Tips for Reducing Heating Costs

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money savingsLooking for ways to cut back your heating costs this season? There’s actually a lot you can do to pay less to heat your home. Some of these tips involve your heating system itself, others deal with your home insulation, and still others are about heating fuels. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC service in Greensboro can perform an energy audit on your home to determine where you’re losing energy, how to stop that loss, and prevent it in the future.  

Reduce Heating Costs with Routine HVAC Maintenance 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance for your heating system. Over the months and years that your system runs, it accumulates dirt and dust that can build up throughout the various parts of your heating system, reducing its efficiency. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and repairing your system, which restores it to top condition for the best possible performance. A clean, tuned up heating system will lower your energy costs during the cold weather months.  

Stop Losing Valuable Heat: Add or Repair your Insulation 

Poor or insufficient insulation is forcing your heating system to fight a losing battle. If the warm air your heating system creates can just seep out and cold air can seep in, you’ll never achieve a comfortable indoor air temperature. Your heating system will cycle on and off repeatedly, taking a beating in the process. The solution is to improve your insulation. Seal cracks, replace weather stripping around doors, and add insulation to places where there isn’t enough or any at all. If you’re not sure where you are losing heat, your HVAC service in Greensboro can do an energy audit, which will pinpoint cold spots in your home. Experts can then advise you on how to better insulate your home, or take care of the insulation improvements for you.  

The Heating Fuel you Use and How you Purchase It Can Reduce your Heating Costs 

Not all heating fuels are created equal. There have been many studies done to compare the cost of the main energy sources for heating: natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity. These energy sources are difficult to compare because they are all measured differently and they all create different amounts of heat from what seems to be the same amount of energy. If natural gas is already established in your home, it is one of the most cost-effective options for home heat. However, if you wish to use a gas log fireplace in addition to your home heating system, you may save money using propane for it separately. If you have an older home that happens to have an oil furnace, you’ll find that although oil seems to be more expensive to purchase, you can get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil when compared to propane or gas. Propane is another popular choice. You can save on energy costs by using propane for other appliances as well as home heat, such as your range and clothing dryer. You don’t typically have a choice which natural gas company provides your service, but you can choose from whom you purchase propane and oil.  

Save Money on Heating this Season with Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement 

The best way to cut back on energy costs is to work with Berico, a leading HVAC service in Greensboro. Save money on propane and heating oil when you sign up for regular deliveries. Keep your heating system running efficiently with routine maintenance. Combine all of these in one Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico and you will not only save money, but get convenience and peace of mind. Call (336) 273-8663 and stay warm for less this winter.

5 Signs you Need a New Furnace

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cold young girlHow is your furnace performing lately? If that question made you stop and think and you realize that you hardly even notice it, then your furnace is most likely operating well. However, if you have been noticing some unusual changes around your home lately, it’s possible your furnace is on its last leg. If you’re wondering whether you need furnace repair in Burlington or a complete furnace replacement, consider these signs that you may need a new furnace.  

  1. You notice unusual or increased noises coming from your furnace. Is your typically quiet furnace starting to sound like a jet plane taking off every time it fires up? Are you noticing a bunch of rattling, humming, or buzzing that you never noticed before? New or increased noises are a sign that your furnace is not operating properly.  
  2. Your furnace runs but never reaches your desired temperature. Does it seem like your furnace is always on, but you still feel chilly and your thermostat is not reaching the desired set temperature? A furnace that is producing insufficient heat will run overtime and eventually burn itself out. 
  3. Your energy bills have been higher than usual. Are you looking at your gas bill and thinking that it seems quite high compared to last year’s bill? Increased energy usage is a sign your furnace is starting to fail. A furnace in poor condition will use more energy and cause your bills to noticeably increase.  
  4. Frequent furnace repairs have been necessary. Does it seem like you’ve had to call for furnace repair much too often lately? Frequent repairs are a sign that your furnace may need to be replaced sooner than later.  
  5. You see visible signs of damage or wear. If you look at your furnace and see obvious rust, cracks, or other signs of age, its likely time for a new system. By the time the outside shows the damage, the inside is worse.  

Furnace Replacement can Save you Money and Offer you Peace of Mind 

It’s common to dread the cost of a furnace replacement. It seems like a lot of money up front, but furnace replacement can be a blessing in disguise. When you replace your old furnace with a new one, you save money in a lot of different ways. Remember those high energy bills? With the latest technology, your new furnace will be so much more efficient than your old system, it will noticeably lower your energy bills. Tired of paying for furnace repair in Burlington every season or every few months? Put that money toward a new furnace that will run for many years with only periodic maintenance required. Would you like to stop worrying that your furnace might fail on a cold night and know for sure that your home will be consistently comfortable? A new system offers you that peace of mind. Alamance Oil can expertly replace your old furnace with a new, high-efficiency furnace. Call (336) 226-9371 to get a free estimate today.

5 Common Heating Problems and How to Avoid Them

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HVAC maintenance and tune upThe last thing you want to encounter on a cold day is a chilly house. Whether you wake up cold or come home to a frigid house after work, it’s obvious there is a problem with your heating system. It’s unpleasant, inconvenient, and potentially expensive to repair. Want to keep your Burlington furnace repair needs down to just routine maintenance? Consider these 5 common heating system problems and tips to prevent them. 

  1. Lack of Heat. When your heating system is running, but the air coming from your vents is not warm, there are a few probable causes. There could be an internal mechanical error with the heat exchanger, pilot, or other parts. If you are experiencing a lack of heat, call your Burlington furnace repair service to diagnose and repair the problem. The best way to prevent this issue is to schedule yearly preventative maintenance in late summer or early fall.  
  2. Constant On/Off Cycling. If your furnace seems to turn on, run for a short time, turn off, and then turn right back on again, this is definitely a sign of a system malfunction. Do not let this problem go unattended, because the constant cycling is hard on your heating system. You may have an electrical or mechanical error, or your flame sensor may need to be cleaned. The best way to prevent this problem? Routine furnace maintenance.  
  3. Low Air Flow. Is there a lack of air or a low flow of air coming from your vents? This is most likely due a clogged filter, which is an easy fix. Simply replace your filters every 3 months to prevent excessive buildup of dust. If changing your filters doesn’t improve the air flow, there might be a problem with the blower itself. Call your HVAC service for repair.  
  4. Pilot Light Issues. If your pilot light is supposed to stay lit and doesn’t, or if the electric pilot starter isn’t working properly, your furnace can’t make heat. In some cases the problem is with the gas or gas line itself, but it could also be internal furnace parts. Call your Burlington furnace repair service for pilot light issues. But if you smell gas in your home, call your gas provider and get out of the house. Preventative measures: you guessed it, routine furnace maintenance.  
  5. Thermostat Malfunction. Sometimes thermostats don’t work properly or need to be recalibrated. If your thermostat isn’t properly sensing the temperature or calling for heat when it is needed, your furnace won’t be able to do its job. You may need your thermostat repaired or replaced. Digital thermostats are very reliable and programmable thermostats can help you save energy. If your old thermostat needs to be replaced, consider upgrading.  

Prevent Most Common Heating System Problems with Routine Burlington Furnace Repair 

If you’re only repairing your heating system when something goes wrong, you’re not getting the best performance out of your equipment. Yearly cleaning and maintenance will go a long way toward preventing malfunctions and saving you money on heating costs. Call Alamance Oil at (336) 226-9371 for Burlington Furnace Repair and Maintenance.

How to Read your Propane Tank Gauge

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Running out of propane is most likely an experience you never want to have. On a cold winter day, if your propane tank is empty you’ll find that your furnace stops working and the temperature inside your home drops drastically. In addition to being cold and inconvenienced, letting your propane tank run completely out of fuel can actually cost you extra fees to get it refilled. To avoid running out, it’s a good idea to check your gauge occasionally. Not sure how to read your gauge or what percentage means you need a refill? This guide will help you to determine when it’s time to call your Eden propane supplier for a delivery.  

How Does the Gauge Work? 

The tank float gauge measures the level of liquid propane in the tank. The float, just as it sounds, floats on the top of the liquid propane. It is connected to the gauge which gives an approximate percentage of the liquid in the tank. The float gauge is not 100% accurate, but it gives a pretty close estimate, close enough that you can determine when a refill is necessary.  

What Do the Numbers on the Gauge Mean? 

The needle points to a number on the dial, which translates to a percentage. That percentage is the amount of propane in the tank in relation to how much the tank will hold. The following chart lists the percentages and how they translate to different tank capacities. 

Gauge Reading  150 Gallon Tank  250 Gallon Tank  500 Gallon Tank 
80%  120  200  400 
70%  105  175  350 
60%  90  150  300 
50%  75  125  250 
40%  60  100  200 
30%  45  75  150 
20%  30  50  100 
10%  15  25  50 

 

Simply read the percentage on your gauge and compare it to the size of your tank in gallons. You should easily be able to see how much propane you have left in your tank. Notice that the bottom two lines on the chart are in red. When your tank gets below 20% you should schedule a refill soon. If your tank has 10% or less, you are in danger of running out completely. Err on the side of caution, because the float gauge is not always perfectly accurate. You could actually have less propane than your gauge suggests.  

Avoid Running Out of Propane with Regular Deliveries from Carolina Fuels 

Would you prefer not to worry about reading your gauge and trying to determine when you need to order a refill? Ease your mind and sign up for regular Eden propane deliveries from Carolina Fuels. The experts at Carolina Fuels can time your refills based on your typical household usage and the weather. You’ll only pay for the amount of propane that goes into your tank, so you won’t overpay for an early refill if your tank wasn’t low. But you’ll never have to worry about running out. Combine propane deliveries with regular furnace maintenance and save on the combination of services. Regular maintenance will keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently all winter and scheduled fuel deliveries will keep your tank full. You get worry-free home heating for a cozy winter. Call Carolina Fuels to schedule your Eden propane deliveries and maintenance: (336) 623-9741.

5 Commonly Asked Questions About Propane

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Thinking of using propane for home heating in Eden this winter? If you’ve never used propane before you probably have questions about it. Here are 5 commonly asked questions about propane that should help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home. 

  1. What is Propane? Propane is a by-product of natural gas and petroleum (crude oil) that is typically manufactured at oil refineries. It is a highly versatile fuel that can be used to heat homes and supply energy to stoves, ovens, clothing dryers, water heaters, and more.  
  2. Is Propane Safe? Propane is an extremely safe way to heat your home. Propane is typically stored in liquid form in a tank outside your home, either above or below the ground. It has an odor that resembles rotten eggs that will alert you if there is a leak. Propane tanks and equipment are designed with special features to ensure the highest level of safety.  
  3. Will Propane Harm the Environment? After the safety of home and family, people often consider the environment when thinking about heating fuels. Propane is non-toxic, clean-burning, and will not harm the environment. When it burns it does not release any greenhouse gases. You can rest assured that propane is environmentally friendly.  
  4. Is Propane More or Less Expensive than Other Fuels? Homeowners want to know that they are making an affordable choice for home heating. Propane home heating in Eden can seem to be more expensive than natural gas when you compare pricing directly, but there have been times when natural gas was more costly. Propane also burns more efficiently than natural gas, so you use less, thus saving money. In addition to price, consider the other benefits of propane, like its versatility (it can power other appliances such as dryers and water heaters, which is more efficient than electric) and the fact that it can be delivered to places where natural gas is not available. 
  5. How Will I Know if My Tank is Getting Low? Running out of propane is a valid concern, but it’s completely avoidable. If you’re not sure how much propane is in your tank, have Carolina Fuels check the level and refill it if necessary. Then sign up for regular propane deliveries that will ensure you never run out. 

Switching to Propane Home Heating in Eden is Easy 

Now that some of your questions are answered, you should know that switching to propane is easy if you choose to go that route. A propane tank can be installed on any property, as long as you own your home and land. The tank can be above or below ground, whichever you prefer. If you are simply switching from another propane supplier to Carolina Fuels, the tank swap is free. Regularly scheduled deliveries are convenient and can include complete HVAC maintenance as well for both your furnace and your air conditioner. If you have additional questions about propane home heating in Eden, call (336) 313-0466.

Top 5 Reasons to Enroll in Automatic Propane Delivery

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Propane tank refills are a necessary part of using propane as a household energy source. You receive a finite amount in a tank that will eventually run out if not refilled. Propane is one of the most commonly used heating fuels in Greensboro. You may think you have many different suppliers at your disposal and that there’s no need to worry about a refill until you run out. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and you may find yourself out of propane with no available delivery times for days or even weeks. Instead of taking this risk, consider the top 5 reasons to enroll in automatic propane delivery. 

  1. Save Money. Propane prices fluctuate due to a variety of reasons from weather to supply and demand, to the price per barrel of crude oil. Depending on when you order refills, your price could be drastically different. Automatic refills eliminate this worry by leveling out the cost of your propane refills. You can even pay on a monthly basis to make propane more affordable. 
  2. Avoid Running Out. Running out of propane is not only inconvenient on a cold day, but it can even result in higher fees and damage to your tank, valve, and fuel lines. You should never let your tank get completely empty, and automatic refills ensure that will never happen.  
  3. No Worries. You can stop worrying about checking your propane tank gauge and trying to determine how much is left and if you need to schedule a refill. Berico calculates how much propane you will need based on typical household usage, the number of appliances you have that run on propane, and outside temperatures. Your deliveries are scheduled accordingly.  
  4. Combine Services. Besides propane deliveries, your furnace also needs periodic maintenance to run safely and efficiently. When soot builds up in the heat exchanger and clouds the pilot sensor, your furnace won’t operate properly. Your home won’t get warm and your furnace could experience further damage. Propane deliveries can be combined with routine furnace maintenance in one affordable package.  
  5. No responsibility. Berico times your deliveries very accurately, but in the extremely rare case that you run out of propane due to a tank leak or appliance malfunction, you are not responsible for the fees or repairs associated with that.  

Feel the Freedom that comes with Automatic Delivery of Heating Fuels in Greensboro  

Out of all the benefits that come from automatic propane delivery, peace of mind encompasses them all. You can put your home heating fuels in Greensboro completely out of your mind, knowing that refills will be taken care of, ensuring that you never run out of fuel. Don’t end up at the mercy of crude oil prices that cause the price per gallon of propane to increase. Don’t wait to schedule your propane refills during a cold snap when everyone needs propane and the demand causes prices to rise. And when you combine automatic fuel delivery with furnace maintenance, you get Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement, which offers you the added peace of mind that comes from knowing that your furnace has been inspected, cleaned, and tuned-up to run smoothly and efficiently. Call Berico today to enroll in automatic propane deliveries: (336) 273-8663.

Top 3 Reasons to Switch to Propane Heating

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Are you looking into alternative home heating options this year? Maybe you’re moving to a new home with a furnace for the first time, or maybe you’re tired of the monthly gas bills that seem to skyrocket during the cold weather months. Whatever the reason, a great alternative heating fuel to consider is propane. There are many advantages to using propane in Greensboro, but here are 3 reasons that top the list. 

  1. Switching to Propane Could Save you Money. A top priority for many households, saving money is one of the biggest benefits of switching to propane energy. There are many different ways that propane can save you money: 
    • Propane heat lasts longer than natural gas or electric heat, meaning you get more warmth out of less fuel.  
    • Propane can be used for many other household appliances, including clothing dryers, ranges, fireplaces, water heaters, and generators.  
    • You can purchase propane as you need it instead of paying a monthly bill. But if you prefer a monthly bill to help balance your budget, agreements are available to even out the cost.  
  2. Propane is Safe for your Family and the Environment. Propane is a safe, clean-burning fuel that will not harm your family or the environment. It is completely non-toxic and is stored in liquid form in a tank on your property, either above or below the ground. Leaks are very uncommon, but can be detected by an odor that resembles rotten eggs. Propane is naturally odorless, but the odor is added to make leaks easier to detect. You will only notice the smell if there is a leak.
  3.  Propane Works When Electricity Doesn’t. Even when the power goes out, you can rest assured your home will still be warm and your propane-powered appliances will still work. You can still cook meals, dry clothes, and have hot showers even when there is no electricity. In the event of extreme weather or an accident involving a transformer, power can be lost for hours or even days. But you’ll be just fine, knowing your basic needs are still being met because of the reliability of propane.

Switching to Propane in Greensboro is Easy with Berico Fuels 

If you are interested in switching to propane, Berico Fuels is an excellent supplier. Berico makes the switching process easy and painless for customers from furnace adaption to new tank installation. Any questions you have will be answered by an experienced technician who knows the ins and outs of propane installation. Deliveries can be set up on a schedule based on the weather and your household usage so that you never have to worry about running out of propane. Propane prices are reasonable and comparable.  

Berico is a complete home comfort service, meaning that in addition to propane deliveries, Berico offers HVAC repairs and maintenance. Your propane deliveries and routine maintenance can be handled on the same schedule for your convenience. Call Berico today to make your switch to propane in Greensboro before the cold weather sets in: (336) 273-8663.

Propane Options for Space Heating

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Are there some areas of your home that your central heating system doesn’t reach well? Maybe you’d like to heat your garage only when you’re working on the car. Perhaps you have a sunroom that needs extra heat in the winter. There are different types of propane space heaters available. To get the propane you need to heat your extra spaces, call the top heating oil suppliers in Greensboro, Berico Fuels. Berico supplies propane, heating oil, kerosene, and more to homeowners and business owners.  

Propane Space Heaters Come in Many Types to Suit your Needs 

  • Radiant space heaters, or infrared space heaters, use propane to heat coils that in turn heat the air in the room. Heat is transferred to an object which transfers the heat to the air in the room.  
  • Circulating space heaters, or blue flame heaters, use propane to ignite a small flame that heats air. That air is then circulated through the room with a blower mechanism.  
  • Wall–Mounted space heaters can be either radiant or circulating, but are designed to be mounted on the wall. Proper installation is crucial for safe operation of wall mounted space heaters.  
  • Vented space heaters draw air in from the outside, heat it, disperse it throughout the room, and then vent the fumes from the burning fuel outside through a flue.   
  • Unvented space heaters take in air from the room itself and vents back into the room as well. Unvented space heaters are safe when used correctly.   

Safety Guidelines for Indoor Propane Space Heaters 

Propane space heaters are a safe way to heat indoor spaces, but only when installed and operated correctly. Follow these guidelines if you plan to heat any indoor spaces with propane heaters. 

  1. Never leave a space heater unattended. Don’t leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room. An unattended space heater is a greater fire risk. 
  2. Have propane space heaters inspected periodically. A licensed propane technician should inspect your propane space heater yearly to ensure safe operation. 
  3. Always install propane space heaters on a non-combustible surface. It may seem obvious, but don’t sit a propane space heater on carpet, rugs, towels, or cardboard boxes. Wall-mounted units should be installed on non-combustible wall surfaces. 
  4. Do not install unvented space heaters in small bedrooms or bathrooms. Bathrooms and small bedrooms are confined spaces with limited air. The safety risk is much higher in these situations. There are exceptions to this rule: 
    • A bathroom wall-mounted space heater is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 6,000 BTU/hour and is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will automatically turn off the heater if low oxygen levels are detected. 
    • A bedroom wall-mounted space heater is allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed 10,000 BTU/hour and is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will automatically turn off the heater if the low oxygen levels are detected. 

Installation by Experienced Propane and Heating Oil Suppliers in Greensboro is Recommended for Space Heaters 

Safe operation is crucial when using a propane space heater, and proper installation is key to achieving that. The best way to ensure proper installation is to hire qualified propane and heating oil suppliers in Greensboro. Berico Fuels is a leading supplier of heating fuels to Greensboro and the surrounding area. Have your propane space heater installed and periodically inspected by Berico and sign up for automatic propane deliveries so that you’ll never run out. Call (336) 273-8663.

Understanding the 80% Fill Rule for Propane Tanks

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Do you ever wonder why your propane tank gauge never shows more than 80% full, even after a refill? There is a reason for that, and it requires just a simple scientific explanation. When it comes to heating fuels in Burlington, propane has some unique properties that set it apart from other fuels. Read on to learn why your tank should never be filled to 100%. 

Propane Expands with Heat 

The entire explanation revolves around this one fact: propane expands with heat. This is true of most substances, but with propane, there is an extra factor to consider. You probably know that water expands some when heated. Apply the same amount of heat to propane, which is also a liquid, and its volume increases 17 percent more than water. So what does this mean for your propane tank? 

Overfilling a Propane Tank Doesn’t Leave Room for Expansion 

Propane suppliers know they must leave space in the tank for propane to expand. Overfilling the tank could lead to problems when the propane expands, such as leaks or even explosions. By federal regulation, every tank must be installed with an OPD (over pressure device) to alert the user if the pressure inside the tank reaches a dangerous level.  

Tank Location Affects the 80% Fill Rule  

If your propane tank is buried underground it is partially insulated from the heat. Due to this fact, your underground tank may be filled a bit over the typical 80%. Don’t worry, there is no cause for alarm in this case. 

Tank Size Does Not Affect the 80% Fill Rule 

No matter the size of your tank, it is still safer for it to be filled to no more than 80%, even a small cylinder such as the ones typically used for backyard grilling. In fact, a tank used for a backyard grill is more likely to come in contact with extreme heat from the grill itself and the outside heat, so the risk for expansion is greater.  

Tank Percentages in Gallons 

Use this chart to determine what 80% in gallons would be for your tank size. Make sure your tank is not negligently overfilled.  

Tank Size (gallons) 

 

 80% (gallons) 
120  96 
150  120 
200  160 
250  200 
500  400 

 

Why You Should Get your Heating Fuels in Burlington from Alamance Oil 

If you currently (or plan to) heat your home, cook your food, or run any of your other household appliances with propane, consider making Alamance Oil your regular supplier. Alamance Oil abides by the 80% fill rule with every refill to keep you and your family safe. You can count on quality and consistency when it comes to your tank and heating fuels in Burlington when you choose Alamance Oil as your supplier. You don’t have to worry that you’re not getting the full amount of fuel for your money, as you will only be charged for the number of gallons your tank receives in a delivery. Regular deliveries ensure you will never run out of propane. Call Alamance Oil today: (336) 623-9741.

Alternative Fuel Types: A Comparison

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warm cozy homeThe three most common types of home heating fuels in Greensboro are natural gas, propane, and oil. You may not give much thought to which fuel your home uses. Most likely you have continued to use whatever fuel your home was equipped with when you moved in. But maybe you’ve been wondering if there is a better way to heat your home. Maybe you’re looking at new homes or building a custom home and have the opportunity to choose. Maybe your furnace has died and needs to be replaced. Whatever the reason, consider this comparison between home heating fuels to help you make your decision. 

  • Propane: Propane offers a radiating warmth on cold days. And while it is perceived to cost more than natural gas, that is not always the case. One advantage of propane is that it can be delivered to any location. So, if your home doesn’t have access to natural gas, propane is a worthy alternative. You have your choice of suppliers from a few different options in most areas. Propane can also power other appliances besides your furnace. Your range, dryer, water heater, generator, and even some other appliances can run on propane, which could save you money. And you’ll still be able to cook and take hot showers if the power goes out.  
  • Oil: Homeowners who use oil enjoy the cozy warmth it offers on cold winter days. While heating oil tends to get a bad rap because the cost seems to be higher than other fuels, the important cost factor to remember is that it burns hotter and heats faster. This means you get more heat out of a smaller amount of oil. You won’t use as much oil as you would propane or gas in the same amount of time. It may seem pricey when you fill your tank, but rest assured you won’t need deliveries as often. You also have a choice of suppliers in your area. 

Berico Offers Reliable Delivery of Heating Fuels in Greensboro 

If you like the benefits of alternative heating fuels such as propane or oil, Berico is a top supplier of heating fuels in Greensboro and beyond. Berico offers regular delivery agreements that can save you money on fuel, especially when combined with furnace maintenance. Call (336) 273-8663 for more information about home heating fuels and a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico.