Almost everything is “smart” these days with smart phones at the center of personal technological devices. Even your home’s heating and cooling system can be controlled from your phone when you use a smart thermostat. There are many benefits to upgrading to a smart thermostat, so consider these when deciding whether or not a smart thermostat is right for your home. Your HVAC service in Burlington, Alamance Oil, can install a smart thermostat in your home if you decide to make the switch. 

A Smart Thermostat Offers Many Benefits to Homes 

Homeowners can enjoy many benefits from the use of a smart thermostat to control indoor comfort.  

1. Save energy. When your home is unoccupied, it is not necessary for your HVAC system to maintain the same temperature as it would when occupied. Save energy by programming your smart thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when no one is home. 
2. Save money. When you save energy, you save money, which helps your household budget by lowering your monthly bill.  
3. Convenience. With a smart thermostat, you can enjoy the convenience of being able to control your HVAC system from a distance, 24/7. Override your programmed settings when it turns out you will be home due to weather or a holiday, all from your phone. Forgot to change your thermostat before leaving on vacation? No problem, as long as you have your phone with you.  
4. Comfort. The smart thermostat allows you to change the temperature right before you arrive home so that you can maximize your comfort even with an irregular schedule. It also allows you to turn up the heat before you get out of bed in the morning. 

With all of these benefits, the initial cost of a new smart thermostat will be worth it and will eventually pay for itself in energy savings. 

Get a Smart Thermostat Upgrade from the Best HVAC Service in Burlington: Alamance Oil 

There are many reasons it’s wise to have your new smart thermostat installed by an experienced, reliable HVAC service in Burlington. 

• Not every smart thermostat is compatible with every HVAC system. Certain HVAC systems will work with certain thermostats. Let your HVAC company recommend a compatible thermostat for your home or office.  
• Proper installation is crucial to proper operation and energy savings. For your smart thermostat to give you optimal energy savings, installation is key. Each technician at Alamance Oil is trained to know how to do the job right so that you can get the most from your new thermostat.  
• Your HVAC technician can teach you how to program and use the new thermostat. After it’s installed, your technician can walk you through your new thermostat and teach you to program it both in your home and from your phone.  

When you’re ready to upgrade your thermostat, use the HVAC service in Burlington you can trust. Alamance Oil has decades of experience with heating and cooling systems. Always on the cutting edge of technology in HVAC equipment, Alamance Oil can easily install a smart thermostat in your home. Alamance Oil can also keep your thermostat and HVAC system operating efficiently with regular maintenance visits. Call (336) 226-9371.  

How much do you know about propane? You may know that it’s a clean-burning, non-toxic fuel that is often used to heat homes and fuel backyard grills. But propane can do so much more, probably more than you’re even aware of. It’s a versatile alternative to natural gas, electricity, heating oil, and other common fuels. Consider all that Burlington propane can do. 

1. Power School Buses – Many school buses run on diesel fuel, but propane is an increasingly popular option since it is cleaner than diesel. Propane engines are quieter, which increases safety by making it easier for drivers to hear what’s going on around them. It is also cheaper due to price and efficiency. Propane performs better in freezing temperatures than diesel, making it easy to start school buses in any weather.  
2. Power Mowers – Burlington propane is a greener alternative to gasoline, which is especially important to landscapers and homeowners who want to preserve the beauty of nature. Propane’s efficiency means fewer trips to the gas station. Plus, you can ditch those messy gas cans. 
3. Heat Water – Using propane as a water heating fuel just makes sense, especially in the case of tankless or on-demand water heaters. It can also be used to heat pools and hot tubs. 
4. Dry Clothes – Propane clothes dryers run more efficiently than electric and eliminate static cling almost entirely. Clothes dry faster and won’t stick together. 
5. Power Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment – Want a competitive edge? Propane can more cheaply power forklifts and other machinery used indoors — without releasing harmful fumes into warehouses and factories.  
6. Fuel Farm Machinery – Just like other equipment that usually runs on diesel, farm vehicles and agricultural machinery are becoming more commonly powered by propane. The same benefits apply here, such as efficiency, cleanliness, and affordability.  
7. Combined with Diesel and Used in a Dual-Fuel System – The newest technology in propane engines is a dual-fuel system that runs on a mixture of diesel and propane, allowing farmers to use their existing equipment and still be in compliance with Tier 4 standards in emissions.  

These are just some of the latest uses for this versatile fuel that you may not have been aware of before. Homeowners and business owners alike can benefit from these new uses of propane in Burlington, NC, and throughout the country.  

Burlington Propane Supplier Alamance Oil Provides Fuel for These New Uses and More 

While you may be surprised by the versatility of propane, its uses are only expanding. As it grows in popularity and demand, more appliances, vehicles, machinery, and other items will be designed to run on propane. Because of its cleaner emissions, soon there may even be tax incentives available for powering more equipment with propane.  

Alamance Oil provides propane and other types of fuels to the Burlington area, as well as maintenance and repair for equipment, such as residential and commercial furnaces and other appliances. 

Call Alamance Oil and start a propane delivery plan today. 

Want to save money and time? Alamance Oil also offers automatic delivery plans that make propane more convenient and affordable. Call (336) 226-9371 to discuss Burlington propane options and delivery service with the experts at Alamance Oil.  

When you notice water leaking anywhere in your home, it can be alarming. When the water is coming from your air conditioner it can be both alarming and puzzling. There are actually some very common reasons your AC may be leaking water, and in most cases, it can be easily repaired. But before you call for AC repair in Burlington, you may want to have a general idea of what’s going on with your air conditioner. 

Common Causes of Water Leakage in Air Conditioners 

• Clog in the condensation drain. As warm air is converted to cool air, condensation takes place, meaning moisture is created. Excess moisture should drain out through the condensation drain, unless there is a blockage of some kind.  
• Lack of air flow. If filters are clogged or vents are closed or blocked it can decrease the amount of air moving through your air conditioner. Without proper air flow, excess moisture can be created and leak out. 
• Broken condenser pump. When excess moisture builds up in your AC unit, there is a pump that gathers the water and sends it out through the condensate drain. If the pump is malfunctioning, the water could be leaking inside. 
• Poor sealing and insulation. If your air conditioner isn’t sealed well or doesn’t have the proper insulation, hot air can get to the condenser coil, which creates excess moisture that may leak out. 
• Uneven installation of the outdoor unit. If your outdoor AC unit is not on a level surface it can cause excess moisture to be created or to fail to drain properly.  
• Damaged drain pan. The drain pan holds excess moisture, so any leaks in it will cause the water to leak out. It is common for the drain pan to get old and rusted after holding water on a constant basis.  
• Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level in your system gets low it can cause it to freeze. Then when it warms again it melts, causing water leakage. 

What Should You Do if your AC is Leaking? 

If you see water around your air conditioner and you’re sure that’s where it’s coming from, not a separate plumbing issue, take the following steps. 

1. Turn off your AC. The only way to keep the problem from getting worse is to turn off your air conditioning system.  
2. Soak up the water. Use something to soak up the water, such as old towels or paper towels, to prevent any water damage to the interior of your home.  
3. Check all of your filters and vents. Make sure your filters are not too dirty or clogged. Make sure all vents are open and unblocked. If everything looks to be in order, move on to step 4. 
4. Call for AC repair in Burlington. At this point, you will need the help of an HVAC professional who can diagnose and repair the problem. Alamance Oil is a reliable source for AC repair in Burlington and the surrounding area. A certified, trained technician will have your air conditioning repaired and operating properly as soon as possible.  

If you’re experiencing leaking water from your air conditioner, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

The last thing you want to encounter on a cold day is a chilly house. Whether you wake up cold or come home to a frigid house after work, it’s obvious there is a problem with your heating system. It’s unpleasant, inconvenient, and potentially expensive to repair. Want to keep your Burlington furnace repair needs down to just routine maintenance? Consider these 5 common heating system problems and tips to prevent them. 

1. Lack of Heat. When your heating system is running, but the air coming from your vents is not warm, there are a few probable causes. There could be an internal mechanical error with the heat exchanger, pilot, or other parts. If you are experiencing a lack of heat, call your Burlington furnace repair service to diagnose and repair the problem. The best way to prevent this issue is to schedule yearly preventative maintenance in late summer or early fall.  
2. Constant On/Off Cycling. If your furnace seems to turn on, run for a short time, turn off, and then turn right back on again, this is definitely a sign of a system malfunction. Do not let this problem go unattended, because the constant cycling is hard on your heating system. You may have an electrical or mechanical error, or your flame sensor may need to be cleaned. The best way to prevent this problem? Routine furnace maintenance.  
3. Low Air Flow. Is there a lack of air or a low flow of air coming from your vents? This is most likely due a clogged filter, which is an easy fix. Simply replace your filters every 3 months to prevent excessive buildup of dust. If changing your filters doesn’t improve the air flow, there might be a problem with the blower itself. Call your HVAC service for repair.  
4. Pilot Light Issues. If your pilot light is supposed to stay lit and doesn’t, or if the electric pilot starter isn’t working properly, your furnace can’t make heat. In some cases the problem is with the gas or gas line itself, but it could also be internal furnace parts. Call your Burlington furnace repair service for pilot light issues. But if you smell gas in your home, call your gas provider and get out of the house. Preventative measures: you guessed it, routine furnace maintenance.  
5. Thermostat Malfunction. Sometimes thermostats don’t work properly or need to be recalibrated. If your thermostat isn’t properly sensing the temperature or calling for heat when it is needed, your furnace won’t be able to do its job. You may need your thermostat repaired or replaced. Digital thermostats are very reliable and programmable thermostats can help you save energy. If your old thermostat needs to be replaced, consider upgrading.  

Prevent Most Common Heating System Problems with Routine Burlington Furnace Repair 

If you’re only repairing your heating system when something goes wrong, you’re not getting the best performance out of your equipment. Yearly cleaning and maintenance will go a long way toward preventing malfunctions and saving you money on heating costs. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 for Burlington Furnace Repair and Maintenance.

Looking for ways to cut back your heating costs this season? There’s actually a lot you can do to pay less to heat your home. Some of these tips involve your heating system itself, others deal with your home insulation, and still others are about heating fuels. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC service in Greensboro can perform an energy audit on your home to determine where you’re losing energy, how to stop that loss, and prevent it in the future.  

Reduce Heating Costs with Routine HVAC Maintenance 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance for your heating system. Over the months and years that your system runs, it accumulates dirt and dust that can build up throughout the various parts of your heating system, reducing its efficiency. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and repairing your system, which restores it to top condition for the best possible performance. A clean, tuned up heating system will lower your energy costs during the cold weather months.  

Stop Losing Valuable Heat: Add or Repair your Insulation 

Poor or insufficient insulation is forcing your heating system to fight a losing battle. If the warm air your heating system creates can just seep out and cold air can seep in, you’ll never achieve a comfortable indoor air temperature. Your heating system will cycle on and off repeatedly, taking a beating in the process. The solution is to improve your insulation. Seal cracks, replace weather stripping around doors, and add insulation to places where there isn’t enough or any at all. If you’re not sure where you are losing heat, your HVAC service in Greensboro can do an energy audit, which will pinpoint cold spots in your home. Experts can then advise you on how to better insulate your home, or take care of the insulation improvements for you.  

The Heating Fuel you Use and How you Purchase It Can Reduce your Heating Costs 

Not all heating fuels are created equal. There have been many studies done to compare the cost of the main energy sources for heating: natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity. These energy sources are difficult to compare because they are all measured differently and they all create different amounts of heat from what seems to be the same amount of energy. If natural gas is already established in your home, it is one of the most cost-effective options for home heat. However, if you wish to use a gas log fireplace in addition to your home heating system, you may save money using propane for it separately. If you have an older home that happens to have an oil furnace, you’ll find that although oil seems to be more expensive to purchase, you can get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil when compared to propane or gas. Propane is another popular choice. You can save on energy costs by using propane for other appliances as well as home heat, such as your range and clothing dryer. You don’t typically have a choice which natural gas company provides your service, but you can choose from whom you purchase propane and oil.  

Save Money on Heating this Season with Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement 

The best way to cut back on energy costs is to work with Berico, a leading HVAC service in Greensboro. Save money on propane and heating oil when you sign up for regular deliveries. Keep your heating system running efficiently with routine maintenance. Combine all of these in one Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico and you will not only save money, but get convenience and peace of mind. Call (336) 273-8663 and stay warm for less this winter.