As fall approaches it’s time to start thinking about the condition of your furnace. It’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare your furnace for cold weather before the first chilly night. Don’t wait until it gets cold to change your thermostat to heat just to find out that it won’t come on or isn’t working properly. There are specific steps you can take on your own to prepare, as well as scheduling furnace maintenance in Eden, NC.

1. Change filters. If you typically change your filters every 1-2 months, you’re already doing what experts recommend to keep dirt and dust out of your system and improve airflow. If not, now is a great time to do that. Dirty, clogged filters allow dirt and dust to get through but not the air that should be able to get through. Low air flow and a dirty furnace can cause problems with your system from decreased efficiency to furnace failure.
2. Check carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Change the batteries. Most detectors have a test/reset button. Push this button and hold it down until you hear 2 beeps. If your carbon monoxide detector is monitored by your security system, contact your security monitoring center for testing. Why is this important? Because furnaces produce carbon monoxide that should be minimal and vented outside of your home. Your CO monitor will sound if your furnace produces more than it should or isn’t venting properly.
3. Clean vents. Dust tends to collect around your vents, especially the intake vents. Use a simple duster to remove dust and debris from your vents before switching your furnace on for the first time this season.
4. Clean around your furnace. With experience, you may be able to clean the inside of your furnace, but it is safer to leave that up to the professionals. You can simply remove dust and debris from the outside of your furnace to prevent it from getting inside when your HVAC company comes to perform maintenance.
5. Schedule a furnace tune up with your HVAC company. The most important thing to do before turning on your furnace each season is to have your heating and cooling service come out to perform a tune-up. Furnace maintenance in Eden, NC, will help your furnace run more efficiently and prevent problems that could occur in the future.

Furnace Maintenance in Eden, NC, Saves You Money on Heating Costs

If you’re wondering if a furnace tune-up is worth the money, the answer from homeowners and HVAC experts alike is a resounding “Yes.” Just like your car or any other working machine, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it running properly. Your furnace needs to be cleaned, inspected, and sometimes repaired to keep it from breaking down. Furnace maintenance in Eden, NC, includes all of that and more. A well-tuned furnace uses less energy, saving you money on gas, electricity, propane, or oil. And you can avoid emergency and after-hours fees for unexpected breakdowns. Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and emergency fees are waived. You’ll also get a discount on propane or heating oil deliveries. Call Carolina Fuels and make sure your furnace is prepared well in advance for cold weather: (336) 623-9741.

Do you have reason to believe your propane tank may be leaking? The most typical sign of a possible leak is the smell. Propane has an odor that has been described as “rotten egg, skunk, or dead animal.” This odor is added to the propane (which is typically odorless) for safety reasons so that you can detect a leak if it occurs. If you suspect that your tank or gas line is leaking, turn off all propane appliances and immediately contact your Burlington, NC, propane supplier.

How to Locate the Leak Safely:

There is a way to locate the leak yourself, if you are so inclined. Simply mix a solution of water and dish soap together and apply it liberally using a spray bottle or simply a sponge or rag. You will notice bubbles at the site of the leak, indicating that propane is seeping out at that location. The more bubbles you see, the faster the leak. You can also skip the soap step and call your propane supplier as soon as you smell propane. By allowing a professional to check your tank and gas line you can be absolutely certain that if there is a leak, it is properly detected and repaired. Do not use a lit match to detect a leak. That practice is extremely dangerous. You never want a flame anywhere near your propane tank or gas line.

What to Do if you Find a Leak:

If you detect a leak, it is best to call your propane supplier to repair the leak or replace your tank. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. If the repair is faulty and your tank or line continues to leak, you could lose an expensive amount of propane in a short period of time. It also jeopardizes the safety of your home and family to allow a leak to go unattended. Turn off all appliances in your home that use propane until your supplier can verify that it is safe to continue use.

Rely on Berico for All your Burlington, NC, Propane and HVAC Needs

Trust your propane tank, line, and furnace to Alamance Oil, your reliable Burlington, NC, propane supplier and HVAC specialist. One of the biggest advantages of being an Alamance Oil customer is that your furnace and propane tank are both maintained by the same company. Even your air conditioning can be maintained, making your propane supplier your whole home comfort service. When you can make one call for all your HVAC needs, you save time and money. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t even have to call? You can sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Plan that includes regular maintenance and propane deliveries on a predetermined schedule based on your typical propane usage. Propane deliveries and maintenance include tank inspection to detect any possible leaks or issues with your tank so that you can have worry-free home comfort.

Call Alamance Oil to inspect your propane tank today: (336)226-9371.

So you’ve started seeing ice forming on your air conditioning unit. You’re wondering how it’s possible for it to freeze in the scorching heat of summer. This is actually quite common and there are a few potential causes to explore. The good news is that this problem can be fixed by a specialist in heating and air in Greensboro, NC. Use this troubleshooting guide to help you identify the problem. Then take any necessary steps that can be done from your end or call Berico for assistance.

1. Low air flow. Your air conditioner requires sufficient flow of air through the system in order to work correctly. The air that comes in and goes out passes over an important part called the evaporator coil. The coil is full of refrigerant that cools air down and transfers warm air out as it passes to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Possible reasons for low air flow:

• Clogged filters. Check your filters and replace them if necessary. Consider changing your filters monthly to achieve maximum air flow.
• Blocked or leaky ducts. Have a professional HVAC company check your ductwork for any blockages or leaks that may be interfering with proper air flow through your system.
• Blower failure. If the blower is not properly moving air over the evaporator coil, it can cause ice to form.

2. Low refrigerant. The evaporator coil must contain a very specific amount of refrigerant to properly cool incoming air and remove heat from outgoing air. If there is not enough refrigerant, it can cause your AC to freeze up.

Possible reasons for low refrigerant:

• Leaky coil. If there is a leak somewhere in the coil, the refrigerant level will be too low to transfer heat out and cool down the incoming air.
• Refrigerant line kinks or leaks. If there are any leaks in your system where refrigerant is getting out, or if there is a kink in the refrigerant line, it leads to an insufficient amount of refrigerant in the coil.

Trust Your Frozen Air Conditioner to Berico Heating and Air, Greensboro, NC

If you notice ice anywhere on your air conditioning unit, the only action to take on your own would be checking and changing your filters. Any other repairs should be handled by a professional HVAC service. Berico is a trusted name in heating and cooling services in Greensboro and the surrounding area and has been for decades. A frozen outdoor unit is a common problem with air conditioners, but it can be prevented with regular yearly maintenance. An AC tune up includes filter replacement, refrigerant charging, blower and ductwork inspection and repair, and more. A frozen AC unit is just one of many common problems that can be prevented with regular tune ups. Sign up for Berico’s Comfort and Protection Service Agreement and breathe easy knowing your system is in good hands. Call (336) 273-8663 for repairs or maintenance today.

Most of us know that air conditioning systems require routine maintenance to operate efficiently. But if you have pets, there are specific maintenance areas that need to be addressed. Whether you have cats, dogs, or other furry friends and regardless of whether they live inside or outside, certain steps and precautions should be taken to keep pets safe and your HVAC system running smoothly.

1. Change filters often. Pet hair and dander clog up filters, blocking air flow and allowing your system to get dirty inside. Typical households should change air filters every 6 months. Pet owners, especially those with multiple pets or long haired pets, should change filters quarterly or even monthly.
2. Protect the outdoor unit. If your pets, especially dogs, have free reign in the area that contains your outdoor AC unit, they are likely to use it as a place to lift their leg. Pet urine can cause corrosion and other damage to the unit. Pets may also claw the outdoor unit, causing damage or injuring themselves. Enclose your outdoor unit with fencing or some other barrier that allows for air flow.
3. Secure electrical cords. Pets like to chew on electrical wires and cords, which is dangerous for them and can cause damage to the wires. Enclose electrical wires in conduits.
4. Keep pets clean and well groomed. Bathing pets and brushing off excess hair, even having them professionally groomed can reduce the amount of hair that is loose in your home. Less hair laying around means less will end up in your filters and ducts.
5. Vacuum up pet hair regularly. Keeping pet hair in check with frequent vacuuming reduces the amount of hair and dander that can be sucked in by your intake vents.

Air Conditioning Systems Last Longer and Run More Efficiently with Regular Maintenance

A yearly tune up for your AC offers a range of benefits. A well maintained system will give you many more years of good operation than a system that isn’t. And keeping your AC tuned up means it will run more efficiently, using less energy and keeping your monthly bill lower. You won’t have to worry that your AC will break down in hot weather, because a typical yearly checkup will catch any potential problems like parts that are wearing out or loose.

Pets put an added strain on your air conditioning system because of the hair, dander, and dirt that invade your vents and ducts. But you can combat this with yearly maintenance and by following the tips listed above.

Carolina Fuels offers Comfort and Protection Service Plans that include yearly tune ups for your air conditioning, furnace, and any other HVAC equipment you own. Service plans can also be combined with fuel delivery such as propane, heating oil, and more. Your total home comfort can be managed by just one company. Sign up for a service plan today to keep your HVAC system in the best possible condition. Call (336) 623-9741.

Is your heating and air conditioning system showing signs of old age? Are you beginning to wonder how much longer it’s going to last? Unfortunately HVAC systems don’t last forever, and you may not be prepared for the day your system breaks down. But there are some telltale signs that indicate you should start talking to your trusted HVAC service technician about replacement. It may be time to upgrade if you notice any of the following signs.

1. Unusual noises. If you hear noises you haven’t heard before coming from your heating and cooling system, it can mean there are serious problems. Vibrations, loose parts, a motor that’s wearing out, and more can cause new noises or just an increase in the amount of noise coming from your system.
2. Rising energy bill. Does it seem like your electric or gas bill gets higher each month? Are your bills higher this year than they were at the same time last year? These are both signs that your HVAC system is not running efficiently. New systems are significantly more energy efficient than those that are more than 8 to 10 years old.
3. Unpleasant odors. Strange or unpleasant smells coming from your HVAC unit or your vents? Odors can be caused by a variety of problems, such as mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture inside the unit or refrigerant leaks.
4. Tripped circuit breaker. If your HVAC system trips the circuit breaker once, it may not be any cause for alarm. But if it happens repeatedly, you may have a system that is showing signs of wear. A small repair may be able to help, but it likely won’t last long and your whole system will soon need to be replaced.
5. Frequent repairs. Does it seem like you’ve had your HVAC service out for repairs too many times lately? Too many repairs in a short period of time, even small things, are a definite sign that your AC is wearing out.
6. Uneven indoor temperatures or decreased comfort. Does your home seem less comfortable lately? Are some rooms warmer than others? Uneven heating or cooling is often a sign that your HVAC system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. If you’re lucky, a simple repair could fix the problem, but more than likely a replacement is in your near future.

Upgrading to a New Heating and Cooling System Can Actually Save You Money

The price of a new HVAC system can seem a little overwhelming. No one wants to pay to replace their central air. But after the initial cost, the upgrade in efficiency will save you money on a monthly basis, especially if your current system is eight years old or older. If you notice any of the above signs, call Carolina Fuels for HVAC service immediately. An expert technician will evaluate your current system and give you a recommendation on whether to repair it or replace it. Call now: (336) 623-9741.