HVAC in Greensboro: Now is the Ideal Time for Maintenance Checks

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HVAC in GreensboroMost homeowners make the mistake of waiting until it gets cold and their furnace goes out before they call for maintenance. Actually, now is the perfect time for servicing your HVAC in Greensboro NC. The weather is transitioning from hot to cold and, during this transition, service technicians can perform routine maintenance to ensure that when cold weather arrives, your heating unit is performing efficiently. Plus, by having your heating and cooling system maintenance performed now, it could save you money. Research has shown that by performing annual maintenance, homeowners can actually save money since well-maintained units break down less often than poorly maintained units.

Routine Maintenance on HVAC in Greensboro Includes

  • Lubrication of all those moving parts. Just like your car needs oil to adequately lubricate all the moving parts of the engine, your heating and cooling system also needs lubrication to keep things moving smoothly.

  • Checking electrical wires and connections to ensure they are adequately tightened and there are no loose wires or damage to the wires.

  • Checking your thermostat to ensure that it is working properly. The HVAC unit can only keep your home at a comfortable temperature if the thermostat is working properly.

  • Cleaning the condenser unit. A dirty condenser unit increases the workload on your unit and can cause unexpected repairs. By keeping the unit clean, you use less electricity and the unit works more efficiently.

  • Check coolant levels. While some may believe that more is better, coolant levels can err on the side of too little or too much. A service technician checks to ensure your unit has just the right level, not too much or too little. This also ensures that your unit performs optimally for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

  • Check blower components. Airflow can cause your system to loose heating efficiency. Cleaning and making adjustments to the blower components ensures that your unit is providing the best airflow possible, saving energy and puts dollars in your pocket.

  • Check to ensure unit cycles on and off properly. Homeowners generally know if the unit is on or off but the technicians actually check to make sure the HVAC unit is cycling on and off properly. In other words, is the unit cycling on or off too much (unnecessary wear and tear) or is the unit staying on too much (indicative of other issues). These checkups can identify a small issues that may require furnace repairs and prevents them from becoming major issues later.

Berico Heating & Air in Greensboro, is dedicated to keeping your home the right temperature 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. HVAC service and repair, home heating oil and propane delivery has been our specialty in Greensboro, High Point, Eden, Burlington and the surrounding areas since 1924. As an HVAC contractor we are able to diagnose and resolve problems for all heating or cooling systems. If you need your HVAC in Greensboro services, call us today to schedule an appointment at (336) 273-8663.

How to Decide between Heating Repair and Replacement in Greensboro

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heating replacement in GreensboroIs your furnace showing signs of poor performance? Do you hear noises you’ve never heard before, or is your furnace running louder than it did in the past? Has your gas bill been higher than usual? Does your home seem to heat unevenly, where some rooms are warmer than others? These are all signs that your furnace is not running properly. It may be that a simple tune-up is all that is necessary. A small repair could have it back in tip top shape. Or it could mean that your HVAC system will need to be replaced soon. How do you decide between heating replacement and heating repair in Greensboro?

Consider the following factors:

  • Age of your furnace. A typical furnace lasts between 10 and 20 years. If your furnace is older than 8, it may be in your best interest to replace it. New furnaces are significantly more energy efficient, which can save up to 20% on heating costs.
  • Frequency of repairs. If it seems that your furnace has needed a lot of repairs in the recent years, it may be time to consider replacement. Don’t keep investing in an old furnace when you could be putting your money toward a new one.
  • Cost of current necessary repair. If your furnace needs a costly repair at this time, consider the amount. If the repair is going to cost more than half the price of a new furnace, then replacement is a better option.

Consult a Professional HVAC company

If your HVAC system in Greensboro has not been running well lately, contact a professional HVAC service. A trained technician can inspect your system and offer the best advice based on its age and condition. They can also recommend the best new heating system for your home. Technicians calculate the size of heating system you need based on the square footage of your home. You can be sure that a certified heating and cooling technician can correctly install a new furnace in your home.

Consider replacing an old furnace with a new propane furnace

If you do decide to replace your furnace, consider switching to propane. Propane is a non-toxic, clean burning fuel that is very efficient for home heating. New propane furnaces can be 95% efficient or higher, which will definitely save you money on heating costs compared to your old furnace. Propane delivery is convenient and affordable. Propane is safe for the environment as it is not considered to be a greenhouse gas. The best part: propane provides a warm, radiant heat that keeps your home comfortable on the coldest days and nights.

Berico provides reliable heating repair and heating installation in Greensboro

When you are ready to consult a professional HVAC service, call Berico. A Berico technician will assess your current heating system and provide honest advice on repair or replacement. With over 90 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry, you can trust that Berico will offer accurate advice and reliable service. Berico is also a propane supplier if you choose to have a propane furnace installed. All of your heating and cooling needs can be met by one great company. Schedule service or call 336-273-8663.

For additional information on repairing vs. replacing your furnace: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/it-time-replace-your-old-gas-furnace.htm

Make Sure Your Heating & Furnace Repair in Eden is Completed Before Cold Weather Rolls In

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Now is the time to have your furnace repair in Eden completed before the cold weather rolls in this year so you can stay warm and toasty all winter long.

All too often home owners forget to have their furnace checked before the cold weather sets in. As luck would have it, on the coldest night of the year is the same night their heater dies. This scenario can be prevented by having your furnace repair completed, if needed, or prevented by performing an annual maintenance check now.

Most home owners fail to recognize all the different furnace components that need to be serviced or checked on a yearly basis. In fact, most warranties for the most popular furnaces include a statement that voids the warranty caused by improper maintenance. Having your heating unit or furnace checked on a regular basis really is important. It is sort of like changing the oil in your car, a simple thing – yet, extremely important as the oil lubricates all the major parts of the motor. After a certain amount of miles the oil breaks down, the parts are lubricated inefficiently and this causes other engine components to go bad quicker.

Safety Concerns that Warrant Furnace Repair

Furnaces typically use either propane gas or oil to produce heat. The burning of these substances produce carbon monoxide. While your plants may love it (they actually filter the carbon monoxide out of the air), it is deadly to humans. Typically, the amount of carbon monoxide emitted from your heating unit is minimal and eliminated through the furnace ventilation system. However, if there are cracks in the ventilation system, or the furnace is dirty, carbon monoxide can increase and leak into your home. Additionally, today’s homes are super-insulated, which is great for keeping the cold weather out and the heat in. However, the downside is that an airtight environment creates an ideal environment for buildup of carbon monoxide. Having your furnace checked annually and any heating repair performed promptly protects you and your family from dangers of this silent and harmful gas.

Furnace Repair & Tune-ups and Why They Are Important

Although generating heat is complex, in simple terms, warm air is generated by burning some type of substance (oil or propane gas). In order to operate efficiently, the proper mixture of all these ingredients (air, oil, or propane gas) must be monitored. When a technician comes out to check your furnace, this mixture is checked to ensure that the burn is efficient plus he checks the burners to ensure proper ignition and burner flame. Additionally, the technician checks to make sure there are no leak or blockage in the ventilation system and to make sure that the wiring is not corroded or damaged.

Don’t delay in having your furnace repair in Eden completed today. Carolina Fuels services the Eden and Reidsville areas. Call us today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a check-up before the cold weather arrives.

The Benefits of Using a Propane Delivery service in Burlington

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propane delivery service in burlingtonWhen the weather cools down and the nights get crisp, you know the heating season has begun. And if you have a propane furnace, this is the time to consider having your propane tank refilled. Don’t wait until you run out on a cold winter day or night. That’s when propane suppliers are busiest and you may have to wait for a delivery. When it comes to choosing a supplier, there are advantages to choosing a local propane delivery service in Burlington, NC like Alamance Oil.

Look for a full service HVAC company and fuel supplier in one

A lot of propane suppliers perform only one service: propane tank delivery and refill. But there are benefits to using a propane supplier that can also repair and maintain your furnace. Such a company will be more knowledgeable about HVAC systems and therefore be able to more accurately calculate your propane usage and time deliveries accordingly so that you never run out. If for some reason you run out of propane ahead of schedule, an HVAC service will be able to find out why. If your furnace is using too much propane, it indicates a problem or a need for repair. It is much more convenient to have a propane supplier with HVAC knowledge.

Find an affordable propane delivery/maintenance plan for convenience

Occasional furnace maintenance is necessary in addition to periodic propane deliveries. Why not take care of both at the same time with one visit from one company? Plans that combine both are not only more convenient, but they make both services more affordable. Yearly maintenance for your furnace keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. You will save money on energy when your furnace is clean and tuned up. You also avoid emergency repairs that could be costly in the middle of a cold winter. Every fall you should have furnace maintenance and a propane refill to be sure your heating system is ready for winter.

Save on Propane with a Comfort and Protection Plan from Alamance Oil

Alamance Oil, your HVAC service in Burlington and propane supplier, offers Comfort and Protection Plans that include yearly preventive maintenance and propane savings through more efficient furnaces.  The plans offer additional benefits such as 20% off repairs and diagnostic fees, priority service, and $50 bonus bucks with each year you are on the plan. We even waive the after-hours charge if you happen to need emergency service. Alamance Oil is more than a propane supplier; we are a full service heating and air conditioning company serving Burlington and the surrounding area. When it comes to home heating, we are experts. Schedule fuel delivery, schedule HVAC service, or call (336) 226-9371.

HVAC maintenance and tune up

Be Proactive with Furnace Maintenance in Eden

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A lot of us take our HVAC systems for granted. We assume they will always work properly to keep us comfortable. We don’t even think about repair until our system has a problem. But problems could be prevented with preseason maintenance. For furnace repair in Eden, the best time to schedule maintenance is late summer into early fall. If you wait until the weather gets cold and you first need to turn on your heat, you may find that it doesn’t work properly after months of no use. And you won’t be the only one in the same chilly situation, which means your local HVAC companies will be busy and you may have to wait a while for service. Schedule maintenance with Carolina Fuels now and rest assured that your furnace will work properly later when you need it.

Furnace maintenance prevents problems by inspecting, cleaning, or repairing the following Annual Precision Tune-Up 20 Point Check:

1. Replace nozzle and fuel filter as needed

2. Check and adjust all safety controls

3. Check primary control and clean contacts

4. Inspect and clean flue pipe, draft regulator, barometric damper, & combustion chamber

5. Inspect electrodes and nozzle assembly

6. Clean burner controls, & fan blades

7. Adjust burner for maximum efficiency

8. Inspect and vacuum heat exchanger (check for dangerous cracks)

9. Lubricate motors, bearings, and all moving parts

10. Check electronic ignition controls

11. Check complete furnace cycle

12. Clean chimney base

13. Inspect and clean blower assembly

14. Check voltage and amperage to all equipment

15. Check connections and wiring

16. Test functionality of oil pump and lines

17. Clean or replace pump strainer

18. Perform efficiency check

19. Ensure the customer is informed about their equipment and advise of necessary repairs/recommendations

20. Replace customer supplied air filter

These are the main points of inspection and repair, but maintenance covers many more parts that have the potential to cause problems with your furnace. Avoiding unnecessary repairs will save you money, as will a more efficient furnace. The cost of a maintenance plan is definitely less than purchasing a new HVAC system, and regular maintenance will extend the life of your current system. And an HVAC system that runs properly is safer for you and your family. Schedule preventative maintenance with Carolina Fuels to get your furnace ready for the cold.

Fast, Reliable Service

In the unfortunate even that you do need HVAC service in Eden, NC, Carolina Fuels provides fast, reliable service. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Carolina Fuels is always ready to meet your HVAC needs. Certified technicians can repair your entire HVAC system, both heating and cooling. Since 1924 Carolina Fuels has been providing HVAC repair to many satisfied customers. For trustworthy and dependable HVAC contractors in Eden, NC, contact Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741.

For more information about home heating, visit http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-heating

Gas Logs in Greensboro: Bringing Back Memories

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gas logs in greensboroGas logs fireplaces bring back memories like warming up by the fire after coming in from the frigid, cold, weather outside. Or the warmth of the fire against your frozen fingertips, as you watch the snow quickly dissipating from your fingertips. Great childhood memories, yet, in today’s world, chopping wood and coaxing a fire to life, well it’s just not feasible.

In today’s typical home, both parents work to make ends meet and there just isn’t enough time in the day for these simple pleasures. What if you could bring back these memories, live them all over again with your children, without the back breaking wood chopping or enticing of flames? Plus, most homes don’t have built-in fireplaces anymore. It’s just too much hassle.

Propane gas log fireplaces provide an alternative to burning wood, protect natural resources, yet, provide instant heat and realistic flames just like the fireplaces from the older days. Gas log fireplaces now come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. You simply choose the type of gas logs and whether you want propane or natural gas to fuel your fire. Plus, gas logs fireplaces can be installed in almost any home, with or without a chimney, and without any major construction to the house.

While some may believe that gas logs are dangerous, when installed by a professional, gas logs can bring you years of enjoyment and memories with minimal maintenance. Although a chimney is not important when installing gas logs in Greensboro, ventilation is. Having a professional install your gas log fireplace will ensure that you have the proper ventilation system plus they can go over any questions you may have, instruct you on maintenance and inform you how often your gas logs need to be replaced or how often your ventilation system should be inspected.

Also, remember that although gas logs don’t produce the fiery embers like dry wood does, it is still important to have a screen or doors on your fireplace to ensure that safety for your children and pets and to prevent any accidents. Although you do want to periodically clean the screens and logs, make sure you turn the propane gas off first as a safety precaution.

Remember, typically anything that burns or generates heat can also produce carbon monoxide, including gas logs and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is lethal to human. This is why you should always have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Also, make it a routine to check the batteries on the carbon monoxide detector before turning on any heat in the home.

In short, gas logs in Greensboro can bring you and your family years of enjoyment when installed professionally and maintained correctly. Safety precautions, including carbon monoxide detectors and screens, should always be used.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning, offers gas logs in Greensboro for both propane and natural gas fireplaces, as well as professional installation. If you have been thinking of adding a fireplace or gas logs, just give us a call today at (336) 273-8663. We have a showroom at all of our locations in Greensboro, Eden, and Burlington to see what we offer.

Advances in Diesel Fuel in Greensboro

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Advances in diesel fuel over the last few years, offers a more powerful, cleaner and economical alternatives to consumers, commercial vehicles, and non-road equipment.

Although diesel engines built in the 1980s emitted high levels of soot, advances in diesel fuel and technology have reduced particulate emissions by ninety-eight percent in the last decade. While ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel helped reduce these emissions, advances in diesel engine designs and emissions control technology have helped to virtually eliminate particulate emissions in today’s diesel fuel vehicles, equipment and trucks.

Diesel Fuel Re-Invented

When diesel fuel was first introduced, exposure to diesel fuel could result in asthma and respiratory illnesses. Plus, the emissions from diesel engines back then lead to damaged crops, trees and vegetation. Of course, this makes one wonder why choose diesel fuel if it was harmful? Because diesel fuel has always been the most efficient and powerful fuel. Diesel fuel offers a better combustion of fuel to create a more powerful mechanical energy. The downside was damage to the environment and risks associated with exposures.

However, today’s diesel fuel contains ninety-seven percent less sulfur (also known as ultra-low sulfur diesel or ULSD). This cut emissions by ten percent alone. Lowering the sulfur content also lead to advances in engine design.

Diesel fuel and engines have always provided more efficiency and power than alternatives like gasoline, natural gas, and propane. Because of the power and efficiency offered by diesel fuel and engines, it has always been the first choice for commercial vehicles and equipment. With the advances in diesel engines, it is now the dominant choice for commercial and off road equipment. New technologies like improving the combustion chamber configuration and turbocharging have made diesel engines run even more powerfully today.

With the advances in engine design and the ability to utilize ultra-low sulfur diesel, new exhaust treatments became available. This included new filtration systems known as diesel particulate filters. Utilizing new technologies in post-combustion and catalytic converters, diesel equipment and trucks are now able to trap the diesel particulates thus eliminating the harmful effects of the old diesel models.

Plus, it’s not just for the commercial industry anymore. With the advances of diesel fuel and engines, diesel cars are as efficient to run as most of the hybrid automobiles but with more horsepower and torque. While it may be true that a gasoline powered automobile is cheaper than a diesel powered one, diesel powered cars are a cheaper alternative to the hybrids. It is also feasible that consumers save more through higher gas mileage with a diesel fuel car than a gasoline powered vehicle to pay the difference.

In short, diesel fuel offers clean emissions with great fuel economy for today’s commercial equipment. Berico Fuels carry a variety of commercial fuels, including low sulfur diesel fuel in Greensboro for off road vehicles and #2 heating oil for home and business heating systems.

We also offer fleet fueling in Greensboro (we fuel the tanks of your vehicle fleet at a convenient time for you). Fleet fueling affords you a higher yield of productivity by keeping your work force on the job, not at the pump. Give us a call today at (336) 226-9371 for your diesel fuel needs.

Heating Installation in Greensboro: Considerations to Keep You Toasty This Winter

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Heating Installation in GreensboroAlthough Greensboro typically has a short winter season, (only seventy-five nights that are below freezing and less than eight inches of snow per year), no one wants to spend a cold night, shivering in the dark because their furnace decided to die on the coldest night of the year. Most heating units have a lifespan of ten to fifteen years, but also depends on the brand, type, and if the unit was serviced on an annual basis. Typically, if maintenance is performed, the service technician can actually identify when the unit needs to be replaced, giving you the time to choose a new hvac system and preventing a sleepless night shivering in the cold.

Heating Installation – Energy Star Qualified

If you are looking for a new heating installation in Greensboro, then you should also consider buying an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace to lower your energy costs. Remember when buying a furnace, you want to make sure to look at the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) as it is used to measure the heating efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Heating Installation – Size Matters

Also, make sure it is sized correctly for your home. A unit that is too small means you won’t be toasty during those cold nights. A unit that is too big would cycle on and off too frequently causing unnecessary wear and tear on the unit. This is why having your home’s heating load measured is so important. The standard for measuring the heating load is the Manual J Calculation, which uses a lot of important factors to calculate the right heating unit size for your home, like square footage, insulation, and even how much shade your home gets.

After the heating system installation, you will want to make sure annual maintenance is performed at least once a year. Plus, neglected heating units use on average ten to twenty-five percent more energy than heat pumps that are serviced annually. Most annual maintenance plans include inspecting the ductwork, filter, blower and indoor coils for dirt and other obstructions. They also verify that you are getting adequate airflow, lubricate the motors and inspect the belts for tightness and wear. Identifying and replacing worn parts early prevents you from suffering through a frigid night.

You will also want to make sure to change the unit’s air filters as needed to prevent a decrease in airflow. While most manufacturers recommend every three months, it is a good idea to check them every month and, if dirty or clogged, change them. Dirty or clogged filters will cause a decrease in airflow and increase in demand on the unit. Periodically, inspect the area around your unit to remove any limbs or plants that could interfere with the unit’s operation.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning is family operated and offers furnace installation in Greensboro, NC. We are dedicated to keeping your home comfortable year round. If you care considering a new heating installation in Greensboro, we currently have several special offers that can save you money. Just give us a call today at 336-273-8663 to schedule an appointment.

Hire a Reliable HVAC Company for Furnace Repair in Eden

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Furnace Repair in EdenWhen it comes to hiring an HVAC service for furnace repair in Eden, you need to find a reliable company. You want to make sure your repair is done right in a reasonable amount of time. You want a well-trained, certified technician working on what is most likely the most expensive appliance in your home. You want to get the most out of your furnace; a long lifespan of efficient operation.

So what should you look for in a reliable furnace repair service in Eden?

 

  • Experience. One of the most important things to consider is experience. You want to find an HVAC company that is well established in the area. An experienced HVAC repair service will have the knowledge and skill to repair your furnace correctly and in a timely manner.
  • Good reviews and ratings. What previous customers have to say about a company can be a great indicator of a reliable company. Read customer reviews online and check the company’s Better Business Bureau rating. Check Angie’s List http://www.angieslist.com/, a website that rates local companies based on various criteria. You can even ask for references from the company itself. If you have difficulty finding any information on a company or if the only reviews you find are negative, that company is not the best choice.
  • Certified Technicians. A reliable HVAC service should ensure that their technicians are properly trained and certified. Technicians should also continue their training periodically to stay updated on the latest HVAC technology. HVAC companies should also be manufacturer certified to service and install any brand of furnace they offer. You need to be able to trust that the person you have invited into your home will be professional and knowledgeable.
  • Guarantees. A reliable HVAC service will guarantee the work they do. Repairs, installations, maintenance—all services should be guaranteed to be quality. When you pay for service, you want to know that it will be done right and that it will last.
  • All-in-one HVAC service and propane delivery. A company that provides complete HVAC services and heating fuel delivery, such as propane in Eden is the absolute best case scenario. HVAC companies that also deliver heating fuels can save you money by bundling both services into one affordable service agreement.

Reliable Furnace Repair and Propane in Eden

To find reliable furnace repair in Eden, contact Carolina Fuels at 336-623-9741. Carolina Fuels provides both furnace repair and delivery of heating oil and propane in Eden. We have served Eden, NC and the surrounding area since 1924. Our satisfied customers can vouch for the quality service that Carolina Fuels delivers. Carolina Fuels employs certified technicians and provides ongoing training to keep them up to date on repair and installation techniques. And Carolina Fuels is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your HVAC and fuel delivery needs. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an Angie’s List rating of A, you can rely on Carolina Fuels.

Eden Furnace Repair: How to Recognize the Warning Signs

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Furnace Repair in EdenFurnaces are complex machines that need regular maintenance in order to function properly. Parts need to be cleaned and lubricated and worn out parts need to be repaired or replaced. Without regular maintenance, your furnace could fail. And because furnaces often use gas as a heat source, safety is of the utmost importance. There are warning signs that indicate your furnace may need to be repaired. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call an experienced HVAC service like Carolina Fuels. Carolina Fuels provides Eden furnace repair as well as heating fuel delivery and air conditioning repair.

Call a professional HVAC company for repairs if:

  • The House is unevenly warm and cold. If some rooms feel warm and others feel cold, your furnace is not working properly. There may be a blockage in the ductwork or ventilation.
  • Low air flow. If you don’t feel a lot of air coming from the vents, there may be a problem with the blower, or a blockage in the ductwork.
  • Thermostat not working. The problem may be with the thermostat. If the sensor isn’t detecting the correct temperature or the thermostat isn’t calling for heat when it should, that can cause the whole system to fail.
  • Excessive noise. Any time your HVAC system starts making noises it wasn’t making before, there is probably something wrong. Parts may be wearing out, meaning a breakdown is imminent. For more information on household noises that may indicate problems: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/renovation/tips/a31986/sounds-house-should-not-make/

The absolute best time to call a professional HVAC repair service is before your system breaks down. Regular maintenance is the best way to help prevent expensive repairs. Maintenance on your furnace should be done in the fall before the weather gets cold. Once the cold temperatures set in, HVAC companies will be busy with customers in need of emergency repairs and it may take longer to get help. Carolina Fuels offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that include two tune-ups each year, in the fall for your heat and in the spring for your air conditioning. Regular service is the best way to prevent repairs and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

For Eden furnace repair, Carolina Fuels is a company you can trust. In addition to furnace repair and service, Carolina Fuels delivers propane and heating oil right to your home. Since 1924, Carolina Fuels has been providing heating fuel and HVAC service to Eden and the surrounding area. With dependable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Carolina Fuels is always available to meet your HVAC and fuel needs. Schedule maintenance today.