A fireplace is one of the most important features in a home. Homebuyers are looking for them in real estate searches and homeowners who don’t have them are adding them. If you dream of having a fireplace, consider these design options and find the one that sets the tone you want for your home. Reidsville propane suppliers Carolina Fuels can help you choose the right style for you and install gas logs and a propane tank to keep your home cozy this winter.

The Traditional Fireplace Never Goes Out of Style – Whether brick or stone, the traditional living room fireplace complete with hearth and mantel is a classic look. Even an old wood-burning fireplace can be fitted with propane logs for convenience and cleanliness. The mantel allows room for decorative items and offers a place to hang Christmas stockings during the holidays.

Modern Fireplaces are Sleek and Stylish – The modern looking fireplace can be crafted with marble or polished stone tile and clear glass to showcase the beauty of the flames. Some are fitted with propane logs that mimic wood, but current trends are moving toward stones and embers that glow beneath the flames. The positioning of modern fireplaces in the home has even changed from the traditional style.

The Built-In Style Makes the Fireplace Look Like a Piece of Art on the Wall – Modern fireplaces can be built right into the décor of a room so that it looks like a piece of art on the wall, but with actual moving, warming flames. A propane fireplace can be built in a kitchen island or a support wall between two rooms. The ever-popular below-the-television style puts the focal point of the room in one location.

A Multi-Sided Fireplace Shares its Ambience with Multiple Rooms – Though the concept is not modern, the styles of today’s multi-sided fireplaces are. Built into a wall between rooms with clear glass encasing up to four sides, the beauty and warmth of the flames can be enjoyed from multiple rooms at once. This style is in tune with the open-concept floor plans that are so popular in homes today.

Ventilation Options Provide Versatility of Styles

One of the factors that have changed the look of propane fireplaces is new ventilation technology. Reidsville propane suppliers can help you choose the system that works best in your home. But in general, there are three basic options for venting your fireplace:

• Natural – Utilizing an existing chimney with traditional masonry or a metal chimney pipe, the gases created during combustion are vented outside.

• Direct Vent – These sealed-combustion fireplaces draw air for combustion in from the outside and pump waste gases outside through a nearby wall or ceiling to minimize heat loss.
• Vent-free – A catalytic converter cleans the air as it leaves the combustion chamber so that it can be vented directly into the room without releasing harmful gases. Vent-free technology has made many of the modern design options possible.

Contact your Reidsville propane supplier to make your fireplace dreams come true.

To be sure the equipment you want will work properly in the space you want to install it, and to make sure you get the safest and most efficient equipment, contact Carolina Fuels, your Reidsville propane supplier. Carolina Fuels will install your gas fireplace as well as the propane tank. Propane experts will estimate the size of tank you will need for the amount of propane you plan to use and can deliver propane on a predetermined schedule so that you never run out. If you’re thinking of getting a new propane fireplace, call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741.

Keeping pests at bay can be a constant battle for homeowners. Like most of us, we appreciate nature but prefer it to stay outside in nature and not in our homes. You may think you have sealed up every spot where pests could enter your home, but there’s one area you may have overlooked: your HVAC system. Unfortunately, your heating and air conditioning system has to allow air to come in and go out, and that opens up your home to the potential for pests to enter. Prevention is the best measure, because once pests get in, it’s a lot more difficult to remove them. Here are some ways to keep your HVAC system pest-proof from your Reidsville air conditioner specialists, Carolina Fuels.

 

• Seal ductwork. Make sure there are no holes or openings in your ducts where pests could get in. Insects can get in through even the smallest of holes. Seal up any openings you can see. This also keeps outside air from seeping in and reducing your HVAC efficiency.
• Install screens over vents and flues. There are places where air has to be vented out. Cover your vents and flues with screens to keep bugs and other pests out while ventilation can still occur as it should.
• Keep the area around your outdoor AC unit clear. The outside unit is a common favorite place for pests, but keeping it clear of weeds, leaves, and other debris can deter pests from the area. You could even use a non-toxic pest repellent around it.
• Have your system inspected by Reidsville air conditioner specialists. Yearly maintenance can go a long way toward preventing pests from getting in through your HVAC system. A thorough inspection would reveal any existing pests and any potential areas where pests could enter. Maintenance typically includes cleaning and repairing any potential problems. And you get the added bonus of better efficiency from your air conditioner.

• Have your ducts cleaned. Keeping the inside of your ducts clean offers many benefits, such as removing pests and any evidence of their nesting. It also makes your ductwork less desirable to pests looking for a place to nest.

Why is Pest Prevention so Important to my HVAC system?

Obviously, no one wants pests to enter their home. But the damage they can possibly inflict on your HVAC system is pretty severe. Nesting in ducts can cause damage, leaks, and animal waste and bacteria to enter your ventilation. An odor coming from your vents may be your first indication of an infestation. Snakes and rodents are the most common duct nesters. Bees and other types of stinging insects also like to nest in and around the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. Insect nests can block various parts of your AC unit, potentially causing damage.

Reidsville air conditioner specialists, Carolina Fuels, can help repair any damage caused by pests and help prevent pests from entering your system again, or in the first place. Whether or not you suspect you may have pest issues, Carolina Fuels can help. Call (336) 623-9741.

Hot water may not be an official necessity, but it’s a modern convenience that is pretty hard to live without. If you enjoy warm showers, clean dishes, and white laundry loads, hot water is important. Your water heater is probably what uses up a significant portion of your home energy after your furnace, especially during the winter. Whether you have an electric or gas water heater, there are ways you cut your hot water energy bill back a little bit or even a lot, depending on how far you’re willing to go toward conservation. Carolina Fuels, a reliable company offering air conditioning and furnace repair in Eden as well as delivery of many types of heating fuels, suggests these 10 ways to cut your hot water energy bill.

 

• • Take shorter, cooler showers. This one is hard, because a hot shower is such a luxury, especially when it’s cold outside. By shortening the length and temperature of your showers you can help your water heater use less energy. And besides saving energy, there are other reasons a shorter, cooler shower is beneficial. It’s also better for combating dry skin that so often plagues us during dry, cold winters. It also helps to prevent dry scalp issues that can lead to dandruff.
  • Replace shower heads and faucets with low flow models. A low flow shower head reduces the amount of water used during each shower. Low flow faucets can conserve a lot of water too in the kitchen and bathrooms.  
  • Do most of your laundry in cold water. When it comes to your multi-color loads, there’s really no advantage to using hot water and it could cause your colors to run. When it comes to white loads, if you use bleach, wash in hot water but rinse in cold to save some energy.
  • Set your water heater to a lower temperature. Aim for around 120 degrees and your water heater will save a lot of energy it would normally expend to heat the water to a higher temperature and preserve that temperature in the holding tank.
  • Run your dishwasher less often. Wait until you have a full load of dishes before running your dishwasher.
  • Fix leaky plumbing. Letting a faucet drip can waste an amazing amount of water, and sometimes it’s the hot water that’s leaking, meaning your hot water heater is working overtime.
  • Add insulation to your water heater. Water heater insulation can be purchased and applied on your own, but make sure you follow the directions to avoid problems. Consider having a professional apply the insulation.
  • Get a new water heater. Upgrading to a new energy-efficient water heater will save you a lot in energy costs. Especially if you purchase an on-demand or tankless water heater.
  • Get a new dishwasher. An older dishwasher will use much more water than a newer one will. Newer dishwashers also have more advanced heating elements so that it self-heats and doesn’t require as much hot water.
  • Get a new washing machine. A high-efficiency washing machine will also use less hot water when you do need to run a warm water load. 

Call Carolina Fuels for Water Heater and Furnace Repair in Eden

If you need a professional to evaluate your water heater’s condition and energy usage, Carolina Fuels can help. In addition to furnace repair in Eden, Carolina Fuels provides a wide range of energy audit services. If you currently have an electric water heater, you may find that you can save the most money by switching to a propane water heater. Call Carolina Fuels to find out how you can save energy today: (336) 623-9741.

Do you experience uneven temperatures around your home? Are some rooms always warm and others always cold? This problem is actually quite common and there are solutions, most of which can be handled by your HVAC service in Greensboro.  

Problem: Upstairs is warmer than downstairs. Naturally, hot air rises. If your only thermostat is downstairs, your entire home will continue to heat as long as the downstairs remains cool.  

Solution: Zone heating system. When you have a multi-level home, a zoned HVAC system allows each level to have its own thermostat and duct system so that only the level that needs heat will get it. In most cases (with the exception of very large houses) more than one zone can run off of one HVAC unit.  

Problem: It feels colder near exterior doors or in rooms with large or lots of windows. 

Solution: Add extra or better insulation/weather stripping around doors and windows. If your home has old windows, consider upgrading to newer insulated windows. 

Problem: Furnace cycles on and off but the ideal interior temperature is never achieved. This is typically due to an incorrectly sized unit.  

Solution: Have an expert HVAC service in Greensboro recommend and install the correct size unit for the square footage of your home. 

Problem: One room seems to stay unusually cool. This could be caused by leaky or incorrectly installed/sized ductwork.  

Solution: Have the ductwork inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional.  

Problem: Low air flow from vents, likely due to clogged filters.  

Solution: Replace dirty filters with new to improve airflow.  

Problem: Low air flow due to closed or blocked vents. 

Solution: Make sure all vents are open and there is no furniture or curtains blocking them. 

Problem: Rooms that have been added on, such as sunrooms or basements that have been finished are not currently part of the central air system in your home.  

Solution: Ductless mini-split HVAC units provide heat and air conditioning to just one room at a time. They are easy to control and can be used only when needed. 

 

Having Heating or Cooling Issues in your Home? Start with HVAC Service in Greensboro 

If your home seems to be heating or cooling unevenly, and you’ve checked your filters, vents, and insulation, the next step is to contact your HVAC service in Greensboro for a thorough inspection of your existing air system. It’s possible that a simple cleaning and tune-up of your furnace and air conditioner is all that’s needed to even out the comfort level in your home. Twice yearly maintenance is recommended by HVAC experts, one appointment in the fall for your home heating system and one in the spring for your home cooling system, whatever type you have. Whether it’s a central air system, a heat pump, a geothermal unit, or other, routine maintenance keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace or upgrade your current system. Berico can handle all of your HVAC needs and restore your home to an even comfort level throughout. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule an appointment.  

 

Almost everything is “smart” these days with smart phones at the center of personal technological devices. Even your home’s heating and cooling system can be controlled from your phone when you use a smart thermostat. There are many benefits to upgrading to a smart thermostat, so consider these when deciding whether or not a smart thermostat is right for your home. Your HVAC service in Burlington, Alamance Oil, can install a smart thermostat in your home if you decide to make the switch. 

A Smart Thermostat Offers Many Benefits to Homes 

Homeowners can enjoy many benefits from the use of a smart thermostat to control indoor comfort.  

1. Save energy. When your home is unoccupied, it is not necessary for your HVAC system to maintain the same temperature as it would when occupied. Save energy by programming your smart thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when no one is home. 
2. Save money. When you save energy, you save money, which helps your household budget by lowering your monthly bill.  
3. Convenience. With a smart thermostat, you can enjoy the convenience of being able to control your HVAC system from a distance, 24/7. Override your programmed settings when it turns out you will be home due to weather or a holiday, all from your phone. Forgot to change your thermostat before leaving on vacation? No problem, as long as you have your phone with you.  
4. Comfort. The smart thermostat allows you to change the temperature right before you arrive home so that you can maximize your comfort even with an irregular schedule. It also allows you to turn up the heat before you get out of bed in the morning. 

With all of these benefits, the initial cost of a new smart thermostat will be worth it and will eventually pay for itself in energy savings. 

Get a Smart Thermostat Upgrade from the Best HVAC Service in Burlington: Alamance Oil 

There are many reasons it’s wise to have your new smart thermostat installed by an experienced, reliable HVAC service in Burlington. 

• Not every smart thermostat is compatible with every HVAC system. Certain HVAC systems will work with certain thermostats. Let your HVAC company recommend a compatible thermostat for your home or office.  
• Proper installation is crucial to proper operation and energy savings. For your smart thermostat to give you optimal energy savings, installation is key. Each technician at Alamance Oil is trained to know how to do the job right so that you can get the most from your new thermostat.  
• Your HVAC technician can teach you how to program and use the new thermostat. After it’s installed, your technician can walk you through your new thermostat and teach you to program it both in your home and from your phone.  

When you’re ready to upgrade your thermostat, use the HVAC service in Burlington you can trust. Alamance Oil has decades of experience with heating and cooling systems. Always on the cutting edge of technology in HVAC equipment, Alamance Oil can easily install a smart thermostat in your home. Alamance Oil can also keep your thermostat and HVAC system operating efficiently with regular maintenance visits. Call (336) 226-9371.