On the Fence about Propane? Here’s what you Need to Know

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Have you been thinking about switching to propane but you’re still undecided? It’s normal to have some uncertainties if you’ve never used propane before. Many households and businesses use propane in Eden, Reidsville, and the surrounding area for a variety of positive reasons. Here are some facts about propane that may help you to make your decision.  

What You Should Know About Propane: 

  • Propane is Affordable. When compared with other energy and heating sources, propane is an affordable option. It’s efficient – producing a lot of heat and energy with just a small amount of fuel. It’s versatile – able to power other appliances in addition to your furnace, such as your stove/oven, clothing dryer, water heater, and more. You can reduce your monthly power bill by using propane.  
  • Propane is Safe. Propane only ignites at extremely high temperatures, making it a non-volatile fuel. It is non-toxic/not poisonous and stored in a tank outside of your home. You have no reason to worry about the safety of propane.  
  • Propane is Easy on the Environment. Its non-toxic nature also means it does not harm the environment. It won’t contaminate water or soil and it releases no greenhouse gases. Using propane can actually reduce your household or business’s impact on the environment.  
  • Propane is Reliable. If the power goes out, propane still works. Your home and your family will still be warm, be able to take hot showers, cook meals, and dry clothes. Propane can even power a generator to keep your electrical appliances running, like your refrigerator.  

What You Should Know About Propane in Eden from Carolina Fuels: 

  • Deliveries can be Automatic. You never have to worry about running out of propane or remembering to call and request a refill. Carolina Fuels times your deliveries based on your household usage, the weather, and other factors.  
  • You Can Save More with Pricing and Maintenance Plans. Price protection plans, HVAC maintenance plans, and other combined services can make your propane deliveries more affordable. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan combines maintenance with propane deliveries for a discount. 
  • Emergency Service. If you ever need an emergency delivery or furnace repair, Carolina Fuels is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You’ll get priority service and no emergency fees if you’re a Comfort and Protection Service Plan customer.  
  • Locally Owned and Operated Propane Company. An important fact to keep in mind about Carolina Fuels is that the company is local. They operate in Eden, Reidsville, and the surrounding area. A local supplier can get fuel to you faster in an emergency and can offer lower prices because transportation is not a huge expense. 

Still on the Fence about Propane? 

If you’re still not sure, call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741 to speak with a representative about the benefits of using propane. You’ll get honest, factual information that you can easily understand. Become a propane customer with Carolina Fuels today and start experiencing the benefits.  

4 Propane Safety Tips for Families with Small Children

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4 Propane Safety Tips for Families with Small Children

Propane is a highly safe source of energy. It is non-toxic, clean-burning, and it only ignites at extremely high temperatures. Although safe, homes with small children should manage fuels with proper safety precautions. Here are some safety tips that can help teach little ones how to be safe around propane in Greensboro. 

A wonderful resource for children is www.propanekids.com. This is an interactive site with games, printable activities, and other information about propane safety for kids. 

Do a Home Propane Inspection

Familiarize your children with the ways propane is used in your home. They should know which appliances use it, where the tank is located, and where the propane enters your home. Explain to your children the importance of never touching or playing with the propane equipment or tanks. You can use this checklist as a guide. By involving your child in the process of checking your home’s propane equipment, they will be actively learning and are more likely to remember. 

Introduce your Children to the Smell of Propane

When your supplier makes a delivery, ask them to allow you and your children to smell the propane to know the odor. If a refill isn’t needed, describe the smell of propane to your children. The smell is like rotten eggs or a skunk. Make sure they know to tell an adult if they think they smell propane.

Designate a Family Emergency Meeting Place

For a multitude of safety purposes, your family should have an emergency meeting place outside of your home. Ideally, this place is off-property, but nearby and within sight of your home. This emergency meeting place is adequate in case of a propane leak. Review this meeting place with your children, or establish a meeting place if you don’t already have one designated.

Have a Propane Safety Drill

Make sure your children know what to do in the event of a possible propane leak. Go over safety steps and then hold a practice drill. Here are the appropriate steps to take if someone smells propane in or around the home. 

  • If a child smells propane, the child should tell an adult.
  • If an adult smells propane, first extinguish any flames, such as candles or stove burners.
  • The adult should then turn off the propane at the tank by turning the valve clockwise until it stops. If you are unsure how to do this, skip this step.
  • Everyone must leave the home and property. An adult should make sure everyone is out, including pets.
  • Once everyone reaches the emergency meeting place, the adult should then call the propane supplier or 911 if the supplier cannot be reached.
  • No one should reenter the home or area until a propane professional has deemed it safe to do so.

Practice these steps with your children so that they will know what to do and will not be frightened if a propane leak occurs. 

Get a Propane Inspection from your Supplier of Propane in Greensboro 

Lastly, scheduling regular propane inspections from your supplier maximizes your home’s safety. Every time you receive a delivery of propane in Greensboro, have your tank and gas lines inspected. For the utmost safety, have your propane appliances inspected as well for proper function because faulty appliances are often the culprits of propane leaks. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a propane inspection to make sure your home is a safe place for your family.

4 Reasons Propane is More Efficient than Other Heating Fuels

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4 Reasons Propane is More Efficient than Other Heating FuelsThe most common heating fuels used in Burlington are Propane and Natural Gas. Oil is also used, but not as much in recent years. In comparison, propane is more efficient than natural gas for a variety of reasons. If you are debating between choosing propane or natural gas for heating, here are four reasons that propane is more efficient.

 

It burns hotter

When it burns, propane burns at a higher temperature than natural gas, which is the reason it takes less propane than gas to get your home heated to your desired temperature. The high heat capacity of propane allows your home to heat faster so that it feels comfortable much sooner on a cold day or night. If you tend to turn your heat down when no one is home, propane heat will recover much faster so that you feel the heat sooner once you get home and turn up the thermostat. 

Less is More

Propane is more concentrated than natural gas. It produces more than twice the energy of the same amount of natural gas. In BTU’s (British Thermal Units), it is approximately 2,516 per cubic foot of propane vs. 1,030 per cubic foot of natural gas. Mathematically, propane yields more energy. 

Propane is a pure gas

Propane is a gas extracted from natural gas. It is separated during the production of natural gas and sold to suppliers as a pure fuel. Natural gas contains propane, methane, butane, ethane, and pentane. While natural gas gets its name from the fact that it occurs naturally to some extent, it is also processed before it gets to consumers. Natural gas is a greenhouse gas, but propane is not. Its purity is one of the reasons behind its efficiency.

Propane heat feels warmer

You can actually set your thermostat lower because the warm, radiant heat of propane feels warmer than the heat you get from natural gas. You’ll feel cozier and may require fewer blankets or extra layers of clothing. When it comes to a gas log fireplace, propane is more efficient here as well, providing a greater warmth and ambiance. Some homeowners even choose to fuel their gas logs with propane when the rest of their home appliances run on natural gas, simply because it feels warmer. 

Burlington Propane is Convenient

Not only is propane highly efficient, it can be conveniently delivered right to you. A common myth about propane is that it is not as convenient as natural gas, but it is more so. Not every home has access to natural gas lines, but Burlington propane can be made available to anyone, anywhere. A propane tank can be placed on your property or buried underground if you prefer. You can even receive automatic propane refills to ensure you never run out. 

Call Alamance Oil today at (336) 226-9371 to schedule propane delivery and experience the efficiency for yourself. 

6 Warning Signs that it’s Time for Furnace Repair

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When was the last time you had your furnace repaired? If it’s been so long you can’t remember or more than a year – it’s time to have it looked at by an HVAC certified technician. HVAC experts recommend yearly maintenance for furnaces before or at the start of the cold weather season. 

What signs do you need to look out for before you schedule heating repair in Burlington? These are the six major signs that could spell out trouble.

Strange Noises

Are there strange new sounds coming from the furnace? You may hear a groaning noise that could mean the bearings are wearing out. If you hear a high pitched squeal or whining sound, it could indicate an air leak. A loud clicking or clacking sounds could mean a cracked heat exchanger. There are lots of unusual sounds that can come from a furnace that needs repair. 

Cycling on and off repeatedly

Does your furnace seem to start up, stop, and then start up again? Does your thermostat never seem to reach the desired temperature? This could mean a few different problems, possibly something as simple as a dirty heat sensor that needs cleaning, or something more serious. It is not normal, and it means your furnace needs heating repair in Burlington. 

Rising energy costs

Have your energy bills been higher and higher each month? Depending on the type of furnace you have, this could mean your natural gas bill or your electric bill. If your furnace uses propane or oil, you probably buy your fuel in bulk or pay for it monthly at a predetermined price.  Whatever energy source you use, if your heating costs are getting higher, it indicates that your furnace is not working efficiently. 

Bad smells

Have you noticed a burning smell coming from your furnace? This could be the result of a soot buildup in the heat exchanger or on other parts that come in contact with flame or extreme heat. If you smell a musty smell, it could be that there is moisture collecting somewhere that it shouldn’t be and it’s growing mold or mildew. 

Uneven heating throughout your home

Do some rooms feel warmer than others? This inconsistency points to the furnace operating improperly. As your furnace gets older, it struggles to heat the same square footage correctly. This could result in a simple repair or replacement of the furnace.

Your furnace is more than 20 years old

Most furnaces have a life expectancy of 15-20 years at the most. Many last much longer, but others fall short of the 20-year mark. If your furnace is getting up in age, there’s a good chance it could use inspection and tune-up to make sure it is still operating properly. 

 

Call Alamance Oil for Heating Repair in Burlington

Have you noticed any of these 6 signs? Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 to schedule heating repair in Burlington or request service here. The sooner you call the better to ensure your furnace is ready for winter. 

5 Ways Furnace Maintenance can Save you Money

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Why don’t you have your furnace inspected, cleaned, and tuned up every year? Is it because you don’t want to pay for maintenance? It worked just fine last year, it will be fine again this year, right? 

But what if it isn’t fine? What if the collected dust, soot, and moisture from the summer humidity has caused damage to the heat exchanger or clouded up the heat sensor? What if there is some other issue that may keep it from running properly and you don’t find out until you need to turn on the heat on a cold night? 

There are a lot of important questions here. Instead of questioning, know for sure that your furnace is working properly. The cost of maintenance is not only worth it, but it can mean you’ll pay less for heating this year. 

Here are 5 ways furnace repair in Greensboro can save you money:

Energy Efficiency

The biggest everyday cost associated with your furnace comes from the heating energy it uses. Whether it runs on gas, electricity, propane, or oil, a well-maintained furnace will use the least amount of energy, saving you money on your monthly bills. 

Avoid Emergency Repairs

If your furnace breaks down on a cold night, you may find yourself in need of an emergency repair. Emergency and after-hours fees are usually higher for most HVAC companies. If you had your furnace inspected and repaired before the cold weather set in, you most likely could have avoided these fees. 

Lengthen the LifeSpan of your Furnace

A regularly maintained furnace and tuned up will run for many more years than one that sits neglected. Furnace replacement is expensive, and yearly furnace repair in Greensboro by an experienced HVAC service can add years to your furnace’s life span. 

Heating Fuel Discount

If your furnace runs on propane or oil, Berico offers a package deal including HVAC maintenance and discounted heating fuel. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan and you’ll save money in multiple ways. 

Preferred Customer Perks

HVAC companies offer additional benefits when you sign up for regular yearly maintenance. At Berico, these added benefits include priority service, 20% discount on repairs and diagnostic fees, bonus bucks toward new equipment, waived emergency and after-hours fees, and more. 

 

Still Not Convinced? Consider the Current Specials

In addition to all the ways listed above that furnace repair in Greensboro can save you money, Berico offers seasonal specials that make repairs, maintenance, and heating fuel more affordable. Check out the current specials for more ways to save on heating costs this year. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule furnace maintenance today. 

Building a New Home? Here’s Why You Should Choose Propane

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new construction homeBuilding a new home is an exciting adventure full of choices. And one of the choices you’ll need to make is what energy source you want for your home. When it comes to home heating, there are other options available besides electric heat.  

Propane is a common household energy source with a lot of benefits. Alamance Oil, your Burlington propane provider, is available and makes the entire process easy, so consider the many reasons you should choose propane for your new home.  

Energy Efficiency 

One of the biggest benefits of using propane is the fact that it is energy efficient. Propane produces more heat per BTU than oil or natural gas, meaning a smaller amount of propane is required to produce the same amount of heat or energy as other fuels. Building a new home that uses less fuel could mean you save a lot of money on your energy bills.  

Versatility 

Propane can be used for much more than just home heat. Propane can be used to fuel your stove, oven, grill, clothes dryer, and more. When it comes to choosing your new home appliances, keep propane in mind and find appliances that can run on propane.  

Safety 

Propane burns clean, is non-toxic, and won’t pollute the environment or contaminate groundwater if a leak occurs. It only burns at extremely high temperatures, so the fire risk is very low. It emits no greenhouse gases. By choosing propane, you are not only protecting your home and family, you’re doing your part to reduce your household’s impact on the environment.  

Affordability 

Want to avoid a monthly heating bill and reduce your electric bill? Propane is typically purchased in bulk before the cold weather season. You can pay one time a year, or even less if your tank holds enough for multiple years or if the weather is mild. However, if spreading out the cost over time works better for your budget, monthly payment plans are available as well.  

Convenience 

Propane can be delivered anywhere, even to rural areas where natural gas lines don’t reach. If you’re building your new home in the suburbs, propane might be your best option for home heat and other appliances. And propane works when the power goes out, so you’ll still have heat, hot water, and a hot meal even when there’s no electricity.  

Plan for Propane from the Start 

If you’re planning to use propane in your new home, communicate this to your builder as soon as you have decided. Your builder may ask you about your plans for home heating and cooling and other appliances before you get the chance to bring it up. But make sure it is a part of the initial planning. The sooner you incorporate this into the home design, the better. A propane home may need some specifics in structure, equipment, and landscaping.  

Want to talk to an expert about household propane usage? Call Burlington propane supplier Alamance Oil today at (336) 226-9371 to discuss your options for using propane in your new home.  

4 Reasons to Switch to Propane Auto-Delivery vs. Will Call

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propane delivery greensboro, ncDo you use propane in your home? If so, how do you get your tank refilled? If you’re waiting until you run out or are close to running out to call for a refill, you may be doing yourself a disservice. There are some pretty significant advantages to having your propane automatically delivered by your Greensboro propane delivery service. Consider these 4 reasons to switch to propane auto-delivery.

 

  • Never run out. Running out of propane on a cold winter day is not a pleasant situation. Your home can get chilly pretty fast and you may have to wait a while for a refill. Another factor to consider is that letting your tank get completely empty can actually cause problems with the tank and/or your gas lines. If your propane runs out, let your supplier know so that the proper steps can be taken to inspect your tank and gas lines for any leaks or other damage before refilling.
  • Save money. There are many ways that automatic propane delivery can save you money. First, by being proactive you can avoid paying the high prices when propane prices spike during a cold spell. Making sure your tank never runs out can help you avoid extra fees that come from the additional steps that have to be taken to refill an empty tank. 
  • Pay your way. When you set up automatic propane delivery with your supplier you have more options for payment. You can pay upfront for a tank refill or you can have the cost spread out over the year and make monthly payments. By choosing automatic delivery you are showing your loyalty to your supplier, which makes them want to offer you more options to earn and keep your business. 
  • Service plans have additional perks. When you combine automatic propane deliveries with routine furnace maintenance in one affordable package, you can save even more money. These packages also come with extra benefits such as discounts on repairs, priority service, waived fees, propane discounts, and more. 

 

Payment Options with Berico

When you sign up for auto-delivery you qualify for EZ Pay, which allows you to make payments monthly. Some customers find it much easier to budget monthly for the cost of propane than it is to pay for it in one lump sum. 

Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Plans

By purchasing a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico, you get a package deal on HVAC maintenance and propane deliveries. Premium Preventative Maintenance Plans includes an annual tune-up, 20% off all repairs (parts and labor), 20% off diagnostic fees, no after-hours charges on repairs, $50 Bonus Bucks (can be used toward new equipment), $500 off new Oil or Propane Furnace, and priority service. 

Get These Benefits and More with Automatic Greensboro Propane Delivery from Berico

Peace of mind is a valuable commodity. Take one worry off your list by signing up for automatic propane delivery from a supplier you can trust. Berico has been providing Greensboro propane delivery and HVAC service since 1924. Let Berico handle your propane deliveries so you don’t have to worry about running out or calling in before you do. Call (336) 273-8663 to sign up for auto-delivery today.

6 Ways to Save Money Using Propane

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Propane is one of the most efficient and inexpensive energy sources available. It is also very versatile, providing energy for many different uses. By using propane for a variety of purposes around your home, you can save a significant amount of money. Here are 6 ways you can save money using propane in Greensboro.

 

  • Home heating. One of the most common household uses for propane is heating. Propane is an efficient, clean-burning, and non-toxic way to fuel your furnace. Propane burns hotter and produces more heat than the same amount of other fuels, making it high on the efficiency scale. 
  • Heating water. A propane water heater is very efficient, heating water faster and to a higher temperature than other energy sources. The hotter the water, the less you’ll need to achieve the desired water temperature for showering or washing dishes. And you’re less likely to run out because the hotter water will stretch further and when the supply gets low it can recover faster. 
  • Cooking. Propane can be used to fuel your stove and oven. Many professional chefs prefer to cook over a flame because it creates a more evenly distributed heat. Propane gas does provide a flame burner for your stovetop. It also helps your oven to heat faster for cooking and baking. 
  • Grilling. Propane is one of the most popular choices for backyard grills for a variety of reasons. It comes in small, portable cylinders that can be refilled and reused. It heats instantly, making it possible to start grilling immediately, much faster and more affordable than heating charcoal. You’ll get many more grilled meals out of a small propane cylinder than even the largest bag of charcoal. 
  • Laundry. Propane dryers are much more efficient than electric dryers. Clothes dry faster using less energy. Propane also heats the water used by your washing machine for hot water loads. You save money on both machines when it comes to propane-fueled laundry. 
  • Generator. When the power goes out it can be extremely frustrating. Not only are you unable to use your electrical appliances, but a long time without power can cause entire refrigerators and freezers full of food to spoil. A propane-fueled generator can create enough backup electricity to fuel your refrigerator and freezer while the power is out, and maybe even more electronics depending on the capacity of your generator. 

 

How to Save on Propane Tank Refills 

Now that you know 6 ways to save money using propane, here are some tips for saving money when you purchase propane in Greensboro. As you may know, the price of propane fluctuates over the months and years, typically based on the price of crude oil, the weather, and demand. But you can save money with payment and pricing programs from Berico, such as the Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan and the Fixed Price Plan. 

  • Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan. This plan allows you to purchase propane in advance when the price is lower, even if you don’t need a refill yet. Read more about the plan here. 
  • Fixed Price Plan. This plan allows you to lock in a price for propane as long as you commit to purchasing a certain amount during the year. On this plan you also have the opportunity to sign up for EZ Pay, which is a monthly payment plan for your propane, making the cost more budget-friendly. Get additional details here. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to inquire about prices and delivery of propane in Greensboro. Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, so make the switch today.

5 Reasons to Schedule Propane Furnace Maintenance Before Winter

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propane delivery in Eden, NCWhen should you have your furnace repaired? When it breaks down on a cold winter day? Or in the fall before the weather gets cold? 

Being proactive about furnace maintenance can prevent untimely problems on cold days. There are many reasons HVAC experts recommend scheduling yearly furnace maintenance in late summer or early fall. It’s also a good idea to combine your yearly furnace tune-up with propane delivery in Eden to make sure you’re prepared for cold weather. Consider these 5 reasons to schedule furnace maintenance before winter.

 

  • Save money. While furnace maintenance does come at a cost, that cost is significantly less than the cost of an emergency furnace repair, and just a small fraction of the cost of a new furnace. Furnace maintenance also improves the energy efficiency of your furnace, meaning it uses less propane, which saves you money. You also avoid paying after-hours fees if you were to have a problem with your furnace at night or on the weekend. Keeping up with furnace maintenance each year can extend the life of your furnace. 
  • Availability of appointments. If you call to schedule your furnace maintenance in the fall, you’ll find a lot more flexibility in the appointment times that are available. Waiting until the cold winter months means the furnace technicians are often busy handling emergency repairs and won’t have as many available appointments for maintenance. If you wait until the first cold night to turn on your furnace and discover that it isn’t working, imagine how many others will be in the same boat. You may be waiting a while for service. 
  • Avoid discomfort. When your furnace quits on a cold day, your home can get unbearably cold in a short time. If you’ve ever woken up to a cold house because your furnace broke down in the night, that’s an experience you won’t soon forget. It could have been avoided with a furnace inspection and tune-up. 
  • Save time. Combine your furnace tune-up with propane delivery in Eden so you only have to carve out time for one appointment. And instead of wondering if you have enough propane to get through the winter, you can get refilled in advance and rest assured that you’re covered.
  • Safety. A neglected furnace can be a safety hazard. When dust and soot build up in the heat exchanger or on the igniter, there’s an increase in the risk of fire. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can release an unhealthy amount of carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous to people and can cause all sorts of health problems. 

 

Reasons to Call Carolina Fuels for your Furnace Maintenance

Now that you know the importance of scheduling furnace maintenance before winter, you just need to know who to call. Carolina Fuels is a reliable HVAC and propane delivery service serving Eden, Reidsville, and the surrounding area. Carolina Fuels offers affordable maintenance packages that include propane refills. These are called Comfort and Protection Service Plans and they include discounts, priority service, waived after-hours fees, and other benefits. 

Don’t wait. Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to schedule furnace maintenance and propane delivery in Eden.

7 Propane Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

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gas stove litPropane 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.