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.

Do you have a persistent cough? It may have started with a cold or allergies, but if you have a chronic cough that has been plaguing you for weeks, it’s not normal. Sometimes a cough is due to poor indoor air quality, which could be directly related to your central air system. If your home has ductwork and air vents, you have a central or forced air system in your home. The air that blows out of your vents is primarily the air that you breathe, and when that air isn’t clean, your health can suffer. Beat the cough once and for all with Reidsville air conditioner repair. 

Indoor Air Quality: The Hidden Health Influencer 

You may not give much thought to the air quality in your home. You may assume that you’re more likely to experience air pollution outside, when the opposite is actually the case. When your home air is compromised it can cause allergy symptoms, chronic respiratory issues, and aggravate asthma. So if you’re suffering from a cough you can’t seem to shake or other ear, nose, and throat issues, your home air is possibly the reason. 

Your Central Air System is the Biggest Factor in Home Air Quality 

Now you’re probably wondering why your home air quality could be bad. Poor air quality is the result of a few different factors, mostly related to your HVAC system. When working properly, your central air system uses filters to keep dust and dirt out of your ducts and indoor unit. When the filters get overly dirty or clogged, dust and other allergens like pollen can get through.  

Another concern is with your furnace, which can release carbon monoxide into your home when not working properly. Furnaces create heat using natural gas, propane, or heating oil. When these fuels are burned, carbon monoxide is created. A properly functioning furnace will vent these fumes out of your home. If there are problems, such as holes or leaks in the ventilation system or other malfunctions that cause your furnace to produce too much CO, it can enter the air in your home. Your CO detector will only alert you if the CO level gets dangerously high. However, even low levels can cause serious health problems. 

Improve Your Health with Reidsville Air Conditioner Maintenance and an Air Purification System 

The most important step you can take in improving your indoor air quality and your health is to schedule biannual HVAC maintenance. Preventative maintenance is a tune-up for your furnace and air conditioner involving cleaning, inspecting, repairing, lubricating, and generally restoring your system to its best condition. This will keep your Reidsville air conditioner running efficiently and blowing cleaner air.  

Want the cleanest indoor air possible? Consider an air purification system. Fitted directly onto your current HVAC system, an air purifier will remove the finest particles from the air before they pass through the vents into your home. State of the art technology not only cleans the air, but creates new clean air molecules.  

Kick that cough by calling Carolina Fuels for Reidsville air conditioner maintenance: (336) 273-8663. 

Heating your home with a propane furnace is a relatively common practice. Many homeowners use propane by choice, others use it because natural gas is not available in their area. Probably the most common use of propane is in backyard grills. But did you know there are at least 7 other household appliances that can run on propane? Propane in Burlington, NC is convenient and affordable. It can be delivered and automatically refilled by Alamance Oil. Consider trying these propane-powered appliances.

1. Water Heaters. This one may not be too surprising, as propane water heaters are not uncommon. The most common energy sources for water heating are typically electricity or natural gas, but propane is a close third. Propane burns hot and resonates, meaning you can heat a lot of water quickly.
2. Fireplaces. Gas log fireplaces are often propane-sourced. There are advantages to propane logs over burning wood, such as cleanliness and convenience. It’s easier to hook a propane tank up to a gas log fireplace than it is to tap into an underground natural gas line.
3. Stoves and Ranges. Propane stovetops and ovens are an efficient alternative to electricity. Some homeowners prefer to cook over a flame as opposed to a flat top stove or coil. A propane powered oven preheats faster than electric.
4. Clothing Dryers. You can conserve electricity by purchasing a propane clothing dryer. Clothes will even dry faster as propane creates heat more quickly and keeps a steady heat over time.
5. Outdoor Fire Pits. The convenience of propane-fueled fires does not have to be confined to the indoors. Outdoor fire pits can also be propane fueled, allowing you to skip the work of starting a wood fire and just flip a switch.
6. Pool and Hot Tub Heaters. If you have a pool you wish to heat or a hot tub, propane is a much more efficient heating fuel. The rapid heating time and longevity of the heat make it a wise choice for warming large quantities of water.
7. Refrigerators and Freezers. These are much less common, but still a possibility. But most often, campers can benefit from propane-powered refrigerators and freezers.

The Major Benefits of Using Propane in Burlington, NC

• Efficient. Propane burns hotter than gas and heats much faster than electricity.
• Environmentally Friendly. Propane burns clean and does not emit greenhouse gases.
• Safe. Propane tanks are sturdy and rarely leak. In the case of a leak, the smell alerts you.
• Can save you money. In many cases propane is more affordable than gas or electricity.
• Good for emergencies. If the power goes out or the gas line is interrupted, your own personal propane supply is still available.
• Versatility. Propane can be used for many different household appliances besides just home heating.

Alamance Oil is your Burlington Propane Supplier

If you are interested in trying propane or purchasing additional propane-powered appliances, contact Alamance Oil. Your supplier will install your tank and can assist with hooking up new appliances to your propane source. Automatic deliveries are available for propane in Burlington, NC. Call (336) 226-9371.

How clean is the air in your home? You may not give it much thought, but something that seems so insignificant can actually cause some serious health issues. But how can you tell if your air quality is good or bad? And if it’s bad, what can be done about it? The good news is that air quality issues are usually easy to fix with basic HVAC maintenance in Burlington. Here are some signs that may indicate your indoor air quality isn’t optimal.  

1. New or Worsening Allergy Symptoms. If you suffer from allergies, whether seasonal or otherwise, you may notice that your symptoms have worsened recently. If you’ve never had allergies before, but recently you have begun to sneeze, have itchy or watery eyes, a scratchy throat, or a cough that doesn’t seem to be related to a cold or other illness, your indoor air may be to blame. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can get through filters, in some cases because they are dirty, and blow around your home through your HVAC system. Mold is another type of allergen that can form due to excess moisture. New mold growth can cause allergies for some who don’t normally suffer from allergies.  
2. Serious Health Concerns. Beyond just typical allergy symptoms, poor indoor air quality can cause more serious health concerns. Headaches, fever, nausea, asthma, and even some root causes of pneumonia can be the result of prolonged exposure to poor air quality.   
3. Unusual Smell in the Air. If the air in your home smells musty or odd, and it doesn’t seem to be due to any other culprit (like trash or pets), you may have an issue with your HVAC system. A musty smell is most likely due to mold or mildew growth in your system or ducts. Other strange odors could be due to any number of issues with your AC or furnace and are best diagnosed by your HVAC technician.  
4. Dirt Collected On or Around Air Vents. If you think you may have an indoor air quality issue, walk through your home and inspect your air vents. If you notice dirt, dust, or soot collected around or directly on the vents, it’s safe to assume that the air isn’t very clean.  

Get Cleaner Indoor Air with HVAC Maintenance in Burlington 

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your heating and cooling company as soon as possible. When your family’s health is at stake, there is no time to waste. There’s a good chance that all your system needs is a good tune-up. HVAC maintenance in Burlington from Alamance Oil is not only affordable, but it will save you money in a variety of ways. When your system is well maintained, it runs more efficiently, lowering your monthly energy bill. Regular maintenance also keeps your HVAC system running well for many years longer than an unmaintained system, meaning your system will last much longer. Keep your indoor air cleaner, saving you money and protecting your family from allergies and other health issues that stem from poor indoor air quality.  Call (336) 226-9371 to schedule an appointment with Alamance Oil today.

Ice on your air conditioner on a hot summer day? It hardly makes sense, but it’s actually quite common. If you experience this it can be confusing and you may wonder what to do. Taking the proper steps in this situation can make all the difference when it comes to the cost of repairs and the overall lifespan of your air conditioner. Chances are you are simply in need of a thorough AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. 

1. Turn off your AC. Any time your air conditioning isn’t working properly, the first step should be to turn it off. Whatever is going wrong will only continue to worsen as long as the system is running. This protects your air conditioner as well as your home and family.  
2. Check your filters. Extremely dirty or clogged filters can impede air flow into your HVAC system. Your air conditioner is supposed to take in warm air which blows over the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil contains refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air and transfers it outside. The cooled air is then blown out through the vents in your home. When not enough hot air is blowing over the evaporator coil, it will get too cold and start to form ice. If your filters are dirty, replace them. 
3. Turn your AC back on and check air flow. If dirty filters were the problem, air flow through your vents should improve. You should feel a strong flow of cool air. If this is not the case, it may indicate a different problem. 
4. Turn your AC back off and call your HVAC service. Unless you have professional experience with HVAC systems, filters are the only maintenance item you should attend to yourself. If dirty filters are not the reason your system is frozen over, there is likely an internal problem such as a dirty evaporator coil or not enough refrigerant in the coil. Experts can clean the coil and the rest of your system as well as recharge the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant can be due to a leak which will need to be repaired. There are other possible causes of ice on your AC unit that your HVAC technician can diagnose and repair.  

Protect your AC from Further Damage, Prolong its Life, and Save Money by Acting Fast 

If you see ice on your outdoor AC unit, don’t ignore it. Ice is a sign of a malfunction that will only get worse if left unattended. Having it repaired at the first sign of a problem can prevent further damage and costly repairs. It can also prevent full system failure and expensive system replacement. Continuing to run your frozen air conditioner will also waste a lot of energy, which will cause your bill to go up significantly.  

Prevent a Freeze Over with an AC Tune-up in Burlington, NC 

Want to avoid this entire unpleasant situation? Schedule regular yearly maintenance for your air conditioner to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. A thorough inspection and cleaning of your system will help you to avoid unexpected problems with your AC on hot summer days. Call Alamance Oil for an AC tune-up in Burlington, NC. (336) 273-8663.