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. 

Do you experience uneven heating and cooling in your home? It can be frustrating and downright uncomfortable. And it’s probably costing you more in energy as your HVAC system attempts to maintain your desired temperature. This problem can be corrected by your HVAC service in Eden, increasing your home comfort and decreasing your monthly energy bills.

Getting to the Bottom of the Issue

What causes these hot and cold spots in your home? There’s a variety of possible causes, and getting to the source of the uneven temperatures is the first step in correcting the problem.

• Low air flow. Stand under one of your vents while the air is on. Can you feel air coming out? If not, or even if you have to stand on a stool to feel it, you are experiencing low air flow from your HVAC system. Low air flow is most often caused by dirty or clogged filters. Change your filters first. If you don’t feel an improvement in airflow, it may be a mechanical issue instead.
• Outside air getting in. It could be that outside air is getting into your home through cracks or holes in your walls, foundation, or roof. Air can also seep in around doors and windows that aren’t properly sealed. Insufficient insulation could also be failing to keep outside air out of your home. If outside air is getting in, it lowers the efficiency of your HVAC system and forces it to work harder than necessary to achieve the desired indoor temperature.
• Your HVAC system is aging. If your heating and cooling system are old it may be starting to fail. Older systems are also less efficient than newer systems, which means they don’t heat and cool as evenly.

Preventing/Correcting the Problem for Optimal Home Comfort

Now that you have an idea of what may be causing the uneven temperatures in your home, here are some solutions to the problem.

• Change your filters often. If you haven’t changed your filters in a few months, it is definitely time. Replacing dirty filters with new could correct the lack of air flow through your system. Changing your filters often, at least every 3 months, can help prevent airflow issues from ever starting. If filters aren’t the problem, call your HVAC service in Eden to inspect your system for other possible issues.
• Seal up cracks and upgrade insulation. If you find any cracks or holes where outside air may be getting in, seal them up. Add weather stripping to windows and doors. Upgrade or add insulation if you feel yours may be insufficient. If your home has old windows you can save a lot of energy by replacing them with new insulated windows.
• Consider replacing your HVAC system. An old HVAC system may be the cause of uneven heating and cooling. Have your system evaluated by a reliable HVAC service in Eden who can make a recommendation about a replacement.

Tired of hot and cold spots in your home?

When you’re ready to have this issue resolved, Carolina Fuels can help. Expert technicians can diagnose and repair the problem so your home will be more comfortable all year round. Call (336) 623-9741.

Have you started noticing a clicking sound coming from your heating system? Clicking could indicate any number of things. Determining the cause depends on a few factors, such as the type of heating system you have, the age of your system, and the energy source. For an accurate diagnostic and furnace repair in Greensboro, it’s best to call a reputable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service. Consider the following possibilities and then contact Berico for service. 

Possible Sources of a Clicking Sound in your Heating System 

• Pilot Light. If there is a problem with the pilot light, whether it is unable to light or stay lit, you may hear a clicking sound as the system attempts to relight the pilot. 
• Bearings. Most heating systems have a motor, and every motor has bearings that will eventually wear out or become dirty. When the bearings are worn or dirty they can make a clicking sound that may be loud enough to notice. 
• Inducer. A fan or blower is an important part of older oil furnaces, used to expel smoke and fumes from the burning oil. It’s called an inducer, and if this part becomes dirty or loose it will make a clicking sound.  
• Gas Valve. If you have natural gas or propane, you may hear a sporadic clicking sound with no discernable pattern. This indicates a problem with your gas valve, which can only be handled by your gas company. Do not call your HVAC company for furnace repair if you suspect there is an issue with your gas valve, line, or meter.  

Likely Causes of the Problem 

• Age of your System. If your heating system is older than 15-20 years, it may be showing signs of age. Extra noises are often an indication that your old furnace needs a tune up or possibly replacement.  
• Wear and Tear. Over time certain parts of your heating system may start to wear out from constant use and movement. Worn out parts may make some noise, alerting you to the possibility of a problem.  
• Lack of Maintenance. The most common cause of unusual or increased noises coming from your heating system is lack of maintenance. Your furnace will get dusty and dirty from use, soot will build up, parts will wear out, and lubrication will dry up. These are all problems that regular maintenance can solve. You can prevent heating system issues, extend the life of your system, and save energy by keeping your system operating more efficiently.  

Call Berico for Furnace Repair in Greensboro and the Surrounding Area  

Don’t ignore strange noises coming from your heating system. Call your trusted HVAC company for furnace repair in Greensboro before the problem gets any worse. A minor issue left unattended can become a major problem that could lead to expensive system replacement instead of an easy, affordable repair. Call Berico today for furnace repair and maintenance: (336) 273-8663.