Do you ever wonder about the quality of the air inside your home? Surprisingly, the air inside your home likely contains more pollutants than the air outside. Perhaps you’ve never considered it before. Maybe you have but you don’t know how to go about testing the quality of your air. It’s certainly something worth looking into, for your own health and the health of your family and pets. Your central air system is key to indoor air quality, so one of the best places to start is with your Greensboro HVAC service. 

Start with an HVAC Inspection and Tune-Up to Improve Indoor Air Quality 

Before you even bother with testing the air quality in your home, first call your Greensboro HVAC company for an inspection and tune-up. A complete HVAC inspection and tune-up should include: 

• Furnace or Heating System(s). If you have a furnace that runs on natural gas, propane, or oil, it creates carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fuel. A properly operating system will produce minimal amounts of carbon monoxide and vent it outside of your home. An inspection will reveal any problems that could cause carbon monoxide to be present in your home. A tune up will fix any of these problems.  
• Air Conditioner(s). Air conditioners are typically electric, which means they don’t produce carbon monoxide, but they can be the cause of other air pollutants such as mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow inside of air conditioning systems that are not properly controlling humidity, and those major allergens can cause all sorts of health problems. An inspection will reveal any mold or mildew growth and a thorough cleaning will remove it.  
• Ventilation. The ventilation for your HVAC system plays a big part in the removal of carbon monoxide and the prevention of mold and mildew growth. The ductwork and other parts of the ventilation system need to be inspected and repaired if necessary to prevent indoor air pollution. 

Indoor Air Quality Tests: Which is Right for You? 

There are do-it-yourself kits for various air pollutants as well as professionals who will come and test your air. Typically the do-it-yourself kits are less expensive but may not be as reliable. If cost is a factor for you, it can be helpful to determine what you should test for, since many of the DIY kits only test for one particular air pollutant. Some of the typical household air pollutants are: 

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals found in household cleaners and other items you may keep in the home. One example is formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.  
• Lead. Typically found in older homes (before 1978) from paint, or in homes near highways where leaded gasoline pollution is possible.  
• Radon. A radioactive gas that occurs naturally within the earth can seep into your home from the ground through cracks in your foundation. Most homes have radon testing before being built or sold, but if you’ve been in your home for many years it would be wise to test again.  
• Allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew are the most common allergens that may exist in your home air.   
• Bacteria. Some harmful bacteria can build up in your air and become highly concentrated so as to cause health problems.  
• Carbon Monoxide. As mentioned above, carbon monoxide typically comes from your furnace or any other gas appliance you may have.  

When purchasing or ordering tests, only choose the ones for the air pollutants you think could be the problem in your home. For example, if you don’t have any gas, propane, or oil appliances, you probably don’t have a carbon monoxide issue. If your home was built in the 1980s or later, you probably don’t have an issue with lead.  

Call Berico, your Greensboro HVAC expert, to make sure your home’s air system isn’t the cause of poor quality air in your home: (336) 273-8663. 

Thinking of using propane for home heating in Eden this winter? If you’ve never used propane before you probably have questions about it. Here are 5 commonly asked questions about propane that should help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home. 

1. What is Propane? Propane is a by-product of natural gas and petroleum (crude oil) that is typically manufactured at oil refineries. It is a highly versatile fuel that can be used to heat homes and supply energy to stoves, ovens, clothing dryers, water heaters, and more.  
2. Is Propane Safe? Propane is an extremely safe way to heat your home. Propane is typically stored in liquid form in a tank outside your home, either above or below the ground. It has an odor that resembles rotten eggs that will alert you if there is a leak. Propane tanks and equipment are designed with special features to ensure the highest level of safety.  
3. Will Propane Harm the Environment? After the safety of home and family, people often consider the environment when thinking about heating fuels. Propane is non-toxic, clean-burning, and will not harm the environment. When it burns it does not release any greenhouse gases. You can rest assured that propane is environmentally friendly.  
4. Is Propane More or Less Expensive than Other Fuels? Homeowners want to know that they are making an affordable choice for home heating. Propane home heating in Eden can seem to be more expensive than natural gas when you compare pricing directly, but there have been times when natural gas was more costly. Propane also burns more efficiently than natural gas, so you use less, thus saving money. In addition to price, consider the other benefits of propane, like its versatility (it can power other appliances such as dryers and water heaters, which is more efficient than electric) and the fact that it can be delivered to places where natural gas is not available. 
5. How Will I Know if My Tank is Getting Low? Running out of propane is a valid concern, but it’s completely avoidable. If you’re not sure how much propane is in your tank, have Carolina Fuels check the level and refill it if necessary. Then sign up for regular propane deliveries that will ensure you never run out. 

Switching to Propane Home Heating in Eden is Easy 

Now that some of your questions are answered, you should know that switching to propane is easy if you choose to go that route. A propane tank can be installed on any property, as long as you own your home and land. The tank can be above or below ground, whichever you prefer. If you are simply switching from another propane supplier to Carolina Fuels, the tank swap is free. Regularly scheduled deliveries are convenient and can include complete HVAC maintenance as well for both your furnace and your air conditioner. If you have additional questions about propane home heating in Eden, call (336) 313-0466.

The last thing you want to encounter on a cold day is a chilly house. Whether you wake up cold or come home to a frigid house after work, it’s obvious there is a problem with your heating system. It’s unpleasant, inconvenient, and potentially expensive to repair. Want to keep your Burlington furnace repair needs down to just routine maintenance? Consider these 5 common heating system problems and tips to prevent them. 

1. Lack of Heat. When your heating system is running, but the air coming from your vents is not warm, there are a few probable causes. There could be an internal mechanical error with the heat exchanger, pilot, or other parts. If you are experiencing a lack of heat, call your Burlington furnace repair service to diagnose and repair the problem. The best way to prevent this issue is to schedule yearly preventative maintenance in late summer or early fall.  
2. Constant On/Off Cycling. If your furnace seems to turn on, run for a short time, turn off, and then turn right back on again, this is definitely a sign of a system malfunction. Do not let this problem go unattended, because the constant cycling is hard on your heating system. You may have an electrical or mechanical error, or your flame sensor may need to be cleaned. The best way to prevent this problem? Routine furnace maintenance.  
3. Low Air Flow. Is there a lack of air or a low flow of air coming from your vents? This is most likely due a clogged filter, which is an easy fix. Simply replace your filters every 3 months to prevent excessive buildup of dust. If changing your filters doesn’t improve the air flow, there might be a problem with the blower itself. Call your HVAC service for repair.  
4. Pilot Light Issues. If your pilot light is supposed to stay lit and doesn’t, or if the electric pilot starter isn’t working properly, your furnace can’t make heat. In some cases the problem is with the gas or gas line itself, but it could also be internal furnace parts. Call your Burlington furnace repair service for pilot light issues. But if you smell gas in your home, call your gas provider and get out of the house. Preventative measures: you guessed it, routine furnace maintenance.  
5. Thermostat Malfunction. Sometimes thermostats don’t work properly or need to be recalibrated. If your thermostat isn’t properly sensing the temperature or calling for heat when it is needed, your furnace won’t be able to do its job. You may need your thermostat repaired or replaced. Digital thermostats are very reliable and programmable thermostats can help you save energy. If your old thermostat needs to be replaced, consider upgrading.  

Prevent Most Common Heating System Problems with Routine Burlington Furnace Repair 

If you’re only repairing your heating system when something goes wrong, you’re not getting the best performance out of your equipment. Yearly cleaning and maintenance will go a long way toward preventing malfunctions and saving you money on heating costs. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 for Burlington Furnace Repair and Maintenance.

Looking for ways to cut back your heating costs this season? There’s actually a lot you can do to pay less to heat your home. Some of these tips involve your heating system itself, others deal with your home insulation, and still others are about heating fuels. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC service in Greensboro can perform an energy audit on your home to determine where you’re losing energy, how to stop that loss, and prevent it in the future.  

Reduce Heating Costs with Routine HVAC Maintenance 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance for your heating system. Over the months and years that your system runs, it accumulates dirt and dust that can build up throughout the various parts of your heating system, reducing its efficiency. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and repairing your system, which restores it to top condition for the best possible performance. A clean, tuned up heating system will lower your energy costs during the cold weather months.  

Stop Losing Valuable Heat: Add or Repair your Insulation 

Poor or insufficient insulation is forcing your heating system to fight a losing battle. If the warm air your heating system creates can just seep out and cold air can seep in, you’ll never achieve a comfortable indoor air temperature. Your heating system will cycle on and off repeatedly, taking a beating in the process. The solution is to improve your insulation. Seal cracks, replace weather stripping around doors, and add insulation to places where there isn’t enough or any at all. If you’re not sure where you are losing heat, your HVAC service in Greensboro can do an energy audit, which will pinpoint cold spots in your home. Experts can then advise you on how to better insulate your home, or take care of the insulation improvements for you.  

The Heating Fuel you Use and How you Purchase It Can Reduce your Heating Costs 

Not all heating fuels are created equal. There have been many studies done to compare the cost of the main energy sources for heating: natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity. These energy sources are difficult to compare because they are all measured differently and they all create different amounts of heat from what seems to be the same amount of energy. If natural gas is already established in your home, it is one of the most cost-effective options for home heat. However, if you wish to use a gas log fireplace in addition to your home heating system, you may save money using propane for it separately. If you have an older home that happens to have an oil furnace, you’ll find that although oil seems to be more expensive to purchase, you can get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil when compared to propane or gas. Propane is another popular choice. You can save on energy costs by using propane for other appliances as well as home heat, such as your range and clothing dryer. You don’t typically have a choice which natural gas company provides your service, but you can choose from whom you purchase propane and oil.  

Save Money on Heating this Season with Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement 

The best way to cut back on energy costs is to work with Berico, a leading HVAC service in Greensboro. Save money on propane and heating oil when you sign up for regular deliveries. Keep your heating system running efficiently with routine maintenance. Combine all of these in one Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico and you will not only save money, but get convenience and peace of mind. Call (336) 273-8663 and stay warm for less this winter.

The three most common types of home heating fuels in Greensboro are natural gas, propane, and oil. You may not give much thought to which fuel your home uses. Most likely you have continued to use whatever fuel your home was equipped with when you moved in. But maybe you’ve been wondering if there is a better way to heat your home. Maybe you’re looking at new homes or building a custom home and have the opportunity to choose. Maybe your furnace has died and needs to be replaced. Whatever the reason, consider this comparison between home heating fuels to help you make your decision. 

• Propane: Propane offers a radiating warmth on cold days. And while it is perceived to cost more than natural gas, that is not always the case. One advantage of propane is that it can be delivered to any location. So, if your home doesn’t have access to natural gas, propane is a worthy alternative. You have your choice of suppliers from a few different options in most areas. Propane can also power other appliances besides your furnace. Your range, dryer, water heater, generator, and even some other appliances can run on propane, which could save you money. And you’ll still be able to cook and take hot showers if the power goes out.  
• Oil: Homeowners who use oil enjoy the cozy warmth it offers on cold winter days. While heating oil tends to get a bad rap because the cost seems to be higher than other fuels, the important cost factor to remember is that it burns hotter and heats faster. This means you get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil. You won’t use as much oil as you would propane or gas in the same amount of time. It may seem pricey when you fill your tank, but rest assured you won’t need deliveries as often. You also have a choice of suppliers in your area. 

Berico Offers Reliable Delivery of Heating Fuels in Greensboro 

If you like the benefits of alternative heating fuels such as propane or oil, Berico is a top supplier of heating fuels in Greensboro and beyond. Berico offers regular delivery agreements that can save you money on fuel, especially when combined with furnace maintenance. Call (336) 273-8663 for more information about home heating fuels and a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico.