Do you want the ambience of a fire in your fireplace without the hassle of hauling wood and shoveling ashes? Do you want to avoid the smell of wood smoke in your home? Gas logs are a cleaner, easier alternative to a traditional wood fireplace. But it is important to be just as careful with gas logs as with wood. Gas log fireplaces have a specific set of safety precautions that must be followed to keep your home and family safe. If you currently own or are considering converting to gas logs in Greensboro, NC, be sure to follow these safety tips.

1. Do not install gas logs yourself. This process should only be performed by a licensed contractor. Gas lines and electrical wires should only be handled by trained technicians who have experience with installation or conversion of gas log fireplaces.
2. Check county and city building codes. There are restrictions on gas log fireplaces in residential areas. Be sure you and your contractor look into the county and city codes regarding the installation of gas log fireplaces in your area/home before making any changes.
3. Be sure all necessary detectors are installed. Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and oxygen depletion sensors should all be in place to ensure safe operation of your gas logs.
4. Have your chimney swept. If you are converting from a wood fireplace to a gas log fireplace it is very important to be sure your chimney is clear of all debris and soot.
5. Schedule routine maintenance for your gas logs in Greensboro, NC. Proper and safe operation of a gas log fireplace depends on yearly maintenance by a professional. This is an important step each year that should be taken care of before your fireplace is used. Maintenance should include a thorough cleaning of the logs, accessories, fan, air circulation passages, vents, and the glass screen. Your carbon monoxide detector should be tested and the batteries replaced.
6. If you smell gas: make sure all people immediately leave the home. Call 911 from a safe distance.
7. If you notice unusual smells or a change in the appearance of the flames: call your gas log service provider or another gas log fireplace professional.
8. Be sure you know how to use your vented or unvented logs. If your gas log fireplace is vented, make sure your chimney flue is locked in the open position. If unvented be sure you limit your use to a few hours at a time to avoid excessive carbon monoxide buildup.

Have your Gas Logs Installed or Serviced by Berico for Safe Operation this Winter

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to fireplaces of all kinds. Berico wants to make sure you and your family will be safe this winter as you heat your home. If you are thinking of converting from a wood fireplace to gas logs in Greensboro, NC, a licensed Berico technician can perform this installation and recommend the best option for your home. If you already have gas logs, Berico can service them to ensure safe and efficient operation. Call for a free estimate or to schedule service: (336) 273-8663.

Colder weather is on the horizon. Is your home ready for winter? Freezing temperatures and snow can take their toll on your house, but you can avoid many household problems that can occur during winter by properly winterizing your home. Follow these steps and keep your eye out for propane specials in Greensboro, NC, that can save you money this year.

1. Schedule furnace maintenance. The sooner the better on this one. HVAC companies tend to get busy performing furnace tune-ups in this time of year, so make your appointment now. Furnace maintenance ensures your system is in good shape and will run smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter.
2. Have your propane or heating oil tank refilled. If your household heats with propane or heating oil, fall is a good time to make sure your tank is full. You definitely want to avoid running out on a cold winter night. Fall is a good time to find propane specials in Greensboro, NC, to help you save a little money on your heating fuel.
3. Seal up cracks or leaks in your home. Insulating your home to keep the warm air in and the cold air out will go a long way in making sure your home stays comfortable, your furnace works efficiently, and you save money. Seal up cracks in the walls or around doors and windows. For best results you can have a professional fully inspect your home for air leaks and improve your insulation before it gets cold.
4. Check the condition of your roof (or have it checked by a professional). If your roof has any weak spots or missing shingles, just one layer of snow can cause it to leak. Even a heavy frost might be all it takes for moisture to seep in. Your roof may also be letting cold air into your home and causing your furnace to work overtime. With experience, you can inspect and repair your own roof, but your safest bet is to have a professional roofer come out and take a look. They can make their recommendation for repair or replacement.

Berico Helps You Save Money with Propane Specials in Greensboro, NC

Looking for the best price on propane this fall? Hoping to save a little on your heating costs this year? Berico offers some promotional propane specials in Greensboro, NC, for new and existing customers that can make it more affordable to heat your home this fall and winter. New propane customers can enjoy their first 75 gallons of propane for free, as well as a free tank swap out. Sign up for automatic refills and get $20 off your next fill up. Refer a friend to Berico and get credits toward your services. And even without specials, Berico offers competitive prices on propane, heating oil, and other fuels as well as HVAC services like maintenance. Take advantage of these discounts and schedule a fall furnace tune-up and fuel delivery today. Call (336) 273-8663.

Are you looking for ways to lower your utility costs this winter? When the weather gets cold it is necessary to heat your home in some way. Whether you use propane, natural gas, electricity, heating oil, or another energy source for home heat, there are ways to reduce the cost. From furnace maintenance to propane deals in Burlington, NC, there are plenty of ways to save.

1. Schedule a furnace tune up. You may have heard that your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system needs regular maintenance. This not only prevents your system from breaking down, but it improves the efficiency of your furnace. An efficient furnace uses less energy, whether that’s electricity, propane, heating oil, or gas. When less energy is used, you pay less on your utility bills.
2. Improve your insulation. Do you have some rooms that are too cold or perhaps near doors and windows? Does it seem that your furnace is running constantly? You may have cracks or leaks that cold air can get through. Sealing up cracks around windows and doors can really reduce your heating costs. For further cost reduction, consider having a specialist come in and better insulate your home. You may pay the cost up front for this service, but the money you save will make it worth your while.
3. Switch from electric heat to propane or heating oil. If you’re using electricity to heat your home, you may find that propane or heating oil is much more affordable. Switching is easy and new customers often receive promotional discounts. You can also find propane deals in Burlington, NC, quite easily at certain times of the year. Paying for propane or oil at one time means you avoid rising monthly bills.
4. Install a new furnace. Is your furnace getting old? If it’s 10 or 15 years old you could definitely save energy by purchasing a new furnace. New heating systems are much more efficient than systems that were made even 7 years ago. A high-efficiency furnace uses significantly less electricity, propane, oil, or gas, which saves you money on home heating bills. The cost of a new furnace can be recouped in just a few years of lower energy bills.

Get Propane Deals in Burlington, NC, through Alamance Oil

If you’re looking to save money this winter, you should already be looking for propane deals in Burlington, NC, this fall. Being prepared early is another great way to save money on heating costs. Alamance Oil offers $20 off a propane delivery when you become an automatic fill customer for the first time. If you’re not an Alamance Oil Customer, switching means your first 75 gallons of propane is free, along with a free tank swap out. Check out other specials and find so many ways to save. Don’t pay too much for home heat this winter. Save through Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371.

Are you in the market for a new furnace? Maybe your old one is starting to fail, or perhaps you are building a new home and need to install a furnace for the first time. Whatever the reason you are considering a furnace installation in Burlington, NC, there are many different types to choose from. Finding the furnace that is best for you depends on a few different factors.

• Do you have allergies? If dust is an allergy irritant for you, forced air systems with ductwork may exacerbate that issue. Try an air purification systems that can be added to help filter out allergens.
• Does your home have ductwork? If there is already ductwork in place in your home, installing any type of forced air furnace is much easier and cost effective. Ductwork is necessary for furnaces and heat pumps. If it doesn’t have ductwork and you wish to avoid installing ducts, try a radiant heating option or a ductless mini-split system, though this type of system is rare in this region.
• How cold does it get where you live? If you experience extremely cold temperatures, avoid a heat pump which does not perform well in those conditions. Consider a boiler or furnace that uses propane or oil. Propane and oil are said to offer a cozier heat that radiates longer.
• Do you want the lowest possible heating costs? To keep heating costs as low as possible, propane, heating oil, and gas furnaces are very cost effective. Heat pumps are a very energy efficient and cost effective option as they transfer warmth more than they create it using heating fuel. However, when it does get very cold, a heat pump would need to be supplemented with another source of heat.
• Do you want to save on installation costs? If you want to keep installation costs down, consider a ductless system such as a mini-split HVAC system. These are wall-mounted units that are installed in each room that connect to a very small outdoor unit. Installation is quick and not at all invasive. These systems are very visible and many homeowners opt for other options for aesthetic reasons.
• Is it necessary to heat each room separately? If you want individualized heat and air conditioning for each room of your home, the ductless mini-split system is the best way to achieve this. Each room can be set to a different desired temperature. Each person can heat their room to their preference and parts of the home that don’t need to be heated can do without a unit. These systems do require more upkeep, such as monthly filter cleaning, so be sure to consult an HVAC professional to ensure you pick the right system for your home and climate.

Alamance Oil Offers Reliable, Affordable Furnace Installation in Burlington, NC

Trust your home comfort to Alamance Oil. Proper installation is key to the successful operation of the furnace you are getting now, as well as any future furnace you will have installed. Ductwork, vents, and the system itself must all be configured accurately. Once you choose the right heating system for your home, be sure to have your furnace installation in Burlington, NC, done by Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371 for a free estimate today.

As fall approaches it’s time to start thinking about the condition of your furnace. It’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare your furnace for cold weather before the first chilly night. Don’t wait until it gets cold to change your thermostat to heat just to find out that it won’t come on or isn’t working properly. There are specific steps you can take on your own to prepare, as well as scheduling furnace maintenance in Eden, NC.

1. Change filters. If you typically change your filters every 1-2 months, you’re already doing what experts recommend to keep dirt and dust out of your system and improve airflow. If not, now is a great time to do that. Dirty, clogged filters allow dirt and dust to get through but not the air that should be able to get through. Low air flow and a dirty furnace can cause problems with your system from decreased efficiency to furnace failure.
2. Check carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Change the batteries. Most detectors have a test/reset button. Push this button and hold it down until you hear 2 beeps. If your carbon monoxide detector is monitored by your security system, contact your security monitoring center for testing. Why is this important? Because furnaces produce carbon monoxide that should be minimal and vented outside of your home. Your CO monitor will sound if your furnace produces more than it should or isn’t venting properly.
3. Clean vents. Dust tends to collect around your vents, especially the intake vents. Use a simple duster to remove dust and debris from your vents before switching your furnace on for the first time this season.
4. Clean around your furnace. With experience, you may be able to clean the inside of your furnace, but it is safer to leave that up to the professionals. You can simply remove dust and debris from the outside of your furnace to prevent it from getting inside when your HVAC company comes to perform maintenance.
5. Schedule a furnace tune up with your HVAC company. The most important thing to do before turning on your furnace each season is to have your heating and cooling service come out to perform a tune-up. Furnace maintenance in Eden, NC, will help your furnace run more efficiently and prevent problems that could occur in the future.

Furnace Maintenance in Eden, NC, Saves You Money on Heating Costs

If you’re wondering if a furnace tune-up is worth the money, the answer from homeowners and HVAC experts alike is a resounding “Yes.” Just like your car or any other working machine, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it running properly. Your furnace needs to be cleaned, inspected, and sometimes repaired to keep it from breaking down. Furnace maintenance in Eden, NC, includes all of that and more. A well-tuned furnace uses less energy, saving you money on gas, electricity, propane, or oil. And you can avoid emergency and after-hours fees for unexpected breakdowns. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and emergency fees are waived. You’ll also get a discount on propane or heating oil deliveries. Call Carolina Fuels and make sure your furnace is prepared well in advance for cold weather: (336) 623-9741.