HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are not all the same. Choosing the right one is a very important decision. Follow these tips and get an expert recommendation from Alamance Oil before you schedule air conditioning installation in Burlington.

Bigger is Not Always Better

It’s a common myth that a bigger HVAC system will make your home more comfortable and will run more efficiently. In fact, the opposite is true. Buying a system that is too big or too small for your home will cause it to fail to achieve the desired indoor temperature and can cause other issues from constant cycling to icing over. Ask the HVAC experts to recommend the right size system for the square footage and layout of your home before you purchase any equipment.

Some Systems Boast Unrealistic SEER Ratings

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a rating assigned to every HVAC system that suggests what kind of energy efficiency you can expect over a season of use. Similar to the gas mileage on a car, the number is not definite, but a suggestion or an estimate. Any system above a 14 SEER is considered efficient, with some systems being rated as high as 18 or 20 SEER. Some systems claim to reach a SEER of 21-25, but that is really an unrealistic rating. Those systems are also priced on the high end of the spectrum where the efficiency rarely ever makes up for the cost. It may be in your best interest to consider a system with a realistic SEER of between 14 and 18.

Online Reviews are one of the Best Sources of Information about HVAC System Quality

Take the time to research HVAC systems. Read reviews, compare brands, and see what real consumers are saying about some of the systems out there. Certain brands are known for quality and longevity, and you’ll see that some models always get the best reviews. Don’t purchase a system for which there is little or no information to be found. That should be a red flag to you that the manufacturer or model isn’t very popular, and probably for good reason.

Get a Recommendation from your Trusted HVAC Company

Alamance Oil has decades of experience repairing and installing a wide variety of HVAC systems. The best advice is likely to come from a professional heating and air conditioning specialist, who knows which systems break down often and which don’t, which systems last for 20 plus years and which ones will give you barely 10, and which are the most energy efficient.

Alamance Oil Offers more than just Air Conditioning Installation in Burlington

When you work with Alamance Oil you also get the benefit of HVAC expertise. Alamance Oil will recommend the best system for your home based on size, SEER, reviews, past performance, and any other helpful information. You can rest assured that you’ll be purchasing the right system in addition to quality air conditioning installation in Burlington. If you need a new HVAC system, call Alamance Oil first: (336) 226-9371.

The warm weather season can bring out the worst in Mother Nature. From thunderstorms to hurricanes and even tornadoes, weather can sometimes be severe and the outdoor unit of your air conditioner could be at risk for damage. There are some measures you can take to protect your AC unit during storms so that you can avoid unnecessary AC repair in Burlington. Try these tips when extreme weather is headed your way. 

1. Turn off your AC during a thunderstorm. This is a very basic step that can go a long way in protecting your system from an electrical surge due to lightning. Air conditioners run primarily on electricity, and outdoor units are susceptible to lighting strikes. By turning off your AC during a thunderstorm, it is less likely to be damaged by lightning. It may get a little warm inside your home, but thunderstorms usually pass quickly so your discomfort should be short-lived. 
2. Get a cover for your outdoor AC unit. There are covers specifically designed for air conditioner units that will keep debris out. When storms bring high winds, all sorts of things can blow into your AC unit that can cause damage. The cover will save you from having to clean out your unit after each storm. An AC cover can be especially helpful if you have a vacation home that you don’t year-round. As part of your closing ritual for the season, put the cover on your AC unit after it’s been turned off. Never put the cover on when the air conditioner is running, and be sure to turn it off through your thermostat so that it won’t come on at all when the cover is on it. If your system has a master power switch for the unit, turn it off. Only use a proper AC cover. Never use plastic, such as a trash bag or plastic wrap, because it will seal in unwanted moisture.  
3. Remove hazards from the area. One of the best things you can do is to be proactive before a storm. If you know severe weather is coming, secure things like outdoor furniture and put away any heavy items that could be blown against your AC unit and cause damage. Look for dead trees or dead limbs in your yard and remove them before the storm.  
4. Take precautions for flooding. Flooding from heavy rains or hurricanes can damage your outdoor unit. Make sure you have adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling. In severe flooding, use sandbags or other methods to divert water away from your AC unit. If you live near the water, consider installing your outdoor unit on a raised platform.  

If your AC Unit Gets Damaged by Storms, Call Alamance Oil for AC Repair in Burlington 

In the unfortunate event that a storm causes damage to your air conditioner unit, Alamance Oil can repair or replace it. When it comes to AC repair in Burlington, Alamance Oil is a trusted name with decades of experience in the HVAC industry. Call today: (336) 226-9371.  

Is it time for a new air conditioner? Whether your old system has died or you’re building a new home that needs its first system, there are some important things to take into consideration. Before you schedule Greensboro air conditioning installation, consider these five things.

• Type of System. There are many different types of air conditioners from heat pumps to ductless systems. The type of system you choose should be determined based on factors such as climate (for example, heat pumps work best in mild temperatures), your home (two-story houses and larger houses can benefit from multi-zone systems), and your budget (HVAC systems range in prices).

• Size of System. The size of your system should be based on the size of the area you need to cool, such as how many square feet your home has. An air conditioning system that is too big or too small can cause a variety of problems. The HVAC contractor you choose to handle your Greensboro air conditioning installation can help you determine what size you need.

• Energy Rating. Every air conditioner is assigned a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. This gives you an idea of the level of energy efficiency you can expect to experience, so long as you keep your equipment properly maintained. Anything above a 14 SEER is considered to be an efficient air conditioner, and the higher the number the better the efficiency. Systems with higher SEER ratings tend to be more expensive, but your energy bill will be lower. Therefore, in the long run, a higher SEER rated air conditioner can actually save you money.

• Ductwork. Whether you’re having AC installed in an existing home or a new structure, ductwork is important. If your home already has ductwork, a forced air system would be best to use the ducts available without additional construction. If your new home is currently being built, consider the type of HVAC system you want and whether or not ductwork will be a necessary part of your home’s construction. Consider what type of heating system you have or wish to use as well, because a forced air furnace, for example, will use also use ducts.

• Installation Service. The HVAC service you choose to install your new air conditioning system can make all the difference in the performance of your system. Proper ductwork installation, if you choose a forced air system, is a huge part of the overall project. Quality installation by an experienced, certified HVAC installer is critical. Your careful choice of the type, size, and energy rating of your system can all be for naught if the installation is faulty.

Quality Air Conditioning Installation by Berico

You can count on Berico to take all of these things into consideration and then some. When it comes to planning your Greensboro air conditioning installation, you can trust your home and equipment to the experts at Berico. With decades of experience and numerous successful installation projects resulting in satisfied customers, you can be sure your home is good hands. Call Berico today to schedule your Greensboro air conditioning installation today: (336) 273-8663.

Is it necessary to have your air ducts cleaned? It may not be necessary, but it is certainly beneficial. If you have a central HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, your home has a series of ducts that lead from your air conditioner to the vents throughout your home. Over time dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris will accumulate in your ducts, contaminating your indoor air and causing your HVAC system to run less efficiently or possibly even malfunction. If your HVAC service in Burlington offers duct cleaning, you would be wise to take advantage of that service. Consider the top 5 benefits of duct cleaning.

• Improve allergies. If you or anyone else in your household suffers from allergies, duct cleaning will be a major benefit. Allergy sufferers see immediate improvement once allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and more are removed from the ducts in their home.

• Improve indoor air quality. Besides allergens, other contaminants can build up in your ducts and lower your indoor air quality. Pests may have built nests in your ducts that you are unaware of, contaminating your air with droppings. Soot from your furnace can also build up in your ductwork and be circulated through your home. A thorough duct cleaning will improve the quality of your indoor air.

• Freshen your air. Improving the quality of your indoor air will also freshen your home. Eliminate the odors that are caused by some of the previously mentioned contaminants in your ducts. You’ll notice a difference immediately and you can discontinue use of potent air fresheners.

• Save energy. Perhaps the biggest benefit of duct cleaning is the energy savings. By having your ducts professionally cleaned and your system cleaned as well, you improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Your monthly energy bills will be noticeably lower.
• Dust less often. Who likes to dust their home? Not many people. Once your ducts have been cleaned you’ll notice much less dust settling on furniture and floors. You’ll find you can go a lot longer between dusting.

Finding an HVAC Service in Burlington that Offers Duct Cleaning

Looking for duct cleaning services? Not every HVAC service in Burlington offers duct cleaning, but Alamance Oil does. Most homeowners know the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning for HVAC systems, but not everyone knows how important duct cleaning is. The HVAC experts at Alamance Oil know that cleaning your air conditioning unit is only part of the routine cleaning that needs to be done. If your system is cleaned but your ducts are not, your HVAC system will be dirty again in a very short time. These services should go hand in hand for the best possible results. Cleaner, fresher air, fewer allergy symptoms, energy savings, and more can only come from a completely clean system, including the ductwork. When it’s time for yearly maintenance, call an HVAC service in Burlington that will thoroughly clean your entire HVAC system, such as Alamance Oil: (336) 226-9371.

On a cold winter night or snowy day, a fire in the fireplace makes your home feel cozier. And if your power goes out, it may become a necessity. But when you go to turn it on, nothing happens. No flame, no warmth, nothing. Before you get all fired up, try these troubleshooting tips from your propane supplier in Greensboro.

• Check Your Propane Tank: Is it possible your tank is empty? You may need to check. How do you know how much propane is in your tank? If you have an upright propane tank where the valve is on top, simply pour hot water down the side. Then run your hand down the side where you poured the water and you should feel a distinct spot where the temperature changes from hot to cold. That’s the level of propane in your tank. If you have a larger horizontal tank you may need your propane supplier in Greensboro to help you read the gauge and determine if a refill is necessary.
• Make Sure the Propane is Turned On: During the off-season, you may have completely shut off the propane and not remember doing so. Check that the propane is turned on to your gas logs.
• Purge the Air out of the Pilot Tubing: If the pilot won’t light, air may be trapped in the pilot tubing due to lack of use. You can purge this air by simply holding the pilot light down for a few minutes. Then try to light the pilot again.
• Check the Igniter: When gas is coming out of the pilot (you should be able to smell it) but the pilot still won’t light, it could be a problem with the igniter. Try clearing out any debris between the igniter and the thermocouple. If your gas logs still won’t light, you may need a new igniter.
• Check the Thermocouple: If the pilot lights but won’t stay lit, you likely have worn out thermocouple that needs replacing.

If you’ve tried all of these easy fixes and still can’t get your fireplace to light, it’s time to call in a propane supplier in Greensboro.

Berico Can Make your Home Feel Cozy Again with Expert Propane Fireplace Repair  

So when you’ve tried everything and you still don’t have a fire blazing, pick up the phone and call in the experts. Re-wrote the sentence to make it less DIY, but it still teeters on the brink of violating the rule and “experts” and “professionals” are awfully close. Berico specializes in propane and has decades of experience with propane fireplaces. A trained technician will inspect every aspect of your fireplace as well as your propane tank and gas line to locate the problem and repair it. Whether you simply need a tank refill or your thermocouple has gone bad, Berico can have your fire burning in one short visit.

Call Berico and get your fireplace working, day or night.

Berico provides emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Routine maintenance is also available to keep your propane fireplace operating properly and safely. Don’t get left in the cold on a winter day. Call Berico today (or tonight) at (336) 273-8663.