In the Triad we experience all four seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. As the winter season is upon us, we have switched our furnaces on to battle the cold night temperatures. If your heating system is not working properly, there are a few common problems that tend to occur that may require HVAC service in Burlington.

Common heating problems:

1. Mechanical failure. HVAC systems are complex machines with many moving parts. Over time these parts are destined to wear out and require repair or replacement. Besides simply wearing out, parts can loosen up over time or dry out and need to be lubricated.
2. Low air flow. If it seems that there is insufficient air coming from your vents, you may have a problem with air flow to or from your system. Often this is due to dirty or clogged filters. Replace your filters and check to see if the flow of air is stronger. If the problem persists, schedule service with your Heating & Air Conditioning company.
3. Uneven heating. Do some rooms feel warmer than others when your heat is on? Are there some areas of your home that do not heat to a comfortable level? This could be due to a number of different problems from ductwork to mechanical issues. Again, check your filters for excess dust and replace if necessary. If the situation doesn’t improve it may be time to call a professional heating and air conditioning service.
4. Thermostat issues. Have you set your thermostat for your desired temperature, only to find that your home never reaches that temperature? Does your heat run constantly? Is there a warning light on your thermostat that is on or blinking? These things can mean any number of problems with your thermostat or the system itself. It’s best to have an Heating & Air Conditioning specialist diagnose and repair the problem.
5. Pilot problems. The pilot light is what ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber in order to heat the air that warms your home. In older furnaces the pilot stays lit all the time during the heating season, unless it unexpectedly goes out. Newer furnaces have electric ignited pilots that do not need to remain lit all the time. Whatever the type, if the pilot malfunctions your system will fail to produce heat.
6. Electrical issues. Electrical wiring can easily become loose, disconnected, or corroded. If electrical connections are not right the entire system could lose power, leading to no heat on a cold day or night. It is important to have a professional handle all electrical issues for safety reasons.

Prevent common HVAC problems with regular maintenance from Alamance Oil

Most of the above problems can be prevented with Burlington HVAC maintenance. Often referred to as preventative maintenance, a yearly tune-up for your central heating and air conditioning system can eliminate these problems before they occur unexpectedly and leave you in the cold. Maintenance involves inspecting, cleaning, and if necessary, repairing all the parts of your HVAC system. Filters are replaced, parts are cleaned, electrical wiring is checked, and the thermostat is tested. Alamance Oil offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that can prevent common HVAC problems. Schedule service or call 336-226-9371 to get started with a plan today.

Although off to a warm start, The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another cold winter this year, including possible icy conditions in late January. You don’t want to be caught on a cold, icy night with no heat. This is why early detection is so important. Annual maintenance can identify potential heating repairs earlier, saving you money and preventing you from spending a night shivering under the blankets with no heat.

Maintaining your heating unit is similar to maintaining a car. Any mechanic will tell you that the most important maintenance task for cars is changing the oil on a regular basis. Simple, yet effective for maintaining all the working components of an engine. If a car owner fails to have the oil changed, then the engine parts are not lubricated adequately and they begin to fail. Annual heating maintenance ensures that all the heater components are working properly, parts are well lubricated, and belts are changed, if needed. Quite often, the service technician can spot issues early preventing major breakdowns on those cold, wintry nights.

Safety Concerns that Warrant Heating Repair

The burning process for gas and oil produces carbon monoxide. Since your heating system burns these elements to produce warm air, a small amount of carbon monoxide is normal. The ventilation system is designed to eliminate this small amount of carbon monoxide by filtering it out of the home. However, a crack in the ventilation system or a dirty furnace can allow this poisonous gas to leak into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can be extremely dangerous, and can cause death.

Most homes today are super-insulated. This is great for reducing your energy costs because it keeps the cold air out and the hot air in. However, creating an airtight environment also creates an ideal environment for carbon monoxide buildup. By having your furnace checked and repaired promptly, you and your family are protected from this silent but extremely dangerous gas.

Heating Repair & Tune-ups: Why They Are Important

The simplified recipe for creating warm air is easy: fuel, air and fire to generate the burn. In order to operate efficiently, the proper mixture of all these ingredients (air, oil, or gas) must be monitored. When a technician comes out to check your heating unit, 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 leaks or blockage in the ventilation system and to make sure that the wiring is not corroded or damaged.

By simply performing an annual check-up, you can minimize your heating repair costs and protect your and your family from the harmful effects of a leaky ventilation system.

Don’t delay in having your heating repair in Greensboro completed today, call Berico Heating and Air Conditioning at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a check-up before the cold weather arrives.

Are you in need of a propane supplier? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your current propane supplier. Or maybe you recently bought a home with a propane furnace and you’ve never had one before. Maybe you are considering having a propane furnace installed in a new home or switching to a propane furnace from a different heating fuel. Whatever the reason, you want to find an affordable, reliable propane delivery service in Burlington.

But what qualities should you look for in a propane supplier?

1. Safety. The most important quality in a propane delivery service, safety records are a great way to start. A reputable heating fuel supplier should be able to provide you with references. Suppliers are most likely involved in safety programs that can further attest to their emphasis on safe practices.
2. Better Business Bureau Accredited. If you want to find out about a company’s customer service history, the BBB is a great resource. The BBB gives businesses a letter grade rating based on a number of criteria, such as customer complaints and resolution, business practices, and government action taken against a business. Look for a propane supplier with an A+ rating with the BBB.
3. Experience. Choose a supplier with plenty of experience. If a company has been in business for a long time, they must provide excellent customer service. Otherwise they wouldn’t be in business today. And a company with experience can be trusted to do the job right. If you sign up for a delivery plan, the company will know how to calculate your usage and be sure to refill your tank before you run out.
4. Heating fuel supplier and HVAC service in one. A propane supplier who can also repair your furnace is quite convenient. You can combine your yearly furnace maintenance with a propane refill. Every year before the winter cold sets in, your HVAC company/propane supplier can give your furnace a tune-up and refill your propane tank to get you all set for the heating season. Combining these two services will save you money.

Propane delivery in Burlington is convenient with Alamance Oil

Alamance Oil Company exceeds all of the above criteria. Serving Burlington and the surrounding area since 1924, we have the experience necessary to safely deliver your propane on time. We are A+ accredited with the Better Business Bureau and we were awarded the Super Service Award by Angie’s List. We offer service plans that include propane delivery discounts. New propane customers enjoy special pricing and free tank swap out if you are switching suppliers. We deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergency. By switching to Alamance Oil you can save up to $150 a year. Schedule fuel delivery or call 336-273-8663.

For more information on choosing a propane supplier:http://www.propane101.com/choosingapropanecompany.htm