When you notice water leaking anywhere in your home, it can be alarming. When the water is coming from your air conditioner it can be both alarming and puzzling. There are actually some very common reasons your AC may be leaking water, and in most cases, it can be easily repaired. But before you call for AC repair in Burlington, you may want to have a general idea of what’s going on with your air conditioner. 

Common Causes of Water Leakage in Air Conditioners 

• Clog in the condensation drain. As warm air is converted to cool air, condensation takes place, meaning moisture is created. Excess moisture should drain out through the condensation drain, unless there is a blockage of some kind.  
• Lack of air flow. If filters are clogged or vents are closed or blocked it can decrease the amount of air moving through your air conditioner. Without proper air flow, excess moisture can be created and leak out. 

• Broken condenser pump. When excess moisture builds up in your AC unit, there is a pump that gathers the water and sends it out through the condensate drain. If the pump is malfunctioning, the water could be leaking inside. 
• Poor sealing and insulation. If your air conditioner isn’t sealed well or doesn’t have the proper insulation, hot air can get to the condenser coil, which creates excess moisture that may leak out. 
• Uneven installation of the outdoor unit. If your outdoor AC unit is not on a level surface it can cause excess moisture to be created or to fail to drain properly.  
• Damaged drain pan. The drain pan holds excess moisture, so any leaks in it will cause the water to leak out. It is common for the drain pan to get old and rusted after holding water on a constant basis.  
• Low refrigerant. When the refrigerant level in your system gets low it can cause it to freeze. Then when it warms again it melts, causing water leakage. 

What Should You Do if your AC is Leaking? 

If you see water around your air conditioner and you’re sure that’s where it’s coming from, not a separate plumbing issue, take the following steps. 

1. Turn off your AC. The only way to keep the problem from getting worse is to turn off your air conditioning system.  
2. Soak up the water. Use something to soak up the water, such as old towels or paper towels, to prevent any water damage to the interior of your home.  
3. Check all of your filters and vents. Make sure your filters are not too dirty or clogged. Make sure all vents are open and unblocked. If everything looks to be in order, move on to step 4. 
4. Call for AC repair in Burlington. At this point, you will need the help of an HVAC professional who can diagnose and repair the problem. Alamance Oil is a reliable source for AC repair in Burlington and the surrounding area. A certified, trained technician will have your air conditioning repaired and operating properly as soon as possible.  

If you’re experiencing leaking water from your air conditioner, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

Almost everything is “smart” these days with smart phones at the center of personal technological devices. Even your home’s heating and cooling system can be controlled from your phone when you use a smart thermostat. There are many benefits to upgrading to a smart thermostat, so consider these when deciding whether or not a smart thermostat is right for your home. Your HVAC service in Burlington, Alamance Oil, can install a smart thermostat in your home if you decide to make the switch. 

A Smart Thermostat Offers Many Benefits to Homes 

Homeowners can enjoy many benefits from the use of a smart thermostat to control indoor comfort.  

1. Save energy. When your home is unoccupied, it is not necessary for your HVAC system to maintain the same temperature as it would when occupied. Save energy by programming your smart thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when no one is home. 
2. Save money. When you save energy, you save money, which helps your household budget by lowering your monthly bill.  
3. Convenience. With a smart thermostat, you can enjoy the convenience of being able to control your HVAC system from a distance, 24/7. Override your programmed settings when it turns out you will be home due to weather or a holiday, all from your phone. Forgot to change your thermostat before leaving on vacation? No problem, as long as you have your phone with you.  
4. Comfort. The smart thermostat allows you to change the temperature right before you arrive home so that you can maximize your comfort even with an irregular schedule. It also allows you to turn up the heat before you get out of bed in the morning. 

With all of these benefits, the initial cost of a new smart thermostat will be worth it and will eventually pay for itself in energy savings. 

Get a Smart Thermostat Upgrade from the Best HVAC Service in Burlington: Alamance Oil 

There are many reasons it’s wise to have your new smart thermostat installed by an experienced, reliable HVAC service in Burlington. 

• Not every smart thermostat is compatible with every HVAC system. Certain HVAC systems will work with certain thermostats. Let your HVAC company recommend a compatible thermostat for your home or office.  
• Proper installation is crucial to proper operation and energy savings. For your smart thermostat to give you optimal energy savings, installation is key. Each technician at Alamance Oil is trained to know how to do the job right so that you can get the most from your new thermostat.  
• Your HVAC technician can teach you how to program and use the new thermostat. After it’s installed, your technician can walk you through your new thermostat and teach you to program it both in your home and from your phone.  

When you’re ready to upgrade your thermostat, use the HVAC service in Burlington you can trust. Alamance Oil has decades of experience with heating and cooling systems. Always on the cutting edge of technology in HVAC equipment, Alamance Oil can easily install a smart thermostat in your home. Alamance Oil can also keep your thermostat and HVAC system operating efficiently with regular maintenance visits. Call (336) 226-9371.  

Do you experience uneven temperatures around your home? Are some rooms always warm and others always cold? This problem is actually quite common and there are solutions, most of which can be handled by your HVAC service in Greensboro.  

Problem: Upstairs is warmer than downstairs. Naturally, hot air rises. If your only thermostat is downstairs, your entire home will continue to heat as long as the downstairs remains cool.  

Solution: Zone heating system. When you have a multi-level home, a zoned HVAC system allows each level to have its own thermostat and duct system so that only the level that needs heat will get it. In most cases (with the exception of very large houses) more than one zone can run off of one HVAC unit.  

Problem: It feels colder near exterior doors or in rooms with large or lots of windows. 

Solution: Add extra or better insulation/weather stripping around doors and windows. If your home has old windows, consider upgrading to newer insulated windows. 

Problem: Furnace cycles on and off but the ideal interior temperature is never achieved. This is typically due to an incorrectly sized unit.  

Solution: Have an expert HVAC service in Greensboro recommend and install the correct size unit for the square footage of your home. 

Problem: One room seems to stay unusually cool. This could be caused by leaky or incorrectly installed/sized ductwork.  

Solution: Have the ductwork inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional.  

Problem: Low air flow from vents, likely due to clogged filters.  

Solution: Replace dirty filters with new to improve airflow.  

Problem: Low air flow due to closed or blocked vents. 

Solution: Make sure all vents are open and there is no furniture or curtains blocking them. 

Problem: Rooms that have been added on, such as sunrooms or basements that have been finished are not currently part of the central air system in your home.  

Solution: Ductless mini-split HVAC units provide heat and air conditioning to just one room at a time. They are easy to control and can be used only when needed. 

 

Having Heating or Cooling Issues in your Home? Start with HVAC Service in Greensboro 

If your home seems to be heating or cooling unevenly, and you’ve checked your filters, vents, and insulation, the next step is to contact your HVAC service in Greensboro for a thorough inspection of your existing air system. It’s possible that a simple cleaning and tune-up of your furnace and air conditioner is all that’s needed to even out the comfort level in your home. Twice yearly maintenance is recommended by HVAC experts, one appointment in the fall for your home heating system and one in the spring for your home cooling system, whatever type you have. Whether it’s a central air system, a heat pump, a geothermal unit, or other, routine maintenance keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace or upgrade your current system. Berico can handle all of your HVAC needs and restore your home to an even comfort level throughout. Call (336) 273-8663 to schedule an appointment.  

 

How much do you know about propane? You may know that it’s a clean-burning, non-toxic fuel that is often used to heat homes and fuel backyard grills. But propane can do so much more, probably more than you’re even aware of. It’s a versatile alternative to natural gas, electricity, heating oil, and other common fuels. Consider all that Burlington propane can do. 

1. Power School Buses – Many school buses run on diesel fuel, but propane is an increasingly popular option since it is cleaner than diesel. Propane engines are quieter, which increases safety by making it easier for drivers to hear what’s going on around them. It is also cheaper due to price and efficiency. Propane performs better in freezing temperatures than diesel, making it easy to start school buses in any weather.  
2. Power Mowers – Burlington propane is a greener alternative to gasoline, which is especially important to landscapers and homeowners who want to preserve the beauty of nature. Propane’s efficiency means fewer trips to the gas station. Plus, you can ditch those messy gas cans. 
3. Heat Water – Using propane as a water heating fuel just makes sense, especially in the case of tankless or on-demand water heaters. It can also be used to heat pools and hot tubs. 
4. Dry Clothes – Propane clothes dryers run more efficiently than electric and eliminate static cling almost entirely. Clothes dry faster and won’t stick together. 
5. Power Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment – Want a competitive edge? Propane can more cheaply power forklifts and other machinery used indoors — without releasing harmful fumes into warehouses and factories.  
6. Fuel Farm Machinery – Just like other equipment that usually runs on diesel, farm vehicles and agricultural machinery are becoming more commonly powered by propane. The same benefits apply here, such as efficiency, cleanliness, and affordability.  
7. Combined with Diesel and Used in a Dual-Fuel System – The newest technology in propane engines is a dual-fuel system that runs on a mixture of diesel and propane, allowing farmers to use their existing equipment and still be in compliance with Tier 4 standards in emissions.  

These are just some of the latest uses for this versatile fuel that you may not have been aware of before. Homeowners and business owners alike can benefit from these new uses of propane in Burlington, NC, and throughout the country.  

Burlington Propane Supplier Alamance Oil Provides Fuel for These New Uses and More 

While you may be surprised by the versatility of propane, its uses are only expanding. As it grows in popularity and demand, more appliances, vehicles, machinery, and other items will be designed to run on propane. Because of its cleaner emissions, soon there may even be tax incentives available for powering more equipment with propane.  

Alamance Oil provides propane and other types of fuels to the Burlington area, as well as maintenance and repair for equipment, such as residential and commercial furnaces and other appliances. 

Call Alamance Oil and start a propane delivery plan today. 

Want to save money and time? Alamance Oil also offers automatic delivery plans that make propane more convenient and affordable. Call (336) 226-9371 to discuss Burlington propane options and delivery service with the experts at Alamance Oil.  

When it comes to saving energy, the debate is always about which energy-saving improvements are actually worth the money. Can you actually save money with energy efficiency upgrades? The key is choosing items that are the lowest cost up front that can save you the most in the long run. A lot of the best investments are related to home comfort, such as heating and air conditioning. Your HVAC service in Burlington can make the best recommendations, such as these top 8, arranged from lowest to highest cost. 

1. Dishwasher Cleaner. A clean dishwasher operates much more efficiently than a dirty one. Dishwasher cleaner packets are just a few dollars. Put one in the detergent compartment and run a normal cycle while the dishwasher is empty.  
2. Weather Stripping. Like insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows prevents cold air from getting in during the heating season and hot air from getting in during the cooling season, allowing your HVAC system to operate more effectively. Weather stripping starts at around $5.  
3. Light Bulbs. Replacing your lightbulbs with fluorescent bulbs can save you energy and money. The bulbs last anywhere from 4-10 times longer and a 4 pack averages less than $10.  
4. Insulation. Purchase a roll at any home improvement store for around $15 and save hundreds each year in heating and cooling costs. 
5. Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets. You can conserve a lot of water using low flow shower heads and faucets. Your water bill can be reduced as well as the cost of water heating. A low flow showerhead can be purchased for as little as $20. 
6. Programmable Thermostat. Starting around $50, a programmable thermostat allows you to preset different temperatures for specific times of the day. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard or run as often when no one is home.  
7. Ceiling Fans. By installing ceiling fans in many of the rooms in your home, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature when the weather is hot and still feel comfortable, or avoid using your air conditioning altogether. You may find ceiling fans as low as $60. 
8. Tankless Water Heater. Also known as an on-demand water heater, this has the highest initial cost of all these items. The jury is still out on whether or not tankless water heaters are worth the money, but you can definitely save energy by not heating a tank full of water that may or may not be used. You also gain the advantage of always having hot water when you need it.  

The Next Best Energy Saver is Preventative HVAC Service in Burlington 

It’s not an upgrade, but routine maintenance for your HVAC system can save a lot of energy. A properly operating furnace and air conditioner will run more efficiently and use less fuel and electricity. You’ll also save money by avoiding expensive repairs and emergency or after-hours fees. Call Alamance Oil HVAC service in Burlington to schedule a routine maintenance appointment: (336) 226-9371.