10 Habits that are Costing you Money on your Energy Bill

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habits to improve your energy billDo you feel that your energy bill is too high every month? No one likes to have high bills, especially not energy bills. You may think you are being careful and conservative with your energy use at home, but you may have some energy-wasting habits you’re not aware of. From leaving the lights on to neglecting furnace repair in Eden; here are 10 common habits that may be costing you money on your energy bill. 

 

Leaving chargers plugged in when not in use. Do you leave your cell phone charger plugged into the wall even when you’re done charging your phone? Believe it or not, those chargers are still using energy even when no device is plugged in. Take one extra second to unplug the charger too. 

 

Overusing lights. Only turn on the lights that you need in the rooms that are being used. Don’t leave lights on in empty rooms or the porch light on all night. Turn off the lights when you leave the house. 

Sleeping with the TV on. This is not only a waste of energy, but sleep experts say it’s not good for you. You don’t get quality sleep when the sounds from the TV are filtering into your subconscious. 

Washing clothes in hot water. There’s really no need to use hot water when washing clothes. Detergents are made to be used in cold water and your clothes will get just as clean. Hot water is even known to set stains rather than remove them. 

Taking long, hot showers. Luxurious showers are wonderful, but your water heater has to use more energy to keep up. Shorter, cooler showers are also better for your skin. 

Poor thermostat management. Do you keep your thermostat set high in winter and low in summer? You can save a lot of energy by adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees. Get a programmable thermostat and program it to maximize energy usage. 

Forgetting to change your HVAC filters. Experts recommend changing your filters every 6 months at the very least and quarterly for better results. Dirty filters can lower the efficiency of your HVAC system and waste energy. 

Forgetting to schedule HVAC maintenance. Heating and cooling accounts for around half of the total energy usage in most households. Regular furnace repair in Eden can ensure that it is running efficiently and using the least amount of energy possible. 

Running the dishwasher too often. Try and wait until the dishwasher is full to run it. If you run it after every meal or even every day, a lot of hot water and electricity is wasted. 

Using old appliances. Newer household appliances use less energy than older ones. By upgrading your appliances, you can save enough money on your monthly energy bill to pay for the new appliances in the long run. This is especially true when it comes to upgrading your HVAC system. 

Save Money on Your Energy Bill by Scheduling Furnace Repair in Eden

Regular maintenance for your HVAC systems is one of the best things you can do to reduce your household energy usage. A clean, well-tuned system runs at optimal efficiency. Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to schedule furnace repair in Eden.

How Often Should your Oil Furnace be Cleaned

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oil furnace maintenance Have you recently moved to a home with an oil furnace? If so there’s a bit of a learning curve that comes along with it. An oil furnace operates much the same as any other furnace, it simply uses heating oil as its fuel source. Heating oil is stored in a tank, typically outside of your home. Some tanks are above ground and others are buried. 

While heating oil burns relatively clean, it does produce some soot and carbon monoxide. Regular cleanings by an oil furnace company in Reidsville are necessary to keep your heating system operating properly and efficiently. So how often should regular cleanings take place? 

Have your Oil Furnace Professionally Cleaned Each Year

Professional HVAC specialists recommend cleanings every year for any type of furnace, including oil furnaces. It is best for a cleaning to be done in the fall before the start of the cold-weather season, or in early spring at the end of the cold-weather season, but it can be done at any time. HVAC companies tend to be busier when the weather is extremely cold because they are handling emergency furnace repairs. 

It is a good idea to have the soot and dust cleaned out of the furnace before the humidity of the summer sets in because the combination of dirt and moisture can cause corrosion and rust. Make an appointment with an oil furnace company in Reidsville with the necessary experience to do the job right. 

Why is it Necessary to Clean an Oil Furnace Yearly?

What happens if you don’t have your furnace cleaned each year? If you’re lucky, nothing. But the chances are much higher than a variety of things can go wrong. A dirty furnace can exhibit all sorts of problems from short cycling to complete system failure. If your heating oil tank seems to need refills more often than usual, your furnace is likely lacking efficiency due to excessive dirt and soot buildup. 

A dirty furnace can also produce higher than normal amounts of carbon monoxide, which can cause serious health issues from dizziness to permanent respiratory health issues. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector at home that will alert you if CO levels reach an unhealthy point. But even with CO detectors in place, low levels of carbon monoxide can go undetected and still cause harm. Eliminate the risk by having your furnace cleaned yearly. 

What Does a Professional Furnace Cleaning Entail?

In addition to a thorough cleaning, most professional HVAC companies will perform an inspection and tune-up that includes lubricating parts, tightening wires, and replacing any parts that are worn or starting to wear out. Any potential problems will be identified and corrected to ensure your furnace will operate properly in the season ahead. 

Carolina Fuels is your Reliable Oil Furnace Company in Reidsville

Looking for an HVAC service you can trust? Carolina Fuels is a reliable oil furnace company in Reidsville with decades of experience in the industry. Get a thorough, professional cleaning for your oil furnace to ensure efficiency and safe operation. Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to make an appointment for a cleaning or schedule service here. 

4 Warning Signs of Trouble with Your Propane Tank

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warning signs with your propane tankDoes your home run on propane? If you have propane heat or use propane for any other appliances in your home, you have a tank on your property somewhere. Some tanks are above ground and others are buried. Most of the time propane tanks don’t require much maintenance other than periodic refills. However, if there is a problem with your propane tank, you’ll most likely notice one or more of these 4 signs. If you notice any of the following, contact your propane supplier right away. 

You smell propane gas

The smell of propane is often described as rotten eggs or a decaying animal. It’s not a pleasant smell, and it is added to propane to make it detectable by people. If you smell gas, get yourself and everyone out of the home, including pets, and call your propane supplier from a safe distance. If you cannot get your propane supplier on the phone, call 911. Do not return to the home unless a professional informs you that it is safe to do so. A propane leak is rare but can be very serious. 

The pilot light on your furnace won’t stay lit

If it seems that your pilot light is always going out, especially if it happens with multiple appliances in your home – you most likely have a problem with your propane tank. If there’s a leak, an automatic safety feature will cut off the gas supply. There could also be a problem with the gas line, such as a blockage. Contact your propane supplier if your pilot lights keep going out. 

The burner flames are any color but blue

The proper color of a burning propane flame should be blue. If your stove burners or pilot light flames are yellow or orange, it may indicate a problem with your tank. If the flames on multiple appliances are the wrong color, you’ll know it’s not the appliance itself that is having a problem, but that there is a problem with the propane supply to your home. 

Your tank is rusty

Is there extensive rust on your propane tank? A little rust in a few places may not be any cause for alarm, but large patches of rust, especially if they appear to go deep or it looks as if the tank is dented in at the rust spot, is a sign that a new tank may be in order. Rust can become deep and go all the way through to the interior of the tank. Leaks can happen and moisture can get into the tank, which can cause all sorts of problems. 

Having Problems with your Propane Tank?

If you notice these or any other unusual signs from your propane tank, call your propane supplier immediately. Berico is a leading supplier of propane in Greensboro and the surrounding area. Berico can help even if your tank belongs to another company. The tank swap out process is free and easy for new customers. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to speak with a knowledgeable representative about any problems with your propane tank. 

What’s the Best Time of Year to Service your HVAC System

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Best time of year to service your HVACThere is not a clear cut answer to this question. The best time of year for HVAC maintenance in Greensboro depends on a variety of factors. In general, in a climate where there all four seasons are represented, it is best to service your HVAC system twice a year: once in late summer or early fall for your heating system, and once in late winter or early spring for your cooling system.

Fall Heating Maintenance Prepares your System for Cold Weather

No matter what the forecast is for the weather this winter or what the farmer’s almanac has to say about the chance of snow, you can expect some cold weather in North Carolina. Is your furnace, heat pump, or other heating system ready to battle cold temperatures and keep your home feeling cozy?

If you’re not sure what condition your heating system is in, you could find yourself with a frigid house, in need of emergency service. Without central heat, your home can get cold quickly and become unlivable. During a cold snap, it is quite common for many people to experience problems with their heating system at the same time. You could be waiting a while for service. After-hours services, you have to pay higher fees.

Another reason to be proactive and schedule maintenance in the later summer or early fall is to save money. HVAC maintenance in Greensboro can help your heating system run more efficiently, which will reduce your energy bill, whether you use natural gas, propane, heating oil, or electricity.

Spring Cooling Maintenance Prepares your System for Hot Weather

Just as a fall maintenance appointment gets your heating system ready for winter, a spring maintenance appointment gets your air conditioning ready for summer. You don’t want to wait and find out that your AC won’t work on the first hot day of the season. Just as the first cold day, the first really hot day is when many customers find out that their AC needs service. You can avoid a long, sweltering wait and emergency service fees by scheduling maintenance early in the spring.

Maintenance of your air conditioner and furnace is important for energy efficiency. It’s amazing what a simple cleaning can do to save energy and lower your bill in the summer.

Why is it Important to Schedule Maintenance Early in each Season?

It comes down to scheduling. If you want to be able to schedule a maintenance appointment at a convenient time for you, you’re more likely to be successful if you call early in the season. Reliable local companies, such as Berico, are in high demand as the weather begins to change. Don’t settle for a cut-rate company just because they can show up immediately. Ask yourself why their schedule is so wide open.

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule HVAC maintenance in Greensboro or request service here. Make sure your furnace is ready for the season and save yourself some money on your heating bill this year.

4 Reasons Why A Regular Propane Delivery Schedule Will Make Your Life Easier

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Propane DeliveryAre you looking for ways to make your life easier? Does your home run on propane? If you answered yes to both of those questions, there’s a solution. Your propane delivery in Burlington can be set up on a regular schedule so that you never have to think about requesting refills. There are many reasons why automatic deliveries will make your life easier. 

Less Stress

Do you feel like you have a never-ending to-do list of errands you must run, calls you must make, and things you must get done? Take one item off that list and sign up for a regular propane delivery schedule. You’ll never have to worry about calling for a tank refill or worrying that you’ll run out if the weather is colder than usual. Alamance Oil calculates how much propane you will use based on your typical household usage, the size of your home, the number of propane appliances you use, and the weather. Your deliveries will be timed accordingly. 

Save Money

Signing up for automatic deliveries is often accompanied by a price protection plan, meaning you won’t suffer the effects of fluctuating national propane prices. You lock in one low price that won’t change. In many cases, you can pay for your propane in monthly installments rather than all at once when you get your tank refilled. And you’ll avoid the extra fees that accompany a refill of an empty tank if you run out of propane entirely. Which brings us to reason 3. 

Never Run Out of Propane

Automatic refills ensure you’ll never run out of propane. Not only is it frustrating to run out and suffer in the cold while you wait for a refill, but letting your tank get empty can cause damage to the tank, valve, or gas lines due to lack of proper pressure. The tank is prone to leaks after it runs empty and a thorough inspection needs to be done to see if any extra repairs are necessary before refilling. 

Combine with HVAC Maintenance

Regular propane deliveries can be combined with your routine HVAC maintenance appointments in one affordable package. Alamance Oil’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreements are designed to benefit regular customers who want to bundle their services. Customers get discounted propane deliveries and twice-yearly maintenance appointments, among other perks that include a 20% discount on diagnostics and repairs, priority service, waived emergency and after-hours fees, and even credits toward new equipment. 

Effortless Home Comfort you Don’t have to Think About

The ultimate reason to sign up for regular propane delivery in Burlington is for your peace of mind. Let Alamance Oil handle your home comfort and don’t give it another thought. Your home heat source will always be there and your HVAC system will be inspected, cleaned, and tuned up twice a year. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan today with Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371 or schedule service here. 

A Comparison of Heating Fuel Options in Burlington

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Heating Fuels in BurlingtonHave you been giving some thought to the type of heating fuel you use? Whether you’re considering replacing your furnace, switching fuels or your house hunting – you need a basic comparison of the available heating fuels in Burlington. This article will compare the pros and cons of 4 different types of heating fuels. 

Propane

Pros: 

  • Efficient. Propane burns very hot, which means it is capable of creating a lot of heat with a small amount of fuel. 
  • Comfortable. Propane creates a warm, radiant heat that lasts, making your home feel cozy. 
  • Versatile. Propane can do more than just heat your home. It can be used for cooking, drying clothes, grilling, heating water, and more. 
  • Accessible. Propane can be delivered anywhere, even to rural areas where natural gas may not be available. 
  • Works without electricity. If the power goes out you still have heat and any other appliance that runs on propane. 
  • Burns clean. Propane won’t harm the environment from emissions or spills. 

Cons: 

  • Prices fluctuate. However, many suppliers offer price protection plans to reduce this risk. 
  • Periodic refills are necessary. Most suppliers offer automatic refills to ensure you never run out. 

Heating Oil

Pros:

  • Efficient. Heating oil is one of the most efficient heating fuels as is the most efficient of the liquid heating fuels. 
  • Comfortable. Like propane, heating oil provides a radiant heat that lingers and makes your home cozy.
  • Accessible. Like propane, heating oil can be delivered anywhere.
  • Works without electricity. Even when the power goes out, your oil furnace will keep your home warm. 
  • Burns clean.

Cons:

  • Although oil burns clean, it produces more carbon monoxide than propane. 
  • Oil prices tend to be more volatile, but suppliers may offer price protection plans to alleviate this. 
  • Old oil tanks are prone to leaks. 

Natural Gas

Pros:

  • Affordable. Natural gas is known as one of the most affordable heating fuels.
  • Constant supply. Natural gas is available as long as the natural resource holds out. There’s no tank, no refills, and no danger of running out. 
  • Common. You’re much more likely to find homes with natural gas heating, especially newer homes.

Cons: 

  • Not available everywhere. Rural areas do not always have access to natural gas resources. 
  • Not as comfortable. It’s more of an opinion, but it is said that natural gas doesn’t feel as warm as propane or oil and the warmth doesn’t linger as long. 

Electricity 

Pros:

  • Efficient when used in conjunction with a heat pump. In milder climates, a heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat, which is extremely efficient. 
  • Ductless electric heating systems are convenient. You can place individual heaters in each room for customizable comfort throughout your home. 

Cons: 

  • Expensive. As far as affordability goes, electricity is low on the list. 
  • When the power goes out, so does the heat. 

Still Trying to Decide Between Heating Fuels in Burlington?

If you’re still not sure after reading this comparison, call Alamance Oil and speak with a representative who can help you decide between heating fuels in Burlington. Alamance Oil supplies both propane and heating oil to customers in Burlington and the surrounding area. Even if your heating system runs on natural gas or electricity, Alamance Oil provides comprehensive service and maintenance for your HVAC system. Call (336) 226-9371 today to speak with a heating fuel expert about your options. 

10 Ways to Keep your Heating Bill Low

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Are you already dreading the cold weather because it means you’ll have to pay your heating bill? Heating costs can be a drain on your budget, but there are ways to keep your bill lower. Consider these ten ways to reduce your heating bill this year and in the years to come. 

Furnace maintenance

The best way to keep your heating costs low is to make sure your furnace is operating efficiently. Schedule with Carolina Fuels in Eden, NC, furnace repair or tune-up before the weather gets cold.

Lower the temperature on your thermostat

The colder you can stand to keep it inside your home, the less heating energy you will use. Setting your thermostat to 68 is considered to be the optimal temperature for comfort and energy savings. 

Seal up your home

Look for any holes or places that air can get in or out. Look for gaps in weather stripping around doors and windows, close the fireplace flue, and shut the garage door once you’re inside. These are all ways that cold air can get in and cause your furnace to use more energy.

Have your ducts inspected for leaks

The ductwork for your furnace is one of the most likely culprits for lost energy. Any holes or leaks could mean losing a lot of heat that should be coming out through the vents to warm your home. 

Don’t block or close vents

Vents blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains can diminish the effectiveness of heat distribution. Just like, closing some of the air vents causes uneven heating and issues with airflow. 

 Change your filters

This could be the mantra of HVAC companies everywhere. The first step in HVAC improvement is always to change your filters.

Add or Improve insulation

You could save energy by improving your insulation. You can either add more or upgrade to a higher quality type of insulation.

Use humidifiers around your home

As you know by the way the humidity makes you feel on a hot summer day, moist air retains more heat than dry air. Using humidifiers in your home can help your home stay warmer.

Windows

Use thermal window treatments to keep cold air out. If you have an older home with non-insulated windows, consider replacing your windows to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Make use of ceiling fans

It may seem counterproductive to turn on ceiling fans when it’s cold, but when set on low and circulating air toward the ceiling, it will help push warmer air down toward the floor. 

 

Eden, NC Furnace Repair by Carolina Fuels Saves you Money

The amount of money you’ll save on your heating bill significantly outweighs the cost of an inspection and tune-up for your furnace. Carolina Fuels in Eden, NC, offers furnace repair that is affordable and saves you money with heating fuel discounts and repair fee discounts. Call (336) 623-9741 today to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment or request service here.

4 Thermostat Tips and Tricks that can Reduce your Energy Bill

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As the weather begins to change and you contemplate whether or not to turn on the heat on that first cold night, you may be hesitant for a good reason. No one wants to start paying to heat their home unless they have to. Heating energy can be costly. 

However, there are ways to reduce your energy bill, and some of them can be done simply by making some adjustments to your thermostat. Carolina Fuels, your Reidsville furnace repair service, wants you to be aware of these 4 thermostat tips and tricks that can help keep your heating costs lower this winter. 

Adjust the temperature when you’re away

Why heat an empty house? Consider turning the thermostat down when everyone’s going to be at work or school. It’s especially helpful if you’ll be gone for a few days or more to turn down the thermostat and save some energy.

Some people even prefer to sleep in cooler temperatures and just snuggle up under the covers, making it possible to turn the thermostat down a few degrees overnight. 

Install a programmable thermostat

Don’t want the hassle of turning the thermostat up and down all the time? Is it hard to remember to do so? Consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home. A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for specific times of the day. The thermostat keeps the time and adjusts itself accordingly, so you don’t have to. Your Reidsville furnace repair company, Carolina Fuels, can install your programmable thermostat and teach you how to use it. 

Consider changing the location of your thermostat

You’ve probably never given much thought to the location of the thermostat in your home, but it can have a major effect on your home’s energy usage. A thermostat near a door that opens frequently can misinterpret the temperature and overheat your house. Try relocating your thermostat to a more central location away from doors and windows for a more accurate reading. If moving the thermostat isn’t an option, make your desired temperature a few degrees lower.

Implement zone heating in your home

 Does the upstairs always feel warmer than downstairs in your home? Do you prefer your bedrooms to be cooler than your main living areas? Zone heating allows you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home. Common configurations for zone heating are an upstairs and a downstairs zone. Other arrangements are possible as well, like bedrooms and living area zones. Each zone has it’s own thermostat for optimal temperature control.

Reduce your Heating Costs with Reidsville Furnace Repair

One of the best ways to keep heating costs low is to schedule preventive maintenance with your Reidsville furnace repair service. Routine maintenance at the start of the heating season will ensure your furnace is operating efficiently, which can reduce energy usage and cost. It can also help you avoid unexpected furnace problems once the cold weather sets in. 

Call Carolina Fuels today at (336) 623-9741 to discuss thermostat options and schedule furnace maintenance or request service here. 

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. 

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.