Because most newer homes have pretty standard HVAC systems installed, the average homeowner may think they know all there is to know about using one. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about heating and cooling systems that need to be busted once and for all. Alamance Oil wants you to know the truth so you can avoid expensive AC repair for your Burlington home. 

Myth 1: You Only Need to Change your Filters Once a Year. 

How often do you change your HVAC filters? Every year as part of your spring cleaning regimen? If that’s the only time you replace your old dusty filters, you could be causing unnecessary harm to your central air system. Clogged filters don’t allow the intake vents to pull in the air your HVAC system needs in order to operate properly. Dirty filters will also let extra dirt and dust get into your system which lowers its efficiency. Changing your filters twice a year is good, changing them quarterly is better, and changing them monthly is best.  

Myth 2: An Energy Efficient HVAC System Automatically Saves you Money.  

False. An energy efficient system will maximize energy usage, meaning your energy bills should be lower, right? Not necessarily. Other factors affect your energy bills such as insulation and other sources of energy usage in the home. It is also important to select the right size HVAC system for your home. Always consult a reliable company that offers services such as AC repair, maintenance, and replacement, to recommend the best system for your home.  

Myth 3: Closing the Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy. 

This is one of the most harmful myths about HVAC systems. Closing vents in certain rooms will not save energy. In fact it will cause problems with your system by causing the air pressure to become unbalanced. Your AC will struggle to keep proper airflow throughout your home and the system itself and could even cause leaks in the ductwork.  

Myth 4: HVAC Maintenance is a Scam.  

Wrong. The truth is, HVAC companies make more money off of customers who call for emergency repairs or those who need their systems replaced more often because of lack of maintenance. By paying a minimal yearly fee for a maintenance agreement with your HVAC company you avoid emergency repairs, save on your monthly energy bill, and get many more good years out of your heating and cooling system.  

Save Money by Avoiding Extensive AC Repair in Burlington 

Now that you know the truth about some of the most common HVAC myths, you can avoid pitfalls, save money, and stay comfortable in your home. Alamance Oil offers a Comfort and Protection Service Plan for twice-yearly AC repair in Burlington to keep your system running efficiently. Call (336) 226-9371.

If your air conditioner seems to be leaking, you probably have a lot of questions. Why is it leaking? What is leaking from it? What should I do? Rest assured that leaks are quite common and it’s likely an easy fix. But if you see excessive moisture coming from your air conditioner you should definitely call an HVAC service in Greensboro to come and take a look.

What is the Liquid that’s Leaking from my Air Conditioner? 

Most likely it is just water from condensation. As warm air moves over the cold evaporator coil, condensation or water forms. This water is supposed to go outside through a drainage system when your air conditioner is working right. When it isn’t, the water ends up inside underneath the AC unit.  

In some cases, your system may leak refrigerant. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a water leak and a refrigerant leak. The common signs of a refrigerant leak include ice on your outdoor unit or on the evaporator coil, warm air coming from your vents, and sometimes a lack of airflow in general. If any of these symptoms accompany your leak, there’s a good chance it’s not just water.  

Why is it Leaking? 

If your AC is leaking water, it is likely because the drainage tube is blocked in some way so that water isn’t getting out like it should. It could also mean that the drain pan or drainage tube is cracked, causing water to leak. It could be that a malfunction of your system is causing excess moisture to build up faster than it can be drained out. Your air conditioner also works as a dehumidifier for your home during hot, humid summers. If you notice that your home feels more humid than it should like if windows fog up when it’s hot outside, it indicates that your AC is not working properly. You could prevent a leak before it starts if you pay attention to the early warning signs.  

Air conditioners leak refrigerant if there is a crack or hole in the evaporator coil. Strange as it seems, a lack of refrigerant can cause ice to form on the coil or the outside of the AC unit.  

What Should I Do About It? 

When you’re sure the water is coming from your air conditioner and not your plumbing or elsewhere, you should contact your HVAC service in Greensboro. Rely on the experts at Berico to accurately diagnose the problem and repair it properly.  

The same thing applies if you suspect your system is leaking refrigerant. The coil will need to be repaired or replaced and recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant, which is a job for a trained HVAC technician. 

How can I Prevent Leaks Before they Start?

Yearly maintenance for your air conditioner can prevent leaks and other problems from ever happening. Avoid water damage to your home from water and refrigerant leaks by having your system inspected, cleaned, and repaired every spring before the weather gets hot. Berico offers maintenance contracts that include AC and furnace maintenance along with other perks like discounted repairs and priority service. A Comfort and Protection Service Plan from Berico keeps your entire HVAC system (furnace and air conditioner) working efficiently throughout the year, keeping your home comfortable in any weather. Take the most important step in preventing heating and cooling problems. Call for Berico HVAC service in Greensboro: (336) 273-8663.  

Have you started to notice an unusual odor coming from your air conditioner? At first, you may wonder if it’s really something new, or if it’s something you’ve never noticed before. But no, it persists and you know it’s not normal. It may be time to call your HVAC company for AC repair in Reidsville. 

How to Identify the Smell and the Cause 

If your air conditioner smells like: 

• Mildew. If the smell is musty, like mildew or mold, that is likely exactly what you have growing somewhere in your AC unit. This should be addressed immediately. Mold and mildew can cause all sorts of health problems from allergies to more serious respiratory issues. Your HVAC company can remove the mold and repair the source of excess moisture in your system that is likely the cause. 

• Stinky feet. If the smell coming from your AC smells like dirty socks or stinky feet, this is another indication of a moisture issue. Your filters may be dirty or your drainage system clogged, causing too much moisture or standing water in your AC unit that eventually starts to smell like sweaty feet. Call your HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.  
• Burning. If you notice any type of burning smell, sometimes similar to gunpowder or an electrical burning smell, turn off your system immediately and call a heating and cooling expert. The smell could be from a variety of issues from a burned out motor to an electrical wiring problem. Take extreme caution in this situation and call an HVAC professional immediately.  
• Exhaust. It may seem odd to smell exhaust fumes, similar to that of a car, coming from your AC unit. But the motor for a central air system requires similar fluids to run and when these leak out, it can smell just like a car engine. This is not normal and requires professional AC repair in Reidsville.  
• Rotting. Unfortunately, this is most likely just as it smells. There is probably a dead animal somewhere in your system or ductwork that needs to be removed. Call an HVAC technician who has the training to get into your air conditioner or ducts without causing damage.  

Freshen Up your Home with AC Repair in Reidsville 

Does it seem like your home doesn’t smell fresh? If the air is stale or you’ve noticed strange odors lately and can’t find the cause, it’s likely that your air conditioner needs a tune-up. Regular maintenance keeps your AC running smoothly and efficiently, which prevents bad smells and other problems. HVAC experts recommend AC maintenance every spring and furnace maintenance every fall. In between these tune-ups, you can change your filters monthly or quarterly to keep dirt and dust out of your system and ensure proper air flow. In addition to keeping odors at bay, you will save money on your energy bills.  

Looking for a way to make your indoor air fresher and healthier? Try an air purification system. Easily installed in your current central air system, an air purifier will remove fine particles from the air inside your home and even create new clean air molecules to keep your home smelling fresh year round.  

Call Carolina Fuels for AC repair in Reidsville: (336) 273-8663.  

It’s recommended that air conditioner filters be replaced at least every 3 months. Filter replacement is part of typical AC maintenance in Burlington. If you have regular maintenance in the spring and fall, your filters will be replaced every 6 months, so it’s a good idea to change them out yourself in between tune-ups. You can even change them monthly for best results. That’s a lot of trash being generated that may just end up in another landfill. Can AC filters be recycled? Well, it depends. 

Can I Put My Used Filters in My Curbside Recycling Bin? 

Unfortunately, no, unless you want to meticulously separate the polyester or fiberglass mesh from the cardboard border and recycle just the cardboard. But that process is tedious and it releases all the dust mites and allergens that your filter has removed from the air in your home, exposing your respiratory system to toxins. If you have allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory illness, the potential harm is just not worth it.  

Where Can I Recycle My Used HVAC Filters? 

There are a couple of options for recycling air filters.  

• Mail-in recycling services will send you prepaid envelopes in which to place your dirty filters to send in for recycling.  
• Contact your HVAC service and ask about filter disposal/recycling for those filter changes in between your twice-annual HVAC tune-ups.  

Of course, the easiest method is to simply throw them away in your curbside trash can. However, taking the time to avoid adding more trash to landfills is a noble cause. 

Reusable HVAC Filters Eliminate Waste Altogether 

Another way to keep filters out of landfills is reusable filters. Reusable filters can be cleaned periodically and last for years. The price is higher than disposable filters, but you’ll avoid repeatedly paying for disposable filters every 3 months. And you’ll eliminate waste while still keeping your indoor air clean and healthy.  

Cleanup is easy: 

1. Turn off your HVAC system. 
2. Remove filters from intake vents. 
3. Vacuum or hose off filters until dust and debris is removed. 
4. If you use water, be sure to let filters dry completely (this step is very important, otherwise unwanted moisture ends up in your HVAC system and mold can grow).  
5. Put filters back in the intake vents.  

These filters will last for years, eliminating particles and allergens from your home air and keeping your HVAC system clean. 

Alamance Oil Handles your Filter Replacement with AC Maintenance in Burlington 

All of your filter changes can be handled by Alamance Oil. You can order filters at Berico.com for replacements in between tune-ups. Otherwise, your filter replacements can be handled by Alamance Oil during your regular appointments for AC maintenance in Burlington. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and your filter changes and disposal are included. Keep your heating and air conditioning system running efficiently with full system care from Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371.  

Houses are built on many different types of foundations. Whether crawl space, basement, slab, or another type, the foundation of your home affects the amount you pay to heat and cool it each month. No one type is better than another, but each needs to be handled differently when it comes to heating, cooling, and insulation. It’s also important to consider your foundation when choosing a new system for AC replacement in Burlington, NC.

Extra Insulation in your Crawlspace Foundation Can Save You Money

Do your floorboards feel cold in the winter time? If you have forced air heating and a crawlspace foundation, you may find that your feet are always cold and your heating bill is high. Without proper insulation, your crawlspace could be letting in cold air during the winter and hot air during the summer. Your HVAC system then has to work harder to achieve the desired indoor temperature, using more energy and increasing wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner. Sealing and insulating your crawlspace keeps the outside air where it belongs—outside.

Sealing your Basement Can Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs

Basements can be cold and damp. They can also be hot and stuffy, lacking ventilation. Properly sealing your basement can keep moisture and cold out, making it easier to keep it warm and cozy during the winter. Your furnace will require less gas, propane, or electricity which saves you money during the winter. Excess moisture and humidity in your basement can be an added challenge for your air conditioner during the summer months as well. Keeping basement humidity under control allows your air conditioning to cool the space more efficiently, also lowering your energy bill.

Slab Foundations Should Also be Insulated to Save Energy

In very warm climates, slab foundations are sometimes not insulated. But in climates where the winter months reach freezing temperatures, insulation is extremely beneficial. Both cold and warmth from the ground can impact your indoor temperature. Insulation keeps the air temperature in your home more even, making it easier to heat and cool consistently from room to room. Your HVAC system will require less energy to make your home comfortable, and the energy is what costs you money.

Less energy usage results in a lower energy bill. It’s that simple.

Evaluate your Foundation Insulation Before AC Replacement in Burlington, NC

If you are thinking about replacing your air conditioning system or if it dies and leaves you with no choice, be sure to check your foundation and insulation before you choose a system. It’s also important to get an accurate number of square feet that needs to be heated and cooled. If you recently finished your basement or attic or added on to your home, your new HVAC system may need to be larger to accommodate the additional space. Make sure your basement is sealed and your crawlspace or slab is insulated before you go through with AC replacement in Burlington, NC. Alamance Oil can perform an energy audit on your home and let you know if outside air is getting in due to insufficient insulation. Expert technicians can install a new HVAC system that is properly sized to heat and cool your home efficiently, saving you money each month. Call (336)226-9371 for a free home energy audit or AC replacement estimate.