Caring for your HVAC System Through Seasonal Changes

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Most homes today have a HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) of some type. Whether you have a forced air furnace and air conditioner combination, a heat pump, or separate heating and cooling systems, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your home’s comfort system running smoothly. Your HVAC system is made up of moving parts and an electrical system. These parts need periodical care and sometimes replacement. At least twice a year, when the weather changes, it’s important to schedule professional air conditioning and heating repair in Greensboro.

HVAC Maintenance Tips:

  1. Replace your filters. This is something you can most likely do on your own. For best results, change your filters every one to two months, especially if you are in a newly constructed home. At the very least, replace your filters quarterly, being sure to change filters right before you switch from air conditioning to heat and back. Your HVAC company will replace your filters for you during your routine maintenance appointment.
  2. Clear out around your outdoor unit. This is especially important in the spring before you turn on your air conditioning for the first time. Remove weeds, leaves, and other debris that tend to collect around your outdoor unit. As the weather is often still warm enough for AC into the fall, you should clear out around the unit during this season as well, especially because it could collect leaves. The outdoor unit needs to be able to move air unencumbered.
  3. Get your propane or oil tank refilled. The frequency of heating fuel tank refills depends on a few different factors such as the size of your tank, the weather, the size of your home, the temperature you prefer to heat your home to, and more. If you’re not currently on a refill schedule with your supplier, it’s wise to start automatic fuel delivery. Your supplier makes sure you never run out by refilling your tank on a predetermined schedule. A completely empty tank can cause problems with your furnace as well as the tank itself and other equipment.
  4. Schedule a tune-up from your HVAC company. Twice a year, during seasonal changes in the spring and fall, you should have professional maintenance performed on your system, sometimes referred to as a tune-up. A trained technician will clean, inspect, and repair your furnace and air conditioner so that it runs efficiently.

Ensure Top Performance from your HVAC System with Maintenance from Berico

If you’re not already a Comfort and Protection Service Plan Member, you should get started now. Berico offers a complete, affordable package including HVAC maintenance and fuel refills. And it’s all automatic so you don’t have to remember to schedule it. Caring for your system through seasonal changes is easy when you leave it to Berico. Save money by avoiding emergency heating repair in Greensboro and using less energy with an efficient, tuned-up HVAC system. You also get a discount on your propane or heating oil by bundling your services. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan today and experience the benefits. Call (336) 273-8663.

How Your Old Thermostat May Be Costing You Money

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Adjusting thermostateDo you feel like you are paying too much to heat and cool your home? Whether its natural gas, propane, or oil for the winter or your electric bill in the summer, if it seems too high your thermostat may be the culprit. When it comes to HVAC systems, the thermostat is often overlooked. But in actuality, your thermostat is the key to your home comfort. If your thermostat is old, it could be costing you money in ways you’ve never realized. Consider upgrading thermostats as part of your HVAC maintenance in Greensboro. Here’s why.

 A Programmable Thermostat Can Save You Hundreds of Dollars Per Year

That’s right, hundreds of dollars could be saved yearly when you upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Between $300 and $400 to be more specific, although the amount varies based on many different factors such as the weather where you live, your type of HVAC system, the size of your home, and the cost of utilities in your area.

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset your system to heat or cool to different temperatures at different times of the day and night. In the winter you can lower the indoor temperature when no one is at home or during the night when you’re in bed under the covers. In the summer you can raise the temperature when no one is home and cool it down at night for more comfortable sleeping conditions. You can even set it before you go out of town. Your HVAC system uses less energy this way, which in turn saves you money.

Types of Programmable Thermostats that Offer the Highest Savings

  • Digital programmable thermostat. This is the most basic of the programmable thermostats available. You can set it directly from the touchscreen keypad inside your home to heat or cool to specific temperatures that coincide with dates and times.
  • Wireless programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. You can program and reprogram your thermostat as needed from anywhere. The advantage here is that if your schedule deviates from normal, you can reprogram your thermostat to change the indoor temperature as needed, so that you can walk into a comfortable home. If you forget to set your thermostat before leaving town or if you plan to be back home sooner or later than originally planned, you can make the necessary adjustments.
  • Smart home systems. These allow you to program your entire home, including your HVAC system, lights, water, security system, and more, all from your smartphone. You can be in control of every aspect of your home no matter where you are.

Upgrade your Thermostat Easily During your Regularly Scheduled HVAC Maintenance in Greensboro

The next time Berico comes out to give your system a tune-up, it’s a good time to go ahead and make the easy upgrade to a programmable thermostat. At the very least, a basic digital thermostat will save you money and make your life easier. The wireless thermostat and especially the smart home system will bring a whole new level of convenience and peace of mind, all while saving you money as well. Before your next appointment for HVAC maintenance in Greensboro, contact Berico to ask about upgrading to a new programmable thermostat. Call (336) 273-8663.

He’s Hot, She’s Cold. Finding Balance and Peace When Heating Your Home

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ThermostatIt’s a never-ending battle: the thermostat. Whatever the family dynamic in your home, it can be difficult to agree on the optimal indoor temperature during each season. The key to achieving the best compromise is to strive for efficient heating. Efficient heating means using less energy while still maintaining an even level of comfort throughout your home. She’ll be warm enough, he’ll be cool enough, and both will be happy with the energy savings. If you don’t already have a propane or oil furnace in Eden, you may want to consider this type of system. A lot of older homes have these furnaces, leading consumers to wrongly assume they are outdated heating sources. But heating oil and propane are still relevant in the HVAC industry for its many benefits.

Top Benefits of Heating with Oil and Propane

  1. Efficiency. Heating oil burns hotter than natural gas, meaning your furnace makes significantly more heat with the same amount of fuel.
  2. Comfort. Since oil burns hotter than other fuels, it provides an even, long-lasting heat that gives you a higher level of comfort throughout your home. Everyone will feel consistent warmth wherever they are in the home, meaning the thermostat war can finally end.
  3. Availability. Not every home has access to natural gas lines. Heating oil is a readily available alternative where gas isn’t feasible. In recent years, natural gas shortages have caused prices to skyrocket and customers to worry. Heating oil has not been in scarce supply, keeping prices reasonable and oil customers happy.
  4. Safety. Oil exists in a liquid, non-flammable state in a tank on your property. To become flammable, it must be heated to at least 140 degrees to convert it to a gas, meaning it is an extremely safe heat source.
  5. Cleanliness. Heating oil and propane have come a long way in terms of its clean burning properties. With proper furnace maintenance, they release less pollutants.
  6. Furnace longevity. Propane and Oil furnaces simply last longer than many other heating systems, averaging 30 years or more with regular maintenance.

Propane or Heating Oil Can Put the Thermostat Battle to Rest

The key benefits of propane or heating oil that help end the battle of the thermostat are the first two listed: efficiency and comfort. Heating oil burns really hot, which means your oil furnace in Eden requires less fuel to create the same amount of heat as other fuels. If your system is well maintained for optimal efficiency, then it should eliminate cold spots and maintain a consistent temperature throughout your house.

Thinking of switching to propane or heating oil for their many benefits? Contact Carolina Fuels for a recommendation on a new propane or oil furnace and save on fuel delivery and furnace maintenance. Call (336) 273-8663.

Advantages of an Annual HVAC Maintenance Contract

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Are you aware of the benefits of yearly HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) maintenance? It keeps your heat and air conditioning running properly and efficiently, reducing the chance of system breakdowns and saving you money. Alamance Oil offers annual service agreements that include tune-ups twice a year, among other benefits. The advantages of such an agreement with your Burlington furnace repair service include:

  1. Savings. You save money in a lot of ways with a yearly maintenance contract. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system in good working order so that you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs. You avoid paying after hours fees if your system breaks down in the middle of the night, and your energy costs are lower when your system is running more efficiently.
  2. Discounts. If your HVAC company is also your heating fuel supplier, you receive a discount on fuel deliveries—at least you do if you’re a customer of Alamance Oil. You also enjoy 20% off diagnostic fees and repairs and $50 in bonus bucks per year that can be used toward new equipment.
  3. Convenience. It’s easy to forget about your furnace or air conditioner until something goes wrong. When you have an annual contract with your HVAC company, your maintenance happens automatically, as do fuel deliveries. Your chances of HVAC breakdowns are virtually eliminated and running out of propane or heating oil simply won’t happen.
  4. Added perks. You essentially become an MVP customer. Emergency and after hours fees are waived for you, and you receive priority service. You receive reliable service from trained, certified HVAC technicians who are familiar with every brand and model of heating and cooling equipment.
  5. A longer lasting system. You’ll get more years of operation out of your furnace and air conditioner when they are well maintained throughout their lifetime. Dirt, wear and tear, lack of lubrication, and other problems cause your HVAC system to work harder or improperly, which eventually leads to early system failure.

A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Alamance Oil Offers All of These Benefits

Do you want to have all of the above advantages when it comes to your home comfort? It starts with a reliable HVAC company like Alamance Oil. One of the biggest advantages of being an Alamance Oil customer is that all of your home comfort services can be handled by just one company. Heating and air conditioning repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation as well as heating fuel delivery is all offered by a business you know and trust, or soon will. Additional home comfort services offered by Alamance Oil include gas log service and installation, generator installation and maintenance, and even commercial services such as fleet fueling and fuel delivery. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Alamance Oil today and see for yourself all the advantages. Call (336) 273-8663.

Practical Housewarming Gift Ideas for New Homeowners

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When family members or close friends move into their first home, it can be difficult to find a meaningful housewarming gift. Often the best gifts are those that are practical, things that a new homeowner may not even know they will need. But when the time comes to use it, they will be extremely grateful. These gifts may not be flashy, and they don’t even have to be expensive, but they will be appreciated.

Gifts for the Kitchen

One of the most popular categories of housewarming gifts is kitchen items. For first time homeowners or newlyweds, it seems kitchen gadgets or food and drink seem to be popular. Thinking of getting a bottle of your favorite wine? Include an electric wine opener to make uncorking the bottle and future bottles much easier. Give a complete meal kit with all of the necessary ingredients for a dinner that is ready to make. Include a gift card for Blue Apron or another meal kit delivery service.

Interior Décor and Accessories

Depending on how well you know someone, it can be difficult to choose decorative items that will suit their tastes. A gift card to a home décor store is usually a safe bet. This will allow the recipient to choose items that they like and will match their style.

Home Maintenance Gifts

New homeowners may not know all of the responsibilities that come with homeownership. Give a basic toolkit or a gift card to a home improvement store. If this is your neighbor or a friend who has moved in near you, give a gift certificate from your preferred HVAC company toward maintenance, repairs, or heating fuel in Burlington. A gift certificate from any local service you can recommend is a valuable gift, whether it’s a landscaping service, appliance repair, or housecleaning service.

5 Things New Homeowners Should Check in their Home

One of the best gifts you can give new homeowners is advice. A home inspection should have been conducted as part of the buying and selling process, which would have detected any major problems with the home such as foundation, roof, or plumbing. However, after moving in, new homeowners should check these 5 things.

  1. Heating and Air Conditioning System. One commonly overlooked area is the HVAC system. The heating and air conditioning unit in a new home may need maintenance. After moving into a new home, it’s a good idea to have your system inspected and tuned up.
  2. Propane or Oil Tank. If there is a propane or heating oil furnace, the tank may need a refill. You can contact the company who supplied the tank, or you can contact Alamance Oil for heating fuel in Burlington, including a free tank swap out and other advantages for new customers.
  3. Electrical System. Check your circuit breaker panel for any tripped circuit breakers or anything that seems amiss. If so, contact an electrician.
  4. Cable/internet connection. Make sure your cable, internet, and Wi-Fi are all working properly and that all services are transferred to your own account.
  5. Security System/Locks. If your new home has a security system, be sure you contact the company to transfer service, establish passcodes and security information, and replace door locks.

Call Alamance Oil at (336) 273-8663 for maintenance, fuel refills, gift certificates, and any other services related to your HVAC system.

About the City of High Point, NC

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Welcome to the Home Furnishing Capital of the World. Buyers and furniture makers from all over the state, the country, and the world come to High Point to showcase or shop. But there’s more to High Point than just furniture. High Point University brings higher education to the area as well as South University and John Wesley University. High Point is close to Greensboro, Winston Salem, Jamestown, Archdale, and Thomasville, making it a convenient and versatile location. There’s a plethora of career opportunities, quality education, and local services like banking, telecommunications, and a reliable heating and air company in High Point, NC. Thinking of settling in High Point? Here’s some information about the area.

High Point’s Historical Roots Run Deep

Its name comes from its history as the highest point on the North Carolina railroad that stretched from Goldsboro to Charlotte in 1856. The railroad was a key element in the transportation of raw materials like lumber and cotton. The lumber supplied the woodworking industry that was a major proponent of High Point’s beginning and still is today. Textiles and tobacco are other industries that have been part of High Point’s economy over the years.

A Small Town Feel with Big City Opportunity

As of the 2010 census, the population of High Point was 108,629. That’s less than half the size of the neighboring cities of Winston Salem and Greensboro, which lends itself to a smaller community atmosphere that is still convenient to all the city amenities of its neighbors. Career opportunities are available in High Point and the surrounding cities and towns with just a short commute in any direction. There’s also plenty of things to do, whatever your interests may be.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in High Point

The central location of High Point is a shopper’s paradise. Malls like Oak Hollow, shopping centers like College Village, specialty shops like Authentic NC Goods, the furniture market, and more can be found in town with other shopping around the area and nearby towns. Restaurants from local cuisine like Blue Water Grille to famous franchises like Longhorn Steakhouse offer a variety of American and ethnic foods. Breweries like Natty Greene’s and wineries like Weathervane Winery offer locally made beer and wine. Movie theaters, concert venues, and nightlife can be found in High Point and in Greensboro and Winston Salem.

Parks and Recreation

High Point City Lake Park has a playground, carousel, train rides, boat rides, miniature golf, boating, fishing, and a public pool. Oak Hollow Lake Park and Marina includes a campground, golf course, boat launch, and more. High Point also has a Greenway Trail for walking, running, or biking. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors in High Point, NC.

Berico is your Local Heating and Air Company in High Point, NC

Whether you’re new to the area or thinking about relocating, your home comfort needs can be fully met by Berico Heating and Air Company in High Point, NC. Berico has been serving High Point, Greensboro, and the surrounding area since 1924 and continues to offer HVAC services and fuel services to residents and businesses. Call (336) 273-8663.

About the City of Eden, NC

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ThermostatAmidst the beauty of the trees and the rivers lies the small town of Eden, North Carolina. North of Greensboro and just south of the border of Virginia, this unique community offers a superb balance between natural beauty and commercial opportunity. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or the small town sense of community, Eden, population 15,407, is a wonderful place to call home. There are plenty of local businesses for your convenience, making it easy to find banking, lawn care, and an HVAC company in Eden, NC. If you’re new to the area, it won’t take long to feel right at home.

Explore the Great Outdoors with Parks and Recreational Opportunities

Freedom Park offers an array of recreational activities from ballparks to walking trails. There’s a quarter mile paved walking trail as well as a nature trail for your strolling pleasure. Enjoy the sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ballfields. Picnic shelters with bathrooms are available for reservation. The playground and skate park are available for kids of all ages.

The Dan and Smith Rivers cross paths in Eden, making it a paddler’s dream. There are three river access sites that have been developed by the City of Eden for rowers of all types of boats from canoes to kayaks. Feeling something a bit more laid back? Try tubing as you float downriver in the warm summer sun.

The Smith River Greenway is available for biking, running, or walking. This 1.5 mile trail is paved so it’s safe for strollers and wheelchairs. Parking, picnic shelters, and restrooms are available at the trailhead. There are benches along the way to stop and rest as needed between your exploration of the wildlife and plant life.

Shopping, Dining, and Activities for the Whole Family

Specialty shops like King’s Chandelier and Pace Stone offer home décor that you won’t find anywhere else. Tour Autumn Creek Vineyards for an authentic winery experience and tasting. See a movie at the drive-in or Kingsway Cinema. Catch the variety of events throughout the year from Christmas parades to the Oil and Ale festival. Listen to live bluegrass music every Tuesday night at The Barn. Go roller skating, golfing, swimming, and more. There’s always family fun to be had in Eden.

Economic Opportunity Abounds in Eden, NC

The healthcare and trucking industries are some of the largest employers in the area, along with Gildan and SGRTex. There is still room for new industry in Eden, which offers a low-cost labor market, abundant water resource, and affordable operational costs. Economic opportunity brings gainful employment to local citizens as well as those who relocate to the area.

Carolina Fuels is a Reliable HVAC Company in Eden, NC

If you’re new to Eden or even if you’re a long-time resident, your home comfort needs can be fully met by Carolina Fuels. From heating and air conditioning repair to propane and heating oil delivery, Carolina Fuels is a faithful HVAC company to the residents of Eden, NC, and the surrounding area. Whether you are in need of HVAC repair or routine maintenance, call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741.

About the City of Burlington, NC

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https://www.berico.com/staging/alamance-oil-burlington-nc/The heart of Alamance County, Burlington began as a major hub during the height of railroad travel in the mid-1800s and has evolved into a modern community that is steeped in history. As an almost halfway point between Greensboro and Durham, Burlington is smaller than either of its neighbors with a population of around 50,000, ranking the city 17th in the state of North Carolina. If you’re looking for a city that’s just a short drive away from more metropolitan areas, Burlington is ideal. Relocating is easy. You’ll have no trouble finding everything you need from lawn care and housecleaning services to HVAC in Burlington, NC. And there’s plenty to do right here.

Explore the History of Burlington

No trip to Burlington would be complete without a trip to The Depot, the original railway station where the town was born. It was moved from its original spot to its current location in 1978. It’s now a gathering place for events and concerts. On Saturday afternoons the historic Norfolk and Western caboose is open to the public.

The Paramount Theater was restored to its original 1929 glory when Hollywood and silver screen was in its prime. Now the venue hosts plays, musicals, concerts, classic movies, and more. When you want a little dose of culture, the Paramount is the place to go. The acoustics have been repeatedly praised by audiences over the years.

Industry and Opportunity Abounds in Alamance County

Business is thriving in Burlington and new opportunities are opening up all the time. LabCorp is one of the largest companies in the area with several testing facilities within the county. Alamance Crossing is an outdoor mall that draws plenty of business from locals and tourists and is also a source of jobs. Alamance Oil offers HVAC in Burlington as well as propane and heating oil delivery among other services. There are many other small businesses in Burlington that thrive in the small city setting.

Burlington is Surrounded by Natural Beauty

Lake Mackintosh and Lake Cammack both provide scenic views and boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, picnicking, running, biking, and more. Take in the beauty of the sky and trees and their reflection on the water as you breathe the fresh air.

Burlington City Park is famous for its carousel that was built between 1906 and 1910 and still has its original hand-carved animals. Each year a festival is held in celebration of this amazing historical icon. The park also offers train rides, a playground, walking tracks, tennis courts, and an aquatic center. You can picnic along the stream that runs through the park or stroll along the greenway.

Alamance Oil Provides Residential and Commercial HVAC in Burlington, NC

If you’re new to Burlington and need HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services, you can rely on the trusted name of Alamance Oil. From repair to maintenance to fuel delivery, Alamance Oil offers complete home comfort services. Call (336) 226-9371 to request service.

Starting the New Year off Right Around the Home

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Each new year is full of hope and endless possibilities. Make this the year of a happy home by taking the time to properly maintain it. Start the new year off right around the home by taking the following steps to be sure your house is ready for the year ahead.

  • Furnace Repair in Greensboro, NC, is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare your home for a new year. The ideal time for furnace maintenance is in the late summer or early fall, but better late than never. The coldest months in North Carolina are usually January and February, so it’s crucial that your furnace is in good condition. A heating system tune-up involves inspecting, cleaning, and repairing your furnace to prevent potential problems. Reduce your chances of furnace failure on a cold day or night by calling your HVAC company to come and service your system.
  • Refill Propane and Heating Oil Tanks. If you heat your home with propane or heating oil, the new year is a good time for tank refills. Running out of fuel is very inconvenient during cold weather for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that you are at the mercy of the current fuel prices and possible shortages, meaning you may pay more for your fuel during the coldest months of the year. Another reason is that allowing your tank to get completely empty results in a more complicated and more expensive refill process. And the most obvious reason is that you’ll be feeling pretty chilly inside while you wait for a refill. You may even have to pay after-hours or emergency fees for night or weekend deliveries. Avoid running out of heating fuel by signing up for regular refills with your supplier.
  • Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. An important safety precaution, testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing the batteries ensures a safe year for your family. Even if the batteries are not dead, replacing them means you’ll be sure your detectors are ready to warn you if necessary. And you can avoid that annoying chirp that wakes you up in the middle of the night while you stumble around in the dark trying to figure out which one is going off. Also make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

Put your Home in the Reliable Hands of Berico this Year

If you’re not already a Berico customer, you could be missing out on some real advantages. Berico is an all-in-one home comfort service, meaning every aspect of your home’s climate control can be handled by expertly trained technicians. Heating and cooling system maintenance, repair, and installation can be taken care of by Berico no matter what brand or model you have. If you require heating fuel, Berico delivers propane and heating oil when you need it or on a predetermined schedule based on usage and weather. Be sure your home is ready for the year ahead by calling Berico at (336) 273-8663.

Preparing for the Cold Months

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As a homeowner in a climate zone with warm summers and cold winters, you know how important it is to have a properly working HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Your home comfort depends on it, as well as the health of your family and the condition of your home. With the coldest months of the year upon us, furnace repair in Eden, NC, is a very important issue. The best way to prepare your furnace for the cold months is to schedule maintenance before you experience a problem that may require repair.

Benefits of Being Proactive About Furnace Repair in Eden, NC

  1. Prevent Unexpected furnace failure. Whether or not you like surprises, a broken down furnace is a surprise no one enjoys. When you have your furnace inspected and tuned up at the start of the cold season you can prevent most furnace problems from ever happening.
  2. Save money. Preventative maintenance saves you money in a variety of ways. When you avoid unexpected breakdowns, you avoid having to pay for costly repairs and after-hours or emergency fees. Maintenance also helps your furnace to run more efficiently, lowering your heating costs. And when you sign up for a yearly maintenance plan with your HVAC company you get a discount on any repairs you may need and on new equipment.
  3. Stay warm. This one is a no-brainer. If you have your furnace serviced before the weather gets cold, it is more likely to work properly and efficiently to keep you and your family warm all night and day through the cold months of the year.
  4. Stay safe. A furnace that is not working properly can be an actual danger to your home and family. One of the most common ways your furnace can pose a threat is by releasing too much carbon monoxide. A furnace that is dirty or not venting properly can release a dangerous level of CO into the air in your home which can cause severe health problems. And because a furnace burns fuel, there is always a risk of fire with a dirty or malfunctioning system. Prevent these dangers with an annual tune up.
  5. Protect your home. After the safety of your loved ones, the next concern is your home itself. A furnace that doesn’t work properly can do damage to your home. Pipes can freeze and burst, causing major water damage. Floorboards can bow or spaces can form in between them. Extreme changes from cold to warm can permanently damage your home. It’s best to keep the interior temperature as consistent as possible. A failing furnace can also cause excess moisture to build up inside your home which can cause mold or mildew to form.

Protect Your Home and Family During the Cold Season with Carolina Fuels

Carolina Fuels wants to make preventative maintenance calls to as many customers as possible before the temperatures reach the seasonal lows because customers are always first priority. If you want to make sure your furnace is ready for winter, schedule furnace repair in Eden, NC, now. Call (336) 273-8663.