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When to Call an Expert About Your Propane Tank
/in Articles/by William HammerHere are some situations when it would be best to call a propane expert.
Your Propane Tank is Low or Empty
Whether you know how to read the gauge or not, if you have reason to believe your propane tank is very low or empty, you should definitely call your supplier. It is best to call before the tank runs out completely because the lack of pressure inside the tank can cause problems. The best way to avoid an empty tank is to sign up for automatic deliveries from your propane supplier.
Your Tank is Making Sounds
If you hear a knocking sound coming from your propane tank, it indicates a potential problem, such as an imbalance of pressure. A hissing sound typically indicates a leak somewhere. A gurgling or humming sound may mean your tank was overfilled. Whether or not your tank was recently filled or it has been a while, contact your propane supplier if you hear noises.
There is a Propane Leak
If you hear a hissing sound or smell a rotten egg smell, you most likely have a leak somewhere in the tank or gas lines. Immediately call your supplier if you notice either of these.
Your Furnace is not Working Properly
If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the furnace is not making warm air, it’s possible your tank may be empty or there may be some other issue. Call your supplier to get this resolved.
Berico Provides Propane Delivery and HVAC Services
Not all propane suppliers are HVAC experts, but Berico offers both services so you can get the help you need with one call.
Call (336) 273-8663 or schedule propane delivery today.
Why Propane is Safer Than Other Heating Fuels
/in Articles/by William HammerWhether you’re trying to decide on a heating source for a newly constructed home or you’re considering switching fuel sources in your current home, here’s why you can count on the safety of propane.
Propane Has a Lower Risk of Explosion
The risk of ignition leading to an explosion is extremely rare for both propane and natural gas. However, natural gas lines are widespread, leading from a community source into each individual home. In the case of a natural gas leak or some other situation where the gas becomes volatile, it can cause greater damage through the lines and a potentially bigger impact.
Propane, however, is stored in an individual tank with a single gas line from the tank to the home. If the tank or the line were to leak or ignite, the resulting explosion would be concentrated to a single area, causing less damage.
Propane is Safer for the Environment
Natural gas burns about 50% cleaner than coal, however, it is still considered a greenhouse gas. Propane is not considered to be a greenhouse gas in terms of emissions; therefore, it is safer for the environment than natural gas.
Propane is non-toxic and does not damage ground water or soil if leaked. Natural gas has a low toxicity, but it not considered to be completely non-toxic. Both fuels are eco-friendly, but propane has a edge over natural gas as it is actually a green fuel.
Propane Leaks are Less Common and Easy to Detect
Due to the strong rotten egg odor that is added to propane when it is manufactured, it is easy to tell when there is a leak. Natural gas has a similar odor added, but in its natural state it has no scent.
Natural gas lines are more prone to leaks due to corrosion because there are some discrepancies about who is responsible for maintaining and repairing them. The natural gas supplier tells homeowners that repairs are their responsibility if something goes wrong, but most homeowners don’t have the ability to maintain gas lines. The homeowner is merely financially responsible in the case of a gas line problem. The repairs are up to the gas company.
When you receive propane deliveries from propane suppliers, the tank and the lines belong to the propane company. Therefore, propane suppliers are responsible for maintenance and repairs of propane tanks and equipment. This usually leads to better upkeep of tanks and lines, meaning increased safety.
Propane Suppliers Ensure Safe Delivery
Another way propane is particularly safe is the way it is transported. As a liquid, propane is not flammable. It has to be heated to a very high temperature (940 degrees Fahrenheit) state in order to burn, and requires a very specific combination of propane and oxygen to burn at all. It has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.
Natural gas is delivered through gas lines underground that connect to the source. The gas travels through the pipes at high pressures that allow it to take up less space. The pressure also propels the gas through the pipes so that it moves along unassisted. The risk, however, is that if a leak occurs, the high pressure can cause a significant amount of gas to escape quickly before anyone is aware. This poses an increased safety risk.
Ensure Your Home’s Safety With Propane from Berico
Of propane suppliers in the Triad, Berico is a reputable name. Berico has been providing safe, reliable home heating services since 1924 and continues to proudly serve Greensboro and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a new propane supplier, Berico will get you started with a free tank swap out.
Call (336) 273-8663 today or request propane delivery.
The Importance of Getting a Furnace Tune-Up
/in Articles/by William HammerNo, the best time to discover a problem with your furnace is well before the weather turns cold. Avoiding unexpected furnace repairs is just one of many reasons you should schedule a tune-up toward the end of summer and early fall.
Your Furnace Needs a Thorough Cleaning
One of the most common reasons your furnace may fail to work properly when you first turn it on at the beginning of the cold season is the fact that it is dirty. Dust and soot build up inside your furnace and on the flame sensor causing it to misfire, cycle on and off repeatedly, or not run at all. A dirty furnace is also a fire safety hazard as well as a carbon monoxide risk.
A furnace tune-up performed by a professional HVAC service will involve a thorough cleaning of each and every part to ensure optimal performance and proper functioning throughout the heating season.
Potential Problems Can Be Discovered Early
A professional furnace tune-up also involves an extensive inspection of the system and parts. This inspection will identify any potential problems that may occur, such as parts that are wearing out or loose, wiring that needs to be tightened or replaced, or other signs of wear and tear that could be a cause for concern. In some cases parts need to be lubricated to prevent friction from causing premature wear or becoming an energy drain.
Discovering these problems early not only prevents an inconvenient situation where your furnace fails, but it also prevents a small problem from becoming a bigger problem that is more expensive to fix.
You Can Avoid Paying Emergency or After-Hours Fees
If your furnace quits in the middle of the night or on a weekend or holiday, you could be charged extra for repairs. Many HVAC companies are glad to offer emergency and after-hours services, but at higher rates. However, you can most likely avoid these extra fees by being proactive and scheduling preventive furnace repair in Greensboro before the busy season.
Of course furnaces, just like any other machine, can malfunction without warning. But this is much less likely to happen if you had a preseason tune-up performed by a reliable HVAC service.
Your Furnace Will Run More Efficiently All Season, Saving You Money
Perhaps the most important reason to get a furnace tune-up is the fact that it can save you money. A clean, well-tuned furnace will run more efficiently and use less energy. If you want to get the maximum energy-efficiency rating out of your furnace, you’ll need to keep it well maintained with the help of an HVAC professional.
Whether your furnace runs on natural gas, propane, heating oil, or electricity, you’ll save money by keeping up with regular furnace maintenance. It is recommended that you schedule a furnace tune-up every year prior to the cold weather season.
Get Top Quality Furnace Repair in Greensboro From Berico
Not all furnace tune-ups are the same. Some HVAC companies will do a more thorough job than others, making sure that your system is fully inspected, cleaned, and running properly. Ask to see a copy of the checklist the technician will use to inspect and clean your furnace beforehand. After completing the tune-up your technician should then go back over the checklist with you and explain any potential problems that were identified and the steps that were taken to correct them.
Berico goes above and beyond the standard furnace tune-up checklist to ensure every aspect of your furnace is as it should be. You’ll be sure your furnace is ready to keep you warm and cozy this winter.
To schedule furnace repair in Greensboro, call (336) 273-8663 or request service. You’ll be glad you made your appointment early for more flexible scheduling.
The Benefits of Propane Energy
/in Articles/by William HammerThe top factors to consider when looking into propane in Reidsville are efficiency, cost, and availability. You may also be concerned about environmental impact. Taking all of this into consideration, propane comes out on top.
A High-Efficiency Energy Source
Propane is known for its energy efficiency. It burns extremely hot, which is what makes it an excellent source of heat and energy. It keeps homes cozy in the winter because it creates a radiant, residual heat that lasts. It heats water faster, allowing your hot water supply to recover almost immediately. Cooking with propane is not only more efficient than electricity, but it is preferred by culinary experts as it is known to cook food faster and more evenly.
Cost of Propane is Reasonable and Steady
While it may seem that propane is comparable to the cost of other energy sources, you’ll get more for your money. The efficiency of propane allows it to go a long way, meaning you’ll save money on energy costs in the long run. Propane prices also tend to remain steady as it is processed almost entirely in the US and does not rely on overseas oil prices.
Propane is Readily Available to All Areas
A major advantage of propane is its availability. Wherever you are, you can receive delivery of propane, Reidsville and the surrounding area notwithstanding. No matter how rural your home, you’ll always have access to propane. And when the power goes out and the power company takes their time getting to the rural areas, you’ll still have propane to keep you warm and allow you to get things done.
Environmentally Friendly Energy
One of the biggest misconceptions about electricity is that it is better for the environment than other energy sources. The reality is that the majority of electricity produced in the eastern US is created by burning coal, which pollutes the air and surrounding environment with coal ash. Propane, on the other hand, is a by-product of oil that is made clean and burns clean. Propane emissions are well within the regulations set the EPA. It is non-toxic and will not contaminate soil or groundwater in the case of a leak.
Propane is a Versatile Fuel
Propane can do more than simply heat your home. Your water heater, clothes dryer, range, grill, pool heater, hot tub, generator, and more can all run on propane. While propane appliances may cost more at purchase, the return on investment more than pays for the difference. You’ll continue to save money day in and day out as your appliances operate more efficiently for, most likely, a longer overall time period.
Carolina Fuels, Top Supplier of Propane in Reidsville
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of propane for household or commercial use, Carolina Fuels is a premier supplier of propane in Reidsville and the surrounding area. You’ll even enjoy additional benefits and savings when you become an autofill customer of Carolina Fuels.
Call (336) 623-9741 today to request propane or schedule a propane delivery. We look forward to helping you enjoy the benefits of propane.
Signs You Need a Furnace Replacement and Not a Repair
/in Articles/by William HammerFrequent Repairs are Needed
Have you had your furnace repaired more than once this year? One tune up or one repair should be all that is needed in a single heating season. If your furnace continues to have problems even after it has been repaired or tuned up, it may mean that it is time to replace it. Multiple problems in a short period of time suggest that your furnace may not be ready to handle a whole season of cold weather. And by continuing to repair it, you are sinking money into a furnace that may be a lost cause. Invest that money in a new furnace instead.
Your Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old
Furnaces have an average life span of 15 to 20 years. If your furnace starts to have problems and it is close to being 15 years old, it may not be worth repairing. Replacing your old furnace will likely operate much more efficiently than your old furnace, which will save you money on your heating bills and help offset some of the cost.
You Notice New or Strange Noises Coming From Your Furnace
Have you noticed noises you’ve never heard before coming from your furnace? If you hear a banging, whistling, scraping, squealing, or other noise from your furnace or the vents in your home, it is an indication that your furnace is not operating properly. The problem may be able to be repaired inexpensively. But if the noise indicates an expensive repair, especially if the repair is more than what your furnace is worth, it may be in your best interest to replace it.
Rising Energy Bills
Do your heating bills seem to be getting higher and higher each month? Is your propane tank requiring more frequent refills? It could be that your furnace is using up too much energy due to a mechanical problem. It could also be that your furnace is showing signs of age and is not working as efficiently as it once did. A thorough cleaning and a tune up could restore it to efficient operation, but if not, it may be time to replace it with a high-efficiency furnace that could save you money.
Cycling On and Off Repeatedly
Does your furnace turn on, run for a few seconds, and turn off again? Does this cycle keep repeating itself without reaching the desired temperature in your home? This is sometimes just an indication that your furnace needs to be cleaned. But it can also indicate a more severe problem that could be expensive to fix. If your furnace seems to be constantly running without sufficiently heating your home, it may be time to consider furnace replacement in Greensboro.
Your Home Has Warm and Cool Spots
Do some rooms in your home feel warm and cozy while others are cool and drafty? Uneven heating is another indication that a furnace is not operating as it should. For a new furnace, this can mean that it is simply not big enough to sufficiently heat the total square footage of your home. But if it is an old furnace, and the problem is new, you may need to upgrade to a new furnace.
Problems with the Pilot Light
Pilot lights are designed to light automatically in newer furnaces. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pilot light is electrically lit and the furnace fires up. If the pilot light won’t light for some reason, the furnace can’t create heat. Sometimes this is just a problem with the electric starter, but other times it is a deeper issue that can indicate that a furnace is close to breaking down.
Experiencing Furnace Problems? Berico Can Help
When your furnace isn’t working properly, it can be frustrating. You may hope that it can be repaired inexpensively, but sometimes an old furnace just needs to be replaced. Berico provides reliable furnace replacement in Greensboro if repair isn’t the best option.
Call (336) 273-8663 or request service today. Berico offers specials and financing to make your new furnace more affordable.
How Does Your Furnace Work?
/in Articles/by William HammerNatural Gas Furnace
With a natural gas furnace, the gas enters your home through a gas line directly into your furnace. The gas is ignited and the flames heat up the heat exchanger. The air that is heated by the heat exchanger is blown into the ducts and out through the vents in your home. The cold air is then drawn back into the furnace via the intake vents and the process repeats. This will happen anytime your thermostat senses that the indoor temperature is lower than the desired temperature setting.
Propane Furnace
A propane furnace works the same way, except that propane is used instead of natural gas. Propane comes into your home from a tank that is stored somewhere on your property. You can have your tank refilled periodically to ensure you have enough propane to heat your home.
Oil Furnace
An oil furnace works mostly the same way gas and propane furnaces do, except that it uses heating oil instead of gas. Heating oil is drawn into the furnace through a filter. It is then turned into a fine spray that mixes with the air when heating. Heating oil is also stored in a tank on your property and needs to be refilled periodically.
Berico Provides Fast and Efficient Furnace Replacement
Are you in need of furnace replacement? Whether your furnace is getting old or needing frequent repairs, a new furnace will operate more efficiently than your existing one. Berico can help you determine which type of furnace would be best for your home.
Call (336) 273-8663 today or schedule service.