Considering a propane fireplace? There are many benefits to propane-fueled fireplaces over wood or electric. Whether you already have propane heat in your home or not, your fireplace can operate independently from your home heat with a small propane tank. Contact a Burlington propane supplier, such as Alamance Oil, to get started.  

There are Many Benefits to Using Propane for your Fireplace 

• Clean Burning. Propane burns clean, releasing no greenhouse gases. A wood burning fireplace releases all sorts of toxins that are potentially harmful to people and the environment. Electric heat may seem to be more earth-friendly, however, half of the electricity in the US is still created by burning coal, which does not burn clean at all.  
• No Soot. With a propane fireplace, you won’t have a chimney full of soot that needs to be swept. And, your walls and floors around the fireplace won’t be coated with the thin layer of black soot that comes from wood-burning fireplaces.  
• No Clean-up. No more shoveling ashes out of your fireplace every time you enjoy a fire. Propane logs are mess-free.  
• Affordable. Propane is an affordable fuel. The more household appliances you run on propane, the more you save. Adding a fireplace to your current propane usage is more affordable than using another source.  
• Convenient. Have warmth and ambiance at the push of a button or the flip of a switch. No need to use matches and paper, as you would to light a wood-burning fire.  

Propane Fireplace Installation for New Customers 

If you don’t currently have propane at your home, installation is easy. Alamance Oil supplies Burlington propane to homes in town and throughout Alamance County and the surrounding area. Alamance Oil can even install your propane logs and fireplace to make sure it works properly and safely. The size of your tank will be determined by the amount of propane you are likely to use.  

Existing Customers Adding Propane Fireplaces Should Contact their Burlington Propane Supplier 

There are a couple of reasons you should be in contact with Alamance Oil before installing a propane fireplace or propane logs for the first time.  

1. Proper Installation. It is important for the safety of your home and family that your propane fireplace be installed correctly. The propane tank and the line leading to your fireplace and logs must be installed by a professional propane supplier.  
2. Fuel Usage Changes. Adding a propane fireplace to your home will increase the amount of propane your household uses. If you receive automatic deliveries based on your usage, your Burlington propane supplier will need to take the new usage into consideration when planning the frequency of your deliveries.  

Become an Alamance Oil Customer and Have a Cozier Winter 

If you want to stay warm and toasty this winter, a propane fireplace will make a big difference. Whatever fuel your furnace uses, sometimes the chill in the air can be hard to beat. A propane fireplace will give your home an extra level of comfort and coziness to get you through the coldest of days. Do you find that your gas furnace or electric heat pump doesn’t seem to cut it on those particularly chilly days? Consider switching to propane, as it burns hotter, heats faster, and lasts longer than other energy sources. Call Alamance Oil today: (336) 623-9741.

Are there some areas of your home that your central heating system doesn’t reach well? Maybe you’d like to heat your garage only when you’re working on the car. Perhaps you have a sunroom that needs extra heat in the winter. There are different types of propane space heaters available. To get the propane you need to heat your extra spaces, call the top heating oil suppliers in Greensboro, Berico Fuels. Berico supplies propane, heating oil, kerosene, and more to homeowners and business owners.  

Propane Space Heaters Come in Many Types to Suit your Needs 

• Radiant space heaters, or infrared space heaters, use propane to heat coils that in turn heat the air in the room. Heat is transferred to an object which transfers the heat to the air in the room.  
• Circulating space heaters, or blue flame heaters, use propane to ignite a small flame that heats air. That air is then circulated through the room with a blower mechanism.  
• Wall–Mounted space heaters can be either radiant or circulating, but are designed to be mounted on the wall. Proper installation is crucial for safe operation of wall mounted space heaters.  
• Vented space heaters draw air in from the outside, heat it, disperse it throughout the room, and then vent the fumes from the burning fuel outside through a flue.   
• Unvented space heaters take in air from the room itself and vents back into the room as well. Unvented space heaters are safe when used correctly.   

Safety Guidelines for Indoor Propane Space Heaters 

Propane space heaters are a safe way to heat indoor spaces, but only when installed and operated correctly. Follow these guidelines if you plan to heat any indoor spaces with propane heaters. 

1. Never leave a space heater unattended. Don’t leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room. An unattended space heater is a greater fire risk. 
2. Have propane space heaters inspected periodically. A licensed propane technician should inspect your propane space heater yearly to ensure safe operation. 
3. Always install propane space heaters on a non-combustible surface. It may seem obvious, but don’t sit a propane space heater on carpet, rugs, towels, or cardboard boxes. Wall-mounted units should be installed on non-combustible wall surfaces. 
4. Do not install unvented space heaters in small bedrooms or bathrooms. Bathrooms and small bedrooms are confined spaces with limited air. The safety risk is much higher in these situations. There are exceptions to this rule: 
   • A bathroom wall-mounted space heater is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 6,000 BTU/hour and is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will automatically turn off the heater if low oxygen levels are detected. 
   • A bedroom wall-mounted space heater is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 10,000 BTU/hour and is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will automatically turn off the heater if the low oxygen levels are detected. 

Installation by Experienced Propane and Heating Oil Suppliers in Greensboro is Recommended for Space Heaters 

Safe operation is crucial when using a propane space heater, and proper installation is key to achieving that. The best way to ensure proper installation is to hire qualified propane and heating oil suppliers in Greensboro. Berico Fuels is a leading supplier of heating fuels to Greensboro and the surrounding area. Have your propane space heater installed and periodically inspected by Berico and sign up for automatic propane deliveries so that you’ll never run out. Call (336) 273-8663.

Older homes have a certain charm, a beauty that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Homes were once built with a level of personalized craftsmanship that is rarely displayed in newer homes. At the same time, older homes are often missing the modern conveniences homeowners have come to appreciate, such as central air conditioning. Installing a brand new AC system in an older home is possible, but it comes with its own set of challenges. If your home has an existing HVAC system, it may simply need a little tender loving care. Whether you need a full installation or AC repair in Reidsville, Carolina Fuels can handle the job.

Does the House have Existing Ductwork?

If there are ducts leading to each room of the home from either a forced air heater or an old air conditioning system, the project will be much easier. The most important thing to consider is that the existing ducts should be cleaned and inspected for leaks. If any leaks are found, they should be repaired if possible or the entire duct system should be replaced, especially before you consider installing a new air conditioning system. Faulty ductwork will drastically reduce the efficiency of your new AC and you’ll most likely find yourself repairing or replacing it. If your home does not have any ductwork, installation is possible, but it isn’t always an attractive option. Ducts installed against ceilings are difficult to disguise and may require ceilings to be lowered, which isn’t always ideal. It can take away from the overall aesthetic of the home and often make rooms feel smaller and cramped. Another less visible option is to install ducts in closets, but consider that you’ll lose valuable storage space, which older homes are often lacking by modern standards. If neither of these options sounds appealing to you, there’s still another viable avenue.

Ductless HVAC Systems are Flexible and Affordable

One of the best options for installing air conditioning in a home without ductwork is a ductless mini-split system. Mini-split refers to the fact that the system is basically split between a small outdoor unit and an individual wall-mounted unit in each room. Most older homes already have some type of heating system, whether it’s a radiator, furnace, boiler, or other type. Air conditioning can be added to it with a mini-split ductless system. The best part is that the wall-mounted unit is the only part that needs to be installed inside the home. You save a lot of space by opting out of ductwork that can be intrusive and bulky. Another major advantage is that you can achieve zone cooling inside your home, meaning the temperature in each room can be set according to personal preferences.

AC Repair in Reidsville Can Restore an Old System to Like-New Condition

If you are moving into an older home that has an existing air conditioning system, it is wise to have it thoroughly inspected and any issues repaired. An old system may not have to be replaced, it may simply need restoration. While newer systems tend to be more efficient, the real key to efficiency is a well-maintained air conditioner. For a maintenance plan or a free quote on AC repair in Reidsville or installation of a new air conditioning system in an older home, call Carolina Fuels: (336) 623-9741.

You probably know some common simple ways to save energy in your home. You likely make a point to turn off the lights when you leave a room. But there are many other small steps you can take that will save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Many of these tips are related to your HVAC service in Greensboro. Give these tips a try this summer and see how much you can save.

• Keep Appliances Away from your Thermostat. Many different appliances generate quite a bit of heat. Your television, if placed near your thermostat, could cause your AC to run more often. If your thermostat is located in your kitchen, the heat generated by your stove, refrigerator, and other appliances could confuse it. Either move the thermostat or the appliances, whichever is easier.

• Set your Thermostat for 78° Fahrenheit. This has been determined to be the optimal temperature for comfort and energy-efficiency. The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less often your air conditioner has to run.

• Use Ceiling Fans and set your Thermostat Higher. You can still feel comfortable at a higher indoor temperature when you keep the air circulating with ceiling fans. The amount of electricity needed to keep a fan spinning is less than what your AC uses to create cool air. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room. It only serves you well when the room is occupied.

• Schedule Regular HVAC Service in Greensboro. It goes by many names from preventative maintenance to an AC tune-up, but every year your air conditioner should be serviced. This typically entails cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, repairing, and general tweaking of your system to make sure it is running properly. A properly functioning air conditioner runs much more efficiently, which saves you money.

• Have your Ducts Cleaned and Inspected for Leaks. Regular HVAC maintenance does not typically include duct inspection and cleaning. There is a good chance that your system is losing efficiency due to clogged or leaky ductwork. If your AC has just created cool air, but it encounters hot air that has leaked into your ducts, the air coming out of your vents will not be as cool as it should be.
• Get a Programmable Thermostat. The newest technology in HVAC efficiency is programmable thermostats. These gadgets allow you to preprogram your desired indoor temperature for certain times of the day. You can set it to be higher while you’re out and cooler while you’re home. You can set it to be cooler or warmer at night, depending on your sleeping preferences. And some even allow you to program them remotely using a smartphone or other device.

Schedule a Tune Up and Duct Inspection with Berico

Be sure that your AC is working as efficiently as possible by scheduling regular HVAC service in Greensboro. Berico can perform routine maintenance, check your ducts for leaks, and install a programmable thermostat in an ideal location. Call (336) 273-8663 to make an appointment today.  

One of the most important parts of your HVAC system is the least expensive. Disposable filters make it easy and affordable to change your filters regularly. Bi-annual maintenance typically includes filter replacement, but changing your filters yourself quarterly or even monthly helps to keep more allergens out of the air and keeps your system running efficiently to prevent expensive AC repair in Burlington. For those who suffer from severe allergy symptoms, standard filters may not be enough. Some filters are designed to remove both higher quantities of particles and smaller particles from the air. Here’s how to determine what type of filter will work best in your home HVAC system.

The Pros and Cons of HEPA Filters

You may have heard of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filters. They are used in HVAC systems, vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and other appliances. HEPA filters are designed to remove the smallest particles from the air, including pollen, dust mites, and other allergens.

Pros:

• Remove more allergens
• Keep your indoor air cleaner
• Keep your HVAC system cleaner and running more efficiently

Cons:

• May restrict air flow
• Only compatible with certain types of HVAC systems
• Work better with commercial grade systems

It’s not wise to simply install a HEPA filter in your HVAC system without first doing some research. Not all residential central air systems are equipped to work with HEPA filters, which tend to restrict airflow because of the thicker filter material. Some systems, primarily commercial systems, are strong enough to maintain airflow with thicker filters, but many residential systems are not. Consult your HVAC maintenance provider before switching to a different type of filter.

Understanding MERV Rating

Filters are assigned a MERV (Minimum Efficient Reporting System) rating from 1 to 20. The higher the rating, the finer the particles that it will filter from the air. It is also safe to assume that the higher the MERV rating, the lower the airflow that can pass through, and therefore, the stronger the HVAC fan will need to be in order to draw in enough air to function properly. You may find that a basic non-HEPA filter with a moderate MERV rating of 10 or higher will be sufficient enough to achieve the level of clean indoor air you require. And it is more likely to be compatible with your current HVAC system.

Consult Alamance Oil for Anything from Filter Recommendations to AC Repair in Burlington

If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or other respiratory illnesses, it may be worth your while to give extra consideration to the filters you use with your HVAC system. If you’re not sure what type would be best for your home and model, consult Alamance Oil, your top AC repair service in Burlington. Alamance Oil can evaluate your home and HVAC system in order to give the best recommendation for a filter. You can even order replacement filters through Alamance Oil, either directly from your technician or online. Call (336) 226-9371 to speak with an associate today.