Propane is a widely used home and commercial energy source. It is cleaning-burning, non-toxic, and safe, as long as it is used properly. Of all the available heating fuels in Burlington, propane is one of the top choices. Propane is a versatile and efficient option that is accessible to everyone – even those without access to natural gas.  

Whether you’re new to propane or a seasoned customer, here are 8 propane safety tips that everyone should know.  

1. Store propane outside. If you use propane for home heat or other household uses, you most likely have a large tank outside on your property. If you use small propane tanks for your fireplace or outside grilling, you should not store those tanks indoors, not even in the basement.  
2. Do not leave propane tanks in closed vehicles. The extreme heat that can build up in closed vehicles is dangerous for propane tanks.  
3. Never use propane inside. Propane grills, heaters, or generators should never be used inside your home. 
4. Always have an expert attach propane tanks and gas line to appliances.  Among the many other services available, Alamance Oil has certified technicians that ensure your tanks and lines are properly hooked up. 
5. If you smell propane: Extinguish any flames, get everyone away from the area, turn off your propane valve (if you know how to do so), and call your propane supplier immediately. Do not reenter the area until a trained expert says it is safe to do so. Propane is naturally odorless, however, a rotten egg smell is added to make it detectable in the event of a leak. 
6. Don’t let your tank get empty. Allowing your tank to completely run out of propane is a safety hazard. An empty tank is susceptible to moisture and air getting inside. Pressurization issues can occur, causing damage to your tank or gas lines. When your tank is refilled, be sure your propane supplier knows that it was empty so that the proper safety checks can be performed, and precautions taken.  
7. Install propane gas detectors. A propane detector does not rely on the smell of propane. It can identify propane even if it has lost its smell, which can occur over time. An alarm will sound if the detector senses a certain concentration of propane. 

Alamance Oil is your Partner in Safety for Propane and other Heating Fuels in Burlington 

The safe use of propane is augmented by your partnership with a reputable propane supplier. Your supplier provides you with a propane tank and can also handle the maintenance of that tank. Regular refills can be made to ensure you never run out of propane. Alamance Oil supplies a variety of heating fuels in Burlington, of which propane is a top choice. If you’re interested in switching propane suppliers, Alamance Oil offers free tank swap-outs for new customers. Call (336) 226-9371 today to speak with a propane expert at Alamance Oil.  

When buying a home, one of the biggest things to consider is what kind of heating system it has. If you’re considering buying a home with propane heat you’ll want to ask a few questions, such as who has been handling their propane delivery in Greensboro, among other maintenance questions. Before you purchase a home with propane heat be sure you know the important details by asking the following questions: 

1. What Propane Supplier Owns your Tank? It’s important to know the owner of the propane tank that exists on the property. You can choose to keep using the same supplier or choose a new supplier. If you decide to switch, choose a company that will swap out your tank for free.  
2. Where are the Tank and Gas Lines Located? It’s not always obvious where the tank is located. Some are buried under the ground, others are above ground. Knowing where the gas lines are buried is very important so that you can protect them when doing any landscaping or home improvements.  
3. How Much Does the Tank Hold? This information is vital. The capacity of the tank will determine refills and the amount of propane needed.  Tanks come in different sizes based on the size of your home and the amount of propane you may use. The previous owner may have needed a larger or smaller tank than you will. Your supplier can give you a sizing recommendation.  
4. How Old is the Tank? Older propane tanks can wear out or rust. This can be a serious problem. If the current owner is unsure of the age, have a propane supplier inspect it. 
5. Are There any Other Appliances that Run on Propane? Find out which appliances in the home run on propane other than the furnace. The water heater, stove/oven range, clothing dryer, fireplace, or other appliances all may use propane as well. It’s important to know this information ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.  
6. What Maintenance has been Performed in the Past? If the current owner has a record of past propane tank and furnace maintenance, that information is helpful. When you know the date of the last service you can time your next maintenance appointment accordingly. And you can get a better idea of the condition of the current furnace and propane tank. 
7. What is the Efficiency Rating of the Furnace? Asking about the efficiency rating of a propane furnace provides you with necessary information about the propane usage to expect as well as the worth of the furnace.  

Embracing a Home that Heats with Propane 

If you’ve never lived in a propane-heated home before, you may not be aware of all the benefits. Don’t turn down a home you like simply because it uses propane for heat or other appliances. Keep in mind that propane is an affordable, clean-burning, and non-toxic heating fuel that many prefer over natural gas and electric heat because of the radiant warmth it creates and its efficiency.  

Propane Delivery in Greensboro by Berico  

No matter what supplier owns the tank, it’s easy to switch to a reliable provider such as Berico. Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, making the switch easy and painless. Berico also offers propane pricing deals, payment plans, and automatic delivery plans to make propane service affordable and convenient. Call (336) 273-8663 to discuss propane delivery in Greensboro with the experts at Berico.

Is your air conditioner starting to show some unusual behavior? It may be a warning that it’s time to replace it. There are a variety of signs that indicate an air conditioner may be on its last legs, and replacing it before it gives out completely is wise. If you need AC replacement in Reidsville, call Carolina Fuels (336) 623-9741 or schedule HVAC service. 

 

Warning Signs of a Dying Air Conditioner

 

• Unusual noises. Is your AC making a lot of noise? Or are you hearing noises from it that don’t seem normal? A worn-out air conditioner tends to get noisy, and those sounds are often a sign that it will soon need to be replaced. 

• Fluid leaks. Do you see liquid around your outdoor unit? Other than a small amount of condensation, there should not be fluids coming out of your air conditioner. Depending on the severity of the leak, this could mean a replacement is necessary. 

• Uneven cooling. Do some areas of your home seem cool and others not? If your air conditioner is not able to cool your home evenly, it may be reaching its end. 

• Low airflow. First, check your filters to make they aren’t clogged. If the filters seem fine but airflow is low, you may have a problem that is not easily repaired. System replacement could be on the horizon. 

• Air isn’t cool. Is the air coming from your vents is warm instead of cool? This is a sign of major AC malfunction that could result in the need for replacement. 

• Needs frequent repairs. Has your HVAC repairman been your most frequent visitor? When your AC needs to be repaired more than twice in a year, it may be time to consider replacing it instead. 

• It’s more than 10 years old. The age of your air conditioner could be reason enough to replace it. Air conditioners have an average life span of 10-15 years. If your system is older than 10 years it significantly less efficient than a new system. Replacing it could save you money on your monthly energy bill. 

• Energy bills are on the rise. A rising energy bill is an indicator that your AC is not operating properly. A malfunctioning machine uses more energy than it should, and your bill may show it. 

• An expensive repair is needed. If your AC requires a repair that costs over half the total cost of a new unit, your best option may be to go ahead and replace it, especially if it is an older system. 

• Poor air quality. If you notice strange smells, especially a musty smell, you could have mold growing in your system which can be extremely harmful to your respiratory system. If you see more dust on surfaces or blowing around your home, this is also abnormal. A total system replacement may be necessary to eliminate these allergens. 

 

Reliable AC Replacement in Reidsville by Carolina Fuels

If you notice any of these 10 signs, call Carolina Fuels for an AC evaluation: (336) 623-9741 or schedule HVAC service. Your Carolina Fuels technician will give you an honest recommendation on whether or not you need AC replacement in Reidsville. You don’t have to fear the cost, because affordable financing options are available. And with a new high-efficiency system, you could even save money on a monthly basis and in the long term. Call Carolina Fuels today and replace that old machine before it can quit on you. 

The most common type of HVAC System is forced air. Forced air HVAC systems, consisting of a furnace and an air conditioner, require ductwork to move air around your home in order to provide heating and cooling. Forced air HVAC systems are cost-effective and energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for most homeowners. 

Whether you already have a forced-air HVAC system with ductwork in place or you’re facing AC replacement in Burlington and wondering whether a forced-air system is right for you, there are three main things you should know about HVAC ductwork. 

 

• How Ductwork Functions. Ductwork is a series of metal or fiberglass tubing that connects the air conditioner and furnace to the rest of the home. The primary function of the ductwork is to move air from the intake vents into the AC or furnace for conditioning (heating or cooling) and then around to each room of a home. Ducts are insulated and sealed to keep conditioned air in and unconditioned air out. There are other parts that play a key part in the function of the ductwork, such as filters that keep out dust and dirt, and the blower that forces the air through the ducts. 

• Proper Installation is Key. Ductwork must be properly installed in order to effectively transport air. It’s important that the installer has training and experience in HVAC duct installation. The biggest concern is to be sure to adequately seal any seams between ducts. Leaks can cause lack of efficiency as conditioned air escapes and unconditioned air seeps in. Quality materials play an important role in preventing leaks during ductwork installation and in future operation.

• Keeping Ductwork Clean and Maintained. While proper installation is crucial, regular maintenance is necessary to keep ductwork operating properly. Even when you change your filters regularly, over time dust, pollen, and other small particles from the air manage to get past the filters and end up in the ducts. Cracks or holes that sometimes develop over time can allow pests to get inside the ducts and nest. Shifting due to house settling or changes in temperature can cause leaks to form. Professional ductwork cleaning and maintenance can restore ducts to their best working condition for optimal energy efficiency and prevent the spread of allergens throughout your home. 

 

AC Replacement in Burlington by the Experts at Alamance Oil 

Forced air HVAC systems can be installed in existing homes or as part of new home construction. In new construction, the ductwork can be built into the design so that it is invisible once the home is finished. Ductwork can be fitted into an existing home using a variety of methods to conceal them, such as the use of attic and storage space when available. Alamance Oil has the experience and training necessary to properly install your ductwork as part of your AC replacement in Burlington. Whether you need ductwork installation or maintenance, call Alamance Oil: (336) 226-9371.

What’s the number one reason homeowners opt out of yearly HVAC maintenance? The cost. You don’t want to pay for AC repair in Greensboro when nothing seems to be wrong with your system. But the reality is that preventative maintenance can actually save you money, in three specific ways.

• Energy Efficiency. One way that AC maintenance can save you money is through increased energy efficiency.

• As your air conditioner operates it accumulates dirt, dust, and grime that needs to be cleaned out. When your evaporator coil (the part that holds the refrigerant and does most of the work cooling the air that eventually goes through your ducts to cool your home) gets dirty it inhibits its cooling capabilities. The dirt insulates the coil, keeping the heat from transferring as it should, which can cause your system to freeze over or fail to achieve your desired indoor temperature.

• As parts wear out they need to be replaced. Otherwise, your system can fail at any time when a part breaks, and you won’t be able to predict when.

• Lubrication dries up and the moving parts of your air conditioner won’t move as easily. The friction that results causes your system to work harder than it should and parts wear out faster than they typically would.

• Fewer Repair Fees. Unexpected repairs can result in you paying more for services. For example:

• Emergency or after-hours fees. When you have to call an HVAC service to come out for a repair after normal business hours, such as nights or weekends, you may pay a higher fee.

• Frequent repairs needed. An HVAC system that is not regularly tuned up is likely to break down more often and require more frequent repairs, which will cost more in the long run than the upfront cost of yearly maintenance.

• Longer AC Lifespan. An HVAC system that receives regular maintenance will last longer than one that doesn’t. Much like a car or any other working machine, taking proper care of it will allow you to get more years of quality performance out of it. If you’ve ever had to replace your HVAC system, you know that’s a pretty significant financial undertaking. You don’t want to have to do it often or prematurely, which is more likely to happen without routine maintenance.

 

Save Even More when you choose Berico AC Repair in Greensboro

Now that you know the top 3 ways that AC maintenance can save you money, you should know all the ways Berico can save you even more. When you schedule yearly AC repair in Greensboro with a Berico technician, you receive the following additional benefits:

• 20% off all repairs
• 20% off diagnostic fees
• No after-hours charges on repairs
• Priority Service
• $50 in Bonus Bucks (can be used toward new equipment)
• $500 off a new oil or propane furnace

A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico includes yearly AC maintenance and all of the above benefits. Get the best performance out of your HVAC system and save money at the same time. Call to schedule your maintenance appointment today: (336) 273-8663.