Considering Replacing your AC? Here’s what you Need to Know

Open room in houseIt’s that time of year. The temperatures are warming up, the days are getting longer and soon enough you’ll need to turn on your air conditioner. What kind of shape is yours in? Are you confident that it’s up to the task of cooling your home for another scorching summer? If not, it may be time to consider replacing your system. But before you schedule your AC replacement in Eden, here’s what you need to know about getting a new air conditioner.

How do you Know When it’s Time to Replace your AC?

There are some signs that can alert you to the fact that your air conditioner may be on its last legs. The warning signs include:

  • Unusual noises. This is a sign of parts wearing out or getting loose, vibrations, and other malfunctions.
  • Uneven cooling. A struggling AC will fail to cool your home consistently throughout.
  • Frequent cycling on and off. If your AC comes on and goes off repeatedly without ever reaching the desired indoor temperature, you have a malfunctioning system.
  • Indoor humidity. Your air conditioner should naturally remove humidity from your home. If your windows fog up or you find condensation on metal surfaces indoors, your AC isn’t doing its job.
  • Circuit breaker trips. Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker that corresponds to your air conditioner is a sign of an electrical issue that may or may not be repairable.

These or any other non-typical behavior from your AC are common indicators that your system is not operating properly. Repair may be possible, but a complete system replacement could be the only option.

The Age of your System is an Important Factor

Depending on the manufacturer and model of your air conditioning system, it likely has an expected lifespan of 10-15 years. Often systems will last between 15-20 years when well maintained. But past about 20 years and you’re really running on borrowed time. Another point to consider is that older systems are not nearly as energy efficient as newer systems. Major advancements in technology have led to the development of high-efficiency air conditioning systems that can operate using significantly less energy. Replacing your old system can save a lot of energy and noticeably lower your monthly electricity bill. If you’re facing an expensive repair, it may be in your best interest to replace your system instead.

Carolina Fuels can give you an Expert Recommendation on AC Replacement in Eden

When you think you may need AC replacement in Eden, it’s important to get an evaluation from an experienced, knowledgeable HVAC service. Carolina Fuels can inspect your system and evaluate its condition to formulate the best possible course of action. If your AC can be easily repaired so that it can operate efficiently for longer, that may be the best choice. But if the repair is only buying you time until the inevitable replacement is necessary, it might be smarter to go ahead and get it done. Your technician will take everything into consideration when making a recommendation, including your budget.

Call Carolina Fuels to schedule an AC inspection by a certified technician: (336) 623-9741.

4 Tips for Protecting your AC Unit During Storms

thunderstormThe 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.  

HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

cat on tableDid you know that your furry, 4 legged friends can affect your HVAC system? If you have pets in your home there are some extra maintenance steps you should take regularly to keep your heating and cooling system from being affected by your furry family members. Avoid frequent AC repair in Reidsville from damage inflicted by pets.

 

  • Change your filters often. Pets tend to shed, and that excess hair ends up in your HVAC filters, which clogs them and disrupts air flow. Also, if you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies, changing your filters regularly, perhaps even monthly, can improve allergy symptoms by eliminating allergens before they get into your ducts.
  • Have your ducts cleaned. Duct cleaning can remove pet hair and dander that gets past the filters and into your ductwork. Duct cleaning can be done as often as you wish, but yearly is probably enough as long as you’re keeping up with changing your filters. If you’ve never had it done, you’re likely way past due for a thorough cleaning.
  • Clean up hair regularly. Do your best to clean pet hair off of floors and furniture as often as possible. The less hair lying around, the less that hair will find its way into your HVAC system. Consider investing in a vacuum that is specifically designed to clean up pet hair.
  • Keep pets well groomed. Take your pet to a groomer to remove excess hair and to keep the hair shorter. In between appointments at the groomer, brush your pets to remove excess hair. When pets have less loose hair on them, they shed less and there won’t be as much hair floating around your home.
  • Protect your outdoor unit. If pets can get to your AC unit while outside unsupervised, they can potentially cause damage. Dogs or cats may claw at the outdoor unit which could damage the unit and possibly injure them as well. Also, keep pets from urinating on the outdoor unit, which can cause corrosion of the fins and coils. Either keep your pets fenced in away from the unit, or put a fence around the unit to keep them out. Just be sure to allow plenty of space for air flow around it.
  • Schedule regular AC maintenance. Every air conditioner needs to be cleaned and tuned up each year, and that is especially true for AC units in homes with pets. A big part of AC maintenance is a thorough cleaning of the system, which will remove any pet hair that has found its way into the system.

 

Carolina Fuels Understands that Your Pets are Family

Whatever kind of pets you have, from dogs to cats to parakeets, you love them like family. And since they also live in your home, it’s important to keep the above tips in mind follow them regularly, not only for the good of your HVAC system, but for the health of your pets and the rest of your family. Schedule AC repair in Reidsville to get a thorough cleaning of your system for a fresh start, then these tips should help keep your system clean in between yearly maintenance. Call Carolina Fuels today: (336) 623-0741.

5 Things to Consider Before Having a New AC Installed

house with red roofIs 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.

4 Common AC Service and Maintenance Questions Answered

kitchen in homeYour AC is a large appliance that is responsible for as much as half of your home’s total electricity usage during the warm weather months. To keep it working properly you will occasionally have need of an HVAC service in Greensboro. One such service, Berico, wishes to answer some of the commonly asked AC questions for you.

    • Does my Air Conditioner Really Need Preventative Maintenance?

Do you ever wonder if your AC actually needs maintenance? If it’s still running, homeowners have a tendency to assume all is fine with their AC. But there’s a lot more going on inside your system than you may be aware of. Over time dust builds up and clogs your intake filters. If these are not replaced regularly, that dust then gets into your ducts and eventually into your air conditioner. Dust inside your AC can cause all sorts of problems from an evaporator coil malfunction to other mechanical errors. If your AC hasn’t broken down yet, it is likely working harder than necessary due to the lack of maintenance. Your energy bills will be higher and eventually, you’ll experience system malfunction. Preventative maintenance keeps your AC operating efficiently and prevents unexpected problems that could result in expensive repairs.

  • How Often Does my Air Conditioner Need a Tune-Up?

Any reputable HVAC Service in Greensboro will recommend a yearly tune-up for your AC. A tune up is just another term for maintenance and typically involves a thorough inspection and cleaning, followed by any necessary repairs such as replacing worn out parts or tightening bolts. Replacing filters is also included in most tune-ups. Having your local HVAC company perform a yearly tune-up in the late winter or early spring ensures your AC is ready for the upcoming home cooling season.  

  • How Often Should I Change my Filters?

It is recommended that you replace your filters every 3 months, and at the very least, every 6 months. You should replace them monthly if your home is newly constructed or if any recent renovations have taken place. The monthly principle applies for up to a year following any construction. The reason is that construction projects create additional dust and debris that would not normally be present in your home.

  • What are the Warning Signs that my AC is not Operating Properly?

Many homeowners ask this question too late after their AC breaks down a hot day. But the experience is often so inconvenient they want to know how to prevent it from happening again. Pay attention to these clues: unusual noises, excessive humidity, uneven cooling, constant cycling on and off, and low air flow. If you notice these or any other unusual signs from your AC, call your HVAC service in Greensboro right away. You may be able to avoid complete system failure by being proactive.

Don’t hesitate to call Berico with any other questions you have regarding your HVAC system: (336) 273-8663. Berico can tune up your system yearly to keep it operating efficiently. Schedule a maintenance appointment and consider becoming a Comfort and Protection Service Plan Customer to receive regular maintenance and other benefits.

The Top 5 Benefits of Duct Cleaning

open living room in big houseIs 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.

Preparing your AC to Handle Allergens

wild weeds and pollenYou probably know that springtime is one of the worst times of the year for allergies. With all of the extra pollen in the air from trees, plants, and flowers it can be an allergy sufferer’s nightmare. But what you may not know is that the top culprit for spreading allergens around your home is your HVAC system. Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and more can get through your AC filters and into your ducts. Those allergens are then blown out through your vents to contaminate your indoor air. However, there are ways to prevent the spread of allergens through your HVAC system. These suggestions will also improve your HVAC efficiency and delay the need for AC replacement in Eden.

Have your HVAC System Professionally Cleaned

The first step in preparing your AC to handle allergens is to schedule a professional cleaning of your system. Dust, pollen, and other allergens will build up in your system over time, lowering the efficiency of your HVAC system and spreading allergens throughout your home. A thorough cleaning will remove these allergens, improving both the energy efficiency of your AC and your indoor air quality.

Use High-Quality HVAC Filters

Basic air filters will remove a lot of particles from the air. But high-quality air filters can remove more allergens and finer particles from the air in your home as it moves through your HVAC system. After a thorough cleaning of your system, you can keep it clean with high-quality filters.

Get your Ducts Professionally Cleaned

If you’ve been using basic air filters in your HVAC system, there’s a good chance your ductwork is full of allergens. You can have your system cleaned, but if you don’t also clean your ducts you could end up right back where you started in no time at all.

Have an Air Purification System Installed

There are many different air purifiers out on the market, but the most effective types are those that work directly with your HVAC system. An air purification system can be installed in your existing ductwork that will not only filter out the smallest of particles, but even create new clean air to be released into your home.  

Consider AC Replacement in Eden if you have an Older, Less Efficient System

If your HVAC system is old, especially your air conditioner, it is not operating efficiently. A system that is 10 years old or older is significantly less efficient than those manufactured today. An older system is more likely to spread allergens because it has accumulated more dust and particles over time. And older, less efficient systems are not as effective at filtering particles out of the air. Consider AC replacement in Eden to achieve higher quality indoor air with fewer allergens.

Carolina Fuels can Help Improve your Indoor Air Quality with AC Replacement in Eden

If you or someone in your household is suffering from allergies, you may see significant improvement when you invest in a new HVAC system. Combine AC replacement in Eden with clean ducts, high-quality air filters, and an air purification system for the best possible results. Are you ready to improve your allergy symptoms? Call Carolina Fuels today: (336) 623-9741.

4 Signs it’s Time for a New AC

air conditioning unitHow do you know when you need a new air conditioner? The fact that you’re wondering is probably a strong indicator that it may be time. Before you start looking for HVAC companies who handle Burlington AC replacement, consider these 4 common signs that it’s time for a new AC. 

  1. Lack of Comfort. Does it seem as if your home doesn’t feel as cool lately as it used to feel? Are there some areas of your home that feel cooler than others? When your air conditioner is starting to get closer to needing to be replaced it tends to cool less sufficiently or less evenly.  
  2. Unusual Noises. Has your air conditioner been making more racket than usual? Have you noticed it making noises you don’t think it made before? You are right to be alarmed. Sometimes it happens so gradually you hardly notice. But unusual noises can mean your AC is starting to wear out and may need to be replaced soon.  
  3. High Energy Bills. Does it seem as if your electricity bill keeps getting higher and higher? It may not be in your head. If your air conditioner is starting to go it can become a real energy drain. And even if it’s running as well as it ever did, if it’s more than ten years old it uses much more energy than new systems do. Replacing an old AC can help get those bills back down.  
  4. Excess Humidity. Do you feel a dampness inside your home? Does it smell musty? Do you notice condensation on windows, mirrors, or metal surfaces? These are all signs of excess humidity in your home, which means your air conditioning is not working properly. Your AC should automatically control the humidity inside your home, removing moisture from the air as it comes in and cools down.  

If you notice any of these signs, the first step is to call your HVAC service for inspection and maintenance. It’s possible it may just need a tune up. Your technician will be able to give you an accurate recommendation for either repair or replacement after thoroughly inspecting your air conditioner and evaluating its current condition.  

Burlington AC Replacement Done Right by Alamance Oil 

Air conditioner replacement is a big undertaking and you want to make sure it’s done right. Alamance Oil has been providing Burlington AC replacement for decades. Experienced, certified installers will replace your old, worn, and outdated air conditioner with a new, efficient model. The noises will stop, your energy bills will go down, and your home will feel comfortable again. Proper installation ensures that you will get the most out of your air conditioner from energy efficient operation to many years of home comfort. Call Alamance Oil today to have your current system inspected and either repaired or replaced: (336) 226-9371. 

6 Winter Weather Safety Tips for your Propane-Powered Home

propane tankDoes your home run on propane? Whether you use it for home heat or other appliances, propane is a safe, clean-burning, efficient energy source. But just like any other type of fuel, it’s important to follow basic safety tips during use. Winter is prime usage season for propane, which makes it a great time to check on your tank and appliances. And if you haven’t already had your Reidsville furnace repair company out for an inspection and tune-up, the sooner the better. Keep these 6 winter weather safety tips in mind throughout the year.

 

    • Get your tank refilled before you run out of propane. It’s always best to stay on top of propane refills. When a tank gets completely empty, there’s a risk of leaks and other problems due to internal tank pressure (or lack of). A gas line and tank inspection is absolutely crucial before a completely empty tank is refilled. Not sure you can remember to schedule refills? No problem. Sign up for a regular delivery plan with Carolina Fuels and you’ll never run out of propane.
    • Keep the area around your propane tank clear. Don’t let vegetation encroach on your tank for a variety of reasons. For one, plants growing on and around your tank can cause premature corrosion of your tank from the outside, which can eventually reach the inside. Clear snow off and away from your tank as well to avoid added stress on your tank. A damaged tank is a potentially dangerous tank. Also, keeping the area clear makes it easier for Carolina Fuels to check and refill your tank, especially in the case of an emergency such as a gas leak.
    • If you smell gas, leave the home and call Carolina Fuels. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, turn off all appliances and lights and get everyone out of the house and to a safe distance away. Then call Carolina Fuels. Don’t use your phone until you are at a safe distance from the house. If you don’t reach anyone right away, call 911.
    • Never use a propane grill inside. Your backyard grill is not meant to be used indoors for any reason, cooking or space heating. It requires outdoor ventilation of carbon monoxide.
    • Never use your propane range as a heat source. If the power goes out or your furnace quits working, never attempt to use your oven to heat your home.
    • Schedule routine Reidsville furnace repair and appliance inspection. Yearly inspection for your furnace is an important step for safe propane usage. A properly working furnace will efficiently use propane and vent carbon monoxide outside the home. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can cause carbon monoxide to contaminate the air inside your home, which can cause all sorts of health problems and even death.

Carolina Fuels Supplies Propane and Performs Routine Reidsville Furnace Repair

Carolina Fuels wants you and your family to be safe while enjoying all the benefits of propane. Follow these safety tips and you can safely heat your home, cook your food, dry your clothes, heat water, and more with propane. Call Carolina Fuels today to schedule Reidsville furnace repair: (336) 623-9741.

8 Advantages of a Propane Cooking Range

propane rangeKitchen ranges come in electric, natural gas, or propane configurations. People from amateurs to professional chefs have their preference when it comes to cooking fuels and appliances. There’s not a lot of difference between cooking with natural gas vs. propane. If your home is already equipped with natural gas for home heating, it’s easy to add a kitchen range or other appliances to that same energy source. When you don’t have access to natural gas, perhaps if you live in a rural area of North Carolina such as Eden, propane is an excellent alternative for home heating and other appliances. Consider the many advantages of a propane cooking range.

 

    • Even-Heat. When it comes to cooking, having an even distribution of heat is important. Propane allows you to cook food evenly over a flame on the stovetop as well as in the oven.
    • Save Money. A propane range may cost more up front, but the propane is a more cost-effective energy source. You’ll save more over time by cooking with propane.
    • Power Out? No Problem. Your propane range will still operate if the power goes out, making it possible to cook meals even when you don’t have electricity. In rural areas when the power goes out, it can take days to be restored. In the meantime, enjoy hot meals by candlelight.
    • Environmentally Friendly. Propane is a green gas, meaning it is non-toxic and does not release harmful emissions. Electricity is still primarily created by burning coal, which is much more harmful to the environment.
    • Instantaneous Heat. While electric ranges take longer to heat up, a propane range is ready in seconds. You’ll have heat right away so you can make meals quickly and efficiently.
    • Better Heat Control. Cooks like that the temperature on propane ranges can be adjusted more quickly. You have better overall temperature control than you do with electricity.
    • Safety. When you turn off your propane cooktop the heat goes away immediately, unlike electric ranges that stay hot for much longer, creating a potential burn hazard.
    • Keep your Kitchen Cooler in Summer. The second you turn off a propane range it cools quickly, which can be a life saver in the summer. Your kitchen cools off faster and your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.

Carolina Fuels Provides Eden Propane and HVAC Services

Do you like the sound of all these advantages to cooking with propane? If you’re not already using propane in your home, there’s no time like the present to start. Carolina Fuels can deliver Eden propane to any home or business. Tanks come in a variety of sizes depending on the predicted usage per household or commercial building. Experts will recommend a refill schedule that will ensure your propane never runs out. You can enjoy all the benefits of cooking with propane even if you only have experience cooking with an electric range. Propane can also power other appliances such as clothing dryers, water heaters, and of course, furnaces. Call Carolina Fuels today to get more information about Eden propane: (336) 623-9741.