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. 

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.