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. 

4 Reasons Propane is More Efficient than Other Heating Fuels

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4 Reasons Propane is More Efficient than Other Heating FuelsThe most common heating fuels used in Burlington are Propane and Natural Gas. Oil is also used, but not as much in recent years. In comparison, propane is more efficient than natural gas for a variety of reasons. If you are debating between choosing propane or natural gas for heating, here are four reasons that propane is more efficient.

 

It burns hotter

When it burns, propane burns at a higher temperature than natural gas, which is the reason it takes less propane than gas to get your home heated to your desired temperature. The high heat capacity of propane allows your home to heat faster so that it feels comfortable much sooner on a cold day or night. If you tend to turn your heat down when no one is home, propane heat will recover much faster so that you feel the heat sooner once you get home and turn up the thermostat. 

Less is More

Propane is more concentrated than natural gas. It produces more than twice the energy of the same amount of natural gas. In BTU’s (British Thermal Units), it is approximately 2,516 per cubic foot of propane vs. 1,030 per cubic foot of natural gas. Mathematically, propane yields more energy. 

Propane is a pure gas

Propane is a gas extracted from natural gas. It is separated during the production of natural gas and sold to suppliers as a pure fuel. Natural gas contains propane, methane, butane, ethane, and pentane. While natural gas gets its name from the fact that it occurs naturally to some extent, it is also processed before it gets to consumers. Natural gas is a greenhouse gas, but propane is not. Its purity is one of the reasons behind its efficiency.

Propane heat feels warmer

You can actually set your thermostat lower because the warm, radiant heat of propane feels warmer than the heat you get from natural gas. You’ll feel cozier and may require fewer blankets or extra layers of clothing. When it comes to a gas log fireplace, propane is more efficient here as well, providing a greater warmth and ambiance. Some homeowners even choose to fuel their gas logs with propane when the rest of their home appliances run on natural gas, simply because it feels warmer. 

Burlington Propane is Convenient

Not only is propane highly efficient, it can be conveniently delivered right to you. A common myth about propane is that it is not as convenient as natural gas, but it is more so. Not every home has access to natural gas lines, but Burlington propane can be made available to anyone, anywhere. A propane tank can be placed on your property or buried underground if you prefer. You can even receive automatic propane refills to ensure you never run out. 

Call Alamance Oil today at (336) 226-9371 to schedule propane delivery and experience the efficiency for yourself. 

4 Propane Safety Tips for Families with Small Children

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4 Propane Safety Tips for Families with Small Children

Propane is a highly safe source of energy. It is non-toxic, clean-burning, and it only ignites at extremely high temperatures. Although safe, homes with small children should manage fuels with proper safety precautions. Here are some safety tips that can help teach little ones how to be safe around propane in Greensboro. 

A wonderful resource for children is www.propanekids.com. This is an interactive site with games, printable activities, and other information about propane safety for kids. 

Do a Home Propane Inspection

Familiarize your children with the ways propane is used in your home. They should know which appliances use it, where the tank is located, and where the propane enters your home. Explain to your children the importance of never touching or playing with the propane equipment or tanks. You can use this checklist as a guide. By involving your child in the process of checking your home’s propane equipment, they will be actively learning and are more likely to remember. 

Introduce your Children to the Smell of Propane

When your supplier makes a delivery, ask them to allow you and your children to smell the propane to know the odor. If a refill isn’t needed, describe the smell of propane to your children. The smell is like rotten eggs or a skunk. Make sure they know to tell an adult if they think they smell propane.

Designate a Family Emergency Meeting Place

For a multitude of safety purposes, your family should have an emergency meeting place outside of your home. Ideally, this place is off-property, but nearby and within sight of your home. This emergency meeting place is adequate in case of a propane leak. Review this meeting place with your children, or establish a meeting place if you don’t already have one designated.

Have a Propane Safety Drill

Make sure your children know what to do in the event of a possible propane leak. Go over safety steps and then hold a practice drill. Here are the appropriate steps to take if someone smells propane in or around the home. 

  • If a child smells propane, the child should tell an adult.
  • If an adult smells propane, first extinguish any flames, such as candles or stove burners.
  • The adult should then turn off the propane at the tank by turning the valve clockwise until it stops. If you are unsure how to do this, skip this step.
  • Everyone must leave the home and property. An adult should make sure everyone is out, including pets.
  • Once everyone reaches the emergency meeting place, the adult should then call the propane supplier or 911 if the supplier cannot be reached.
  • No one should reenter the home or area until a propane professional has deemed it safe to do so.

Practice these steps with your children so that they will know what to do and will not be frightened if a propane leak occurs. 

Get a Propane Inspection from your Supplier of Propane in Greensboro 

Lastly, scheduling regular propane inspections from your supplier maximizes your home’s safety. Every time you receive a delivery of propane in Greensboro, have your tank and gas lines inspected. For the utmost safety, have your propane appliances inspected as well for proper function because faulty appliances are often the culprits of propane leaks. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to schedule a propane inspection to make sure your home is a safe place for your family.

On the Fence about Propane? Here’s what you Need to Know

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Have you been thinking about switching to propane but you’re still undecided? It’s normal to have some uncertainties if you’ve never used propane before. Many households and businesses use propane in Eden, Reidsville, and the surrounding area for a variety of positive reasons. Here are some facts about propane that may help you to make your decision.  

What You Should Know About Propane: 

  • Propane is Affordable. When compared with other energy and heating sources, propane is an affordable option. It’s efficient – producing a lot of heat and energy with just a small amount of fuel. It’s versatile – able to power other appliances in addition to your furnace, such as your stove/oven, clothing dryer, water heater, and more. You can reduce your monthly power bill by using propane.  
  • Propane is Safe. Propane only ignites at extremely high temperatures, making it a non-volatile fuel. It is non-toxic/not poisonous and stored in a tank outside of your home. You have no reason to worry about the safety of propane.  
  • Propane is Easy on the Environment. Its non-toxic nature also means it does not harm the environment. It won’t contaminate water or soil and it releases no greenhouse gases. Using propane can actually reduce your household or business’s impact on the environment.  
  • Propane is Reliable. If the power goes out, propane still works. Your home and your family will still be warm, be able to take hot showers, cook meals, and dry clothes. Propane can even power a generator to keep your electrical appliances running, like your refrigerator.  

What You Should Know About Propane in Eden from Carolina Fuels: 

  • Deliveries can be Automatic. You never have to worry about running out of propane or remembering to call and request a refill. Carolina Fuels times your deliveries based on your household usage, the weather, and other factors.  
  • You Can Save More with Pricing and Maintenance Plans. Price protection plans, HVAC maintenance plans, and other combined services can make your propane deliveries more affordable. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan combines maintenance with propane deliveries for a discount. 
  • Emergency Service. If you ever need an emergency delivery or furnace repair, Carolina Fuels is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You’ll get priority service and no emergency fees if you’re a Comfort and Protection Service Plan customer.  
  • Locally Owned and Operated Propane Company. An important fact to keep in mind about Carolina Fuels is that the company is local. They operate in Eden, Reidsville, and the surrounding area. A local supplier can get fuel to you faster in an emergency and can offer lower prices because transportation is not a huge expense. 

Still on the Fence about Propane? 

If you’re still not sure, call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741 to speak with a representative about the benefits of using propane. You’ll get honest, factual information that you can easily understand. Become a propane customer with Carolina Fuels today and start experiencing the benefits.  

7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Home with Propane Heat

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new houseWhen buying a home, one of the biggest things to consider is what kind of heating system it has. If you’re considering buying a home with propane heat you’ll want to ask a few questions, such as who has been handling their propane delivery in Greensboro, among other maintenance questions. Before you purchase a home with propane heat be sure you know the important details by asking the following questions: 

  1. What Propane Supplier Owns your Tank? It’s important to know the owner of the propane tank that exists on the property. You can choose to keep using the same supplier or choose a new supplier. If you decide to switch, choose a company that will swap out your tank for free.  
  2. Where are the Tank and Gas Lines Located? It’s not always obvious where the tank is located. Some are buried under the ground, others are above ground. Knowing where the gas lines are buried is very important so that you can protect them when doing any landscaping or home improvements.  
  3. How Much Does the Tank Hold? This information is vital. The capacity of the tank will determine refills and the amount of propane needed.  Tanks come in different sizes based on the size of your home and the amount of propane you may use. The previous owner may have needed a larger or smaller tank than you will. Your supplier can give you a sizing recommendation.  
  4. How Old is the Tank? Older propane tanks can wear out or rust. This can be a serious problem. If the current owner is unsure of the age, have a propane supplier inspect it. 
  5. Are There any Other Appliances that Run on Propane? Find out which appliances in the home run on propane other than the furnace. The water heater, stove/oven range, clothing dryer, fireplace, or other appliances all may use propane as well. It’s important to know this information ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.  
  6. What Maintenance has been Performed in the Past? If the current owner has a record of past propane tank and furnace maintenance, that information is helpful. When you know the date of the last service you can time your next maintenance appointment accordingly. And you can get a better idea of the condition of the current furnace and propane tank. 
  7. What is the Efficiency Rating of the Furnace? Asking about the efficiency rating of a propane furnace provides you with necessary information about the propane usage to expect as well as the worth of the furnace.  

Embracing a Home that Heats with Propane 

If you’ve never lived in a propane-heated home before, you may not be aware of all the benefits. Don’t turn down a home you like simply because it uses propane for heat or other appliances. Keep in mind that propane is an affordable, clean-burning, and non-toxic heating fuel that many prefer over natural gas and electric heat because of the radiant warmth it creates and its efficiency.  

Propane Delivery in Greensboro by Berico  

No matter what supplier owns the tank, it’s easy to switch to a reliable provider such as Berico. Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, making the switch easy and painless. Berico also offers propane pricing deals, payment plans, and automatic delivery plans to make propane service affordable and convenient. Call (336) 273-8663 to discuss propane delivery in Greensboro with the experts at Berico.

Propane Facts and Statistics that May Surprise You

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You may already know a lot about propane, such as the fact that it burns clean and that it is an efficient source of energy for home heating and other uses. Alamance Oil, your propane supplier in Burlington, wants you to know about these lesser-known facts so that you can be a well-informed propane customer. 

  • In its natural state, propane has no smell. The addition of the rotten-egg-like smell serves as a safety precaution in case of a leak. 
  • Propane clothes dryers produce less static and dry clothes faster. You may have known that propane dryers exist, but did you know that they are more efficient at drying your clothes? It’s true. Your clothes will dry in a shorter amount of time. Propane dryers also produce less static electricity, perhaps preventing the need for dryer sheets.  
  • The U.S. produces almost 90% of all the propane supplies. The remaining 10% comes from Canada and Mexico.  
  • Propane is lightweight. In liquid form propane is only half the weight of water, making it easily transportable and more convenient to handle, especially in small cylinders like the ones used for grilling.  
  • Propane only burns at extremely high temperatures. One of the safest qualities of propane is that it has to reach a temperature of 920 degrees Fahrenheit to ignite.  
  • If leaked, propane gas is harmless. Propane doesn’t damage the water or soil, because it leaves no residue that could cause long term damage.  
  • Propane: more than just for household uses. Commonly used in homes for heating, cooking, and other appliances, propane has many commercial applications. One of the many uses for propane is vehicle fuel. Industrial sectors use propane for soldering and cutting. Agricultural applications include crop drying and fruit ripening.  
  • Propane is a byproduct of gasoline evaporation. Gasoline has a notoriously high rate of evaporation. Scientist, Dr. Walter Snelling discovered propane as a byproduct gas that gasoline produces upon evaporation. Further experimentation uncovered the multiple uses for propane.   

Some Things You May Not Know About Alamance Oil 

With your increased knowledge of propane, here are some things that you should know about a leading propane supplier in Burlington: Alamance Oil. 

  • Alamance Oil Makes Propane Affordable. With price protection and monthly payment plans, your propane deliveries can be even more affordable.  
  • Alamance Oil Makes Switching Free. New customers can have their old tank swapped out with one of ours for free.  
  • Alamance Oil Offers Automatic Delivery and Maintenance Plans. Comfort and Protection Service Plans combine regular maintenance with automatic delivery for extra savings.  

Call (336) 226-9371 today to become an Alamance Oil customer or to request a propane refill or other services.  

8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Propane Supplier in Greensboro

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Are you in need of a propane supplier in Greensboro? Whether you’re dissatisfied with your current supplier and thinking of switching or you’re thinking of using propane for the first time, it’s important to find the right supplier. But how do you know which propane supplier is right for you? Here are some questions to ask. 

  1. Will I Need a New Tank to Switch Suppliers? If you are currently receiving propane deliveries from another company, you will need to swap out your old tank with a new one from the new company. If you’re new to propane, your supplier should bring you a tank.  
  2. How Much Does it Cost to Switch? The answer you should get from your new company is that switching is free. Look for a supplier who will swap out your old tank for free, which they should do if they want your business. 
  3. Do You Offer Automatic Delivery? For your convenience, automatic deliveries should be an option. This frees you from having to monitor your propane tank to make sure it doesn’t run out. You’ll never run out with automatic deliveries because your supplier will calculate your usage based on the size of your home, the weather, the number of appliances that run on propane. They should calculate all factors to time your refills accurately. 
  4. What Incentives do you Offer your Customers? Look for benefits such as propane discounts for automatic delivery, maintenance plans, price protection plans, priority service, and other perks. 
  5. What are your Payment Options? If you need to be able to pay online or to have automatically drafted payments, make sure you choose a supplier who offers those options. You may also find it easier to budget if you can pay monthly instead of in a lump sum at delivery. Ask if it’s possible to spread the cost out over a few months or the entire year.  
  6. Do You Offer Maintenance for my Furnace and Other Propane Appliances? You can save a lot of time and money by choosing a supplier that can not only deliver your propane and maintain your tank but who can service your propane appliances as well.  
  7. What is your Safety Record? This information should be easily accessible and the company should have no problem supplying you with it. Safety is an important consideration with any type of fuel, even with an extremely safe fuel like propane.  
  8. How Do I Switch to your Service? Any propane supplier in Greensboro that wants your business should make it as easy as possible to switch. Find a supplier that will handle the entire process for you from swapping out tanks to transferring your services.  

Berico Meets All of These Requirements and More 

Berico makes switching suppliers free, provides you with a tank, offers automatic deliveries, plenty of incentives, flexible payment options, furnace, and propane appliance maintenance, and has an excellent safety rating.  

Become a Berico customer today. Call (336) 273-8663 to switch to the top propane supplier in Greensboro.  

6 Environmental Benefits of Using Propane

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There are a few different energy options available for both household and commercial use. Electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, and more. If environmental impact is a key consideration in your choice, propane should be at the top of your list. Any propane supplier in Eden can tell you the environmental benefits of using propane. Here are 6 of the best reasons:  

  1. No Air Pollution. Propane burns clean and emissions are minimal, meaning it has much less impact on air quality than other fuels. Propane has an extremely low carbon content, which is the reason it produces very little carbon monoxide and almost no Sulphur. It is not considered to be a greenhouse gas.  
  2. No Effect on Water. In the case of a leak, propane does not pollute water supplies, which is an important environmental benefit. Both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems are unharmed by propane, including marine life and plant life.  
  3. No Effect on Soil. A propane spill will do no harm to the soil, including the plants and organisms living in it.  
  4. High Efficiency. Propane is an extremely efficient fuel that burns hotter and creates more heat per BTU than other fuels. This means that less of it is required to attain the same amount of energy as other fuels.  
  5. Propane vapor is not harmful if inhaled. Accidental propane inhalation does not have any negative effects on people or animals. 
  6. Propane use in vehicles reduces smog. Harmful exhaust that contributes to smog is reduced by 70% when propane is used instead of gasoline or diesel fuel. Many propane-powered vehicles are EPA certified.  

Find a Reliable Propane Supplier in Eden and Save Money 

Successful propane use depends on having a reliable propane supplier. You need a supplier who plans automatic deliveries so that you never run out, who offers pricing plans and payment plans to make fuel more affordable, and who can also provide maintenance for your tank and gas lines as well as your furnace.  

Carolina Fuels, a top propane supplier in Eden, offers all of that and more. As a customer of Carolina Fuels, you’ll enjoy all sorts of savings and perks. You can even switch propane suppliers for free because Carolina Fuels will swap out your old supplier’s tank with a new one at no charge. Call (336) 623-9741 today to become a new propane customer.  

7 Propane Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

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gas stove litPropane is a widely used home and commercial energy source. It is cleaning-burning, non-toxic, and safe, as long as it is used properly. Of all the available heating fuels in Burlington, propane is one of the top choices. Propane is a versatile and efficient option that is accessible to everyone – even those without access to natural gas.  

Whether you’re new to propane or a seasoned customer, here are 8 propane safety tips that everyone should know.  

  1. Store propane outside. If you use propane for home heat or other household uses, you most likely have a large tank outside on your property. If you use small propane tanks for your fireplace or outside grilling, you should not store those tanks indoors, not even in the basement.  
  2. Do not leave propane tanks in closed vehicles. The extreme heat that can build up in closed vehicles is dangerous for propane tanks.  
  3. Never use propane inside. Propane grills, heaters, or generators should never be used inside your home. 
  4. Always have an expert attach propane tanks and gas line to appliances.  Among the many other services available, Alamance Oil has certified technicians that ensure your tanks and lines are properly hooked up. 
  5. If you smell propane: Extinguish any flames, get everyone away from the area, turn off your propane valve (if you know how to do so), and call your propane supplier immediately. Do not reenter the area until a trained expert says it is safe to do so. Propane is naturally odorless, however, a rotten egg smell is added to make it detectable in the event of a leak. 
  6. Don’t let your tank get empty. Allowing your tank to completely run out of propane is a safety hazard. An empty tank is susceptible to moisture and air getting inside. Pressurization issues can occur, causing damage to your tank or gas lines. When your tank is refilled, be sure your propane supplier knows that it was empty so that the proper safety checks can be performed, and precautions taken.  
  7. Install propane gas detectors. A propane detector does not rely on the smell of propane. It can identify propane even if it has lost its smell, which can occur over time. An alarm will sound if the detector senses a certain concentration of propane. 

Alamance Oil is your Partner in Safety for Propane and other Heating Fuels in Burlington 

The safe use of propane is augmented by your partnership with a reputable propane supplier. Your supplier provides you with a propane tank and can also handle the maintenance of that tank. Regular refills can be made to ensure you never run out of propane. Alamance Oil supplies a variety of heating fuels in Burlington, of which propane is a top choice. If you’re interested in switching propane suppliers, Alamance Oil offers free tank swap-outs for new customers. Call (336) 226-9371 today to speak with a propane expert at Alamance Oil.  

6 Ways to Save Money Using Propane

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Propane is one of the most efficient and inexpensive energy sources available. It is also very versatile, providing energy for many different uses. By using propane for a variety of purposes around your home, you can save a significant amount of money. Here are 6 ways you can save money using propane in Greensboro.

 

  • Home heating. One of the most common household uses for propane is heating. Propane is an efficient, clean-burning, and non-toxic way to fuel your furnace. Propane burns hotter and produces more heat than the same amount of other fuels, making it high on the efficiency scale. 
  • Heating water. A propane water heater is very efficient, heating water faster and to a higher temperature than other energy sources. The hotter the water, the less you’ll need to achieve the desired water temperature for showering or washing dishes. And you’re less likely to run out because the hotter water will stretch further and when the supply gets low it can recover faster. 
  • Cooking. Propane can be used to fuel your stove and oven. Many professional chefs prefer to cook over a flame because it creates a more evenly distributed heat. Propane gas does provide a flame burner for your stovetop. It also helps your oven to heat faster for cooking and baking. 
  • Grilling. Propane is one of the most popular choices for backyard grills for a variety of reasons. It comes in small, portable cylinders that can be refilled and reused. It heats instantly, making it possible to start grilling immediately, much faster and more affordable than heating charcoal. You’ll get many more grilled meals out of a small propane cylinder than even the largest bag of charcoal. 
  • Laundry. Propane dryers are much more efficient than electric dryers. Clothes dry faster using less energy. Propane also heats the water used by your washing machine for hot water loads. You save money on both machines when it comes to propane-fueled laundry. 
  • Generator. When the power goes out it can be extremely frustrating. Not only are you unable to use your electrical appliances, but a long time without power can cause entire refrigerators and freezers full of food to spoil. A propane-fueled generator can create enough backup electricity to fuel your refrigerator and freezer while the power is out, and maybe even more electronics depending on the capacity of your generator. 

 

How to Save on Propane Tank Refills 

Now that you know 6 ways to save money using propane, here are some tips for saving money when you purchase propane in Greensboro. As you may know, the price of propane fluctuates over the months and years, typically based on the price of crude oil, the weather, and demand. But you can save money with payment and pricing programs from Berico, such as the Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan and the Fixed Price Plan. 

  • Pre-Buy Price Protection Plan. This plan allows you to purchase propane in advance when the price is lower, even if you don’t need a refill yet. Read more about the plan here. 
  • Fixed Price Plan. This plan allows you to lock in a price for propane as long as you commit to purchasing a certain amount during the year. On this plan you also have the opportunity to sign up for EZ Pay, which is a monthly payment plan for your propane, making the cost more budget-friendly. Get additional details here. 

Call Berico today at (336) 273-8663 to inquire about prices and delivery of propane in Greensboro. Berico offers free tank swap-outs for new customers, so make the switch today.