Propane has been used to heat homes for years. You’ve probably used it for grilling. It’s a clean-burning, efficient source of energy that you can have it delivered right to your home. Alamance Oil has been delivering propane to folks in Burlington and the surrounding area since 1924, and they can deliver it to you too.

Household Uses for Propane in Burlington

• Heat: propane furnaces provide a comfortable and sustaining warmth for your home. Compared to other heat sources, propane is more efficient and cheaper.
• Water heaters: propane heats water faster than natural gas and electricity. Tankless water heaters use propane to heat water only as it is needed.
• Stove/Oven: propane ranges are also available, replacing electric and gas stoves.
• Grills: propane grills get hot faster than charcoal and burn much cleaner.

Propane is Easy on the Earth

Propane burns cleaner and emits fewer greenhouse gases than other fuels. It is also non-toxic and does not contaminate ground water or soil. Still today a lot of electricity is generated by burning coal, which does not burn cleanly. Using propane can eliminate the need for some of the electricity your home uses.

American Made

Propane is produced, transported, and distributed in the US, keeping jobs here in our country. Using propane supports an American industry.

For the Future

Propane is usable as an alternative to gasoline in vehicles too. It is the third most used fuel after gasoline and diesel fuel. It is mostly used in buses, trucks, vans, shuttles, taxicabs, and government vehicles. As gas and diesel prices rise, propane may become much more common as a vehicle fuel.

Propane is Cost Efficient

When it comes right down to the bottom line, propane is cheaper than other fuel sources. And it is more efficient, meaning you get more energy out of a little bit of propane than you do out of more of other fuels.

Propane Delivery in Burlington

There are a few thing to consider when choosing a propane supplier. Of course, you want to find a reliable company who will deliver your propane at a reasonable price. Alamance Oil delivers propane to Burlington and surrounding areas automatically so that you never run out of fuel. If you heat your home with propane and you run out on a cold day, you may have to wait for your propane to be delivered or pay extra for an emergency delivery with other suppliers. Alamance Oil knows how to calculate the amount you will most likely use during a certain amount of time based on the weather, the size of your home, and number of appliances you have that use propane. The longer you are with Alamance Oil, the more accurate they will be in predicting your usage and delivery needs. If you are not already using propane, the experts at Alamance Oil can help you make the transition. Sign up for propane delivery or speak to one of our propane experts at 336-226-9371.

When choosing a propane supplier, you want the right partner. For propane delivery in Eden, NC, consider the advantages of a local all-inclusive home comfort company. Carolina Fuels can deliver your propane, repair your heat and air conditioning, install new HVAC systems, and perform regular maintenance on your system. One reliable company that makes it more convenient for you to deal with and can meet all your heating and cooling needs.

Free to Switch Propane Suppliers

If you already have a propane supplier, switching to Carolina Fuels is free and easy. Carolina Fuels will swap your old tank for a new one at no charge when you sign up for propane delivery. When you sign up for a service plan you also receive a discount on propane. Service plans include maintenance on your heat and air conditioning as well, keeping your system running smoothly all year long.

Long Term Savings on Home Heating Costs

When compared to other propane suppliers, customers of Carolina Fuels save an average of $150 a year. A local propane supplier is more affordable and offers better customer service than a large nationwide supplier. And Carolina Fuels not only delivers propane, but offers service as well, saving you money on repairs and maintenance.

Additional Savings

Carolina Fuels offers referral credits. When you recommend Carolina Fuels to someone else, you receive credit toward your delivery and service when they sign up.

New to Propane Heat for Your Home

If you are not currently using propane, there are definite benefits to switching. If your home is equipped with a heat pump, switching to a propane furnace will give your home a warmer, longer lasting heat in colder weather. Heat pumps do a better job of cooling than heating. People using heat pumps often find that their home doesn’t feel warm enough when the temperature drops. Propane heat makes your home warm and cozy in even the coldest temperatures. Since heat pumps use electricity, switching to propane lowers your electric bill.

Efficiency of Propane as a Heating Fuel

Propane is already an efficient energy source, but there are ways to make it even more efficient. Make sure your home is well insulated and sealed, especially around windows and doors. Consider using propane for your water heater too and use an insulating blanket around it. Propane is a very affordable heat source when used efficiently.

Propane Delivery for Eden, NC

Carolina Fuels has been providing folks with propane delivery in Eden, NC and the surrounding area since 1924. Switching to Carolina Fuels for propane delivery is free and easy. Visit http://www.berico.com/staging/service-plans/ to sign up for a free estimate or a propane delivery plan.

For information on using propane more efficiently, visit http://homeguides.sfgate.com/heat-home-efficiently-propane-39940.html

Fall can be the worst time of year for people with allergies. When the cooler weather arrives, and the leaves start to change, weeds and other plants release pollen in the air and mold can breed under the fallen leaves. This can trigger fall allergies for some 40 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. There are some great tips to help allergy sufferers this fall season and one of them is to use your Burlington air conditioner, especially at night. It’s important to keep your bedroom clean and free of allergens to reduce symptoms. To keep your AC running at peak efficiency and providing clean and cool air, Alamance Oil has qualified technicians to examine your unit for repairs, or evaluate its current condition to see if a replacement is needed. The fall is also a great time to replace your air conditioning system with a newer, high-efficiency model as prices are the best for purchasing new HVAC systems in the fall and winter.

Fall Allergy Symptoms Can Be Soothed by Running Your AC System

One way to help keep allergens from circulating in your home is to change your air filter often. A clean air filter will not only help your AC system work better, but it will also do a better job of filtering the pollen, dust, and even mold spores that can enter your home. Your Burlington air conditioner’s air filter plays a crucial role in helping decrease allergy symptoms this fall. Here are a few other tips for surviving the fall allergy season in the South provided by www.everydayhealth.com:

• Buy a dehumidifier. You may have heard that humidifiers can help with breathing, but dehumidifiers may actually be better if you are sensitive to dust or mold. “Dust mites and molds flourish in a humid environment,” says Frederick M. Schaffer, MD, clinical associate professor of allergy and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Use a dehumidifier to help reduce your indoor allergy symptoms.

• Stay clean. One of the best ways to minimize your allergen exposure is to wash pollens off your skin and your hair as soon as possible after spending time outside, says Dr. Schaffer. You should also change shoes before entering the house and change clothes inside the front doorway to reduce the amount of pollen and other allergens you may be bringing into the house.
• Check pollen levels. If your area is designated a high pollen zone, it’s best to avoid going outdoors. Keep your activities inside for a few days instead, if possible, to minimize your exposure to allergens during those days.

• Avoid hanging clothes outdoors to dry. Laundry is a magnet for pollen that will eventually end up indoors and on you, via clothing and bedding, says Schaffer.

• Buy hypoallergenic filters. “Change air conditioner filters monthly, using HEPA filters,” Schaffer says. “Place the used filter in a plastic garbage bag, then dispose of the filter [within the plastic bag] outdoors. This will limit accidental ‘pollen spills’ indoors.”

• Use an air conditioner at night. It’s where you spend eight or more hours each night, so it’s critical to keep your bedroom clean and pollen-free to avoid allergies. Close the windows and keep the air conditioning on, Randhawa says. “Consider installing a HEPA filter system, especially during high season, so that you’re breathing in better purified air while you sleep.”

Stay one step ahead of the allergy season by being prepared with a dependable air conditioning system. By maintaining the right humidity level and providing excellent indoor air quality, your AC system works hard; even in the early fall months, when temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s in the Southeast. For maintenance, repairs, and AC installation in Burlington, contact Alamance Oil at 336-226-9371.

(Source: 8 Tips for Fall Allergy Relief, everydayhealth.com, 2015)

When you need a new AC installation in Burlington, it is important to find out which service companies have a history of excellent customer satisfaction and technical competency. Trusting this large installation to an inexperienced installer could result in the wrong-sized system being installed, or the right-sized system installed incorrectly, which could cause future electric failures with your compressor or fan controls. Alamance Oil has fully certified and trained technicians to correctly size a new air conditioning system for your home, making sure that all of the parts are functioning properly and that you are satisfied with the installation.

Over-Sized Systems and Poor Maintenance Can Cause Fan and Compressor Problems

Taking care of your air conditioning system is similar to taking care of your car. Filters need to be changed, and parts should be inspected and tuned up annually to ensure the safety and efficient operation of your system. The U.S. Department of Energy lists the most common problems that occur with air conditioners, on www.energy.gov:

“INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

ELECTRIC CONTROL FAILURE

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.”

The failure of the compressor or fan controls can be costly, so it is important to avoid the possibility of a system malfunction by having regular maintenance on your AC system.  A professional and experienced technician will know how to maintain your system as well as accurately install a right-sized new replacement if needed so your Burlington AC system will run at the optimal efficiency. This also will help you to save money on your monthly energy bills. Alamance Oil performs a complete evaluation of your existing ductwork, vents, and floor plan, to recommend a high quality and dependable HVAC system for your family.

Faulty Installations Produce Low Airflow

Installations that are improperly completed result in numerous problems, including low airflow. This could make your home uncomfortable, and make your system work harder, creating higher utility bills. At the U.S. Dept. of Energy, inadequate maintenance, and faulty installations result in the following:

 “Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full.”

In today’s HVAC industry, qualified, professional technicians who are trained and certified is essential for keeping your cooling system running safely and efficiently for as long as you own it. For trustworthy service and outstanding products, contact Alamance Oil at 336-226-9371.   (Source: Common Air Conditioner Problems, energy.gov, June 3, 2015)

The 90 degree days are upon us, and a cool house is a nice sanctuary to escape the heat. If your air conditioner is not providing this cool escape, then you may need to schedule an AC repair in Burlington, NC.  A service check up of your unit will ensure that your system is ready to tackle the hot days ahead and operate at top efficiency.  Instead of cranking up your AC unit, consider helping your home stay cooler with sun-blocking blinds.  This will not only save energy and money, but will also increase the comfort level in your home.

For Greater Insulation and Energy Efficiency, Use Honeycomb Shades

Once your HVAC system has been tuned up by Alamance Oil, consider ways to shade your windows to keep the sun and heat out to not only help with your electric bills, but also provide you with a cooler and comfortable environment.  There are various shades and curtains that can block the sun effectively and keep your house cooler, as noted on www.biggreenpurse.com:

“Curtains or shades add an extra layer of insulation and increase the energy efficiency of each window covered. The thicker the curtains, the more energy you’ll save, especially if you mount the curtains as close to the window as possible. Otherwise, hot air will end up escaping around the curtains and into your room – and vice versa with cold air. For energy-efficient shades, skip single louvered panels, whether made of aluminum or vinyl. Instead, aim for shades constructed in a cellular or honeycomb pattern.

Honeycomb shades work by creating an insulating pocket of air in each cell that separates the window air space from the room air space.  When not in use, the blinds fold up into a thin band at the top of my window. When down, they provide an effective barrier to the outside air, but still let enough light in that the room can be bright if I use them during the day.”

Using shades and curtains to block the sun takes the stress off your air conditioner, so it doesn’t have to run full blast on the hottest days to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Keeping your unit in top condition is also important, so don’t neglect to have your annual HVAC maintenance visit by Alamance Oil. 

For AC Unit Efficiency, Add Roller Shades to Windows to Seal Out Warm Window Temperatures

Roller shades are specifically designed to trap the hot air from the window, so it does not seep into the house. At  www.biggreenpurse.com, the effectiveness of this type of shade is described:

“Roller shades, made from heavy-duty fabric, can also reduce window energy loss. To get the most out of the shade, mount them on a track that runs inside the window frame. When the shade is down, very little energy will seep into or out that window.”

The Department of Energy states that utilizing window coverings properly can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent.  If choosing drapes or curtains for your windows, studies show that medium-colored draperies with white backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent.

If these tips don’t help you beat the heat, reduce air conditioning repair, and your utility bills are still skyrocketing then it may be time to consider a new, more energy-efficient air conditioner.  Your cooling system may be at the end of its service life and working overtime to produce comfortable temperatures.  Call the professionals at Alamance Oil to perform an evaluation of your HVAC system to see if a repair is needed, or a replacement is in order. 

Alamance Oil installs top brand heating and cooling systems that are designed with advanced technology to help you save money on your utility bills.  A high-efficient air conditioner, combined with energy saving techniques like using window coverings, will go a long way to reducing your energy bills and increasing your comfort this summer.

To get ready for the summer heat, contact Alamance Oil for AC repairs in Burlington, NC, maintenance and replacement systems. We want to restore the cool temperatures to your home, and help with cost savings on energy bills. Contact us today at 336-226-9371.

(Source: Now’s the Time to Consider Sun-Blocking Blinds to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer,biggreenpurse.com, 2015)