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.

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.

Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

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Cold person with cold air blowing out of the furnaceYour furnace is supposed to heat your home in cold weather, keeping you toasty warm on even the coldest of days. So why is it suddenly blowing cold air? If this happens to you, it can be puzzling, frustrating, and very uncomfortable. There are many different causes for this, most of which require heating repair by an HVAC service.

Common Causes for Cold Air Coming from Your Vents:

  • Thermostat issues. If your thermostat is not working properly or is on the wrong setting, it can fail to call for heat and simply blow cold air.
  • Empty fuel tank. You may be out of fuel if your furnace runs on heating oil or propane. Call your supplier for a refill and consider signing up for automatic refills in the future to keep from running out.
  • Pilot light is out or electronic ignition is faulty. Old furnaces have a pilot light that stays lit throughout the heating season. If this goes out, the furnace won’t have heat. Newer furnaces have an electronic ignition that only lights when the thermostat calls for heat. A faulty ignition could be the culprit.
  • Build-up of dirt or soot. When your furnace gets dirty it can cause a variety of problems. The oil filter can get clogged, the oil valve can get stuck, the burner can fail to ignite, and the flame sensor may become compromised.Yearly maintenance and cleaning can keep this from happening.
  • Leaky ductwork. When there is a leak in the ductwork or if is not sufficiently insulated, the warm air can escape and cold air can get in, meaning you might feel cool air coming from your vents.
  • Computerized systems. Newer systems have computer controls that may just need to be rebooted. Turn off the power to your system and turn it back on, and see if you start feeling warm air again.
  • Furnace is overheated. Have you changed your filters recently? Clogged filters compromise air flow to your furnace, which can cause it to overheat and quit working.

Heating Repair from Berico Will Restore Warmth and Comfort to Your Home
If you feel cold air coming from your vents, it could mean you are in need of heating repair. Check your filters and your thermostat. Turn off the power to your furnace and turn it back on. If the problem persists, call Berico: (336) 273-8663. Berico’s certified technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and provide a solution.

Prevent Common Furnace Problems with Yearly Maintenance
Do you want to make sure there is always warm air flowing from your vents when the weather is cold? Annual furnace maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your system to keep it running efficiently. Most of the problems listed above can be prevented with a yearly tune-up from your HVAC company. You will save money by avoiding emergency repairs and keeping your energy bill low. Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Plans include yearly maintenance and fuel delivery to make sure you never run out of fuel or suffer from furnace failure.Call to sign up today: (336) 273-8663.

Making Your Home More Energy Efficient During a Renovation

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Thinking of doing a home renovation? Whether it’s just one room or your entire home, you can prepare to save money by keeping energy efficiency at the forefront of your project. Most houses, especially older homes, could benefit from new technology. Major advancements have been made in the manufacturing of appliances, insulation, plumbing, and more that allow homeowners to use significantly less energy. While you’re renovating, you might as well save yourself some money now and in the future by making some energy saving improvements such as a new heating and air system.

Before you start your remodeling project, it helps to have a professional energy audit performed on your home to uncover any energy drains that could be costing you extra each month. Berico offers free energy audits for anyone who wants to reduce their household energy usage.

Potential Areas that are Energy Drains in Your Home

  • Appliances
  • Ducts
  • Lights
  • Plumbing
  • Electronics
  • Air conditioners
  • Furnaces
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Insulation
  • Basements
  • Attics

Outdated appliances or leaky ductwork can waste a lot of energy in your home. Places where cold air leaks in during the winter or where hot air gets in over the summer cause your HVAC system to work much harder and run more often to heat or cool your home. Older appliances waste a lot of energy when compared to newer appliances. Even the type of lightbulbs you use can make a difference. Remodeling gives you the opportunity to reevaluate your home and make energy efficient upgrades.

Install a New Heating and Air System for the Biggest Energy Savings

If you really want to see a noticeable difference in your energy bill, start by replacing your biggest appliances like your HVAC system. Heating and cooling account for at least half of the energy usage in the average American home. Advances in technology have brought us high-efficiency HVAC systems that use a fraction of what older systems require. An air conditioner that is even 8 years old is significantly less efficient than a newer model. Furnaces tend to last longer and therefore get replaced much less often than air conditioners, which means there’s a good chance you have an old, inefficient heating system right now. If you are remodeling, especially if you’re adding onto your home, it’s a great time to consider a new home comfort system. Adding significant square footage to your home most likely means you will need a bigger HVAC system that can handle the additional space.

Of course the biggest reward comes from the biggest investment. You may find that HVAC replacement pays for itself in the long run in the form of lower monthly bills. Save money by watching for specials, discounts, and rebates on energy efficient systems from your HVAC company. Many offer discounts to new customers as well as loyal customers on AC and furnace replacement.

Next Stop for Major Energy Savings: The Kitchen

If you’re renovating your kitchen, upgrading appliances is a basically a must. Refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves all use a significant amount of your household energy budget. Upgrading to energy efficient appliances will help keep your monthly utility bills lower, from electricity to water. Besides, new appliances will go a long way toward helping you achieve a fresh look for your kitchen and add significant resale value to your home. Lighting is another aspect of any kitchen remodel that provides an opportunity to save energy. The use of fluorescent, halogen, or LED bulbs require less energy, give off more light, and emanate less heat, thus saving energy in multiple ways.

Bathroom Renovation: Conserve Both Water and Energy for Double the Savings

Remodeling your bathroom offers many opportunities to save money. Start by installing a low flow showerhead in your new shower or tub. Try to avoid the temptation to install multiple showerheads. It may be luxurious, but it doubles, if not triples, the amount of water used when you shower. You can also conserve water with a low flow toilet and reduce your water usage by 500 gallons a year simply by installing an efficient sink faucet. This also allows your water heater to produce less hot water, which saves significant energy. Consider a tankless water heater for the optimum energy savings. It may cost more up front, but the advantages outweigh the costs. A tankless water heater heats water on demand, eliminating the need for a tank and ensuring that there is a limitless supply of hot water in your home.

High efficiency exhaust fans, lighting, and alternate heating elements are some ways to save electricity in the bathroom. Radiant floor heating is much more efficient and feels warmer for bathrooms than forced air heat. Fluorescent, LED, and halogen bulbs work well in bathrooms where a lot of light is required. Installing a high efficiency bathroom fan and using it sparingly can also help use less electricity and regulate indoor temperature.

Insulation: How to Quit Fighting a Losing Battle

One of the biggest energy drains in your home could be lack of proper insulation. When your home was built, most likely, there was insulation installed in all the usual places like walls and ceilings. But as a home settles and endures varying temperatures and humidity, cracks can form in walls, around doors and windows, and in floors. Weather stripping around doors wears out over time as the rubber hardens and cracks. Extra caulking around window pains and door frames can help keep outdoor air where it belongs, outside. Adding or replacing weather stripping around doors goes a long way toward keeping outdoor air from leaking in. A remodeling project is an opportunity to improve on or increase insulation. If you are adding onto your home, make sure the new part is fully insulated from the beginning and you’ll save a lot of energy.

Ductwork is an often overlooked area when it comes to insulation. When you have a forced air HVAC system in place, the air travels through a series of ducts to the vents in each room of your home. If ductwork is leaky or not properly insulated, conditioned air can escape and outside air can get in, causing your furnace and air conditioner to work overtime. Be sure to have the ductwork installed by a professional in any new part of your home to be heated or cooled to ensure proper insulation and operation.

Save on your Renovation with Professional, Reliable HVAC Replacement by the Experts at Berico

Saving energy directly translates to saving money. If you want to save money, start with a free energy audit by Berico. An expert technician will evaluate your home and find your biggest energy drains, then come up with a comprehensive plan to help you fix them. From furnace replacement to ductwork installation, Berico provides solutions to save you money and make your home more comfortable. A home renovation project offers the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your household energy usage and make a positive change. Whether you’re remodeling current rooms in your home, adding on, or finishing a basement or attic space, you can plan for the future and keep energy costs low. Check out the current specials on a new heating and air system and professional installation by Berico.

Practical Gifts for the Homeowner in Your Life

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keys to a new houseSome people prefer to receive practical gifts for Christmas. Whether it’s your husband, one of your kids who just moved into their own home, or a friend who’s having a housewarming party, these practical gift ideas (such as furnace installation in Eden, NC) are sure to be helpful for homeowners of all ages.

  1. A Generator. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Having a generator as a back-up power source for your home is an invaluable resource. If your power goes out, whether you are home or not, your generator will kick in and supply power to your most important appliances such as your refrigerator, furnace, water heater, and more. A generator typically runs on either natural gas or propane and come in varying sizes based on your output needs.
  2. A New Furnace. Tired of your old furnace that never quite works right? Does it heat unevenly, make a lot of racket, or use too much energy? These are all warning signs that your furnace is not running properly. Carolina Fuels is offering rebates ranging from $300 to $500 on oil, propane, or dual-fuel furnace installation in Eden, NC. Give the gift of a cozy home to your loved ones.
  3. A Digital Thermostat. A worthwhile accessory to your heating and cooling system, a digital thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills. Digital thermostats are programmable, meaning you can set your system to heat your home to different temperatures at different times of the day. You can save energy by keeping your home cooler while no one is at home and at night when you’re in bed under the covers. Carolina Fuels is currently offering specials on digital thermostat installations between $150 and $250.
  4. Gas logs. Looking for an easier way to use your fireplace? If you have a wood fireplace that never gets used, consider converting to gas logs. Fueled by either propane or natural gas, artificial gas logs create the same ambience and warmth as a wood fire. Bonuses are they start easier and don’t make a mess. Give your living room a new look this year with the gift of gas logs.
  5. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan. Routine maintenance is crucial for your heating and cooling system. Each year your furnace and air conditioner should be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and repaired to keep it in the best possible condition. This is something that many homeowners overlook or simply forget about. Give someone a gift they don’t have to think about. Carolina Fuels offers Comfort and Protection Service Agreements that include maintenance and fuel delivery discounts. Service is automatic so you can’t forget.
  6. Heating Oil or Propane Delivery. Carolina Fuels offers Autofill and E-Z Pay programs that provide savings and peace of mind, and with everything a new homeowner already has on his or her plate, scheduled heating oil or propane delivery is one less hassle and expense to deal with.

Carolina Fuels has you Covered for the Holidays

If you’re looking for just the right gift for the homeowner in your life, consider furnace installation or propane delivery in Eden, NC, or a Comfort and Protection Service Plan. When you give someone a gift from Carolina Fuels, you can count on reliable installation, service, and support. Call today to take advantage of all the holiday specials: (336) 273-8663.

Take Care of the Senior Citizen in your Life

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senior citizens with grandchildrenThe cold winter months can be extremely dangerous for the eldest of our population. Senior citizens are at a higher risk of illness, falls, and failure to stay adequately warm. As it gets dark earlier, seniors may find it difficult to drive. Winter weather such as wet, icy, or snowy roads and sidewalks pose an increased risk for accidents and falls. The elderly are at the greatest risk of catching communicable diseases such as cold and flu. Seniors may not realize that they are in need of heating repair in Burlington, NC, until the temperature drops to a dangerous level. Caring for the seniors in our lives, whether parents, grandparents, relatives, or friends, is a duty we must take seriously, especially during the winter. Follow these guidelines to keep your elderly loved ones safe this season.

Call them daily. Just a daily phone call can give you a lot of information about a person’s well-being. Listen for any cues that indicate a problem such as a cough or hoarse voice, confusion or disorientation, or signs of depression. If anything seems off, pay them a visit to see if they are ok. Call 911 if you have any reason to believe there may be an emergency.

Check in on them in person at least weekly. Even if they sound fine over the phone, it is a good idea to pay them a visit weekly at the very least, especially if they live alone. Are they keeping up with their own personal hygiene? Note the condition of their home, the temperature, the cleanliness. Does it feel unusually cold inside? Sometimes seniors turn down the heat in order to save money even when the temperature drops to an unsafe level. If anything seems off about the furnace operation, call for heating repair in Burlington, NC. Even if it seems to be working fine, a tune-up is always a good idea to keep the heating system running efficiently and to prevent unexpected problems in the future.

If you are unable to check on them, make sure someone else does. If you are too busy or if your elderly loved one lives in another city or state, be sure a trusted adult is checking in on them regularly. If there is no one close by, it is possible to hire a caregiver to check on a senior citizen and to provide any help they may need.

Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem to Call for Heating Repair in Burlington, NC, on a Senior’s Behalf

When the outdoor temperatures drop to extreme lows, a home with a broken furnace can become drastically cold incredibly fast. Your loved one could be in danger and lack the ability to fix the problem. They may avoid calling so as not to bother anyone and continue to suffer in silence. The best option is to prevent heating system failure in the first place with routine maintenance. Get the senior citizen in your life on a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement to make sure their furnace is regularly serviced and kept in good working order. Just as important, make sure they always have stays on with scheduled propane delivery. Alamance Oil offers Autofill and E-Z Pay programs to provide peace of mind that their heating oil or propane will never run out. Alamance Oil is a reliable provider of heating repair and propane delivery in Burlington, NC. Call today to make sure your loved ones stay warm this winter. (336) 273-8663.

First Steps to Take When Preparing Your Home for Sale in the New Year

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historic home front viewPlanning to sell your home in the New Year? If so, it’s time to start making preparations. The ultimate goal is to get as much for your home as possible and to sell it in a reasonable amount of time. To make this happen, you may need to make some improvements to your home. Some items may be simply cosmetic, others may be more involved, but from a fresh coat of paint to heating installation in Burlington, NC, all of these steps are important.

  1. Consider curb appeal. First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your home. A potential buyer has to be pleased with the look of the home from the moment they pull up to the curb. Take the time to tidy up the front of your home and lawn and make any exterior improvements that may be necessary.
  2. Evaluate the condition of your home. This is the time to make sure your home does not have any major structural issues such as a faulty foundation or a roof that needs replacing. If anything major needs to be done, you can go ahead and take care of it ahead of the sale or plan to negotiate the price of your home or other compromise to allow the buyer to take care of these things.
  3. Have your HVAC system inspected. Your heating and air conditioning system is a key factor to potential buyers. Have a reliable HVAC company inspect and tune up your system. If there are any major problems they will be discovered through this process. If not, you can prove to interested parties that your system has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired by professionals and was found to be in good condition.
  4. Go ahead with heating installation in Burlington, NC. If your HVAC system is found to be in less than stellar condition or if it is beginning to show signs of age, it may be in your best interest to replace it before selling your home. An old or failing furnace or air conditioner can be a deal breaker for house hunters. While it is one of the more expensive home improvements, a new HVAC system can help potential buyers to overlook other issues with your home.

Save money on new oil, propane, or dual fuel systems with current specials offered by Alamance Oil

Once you make the decision to replace your furnace before selling your home, there are ways to save money on your new equipment.  When you hire Alamance Oil to handle your heating installation in Burlington, NC, you can take advantage of rebates ranging from $300 to $500 on oil, propane, and dual fuel systems. Choosing an energy efficient model can be a major selling point for potential buyers who are looking for high quality systems and low monthly bills. You can also save money on oil and propane delivery through Alamance Oil’s Autofill and E-Z Pay programs, take advantage of free and easy change-over for existing fuel tanks, plus other perks. Call Alamance Oil to schedule an inspection of your current HVAC system and evaluate its condition, schedule heating oil or propane delivery, and all other home heating needs: (336) 273-8663.

Why You Shouldn’t Close Registers for Temperature Control

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ThermostatDo you attempt to control the temperature in different rooms of your home by closing the registers or vents? Maybe there are certain rooms that don’t get used as much or some family members have different opinions of what the desired indoor temperature should be. You may think that this practice is helping you save energy and allowing your HVAC system to work more efficiently, but in actuality, you are likely doing more harm than good. In fact, you could be increasing your chances of needing oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, as a result of this practice. Here’s why.

  1. HVAC systems are designed to heat and cool a certain amount of space. Furnaces and air conditioners are sized according to the total square feet to be heated or cooled. When you take even one room out of the equation, your system won’t work properly.
  2. You are rendering your variable-speed motor useless. If you happen to have an HVAC system with a variable-speed motor, closing some of your vents will cause the motor to run at high speed for longer, negating the efficiency benefits.
  3. It restricts air flow. With a single-speed motor, closing some of your registers will impede air flow between rooms and throughout the ductwork, which causes the rest of your home to heat or cool unevenly.
  4. It may result in leaks in your ductwork. Closing some of your vents puts extra pressure on your entire system, which can cause your ducts to develop leaks. This means air can seep in and out of the ducts when it shouldn’t.
  5. Your evaporator coil could freeze over. When it comes to your air conditioner, low air flow from closing registers can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, which prevents your AC from cooling your home.
  6. Your compressor could break. Extra pressure on your system could lead to a broken compressor, which is the part responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout your HVAC system. No compressor equals no cool air.

If you are concerned that closing your registers has done damage to your heat or AC, contact Carolina Fuels for oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, as well as for repair of any other type of system from propane, to gas, to electric.

What are some alternative solutions?

Instead of closing some of your vents, consider applying a zone temperature control system in your home. This could be a separate zone and thermostat for your upstairs and your downstairs, or a separate zone for your basement. A zone system allows you to heat and cool certain areas of your home to different temperatures. The ductwork leading to certain rooms can be closed off from the rest of the ducts with a damper system. Certain HVAC models are designed to handle multi-zone households. If you are interested in upgrading to a multi-zone HVAC system, contact Carolina Fuels. Expert technicians can install a new HVAC system in your home quickly and accurately, ensuring proper operation. Carolina Fuels also offers oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, and a full range of home comfort services from propane delivery to annual tune-ups. Call (336) 623-9741.

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.

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.