Is your air conditioner failing to keep your home cool? Usually, you will first notice that your AC is running constantly but not getting down to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. When you go outside and check the outdoor unit, you find ice, which seems odd on a hot summer day. It is odd, and it means that your air conditioner is not working properly. It’s time to call for AC repair in Greensboro.

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze?

There are a few possible causes of ice on your outdoor AC unit. These possibilities include:

• Dirty filters. If your filters are clogged with dust, then the proper amount of air isn’t getting through. Without proper airflow over the evaporator coil, your system may actually get too cold and freeze up. Check your filters first and replace them if they are dirty. Then see if airflow increases. If so, that was likely the problem and your system may thaw out on its own. But keep a vigilant watch for the next few days for any other signs of damage.
• Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level in the coil is low, it can cause ice to form because it isn’t able to absorb enough heat. Low refrigerant is typically due to a leak which will need to be repaired by your local HVAC technician.
• • Blocked drainage tube. Air conditioners generate moisture that needs to be drained through a tube. When that tube becomes blocked, the extra moisture in the system can cause ice to form. Call your HVAC service to check your drainage tube and remove the blockage.
• Broken thermostat. It’s possible that your thermostat is not working properly. If the thermostat is not able to accurately measure the indoor temperature, it could cause your system to run double time and possibly freeze over. Berico can test your thermostat and either repair it or replace it.
• Faulty fan. If the fan is broken or not blowing with enough force, it causes the same airflow problem that dirty filters do. When airflow is low, the system can freeze up.

Call for AC Repair in Greensboro if you Notice Ice on your AC Unit

Ice on your AC unit is never normal on a hot summer day. It’s always best to have a professional HVAC technician take a look at your system when something isn’t right. Even if you change your filters or unblock your own drainage tube, both are an indication that it has been too long since you’ve had professional maintenance. Regular tune-ups will keep your system running efficiently and help you avoid unexpected AC problems. Filter replacement, drainage system maintenance, and a long list of other checks and balances should be performed yearly as part of routine AC repair in Greensboro. Not only will you save money on energy bills, but you’ll avoid expensive repairs and emergency or after hours fees. If your air conditioner is frozen over or if it’s been a while since your HVAC system has been tuned up, call Berico at (336) 313-0466.

Your energy bill is a necessary expense, but you can lower it with just a few minor changes. One major key to energy savings is your thermostat. Your thermostat settings play a big part in keeping your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. You should always have your thermostat checked yearly as part of your regular maintenance schedule in order to keep your system running at peak performance and prevent expensive AC repair in Reidsville.

What are the Recommended Thermostat Settings for Heating and Cooling?

Ideal temperature settings are highly subjective and often the source of debate in many homes. Some prefer warmer temperatures and others prefer cooler temperatures. Finding an ideal setting for everyone in the family is difficult. But focusing on the best temperature for energy-savings rather than personal preference simplifies things. During the winter when your furnace is running, the optimal temperature setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The closer you set the temperature to the outside air, the less your furnace will have to work to heat your home. The same concept applies to your air conditioner in the summer. The ideal setting for your AC in hot weather is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is closer to the outdoor temperature while still feeling comfortable inside. This is the recommendation set forth by Energy Star, a joint federal program run by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Programmable Thermostat is an Excellent Way to Save Energy

Technology continues to improve when it comes to HVAC systems, and one of the best innovations is the programmable thermostat. It gives you the ability to program a variety of different temperature settings for different times of the day. In the warm weather months, you can program your thermostat to raise the temperature while you are gone and lower it before you come home, saving energy that is unnecessarily wasted to cool an empty house. In cold weather you can do just the opposite, allowing your home to cool down while you are gone and warm up before you get home. And you can lower the temperature at night while you’re under the covers and set it to warm up just in time for you to get up in the morning. Once you program your thermostat, you can forget about it.

But what if you need to make a change and you’re not at home? There are now smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely from your phone or other device. Say you’re out of town and expected to be home on a certain day, but plans change and you won’t be home when you originally thought. Simply change your thermostat settings from wherever you are.

AC Repair in Reidsville can include a Thermostat Replacement or Upgrade

If you’re ready to experience optimal HVAC performance and energy savings, have the experts at Carolina Fuels install a programmable thermostat in your home. A new thermostat combined with yearly maintenance for your air conditioner and furnace ensures that your entire central air system will perform at its best all year. Call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741 to schedule a thermostat replacement, maintenance appointment, or AC repair in Reidsville and start saving money on your energy bill.

When your air conditioner completely stops working, it’s obvious that it needs repair. But there are some more subtle signs that you need HVAC service in Burlington. These signs may be less noticeable, but catching them early can mean the difference between an easy repair and complete system replacement. Be on the lookout for the three “U”s of HVAC symptoms.

Unusual Noises. Is your AC making more noise than usual? Do you hear rattling or banging? It could be that something is loose and interfering with the fan or causing the outdoor unit to vibrate on the surface it’s sitting on. Do you hear the system turn on and off repeatedly? That can be a sign of a variety of problems. Do you hear the whir of electricity as the system attempts to start up but fails to get going? It could be an electrical or other related problem. The bottom line is this: if you hear anything unusual related to your HVAC system, it may be time for service.

Unpleasant Odors. If you notice an unusual smell and it seems to be coming from your vents, you may have a problem. First of all, what kind of a smell is it? A musty odor could indicate mold or mildew growing in your system or ducts due to excess moisture from a drainage issue or other problem. A burning smell could mean an electrical issue or friction from parts rubbing together that shouldn’t be. Any number of odd smells can be generated from a poorly operating air conditioner. Contact Alamance Oil, your HVAC service in Burlington, to get to the source of the smell.

Uneven Cooling. Are you starting to notice that some rooms in your home are cooler than others? Of course, it’s normal for a dark basement room to feel cooler than an upstairs bedroom with the sun streaming through the windows. But when the temperature seems inconsistent throughout your home whether it’s day or night, it’s often a sign of a poorly functioning air conditioner. It may be an issue with insufficient airflow through the system. It’s possible the refrigerant is low due to a leak. It may even be that the system is too small for the size of the home it is trying to cool. Whatever the reason, uneven cooling is a sign that service is past due.

Prevent the Three “U”s with Regular HVAC Service in your Burlington Home

Before any of these problems occur, you can prevent them with routine maintenance. HVAC systems need periodic service just like cars or any other working machine. Once you notice strange sounds or smells it may be too late for a quick fix. Instead, you’re looking at expensive repairs or possibly whole system replacement, which may have been prevented by having your system tuned up every year. Preventative maintenance is recommended by your HVAC service in Burlington to be scheduled once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your furnace. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement with Alamance Oil and your maintenance appointments will be automatically handled. Call (336) 226-9371 to keep your HVAC system running well throughout the year.

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.