Does your household run on propane? Propane can fuel many appliances in your home from your furnace to your hot water heater to your clothing dryer. If you use propane, you will need your tank refilled from time to time. Wondering when is the best time of year to buy propane in Greensboro, NC? That depends on a few different factors:

• The season you use the most propane. Do you use propane primarily to heat your home? If so, buying propane in the fall before the weather cools is a wise decision. If you use it all year for various purposes, then you may want to watch the prices and wait for the best time. You can also sign up for regular refills from your propane to supplier who can put you on a schedule for deliveries to ensure you never run out.
• The size of your tank. Depending on the size of your tank and how much propane you use, you may need refills multiple times a year. Your propane supplier can help you find a delivery schedule that works for you, or swap out your tank for a bigger one.
• Your budget. If getting the lowest price possible on propane is your top priority, one option is to watch the prices and order propane when you see the lowest price. Typically that will be during the summer or early fall when the demand for propane is low. If you wait until winter time when propane is in high demand, you will likely find that prices are higher. Be cautious with this method to be sure you don’t run out. A cold winter day is not a good time to suddenly find yourself with an empty tank. Then you will have to wait in the cold for a delivery, possibly pay emergency delivery fees, and accept whatever price you are offered. Regular refills from your supplier is a much less risky option.
• How much propane you use. Depending on the amount of propane your household uses, the right time for a refill may not always be the same time each year. You may need it in the fall this year, and find that you don’t need another delivery until the following spring. If the winter is particularly cold, you may go through propane more quickly as your furnace battles the extreme temperatures.

Be Proactive and Buy Propane in Greensboro, NC, this Summer or Early Fall

It is always wise to be prepared. If you use the bulk of your propane for home heat in the winter, having your tank refilled in the summer or early fall gives you peace of mind. You can sit back and relax as the cool weather rolls in, knowing you are ready for whatever fall and winter brings. Late summer or early fall is also a great time to have your furnace tuned up and cleaned to make sure it will run efficiently when needed. A Berico Comfort and Protection Service Plan combines HVAC system maintenance and propane delivery at a discount. In one affordable package, you can keep your home comfortable all year. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule furnace maintenance and purchase propane in Greensboro, NC.

Are you in the market for a new furnace? Maybe your old one is starting to fail, or perhaps you are building a new home and need to install a furnace for the first time. Whatever the reason you are considering a furnace installation in Burlington, NC, there are many different types to choose from. Finding the furnace that is best for you depends on a few different factors.

• Do you have allergies? If dust is an allergy irritant for you, forced air systems with ductwork may exacerbate that issue. Try an air purification systems that can be added to help filter out allergens.
• Does your home have ductwork? If there is already ductwork in place in your home, installing any type of forced air furnace is much easier and cost effective. Ductwork is necessary for furnaces and heat pumps. If it doesn’t have ductwork and you wish to avoid installing ducts, try a radiant heating option or a ductless mini-split system, though this type of system is rare in this region.
• How cold does it get where you live? If you experience extremely cold temperatures, avoid a heat pump which does not perform well in those conditions. Consider a boiler or furnace that uses propane or oil. Propane and oil are said to offer a cozier heat that radiates longer.
• Do you want the lowest possible heating costs? To keep heating costs as low as possible, propane, heating oil, and gas furnaces are very cost effective. Heat pumps are a very energy efficient and cost effective option as they transfer warmth more than they create it using heating fuel. However, when it does get very cold, a heat pump would need to be supplemented with another source of heat.
• Do you want to save on installation costs? If you want to keep installation costs down, consider a ductless system such as a mini-split HVAC system. These are wall-mounted units that are installed in each room that connect to a very small outdoor unit. Installation is quick and not at all invasive. These systems are very visible and many homeowners opt for other options for aesthetic reasons.
• Is it necessary to heat each room separately? If you want individualized heat and air conditioning for each room of your home, the ductless mini-split system is the best way to achieve this. Each room can be set to a different desired temperature. Each person can heat their room to their preference and parts of the home that don’t need to be heated can do without a unit. These systems do require more upkeep, such as monthly filter cleaning, so be sure to consult an HVAC professional to ensure you pick the right system for your home and climate.

Alamance Oil Offers Reliable, Affordable Furnace Installation in Burlington, NC

Trust your home comfort to Alamance Oil. Proper installation is key to the successful operation of the furnace you are getting now, as well as any future furnace you will have installed. Ductwork, vents, and the system itself must all be configured accurately. Once you choose the right heating system for your home, be sure to have your furnace installation in Burlington, NC, done by Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371 for a free estimate today.

Do you have reason to believe your propane tank may be leaking? The most typical sign of a possible leak is the smell. Propane has an odor that has been described as “rotten egg, skunk, or dead animal.” This odor is added to the propane (which is typically odorless) for safety reasons so that you can detect a leak if it occurs. If you suspect that your tank or gas line is leaking, turn off all propane appliances and immediately contact your Burlington, NC, propane supplier.

How to Locate the Leak Safely:

There is a way to locate the leak yourself, if you are so inclined. Simply mix a solution of water and dish soap together and apply it liberally using a spray bottle or simply a sponge or rag. You will notice bubbles at the site of the leak, indicating that propane is seeping out at that location. The more bubbles you see, the faster the leak. You can also skip the soap step and call your propane supplier as soon as you smell propane. By allowing a professional to check your tank and gas line you can be absolutely certain that if there is a leak, it is properly detected and repaired. Do not use a lit match to detect a leak. That practice is extremely dangerous. You never want a flame anywhere near your propane tank or gas line.

What to Do if you Find a Leak:

If you detect a leak, it is best to call your propane supplier to repair the leak or replace your tank. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. If the repair is faulty and your tank or line continues to leak, you could lose an expensive amount of propane in a short period of time. It also jeopardizes the safety of your home and family to allow a leak to go unattended. Turn off all appliances in your home that use propane until your supplier can verify that it is safe to continue use.

Rely on Berico for All your Burlington, NC, Propane and HVAC Needs

Trust your propane tank, line, and furnace to Alamance Oil, your reliable Burlington, NC, propane supplier and HVAC specialist. One of the biggest advantages of being an Alamance Oil customer is that your furnace and propane tank are both maintained by the same company. Even your air conditioning can be maintained, making your propane supplier your whole home comfort service. When you can make one call for all your HVAC needs, you save time and money. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t even have to call? You can sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan that includes regular maintenance and propane deliveries on a predetermined schedule based on your typical propane usage. Propane deliveries and maintenance include tank inspection to detect any possible leaks or issues with your tank so that you can have worry-free home comfort.

Call Alamance Oil to inspect your propane tank today: (336)226-9371.

Is your heating and air conditioning system showing signs of old age? Are you beginning to wonder how much longer it’s going to last? Unfortunately HVAC systems don’t last forever, and you may not be prepared for the day your system breaks down. But there are some telltale signs that indicate you should start talking to your trusted HVAC service technician about replacement. It may be time to upgrade if you notice any of the following signs.

1. Unusual noises. If you hear noises you haven’t heard before coming from your heating and cooling system, it can mean there are serious problems. Vibrations, loose parts, a motor that’s wearing out, and more can cause new noises or just an increase in the amount of noise coming from your system.
2. Rising energy bill. Does it seem like your electric or gas bill gets higher each month? Are your bills higher this year than they were at the same time last year? These are both signs that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. New systems are significantly more energy efficient than those that are more than 8 to 10 years old.
3. Unpleasant odors. Strange or unpleasant smells coming from your HVAC unit or your vents? Odors can be caused by a variety of problems, such as mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture inside the unit or refrigerant leaks.
4. Tripped circuit breaker. If your HVAC system trips the circuit breaker once, it may not be any cause for alarm. But if it happens repeatedly, you may have a system that is showing signs of wear. A small repair may be able to help, but it likely won’t last long and your whole system will soon need to be replaced.
5. Frequent repairs. Does it seem like you’ve had your HVAC service out for repairs too many times lately? Too many repairs in a short period of time, even small things, are a definite sign that your AC is wearing out.
6. Uneven indoor temperatures or decreased comfort. Does your home seem less comfortable lately? Are some rooms warmer than others? Uneven heating or cooling is often a sign that your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. If you’re lucky, a simple repair could fix the problem, but more than likely a replacement is in your near future.

Upgrading to a New Heating and Cooling System Can Actually Save You Money

The price of a new HVAC system can seem a little overwhelming. No one wants to pay to replace their central air. But after the initial cost, the upgrade in efficiency will save you money on a monthly basis, especially if your current system is eight years old or older. If you notice any of the above signs, call Carolina Fuels for HVAC service immediately. An expert technician will evaluate your current system and give you a recommendation on whether to repair it or replace it. Call now: (336) 623-9741.

Most of us know that air conditioning systems require routine maintenance to operate efficiently. But if you have pets, there are specific maintenance areas that need to be addressed. Whether you have cats, dogs, or other furry friends and regardless of whether they live inside or outside, certain steps and precautions should be taken to keep pets safe and your HVAC system running smoothly.

1. Change filters often. Pet hair and dander clog up filters, blocking air flow and allowing your system to get dirty inside. Typical households should change air filters every 6 months. Pet owners, especially those with multiple pets or long haired pets, should change filters quarterly or even monthly.
2. Protect the outdoor unit. If your pets, especially dogs, have free reign in the area that contains your outdoor AC unit, they are likely to use it as a place to lift their leg. Pet urine can cause corrosion and other damage to the unit. Pets may also claw the outdoor unit, causing damage or injuring themselves. Enclose your outdoor unit with fencing or some other barrier that allows for air flow.
3. Secure electrical cords. Pets like to chew on electrical wires and cords, which is dangerous for them and can cause damage to the wires. Enclose electrical wires in conduits.
4. Keep pets clean and well groomed. Bathing pets and brushing off excess hair, even having them professionally groomed can reduce the amount of hair that is loose in your home. Less hair laying around means less will end up in your filters and ducts.
5. Vacuum up pet hair regularly. Keeping pet hair in check with frequent vacuuming reduces the amount of hair and dander that can be sucked in by your intake vents.

Air Conditioning Systems Last Longer and Run More Efficiently with Regular Maintenance

A yearly tune up for your AC offers a range of benefits. A well maintained system will give you many more years of good operation than a system that isn’t. And keeping your AC tuned up means it will run more efficiently, using less energy and keeping your monthly bill lower. You won’t have to worry that your AC will break down in hot weather, because a typical yearly checkup will catch any potential problems like parts that are wearing out or loose.

Pets put an added strain on your air conditioning system because of the hair, dander, and dirt that invade your vents and ducts. But you can combat this with yearly maintenance and by following the tips listed above.

Carolina Fuels offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that include yearly tune ups for your air conditioning, furnace, and any other HVAC equipment you own. Service plans can also be combined with fuel delivery such as propane, heating oil, and more. Your total home comfort can be managed by just one company. Sign up for a service plan today to keep your HVAC system in the best possible condition. Call (336) 623-9741.