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.

You probably don’t give too much thought to your thermostat. You set it to one temperature for the summer, and one temperature for the winter, and don’t look at it much in between. Or perhaps you do think about it a lot, and you are constantly adjusting the temperature based on the time of day or the outside weather. Whichever category you fall into, a programmable thermostat would be a major benefit to your residential heating and air system.

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset your home’s temperature for certain times of the day. You can tell it to adjust the temperature at night when you go to bed and adjust it again right before you get up. You can tell it what to do during a certain date range when you may be gone from home. And some can even connect to your smartphone so that you can program your thermostat remotely. What are the benefits of this device?

1. Save money. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the programmable thermostat is the money you save. Your energy bill will go down because you are maximizing the energy your HVAC system uses to keep your home at the desired temperature. Changing the temperature at night and when you are out of the home can make a big difference in overall energy use.
2. Enjoy peace of mind. Once you have programmed your thermostat, you can forget about it. No need to constantly adjust the temperature to suit the time of day. And when you are going to be out of town, your thermostat will know what to do. If you forget to program it before you leave, you can use your smartphone to set it. It’s a stress-free way to manage your home comfort system.
3. Extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. A programmable thermostat takes some of the stress off of your system. Reducing the amount of time your heating and cooling system runs and the amount of cycling on and off will allow it to last longer. You may get many more good years out of your equipment.
4. Feel more comfortable. You can expect to feel more comfortable in your home because you can program the temperature to suit the time of day and your plans. At night you may prefer a cooler temperature since you’ll be under the covers, but you may want it to be warmer once you are up. You can program your thermostat to raise the temperature just before you get up so that you don’t have to roll out of bed in the cold. You can also set different zones in your home to be warmer or cooler so that you’re keeping the most used parts of your home at the optimal comfort level.

Maximize Your Residential Heating and Air System with a New Programmable Thermostat

Save money and relax in comfort after you call Berico to install your new programmable thermostat. Your technician will help you to program it to suit your lifestyle and provide you with the knowledge to adjust it as you see fit. It can work with any HVAC system, so contact Berico to schedule your installation today: (336) 273-8663.

Have you been hearing unusual noises coming from your AC unit? Central air conditioners emit a variety of noises that range from normal to abnormal. Sounds like blowing air, soft whirring, one soft click when your system comes on, are all normal for a properly operating HVAC system. But if you hear a persistent clicking sound coming from your AC, it might be an indication that something isn’t right and professional air conditioner repair may be necessary. Here are some probable causes.

First, Determine Where the Clicking Sound is Coming From

The source of the noise is an important factor in determining the cause. Depending on where the sound is coming from, the problem could be mechanical or electrical, possibly serious or more minor. Locate the source of the sound and consider the possible causes.

• Outside unit: When the clicking sound comes from the outside unit, it could mean there is a loose part somewhere. It could be a bolt, a wire, a refrigerant tube, or some other part that may just need to be tightened. It’s best to call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and repair it.
• Inside unit: If the clicking sound seems to coming from the inside unit, whether it resides in your attic, basement, or a closet, it is likely the fan that is part of the air handler. An obstruction to the fan blades will cause a clicking sound every time the blades hit the obstruction as they spin. If the clicking starts out slow and gradually gets faster and then persists, you most likely have a fan-related problem. It could also be a bent fan blade causing the clicking sound. Call your AC repair service to find the reason for the clicking and repair it.
• Electrical system or circuit box: Each time the indoor temperature gets too high and your air conditioner comes on, you may hear a click (and see a slight dimming of the lights) as the AC pulls the voltage it needs to start up. If you hear a click but your AC doesn’t come on, you likely have an electrical problem. Sometimes wires can corrode and get stuck together. Other parts like the capacitor or control board switch could be bad and need to be replaced. If you hear a click in your circuit box it means something has tripped a circuit breaker. If it happens to be your air conditioner, it could indicate a problem, especially if it happens frequently. Never attempt to fix electrical components yourself, always call for professional air conditioner repair.

Calm the Click with Reliable Air Conditioner Repair from Alamance Oil

Anytime you hear unusual sounds coming from your AC, the best thing to do is call Alamance Oil. Trained, experienced technicians will identify the problem and repair it quickly and accurately. Don’t ignore the sound or you could end up with a broken down air conditioner on a hot day. A simple repair done at the right time can save you from having to replace your entire system. Don’t wait, call Alamance Oil today: (336) 226-9371.

It’s easy to fall in love with a historic home. Whether it’s been well maintained or needs to be fully renovated, the allure and enchantment prevail. But old homes come with unique challenges, such as incorporating modern comforts like air conditioning. It is possible to add AC to an historic home without disturbing the architecture or the integrity of the home? There are a few options to choose from when it comes to central AC installation in an older home, and your choice will likely come down to pricing and aesthetics.

Central Air Conditioning: The Cost Effective Option

Pros: Less expensive than more specialized systems, energy efficient, and controls humidity.

Cons: Ductwork takes up space in both rooms and closets and the outdoor unit may distract from the historic look.

Pricing for central air conditioners comes down to efficiency or the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The more efficient the system, the higher the price. A SEER of 16 or higher is considered to be a high-efficiency system, but the ratings go as high as 18-20 for some models. More expensive models also do a better job of controlling humidity, which is important to the preservation of historic homes.

Installing ductwork in an existing home means sacrificing closet space and may require boxing in corners of rooms or lowering ceilings. This may disrupt the authenticity of the historic interior design.

Mini-Duct Air Conditioning: The Space Saving Option

Pros: Small ducts take up less space and are less intrusive to install.

Cons: Strong air flow from vents means less flexibility for furniture arrangement.

Mini-duct systems use 3 inch ducts that can be snaked through walls and floor joints so they are less conspicuous. No need to sacrifice closet space or square footage of rooms.

The small ductwork causes the cool air to come out fast and furious. You wouldn’t want to be sitting or sleeping right next to or under one of these vents. You may have to arrange your furniture accordingly.

Ductless Air Conditioning: The Quiet Option

Pros: Quiet operation, very little construction, and room-by-room cooling.

Cons: Pricier and modern looking.

Ductless systems mount to the wall and only require a small hole through which a pipe can fit to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Each room to be cooled requires its own indoor unit that can be set to whatever temperature is wanted on a room-by-room basis. No ductwork is required, meaning very little indoor construction. Fans operate quietly, making ductless systems as unobtrusive as possible.

Ductless systems are more expensive than central air conditioning, but the fewer number of rooms that require cooling, the less it will cost. If you can get away with only cooling bedrooms and most frequently used rooms, you can save a lot. The only other downside to ductless systems is that the wall unit looks very modern, which distracts from the historic look of the home and décor.

Trust Your Historic Home to Carolina Fuels

Every decision you make when renovating a historic home matters. Once you make a permanent change it can never be undone. Trust the beauty and integrity of your priceless home to the experts at Berico. Whether you choose central AC installation, a mini-duct system, or a ductless unit, you can count on your HVAC contractor to install it right. Call Berico for a free estimate: (336) 273-8663.