees
• No after-hours charges on repairs
• Priority Service
• $50 in Bonus Bucks (can be used toward new equipment)
• $500 off a new oil or propane furnace

A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico includes yearly AC maintenance and all of the above benefits. Get the best performance out of your HVAC system and save money at the same time. Call to schedule your maintenance appointment today: (336) 273-8663.

Most of the time your air conditioner probably works fine. With regular maintenance, an air conditioning system usually operates free of problems. However, when the occasional issue occurs, there’s often an easy solution. 

But in the event that it can’t be easily solved, Berico is here to help. Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule HVAC service. Berico provides maintenance, repair, and air conditioning installation in Greensboro.

Problem 1: Low Air Flow. Does it seem that the flow of air coming out of your vents is weak? If you can barely feel it or you have to stand on a stool and put your hand right in front of the vent to feel it, something is wrong. 

Solution: Change your filters. The most common reason for low airflow is dirty, clogged filters. If it’s been more than 6 months since you’ve changed your filters, you are likely to find a buildup of dust and dirt (and pet hair if you have pets). If changing your filters doesn’t improve airflow, call Berico. You may have a blower problem instead. 

Problem 2: Outdoor unit is frozen over. Is there ice on your outdoor unit? This is a common problem that occurs with air conditioners, but there may be an easy solution.

Solution: First, check your filters. You already know from problem 1 that dirty filters can impede airflow. Low airflow over the evaporator coil inside your AC unit can cause it to freeze over because it’s not getting enough warm air. If the filters are relatively clean, you may have a dirty evaporator coil. At this point, it’s best to call Berico for a thorough cleaning of your system. 

Problem 3: Short Cycling. Does your AC seem to turn on and off repeatedly? It doesn’t stay on or off for very long, and your home doesn’t feel cool. There are a few possible reasons and solutions for this behavior.

Solution: 

• First, check your filters. This should always be the first step when you have an AC problem. 
• Next, consider your thermostat. The placement of your thermostat plays a big part in the operation of your air conditioner. If it’s in an area where it gets direct sunlight or it’s near a door that opens frequently, it may cause your AC to run more often. Consider moving your thermostat to a more ideal location. 
• Another cause could be a refrigerant leak, which requires professional HVAC service to correct.
• And finally, your air conditioner might be oversized for your home. If you’ve just had air conditioning installation in Greensboro and your AC is short cycling, you might have the wrong size system. Call Berico if you’ve checked the filters and the problem still persists. 

Fast, Affordable Air Conditioning Installation in Greensboro

Common AC problems typically have simple solutions and can often be repaired. But in some cases an air conditioner can’t be fixed and needs to be replaced. If your system is over 10 years old, it should probably be replaced anyway, whether it can be repaired or not. An older system is significantly less efficient than a new system, which means it is wasting energy and running up your energy bill. Consider air conditioning installation in Greensboro by the experts at Berico and you could save money each month. Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule HVAC service.