Do you want to know the real secret to stress-free hosting? Being prepared. By planning in advance for your get together, you can take the hassle out of hosting and focus on having a good time yourself. Being prepared includes things such as setting up a cleaning schedule for yourself and calling your propane supplier in Burlington, NC, to make sure your tank is full. Follow these tips and your event is sure to be the highlight of your guests’ holidays.

1. Make a list. The most organized people make lists so that nothing is forgotten. Whether you record your plans on paper or electronically on your phone or other device, make sure your list is thorough and that you always keep it with you. When you shop for supplies, you will want to refer to your list to make sure you get everything you need so you can make just one trip.
2. Prepare as much as possible in advance. Do everything that can be done ahead of time. Stock up on non-perishable food, decorations, napkins, and other supplies. Start cleaning the areas of your home that are not likely to get messy again before the event. Make sure you have all of the serving dishes and utensils you will need.
3. Decorate for the crowd. Keep your guests in mind when it comes to decorating. Are there going to be children there? If so, put the fanciest items away or up out of reach. Trying to impress important business associates? Use the fine china. Know your audience.
4. Tidy up and clean the most used areas. If you’re strapped for time as the event approaches, clean just the areas of your home the guests will see. Close off bedroom doors and messy closets and any other area that will not be used.
5. Make your home comfortable. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Guests will feel more at home if it’s not too warm or too cold. Before your get-together, be sure to contact your propane supplier in Burlington, NC, for a tank refill and a furnace tune-up. You don’t want a heating emergency to ruin your plans.
6. Focus on the entryway. As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Hang a festive wreath on the door, make sure the front porch and steps are clean, and be sure your foyer is inviting. Candles or scent warmers just inside the door create a warm ambience and a pleasing fragrance to set the tone for your party.

Home Comfort is the Key to a Happy Holiday Hosting Experience

Like all other preparations, preventative maintenance for your furnace and a refill for your heating oil or propane tank is a crucial measure. This is especially true if you are housing out of town guests who will be staying one or more nights. Alamance Oil, a propane supplier in Burlington, NC, can do more than just refill your tank. An all-in-one home comfort service, Alamance Oil offers a full range of HVAC services. Before hosting, schedule a furnace tune-up and fuel delivery to be sure your guests will be comfortable and happy for the duration of their stay. Call (336)226-9371.

When the weather turns cold each fall or winter, you simply turn on your heating system to battle the cold. If you have a functioning heating system, you probably rarely give a second thought to what it would be like if you didn’t have heat. But that is the reality facing an alarming number of families in the state of North Carolina, some of which reside in Guilford County. According to data collected by local food banks, 75% of NC households have had to choose between heating their homes and buying food. That is the unfortunate reality, but it doesn’t have to continue that way. You can make a contribution to help those less fortunate to heat their homes this winter through The Gift of Warmth, a Salvation Army program. Such financial gifts help local HVAC companies like Berico provide families in need with heating system repair in Greensboro, NC.

Benefits to Donating:

• Donations are tax deductible. As with any charitable donation, your gift is tax deductible, which may result in a larger tax return check this year.
• Help families in your own community. Are you more interested in helping your own neighbors than people overseas? If the amount you are able to donate to charities is limited, consider giving back to your own community. You can designate your donation to help families in Guilford, Alamance, or Rockingham and Caswell counties.
• Keep people from having to choose which of their basic needs to fulfill. Every person deserves to have his or her basic needs fulfilled each day. Sufficient food, clothing, warm housing, and healthcare are things no one should have to do without or choose between. Your gift can help to ensure that no family is forced to decide whether to eat or pay for heating system repair in Greensboro, NC.

How to Give:

Simply visit giftofwarmth.com and enter your credit or debit card information. The site is secure so there is no risk, but you can also donate using your PayPal account. You can make a one-time donation or set up an automatic monthly contribution. You can also donate in person at any BB&T financial center. The total goal is to raise $50,000 to help local families.

Berico is Proud to Participate in The Gift of Warmth Each Year

Providing reliable heating system repair in Greensboro, NC, is a passion of Berico, Carolina Fuels, and Alamance Oil. A warm home is something Berico wishes for every family. When customers come together and donate to a common goal, amazing results are achieved. The village mentality is something that is still alive and well in many people’s hearts, and the Gift of Warmth gives those people an opportunity to exercise that belief. Help Berico to provide local families with much needed heating system repair in Greensboro, NC this winter. Donate to The Gift of Warmth today.

As fall approaches and the weather begins to cool, you should start thinking about home maintenance. With winter coming soon there are some checks that need to be done and possibly some adjustments made to prepare your home for the season ahead. Not sure what to do? Follow this checklist to get your home ready for winter.

• Furnace inspection and maintenance. It is wise to have your furnace inspected every year to make sure it is in good working order and will run efficiently. You can save money on energy costs with yearly maintenance and avoid unexpected furnace problems in cold weather.
• Heating system installation Eden, NC. If your furnace is old or is found to be faulty upon inspection, it may be in your best interest to replace it. Your HVAC technician can give you a recommendation on its condition and the best course of action. It is much easier to have your furnace replaced in the fall if replacement is necessary.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Save money this winter with a programmable thermostat. You can keep your home warmer when you’re home and cooler when you’re not at home to save energy and heating fuel.
• Roof inspection/repair/replacement. Have a professional roofer check the condition of your roof and do any repairs that may be necessary to keep cold air and moisture from seeping in. If your roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to get it done in the fall before winter weather sets in.
• Seal up cracks around windows and doors. If you notice cracks, seal them to keep cold air out and warm air in. Not sure how to handle this? Have a professional home insulator come and seal your home.
• Clean out gutters. Before frost, snow, and ice begin to form, clean out your gutters so that the water has plenty of space to drain properly away from your home.
• Divert water away from the house. Once your gutters are clean, consider extending your drain pipes further away from your home. This keeps water away from your foundation to prevent sinking or a flooded basement. Also, make sure your yard drains properly away from your home. Add a drainage system if necessary.
• Turn off exterior faucets and drain hoses. Keep water from freezing in pipes and hoses and causing damage by turning off all faucets and draining all water from hoses and sprinkler systems.

Reliable Heating System Installation in Eden, NC

The most important part of fall home maintenance is preparing your furnace. If your furnace is old, not working correctly, or requires expensive repairs, it may be in your best interest to replace it. Carolina Fuels provides reliable heating system installation in Eden, NC. An experienced technician can evaluate your heating system and determine if a replacement is necessary or recommended. If you are in need of a replacement, Carolina Fuels offers specials and discounts to make it more affordable. Call (336) 623-9741 to schedule a furnace inspection today.