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. 

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.