How to Avoid the Horror Stories of Furnace Repair

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You may have heard horror stories about furnace repair from friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. about the terrible times they have had with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) companies. You probably made a mental note to avoid the company they spoke of, hoping you would never have to go through such an ordeal. But how can you avoid the horror stories when you have furnace trouble? Follow these suggestions to make sure you are hiring a reliable company for Burlington furnace repair.

  • Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Before hiring any company, check their status with the BBB. Ratings of A+ through F (just like school grades) are given to businesses based on various criteria regarding customer service. You want an A+ business working on your furnace.
  • Read reviews. Check other review sites such as Angie’s List where customers review and rate companies they have hired.
  • Ask questions. When having repairs done, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A knowledgeable technician should be able to explain the problems and the repairs that need to be done to your furnace in a way that leaves you feeling confident about the results.
  • Be proactive with furnace repair. Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down on a cold winter day to call for repair. When you’re in an emergency situation you don’t have enough time to do the necessary research; you just want to get it repaired as fast as possible so that you can be warm again. Schedule furnace maintenance in early fall to make sure your system is in good condition.
  • Don’t accept a free tune-up. If a free tune-up seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some companies use this gimmick to look for supposed “problems” that need to be repaired so that they can get money out of the deal. Look for a reasonably priced tune-up.

Photo of a happy family with a working furnace and fireplace

Alamance Oil has an A+ Rating with the BBB and Received the Super Service Award from Angie’s List. Avoid the horror stories. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 to get reliable, affordable Burlington furnace repair.

5 Reasons Now is a Great Time for Furnace Repair

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Cold inside your home photoThe holiday season is upon us with the mildly cool nights of autumn becoming colder and colder. Is your furnace ready for the winter temperatures? The only way to be sure is to schedule maintenance for your furnace. The best time of year for furnace repair is upon us. Here are the top 5 reasons why:

1. It’s not extremely cold yet. Don’t wait until the weather is freezing in Greensboro for furnace repair. Be proactive and schedule a tune-up before you need to turn your heat on full blast. This way you’re not stuck freezing on a particularly cold night waiting on a repairman.
2. HVAC companies are less busy. Right now, Berico, your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) company will have time allotted for maintenance appointments. Once the weather is consistently colder they will be busy responding to emergency heating repair customers.
3. Prevent future problems. If you want to avoid unexpected furnace problems in the coldest part of winter, have your furnace tuned up now. This way you never have to worry that your furnace will fail, that you will wake up freezing in the middle of the night, or that you will arrive home to a cold house.
4. Save money. By scheduling Greensboro furnace repair before peak winter season, you can lower your energy costs over the cold weather months. And by preventing unexpected breakdowns, you avoid paying emergency fees to have a service call after hours.
5. Get propane or heating oil refilled. It’s also a great time to have your propane or heating oil tank refilled if your furnace uses either of these fuels. Better to start the season full than to suddenly run out on a cold day or night.

To prepare your furnace for winter, schedule furnace repair in the Greensboro NC area now with Berico Heating and Air Conditioning. Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule online.

Comparing the Costs and Benefits of Heating Fuels in Burlington NC

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A photo of a thermostatAre you trying to choose the best heating fuel for your home? If so, you are likely looking for the cheapest option. Price is a huge factor, but it is not the only factor to consider. To fully understand the costs and benefits of each, this comparison of heating fuels in Burlington may help.

Propane
Cost: Typically costs more than natural gas but less than heating oil. However, propane is more efficient than natural gas in that less is required to produce the same amount of heat. What is lost in price is made up for in efficiency.
Benefits: Propane is a clean burning fuel. It is non-toxic and is not considered to be a greenhouse gas.

Heating Oil
Cost: Heating oil tends to be higher in price, but it is also very efficient. Heating oil produces more heat per gallon than propane.
Benefits: It exists in liquid form. Oil furnaces are the cleanest burning option in home heating.

Natural Gas
Cost: Natural gas is often the least expensive option, but it is the least efficient option as well. More natural gas is required to heat your home than propane or heating oil.
Benefits: Easy to access if your home is located near gas lines. No delivery needed.
Cons: Natural gas is a greenhouse gas when released into the environment.

Propane and Heating Oil are the Most Efficient Heating Fuels in Burlington NC
If your top priority is efficiency, which typically translates to being the least expensive option, propane or heating oil wins over natural gas. And if you do not have access to natural gas lines, these two fuels provide an excellent alternative. Ask the experts at Alamance Oil to help you decide which of these efficient home heating fuels would be best for your home. New customers benefit from free tank swap outs and maintenance agreements that include fuel delivery discounts. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371.

Three Ways Furnace Repair Can Actually Save You Money

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Photo of the amount of money you save with furnace repairWhat is the reason that you opt out of furnace maintenance? Is it the cost? If you live in Eden and think that furnace repair isn’t worth the money, think again. You may think your furnace is working just fine, simply because it comes on and it heats your home well enough each year. But there may be parts that are wearing out that could break unexpectedly and cause your furnace to quit. Dirt, dust, and soot build up over time and impede the efficiency of your furnace. Before you pass on a furnace tune-up, consider the top 3 ways furnace repair in Eden NC can actually save you money.

  1. Avoid emergency repairs. If it has ever happened to you, you never forget it. Your furnace goes out in the middle of the night and you wake up freezing. Of course it’s the middle of the night or a weekend, right? After hours fees apply and you end up paying more for repairs. A fall tune-up each year can prevent unexpected breakdowns. It is worth the small fee for preventative maintenance if it saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or replacement fees.
  2. Improve furnace efficiency. When your furnace is repaired, clean, and in good working order it runs more efficiently. It doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less heating fuel, and it keeps your home more comfortable so that you can keep the thermostat set lower. All of these things will save you significant money on heating costs.
  3. Discounts, rewards, and benefits. When you are on a maintenance plan with your heating and air conditioning company, you get extra benefits. A Comfort and Protection Service Agreement with Carolina Fuels brings with it heating fuel discounts, 20% off repairs and diagnostic fees, priority service, waived emergency and after-hours fees, and $50 in bonus bucks each year that you remain on the plan, which can be used toward new equipment.

Eden Furnace Repair Will Keep Saving You Money in the Long Run

Furnace maintenance will not only prevent breakdowns and improve furnace efficiency, it will extend the overall lifespan of your furnace. Your furnace will last years longer because it was kept clean and well-tuned. Call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741 to save money with a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement today.

6 Remarkable Facts You Should Know About Propane

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propane delivery service in greensboroThinking of switching your household over to propane? You may be aware of some of the benefits already. But there are some great things about propane that you may not be aware of. Consider these 6 facts about Greensboro propane and get ready to reap all the benefits.

  1. Propane is easy on the environment. It burns clean and emits no greenhouse gases. It is non-toxic and is not harmful to soil or water if leaked. And the fumes will not cause harm if inhaled. Read more on the environmental effects of propane here.
  2. It is versatile. Propane can be used to heat your home, fuel cooking equipment, heat water, fuel fireplaces, heat pools and hot tubs, fuel clothes dryers, and run generators.
  3. Propane is safe. It has a narrow range of flammability. It requires a very specific percentage of propane vapor in the mix of air to be flammable. Too little or too much and it won’t ignite. Plus, it evaporates quickly if spilled.
  4. It’s economical. The versatility and efficiency of propane makes it a good value for household use. For fleet fueling it is often more economical than gasoline and tax incentives for use of clean burning fuels add to the savings.
  5. Propane is naturally odorless. The smell of propane is commercially added to make it detectable if a leak occurs.
  6. It is easy to transport. Propane can be delivered to rural areas where natural gas lines do not reach. Your supplier can provide you with a tank that can be installed above ground or underground.

Greensboro Propane Customers Enjoy Added Benefits

Berico supplies affordable propane toGreensboro and the surrounding area. In addition, Berico customers can take advantage of propane discounts when combined with furnace maintenance, discounts on repairs, 24-7 service, and more. Berico offers free tank swap outs for new customers. Call (336) 273-8663 to gain all the benefits of switching to propane.

Furnace Repair and Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter

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furnace repair BurlingtonAs the summer comes to an end and the fall season is upon us, it’s time to prepare your furnace for winter. There are some things you can do to get ready for winter, but the best solution for furnace repair in Burlington is to contact your local HVAC technician. In any case, it’s always wise to be prepared before that first cold fall night.

  • Change your filters. Filters should be replaced monthly, but if it has been a while since you last changed them, fall is a good time to do so.
  • Clean the area around your furnace. This keeps excess dirt, dust, and debris from getting into your system and helps your filters to last longer.
  • Check your thermostat. Make sure your furnace turns on when you switch it to heat. Check to see that the temperature reading is accurate. Some thermostats even alert you when your filters need replaced or if there are other problems with the system. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, this is a great time to have one installed. You can save a lot of energy by programming your thermostat to heat to different temperatures at different times based on your household’s needs.
  • Have your propane or heating oil tank refilled. If you have a propane or oil furnace, the tank needs to be refilled periodically. If you are not already on automatic refills with your fuel supplier, fall is a good time to schedule a refill. Consider getting on a regular delivery plan so that you won’t have to worry about running out or remembering to call for refills.
  • Schedule maintenance. Furnace repair as part of regular maintenance is the best thing you can do for your heating system. If you want to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your furnace running efficiently, fall is the best time to schedule a tune-up.

To schedule furnace repair in Burlington, fuel delivery, or for other furnace maintenance tips contact Berico at (336)226-9371.

5 Signs Your Furnace is in Need of Maintenance

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furnace maintenance BurlingtonIs your furnace acting up? Are you noticing strange noises, smells, or other unusual things? It may not always be obvious when your furnace isn’t working right. Changes come on gradually sometimes and you may not notice the difference. If you are wondering if your furnace may need a tune-up, look for these 5 signs you need furnace maintenance in Burlington.

  1. Strange noises. If you notice different sounds coming from your furnace, it may indicate a problem. It may be that your system is running louder than it used to. Worn or wearing out parts can cause your system to run louder. Having HVAC maintenance performed will find and repair or replace any bad parts.
  2. Rising energy bills. Does your monthly energy bill keep getting higher each month? Is your bill higher this year than it was last year? Dust, dirt, and soot build up in your furnace over time, gradually reducing its efficiency. Maintenance includes furnace cleaning that will restore energy-efficiency to your heating system.
  3. Unusual smells. Are you noticing unusual smells coming from your furnace or the vents in your home? Sometimes when you first turn on your furnace in the fall you notice a slight burning smell. This is normal and will soon dissipate. But if the burning smell doesn’t go away or gets stronger, you should turn off your furnace and call for repair. If you smell gas or propane, you should also turn off your furnace and call your HVAC service right away.
  4. No heat. This is a more obvious sign of a problem. If you aren’t getting any heat from your furnace, check your pilot light and your thermostat. If all seems well but you still have no heat, call Berico to come check it out.
  5. Carbon monoxide detector alarm goes off. Excess carbon monoxide is detected when too much soot has built up in your furnace or if there is a problem with the ventilation. Get out of the house immediately and contact Berico.

Preventative Furnace Maintenance in Burlington Saves You Money and Averts Problems

If you want to save money on your energy bill each month and prevent future problems that may result in costly repairs, schedule furnace maintenance with Berico. Yearly maintenance will extend the life of your furnace and keep your home safe and healthy.

For furnace maintenance in Burlington, call (336)226-9371.

Autumn Leaves Are Falling, Be Sure to Maintain your Furnace

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Furnace Maintenance in EdenEach fall, as the autumn leaves begin to turn beautiful colors, it should remind you that it’s time for annual furnace maintenance in Eden. Early fall or even late summer is the best time to schedule maintenance. You want to have it done before the cold weather sets in and HVAC companies get busy answering emergency repair calls.

Benjamin Franklin once said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This famous saying, though first spoken hundreds of years ago, absolutely applies to furnace maintenance today. Preventative maintenance, which is a very affordable expense, will save you from costly emergency repairs. Maintaining your furnace each year will keep it running smoothly, which prevents more serious problems. An important part of maintenance is inspection, which will bring to light any potential issues that could lead to future breakdowns, such as worn out parts, loose screws, corroded wires, or refrigerant leaks. If your furnace breaks down completely, it’s possible that it will require a more expensive repair or even replacement. Proper furnace maintenance in Eden will extend the life of your equipment.

Regular Furnace Maintenance in Eden Will Lower Your Energy Bill

An important aspect of furnace maintenance is cleaning. When dirt, dust, and soot build up in your furnace, it lowers the energy efficiency. When your furnace is running less efficiently, it uses more energy and your bill gradually increases. A thorough cleaning of your system will restore efficiency and lower your energy bill.

Improve Air Quality in your Home with Furnace Maintenance

An additional benefit to furnace maintenance is improved air quality. The dust, dirt, and soot that gradually build up in your system and ductwork pollutes the air in your home. Dust is a common allergen which can irritate respiratory issues from allergies to asthma. Soot build-up can cause increased carbon monoxide production, which is dangerous to people and pets. Fall furnace maintenance will help you and your family breathe easier all year.

To schedule fall furnace maintenance in Eden call Berico at (336)623-9741.

The Importance of Fall Furnace Maintenance

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furnace maintenance GreensboroIs your furnace ready for winter? Do you want to lower your heating costs this season? Having furnace maintenance in Greensboro NC performed by the expert HVAC technicians at Berico this fall season will get your furnace running efficiently before winter and lower your heating costs. If you’ve never had maintenance on your furnace, it is likely way overdue.

You may have some questions about furnace maintenance such as:

Why does my furnace need regular maintenance?

A furnace, much like a car, requires periodic service to run smoothly. Furnaces get dirty, parts wear out, lubricants dry up, and electrical wiring corrodes. These are just a few of the reasons your furnace needs regular tune-ups.

How often does my furnace need maintenance?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians recommend scheduling a tune-up every year. A long winter of constant running and a summer of sitting dormant takes its toll on your furnace.

What does maintaining my furnace entail?

Typical furnace maintenance includes inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and replacing the various parts of your furnace. Inspection reveals any worn out parts or areas of concern. Worn out parts will be replaced and any loose parts will be tightened up. Moving parts will be lubricated to prevent future wear. Dirt, dust, and soot that build up in your furnace will be cleaned out. Electrical connections and voltages are checked. Filters are replaced.

When should I schedule an appointment for maintenance?

The best time to schedule furnace maintenance is late summer or early fall. You want your maintenance completed well before the cool weather sets in so that your furnace will be ready as soon as you need it. And in late summer and early fall, technicians are less busy and scheduling is more flexible.

What are the benefits of furnace maintenance?

One of the biggest benefits of furnace maintenance is energy savings. When your furnace is well maintained and running properly, it uses less energy, which saves you money each month throughout the heating season. Another benefit is the peace of mind you will have knowing that your furnace is in good shape and will work reliably to keep you and your family warm through the cold winter days and nights.

To schedule furnace maintenance in Greensboro, call Berico at (336) 273-8663.

Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter?

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furnace repair companies Greensboro

Ask yourself this question and really think about your answer. Preparing your furnace for winter is just as important, if not more so, than the other steps you take to prepare your home for the coming cold weather months.

If you answered: “I’m not sure about my furnace.”

A tune-up may be in order. Yearly furnace maintenance is necessary to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. Preventative maintenance involves inspection, thorough cleaning, and repair of any worn out parts. If you are not currently having maintenance performed each year by one of the most well-established and reputable furnace repair companies in Greensboro NC, you are probably unaware of the true condition of your furnace. Berico will let you know if your furnace is running at only partial efficiency, which wastes energy and money.

If you answered: “Yes, I’m Confident about the Condition of My Furnace.”

Can you really be certain of that fact? It ran well enough last year right? So why wouldn’t it do the same this year? Because as your furnace runs during a cold winter season, dust and soot build up inside of it. Parts wear out and need to be lubricated or replaced. Wires can get loose, screws need tightened, and fins need to be combed straight. You wouldn’t drive your car around, putting thousands of miles on it without any kind of service. Your furnace is a machine as well, with moving parts that wear out after a long winter of constant running and a hot summer sitting dormant.

If you answered: “No, My Furnace is in Need of Repair.”

It’s time to schedule a tune-up at the very least, or perhaps even a furnace replacement. If you are sure your furnace is not ready for winter, contact your heating expert for an evaluation of your furnace’s condition.

The Best Furnace Repair Company in Greensboro to Whip Your Furnace into Shape for Winter

Are you interested in keeping your home warm and cozy this winter? Do you want to save money on your heating costs this winter as well? Maintenance will help your furnace run more efficiently, which saves you money and keeps your home feeling cozier on cold days.

To schedule maintenance with Berico, call (336) 273-8663.