As the weather gets colder you may find that you need a propane tank refill. When you need propane in Greensboro, you can call your supplier to schedule a delivery. But before they arrive, there are some preparations you, the homeowner, need to make for the delivery go fast and smooth. Follow this guide to prepare for your propane delivery. 

Clearly Mark Underground Tanks

Do you have a buried propane tank? If so, you should always have it marked for your own sake as well as that of the propane supplier. It can also be helpful for any other service you may need that would need to know where the tank is located before digging. Keep buried tanks visibly marked at all times and check to make sure the markings are still clear before your propane supplier arrives. 

Clear a Path to Your Propane Tank

Before your supplier arrives, make sure they have a clear path to the tank for easy access. That means moving any large items or other vehicles out of the way and making sure there is no yard waste or debris in the path. On the rare occasion that there is snow on the ground when you are expecting a delivery, clear a path in the snow to where the tank is located. Clearing snow off of your driveway would also be helpful. 

Remove Snow or Ice from your Tank 

On the rare occasion that it snows in the piedmont region of North Carolina, it’s a good idea to clear the snow off of your tank. The moisture can cause your tank to rust or make existing rust worse. Rust on the outside of your tank can eventually rust through to the inside of your tank, which can be a serious problem. Also, as the snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, ice can form on the tank and gas lines, which is not good for either. 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

When your tank needs a refill it is also a good time for a furnace tune-up. If you schedule furnace maintenance whenever you get a propane delivery, you can make sure your furnace is in good working order as well. If your propane supplier also handles HVAC maintenance, you may be able to get both done during the same visit, saving you time and money. 

Berico is a Top Supplier of Propane in Greensboro

Looking for a propane supplier? Whether you need a refill or you’re interested in switching to propane for your home heat and other appliances, Berico supplies propane to Greensboro and the surrounding area. Berico is also a complete home comfort service, providing HVAC maintenance and repair as well as propane. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and you can bundle both services into one convenient, affordable package. 

Call (336) 273-8663 today to schedule propane delivery and furnace maintenance or request service. 

Are you looking for ways to save money on propane and heating oil in Madison, NC? One of the best ways to save money is to avoid extra fuel charges that can sometimes get tacked on for various reasons. Here are 5 tips on how to avoid extra fuel charges. 

1. Order before you run out

It is never a good idea to let your tank get completely empty because it can actually cause damage to the fuel lines and other parts of your heating equipment. If your tank is completely empty when your supplier comes for delivery, you may be subject to extra fees that come with necessary inspection and possible repair any parts that may have been affected. 

2. Set up automatic deliveries

The best way to avoid running out of heating fuel is to sign up for an automatic delivery plan with your supplier. Companies that provide propane and heating oil in Madison, NC can calculate your potential heating fuel consumption based on the size of your home, the weather, and the number of appliances in your household that will use the fuel. Your supplier will ensure you never run out by refilling your tank on a regular schedule. Automatic delivery plans not only help you avoid fees, they may come with fuel discounts. 

3. Buy fuel in the offseason

If you’re not on an automatic delivery plan, the best time to buy fuel is in the offseason. Having your tank refilled in the spring, summer, or early fall could save you money because heating fuels are not in as high demand as they are during late fall and winter. High demand leads to higher prices. 

4. Conserve fuel

Another way to avoid extra fees and high fuel prices is to conserve fuel in the first place. There are many ways to use less heating fuel in your home, such as:

• Make sure you have sufficient insulation in your home and that there are no leaks or gaps that need to be sealed up to prevent cold air from entering the home. 
• Schedule furnace maintenance to keep your furnace operating a peak efficiency, using the minimum amount of heating fuel to keep your home at the desired temperature. 
• Set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away from home or at night when everyone is sleeping. Install a programmable thermostat to make it easier to keep temperatures under control. 
• By using less fuel in general you can keep your heating fuel costs low.

5. Lock in your propane price

Take advantage of price lock programs if they are available. You can save money and avoid rate spikes by purchasing your fuel before you need it when prices are low. The only disadvantage is that if fuel prices dip below your locked-in rate, you will still pay the rate you agreed to when you made your purchase. 

Avoid Extra Fuel Charges with Carolina Fuels

Fuel prices and fees are predominantly controlled by your supplier. The key to avoiding extra fuel charges is choosing a supplier of propane or heating oil in Madison, NC that values customer satisfaction above all else. Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to find out how you can save money on heating fuel this winter and in the future. 

Are you a propane customer in Greensboro, NC? Whether you already use propane, are thinking of switching to propane, or you have become a propane customer due to moving into a new home – it’s important to have the right size tank. Here are 5 reasons why the size of your propane tank matters. 

Vaporization

Propane exists as a liquid in tanks until it is boiled and turns into a gas. This process is called vaporization. In order for vaporization to take place, there must be enough propane in a large enough tank. A small tank, such as a cylinder, will not be able to fuel a residential furnace. A home using propane for heat will need a tank that is at least 500 gallons. 

Efficiency

A tank that is too small will require refills too frequently, causing your energy costs to rise. A tank that is too big will cost more to refill when you may not need that much propane. Having the right size tank for the average projected use of propane is as efficient as you can possibly be. 

Size of your home

When using propane for home heat, the size of your home will dictate the size of the tank you need. If your tank is too small for the square footage of your home, you’ll run out of propane too soon. If you have a tank that is bigger than what you need you’ll pay too much for refills. And if your refills are few and far between, your propane tank’s condition could deteriorate without you being aware of it and without your supplier inspecting it during regular refills. 

Household usage

It’s important to take every propane appliance into account when calculating household propane usage. Furnace, stove/oven range, water heater, generators, clothes dryers, and anything else that uses propane will need to be entered into the calculations. You’ll need a tank that is big enough to supply energy for all of your household appliances. 

Commercial usage

Besides residential, commercial propane use also requires the right size tank. With such a wide variety of commercial uses for propane, it can be complicated to determine what sizes of tanks your business may need. From small cylinders to 1,000-gallon tanks, you may need a combination of tank sizes for different applications. Some may need to be easily portable, others not. 

Not Sure What Size Tank You Need for your Propane in Greensboro, NC?

Berico can help. Berico has been supplying propane in Greensboro, NC since 1924. Using experience and precise calculations it can be easily determined what size tank you’ll need for your home or business. Save money and increase efficiency with a tank that will hold enough propane to get you through without excessive refills. 

Thinking of switching suppliers? Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, making switching easy. Call (336) 273-8663 today to speak with a Berico representative about propane tank sizes and how to save money with automatic deliveries.