Are you looking for ways to lower your utility costs this winter? When the weather gets cold it is necessary to heat your home in some way. Whether you use propane, natural gas, electricity, heating oil, or another energy source for home heat, there are ways to reduce the cost. From furnace maintenance to propane deals in Burlington, NC, there are plenty of ways to save.

1. Schedule a furnace tune up. You may have heard that your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system needs regular maintenance. This not only prevents your system from breaking down, but it improves the efficiency of your furnace. An efficient furnace uses less energy, whether that’s electricity, propane, heating oil, or gas. When less energy is used, you pay less on your utility bills.
2. Improve your insulation. Do you have some rooms that are too cold or perhaps near doors and windows? Does it seem that your furnace is running constantly? You may have cracks or leaks that cold air can get through. Sealing up cracks around windows and doors can really reduce your heating costs. For further cost reduction, consider having a specialist come in and better insulate your home. You may pay the cost up front for this service, but the money you save will make it worth your while.
3. Switch from electric heat to propane or heating oil. If you’re using electricity to heat your home, you may find that propane or heating oil is much more affordable. Switching is easy and new customers often receive promotional discounts. You can also find propane deals in Burlington, NC, quite easily at certain times of the year. Paying for propane or oil at one time means you avoid rising monthly bills.
4. Install a new furnace. Is your furnace getting old? If it’s 10 or 15 years old you could definitely save energy by purchasing a new furnace. New heating systems are much more efficient than systems that were made even 7 years ago. A high-efficiency furnace uses significantly less electricity, propane, oil, or gas, which saves you money on home heating bills. The cost of a new furnace can be recouped in just a few years of lower energy bills.

Get Propane Deals in Burlington, NC, through Alamance Oil

If you’re looking to save money this winter, you should already be looking for propane deals in Burlington, NC, this fall. Being prepared early is another great way to save money on heating costs. Alamance Oil offers $20 off a propane delivery when you become an automatic fill customer for the first time. If you’re not an Alamance Oil Customer, switching means your first 75 gallons of propane is free, along with a free tank swap out. Check out other specials and find so many ways to save. Don’t pay too much for home heat this winter. Save through Alamance Oil. Call (336) 226-9371.

Uh oh. There’s water puddled around your furnace. You’re thinking, “This can’t be good.” There are a few possible causes for a leaky furnace from normal wear and tear to faulty installation. Some of the causes can be easily repaired. Others may mean you need a new furnace. Before you worry too much or start Googling new furnace installation in Greensboro, NC, consider the possible reasons for the leak.

Common Causes of Furnace Leaks:

• Condensation. If the water is from condensation, the first question to ask is whether you have a high-efficiency furnace (90% or higher AFUE—Annual Fuel Efficiency Ratio). The easiest way to tell is that HE furnaces typically have a white PVC pipe for ventilation. High-efficiency furnaces do produce condensation due to their cool exhaust feature. That moisture is typically drained out unless the drainage tube is blocked or leaking. A standard efficiency furnace (with a metal exhaust pipe) would only have condensation if the flue pipe is the wrong size due to faulty installation.
• Furnace humidifier issues. If the internal furnace humidifier isn’t working properly it can cause condensation to form. Moisture inside your furnace can cause damage, so it’s important that this be repaired as soon as possible.
• Internal drain clog. Has your air conditioner been running? Does it share a drain system with your furnace? If so, it could be condensation from your air conditioner. An internal drain blockage could cause water from your AC to back up into your furnace.
• Faulty secondary heat exchanger. This is the big one, the problem that could result in whole furnace replacement. If the water is not due to condensation, it could be coming from the secondary heat exchanger. This is a significant part and it may not be worthwhile or possible to repair it without a furnace replacement in Greensboro, NC.

When to Call your HVAC Service for Repairs

If you see moisture around or under your furnace, the best thing to do is call a professional HVAC service. Whether the water is from condensation that is not properly draining or from a problem with an internal part, the situation should not be ignored. Letting a moisture problem go on too long can cause significant damage to your furnace or to your home. Excessive moisture in your home can lead to mold and mildew growth that can permanently damage your home and aggravate allergy sufferers. Too much moisture in your furnace can do irreparable damage to the system itself, resulting in the need for replacement.

Don’t Wait. Call Berico and Save Yourself from Expensive Repairs or Replacement

At the first sign of a problem, especially when excess water appears where it shouldn’t, it’s best to contact your heating and cooling company. Your expert technician will thoroughly inspect your furnace, locate the problem, and repair it if possible. If replacement is necessary, you won’t find a more reliable company to do your furnace installation in Greensboro, NC. Call Berico at (336) 273-8663.

Does your furnace seem to be on more than it’s off? Are you beginning to wonder if there’s a problem? You’re probably right. Your furnace should not be constantly running. It’s a definite sign of a system malfunction and there are few common causes for this. If it seems like your furnace never turns off, you should definitely call a reliable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service for furnace repair in Burlington, NC.

Possible Causes for a Furnace that Won’t Turn Off:

• Blower issues. Is the air coming from your vents warm or cool? If your furnace is running but you’re only getting cool air, you may have a blower issue. It’s possible that an electrical issue is causing your blower to constantly run, like corroded wires. Do not attempt to work on the electrical components of your furnace yourself. Stay safe and call an HVAC professional for repairs.
• Dirty/clogged filters. If the air coming from your vents is warm, but the air flow is weak, it’s likely your filters are clogged with dirt and dust. Clogged filters keep the necessary air from getting into your furnace, resulting in failure to adequately reach your desired indoor temperature. Replace your filters with new clean ones and see if the problem corrects itself. If not, call for furnace repair in Burlington, NC.
• Thermostat issues. Make sure your thermostat is set to your desired indoor temperature and that it is set to the “auto” setting, not the “on” setting. “On” tells your furnace to run constantly. “Auto” tells your furnace to run until the desired temperature is reached. It will then shut off automatically until the temperature falls below the set temperature, in which case it will turn on again. If your thermostat settings seem correct, but the furnace continues to run, it’s possible you have a faulty thermostat. Call an HVAC technician to inspect, calibrate, or possibly replace it.
• Pilot light issues. Old furnaces sometimes have a pilot light that is supposed to stay lit throughout the cold season. If this goes out, you may find your furnace constantly running and blowing only cool air. You can relight your pilot following the instructions for you furnace. Most furnaces these days have electric start pilots that light automatically when the furnace calls for heat. It’s possible that somewhere within that mechanism there is an issue causing the pilot not to light. This can be repaired by your heating repair service.

Furnace Repair in Burlington, NC, is Fast and Reliable

When your furnace is blowing cool air on a cold winter night or it keeps pumping heat without mercy, your home can become quite uncomfortable. If you find yourself in this situation, you need fast action. Alamance Oil Company responds quickly and offers reliable solutions to your furnace problems. Don’t suffer from the effects of a furnace that’s gone rogue. Call Alamance Oil Company at (336)226-9371 right away for furnace repair in Burlington, NC.

Meteorologists are predicting a warmer than usual fall for the east coast this year. You can expect to feel summer-like temperatures through September and into October, with higher than normal temperatures through November as well. What does this mean for household heating and cooling? It’s likely your air conditioner will be running for a greater portion of this year, with your furnace sitting dormant much longer than usual. AC maintenance in Greensboro, NC, will be more important than ever before.

HVAC Maintenance Improves Efficiency which Reduces Energy Usage

Knowing that your air conditioner will be working overtime to beat the heat, you may be dreading your electric bills. During the fall you’re used to getting a short respite from those high energy bills before the cold weather kicks in and it’s the furnace’s turn to do the work. But you can keep your electric bill lower by getting your HVAC system tuned up this fall. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and repairing the working parts of your AC unit to achieve maximum performance. Typically, you would have your air conditioner tuned up in the spring and your furnace done in the fall. But this year, it would be wise to have your AC inspected in the fall as well since it may still have a few extra months to run. This is especially advisable if it has not had any maintenance yet this year. Avoid potentially high energy bills with AC maintenance in Greensboro, NC.

Thinking About AC Replacement? This Could Be the Year

Is your air conditioner showing signs of age? Is it running louder, switching on and off more, and failing to keep your home at your desired temperature? Are your electric bills skyrocketing? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time for a new air conditioner. New technology has made air conditioners extremely efficient. Up to 18 and 20 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) models are available that use a fraction of the electricity of older machines. If you’ve been wondering if upgrading your system to a more efficient model would be worth the money, this year the benefit would certainly outweigh the cost. Weather trends are likely to continue in the next few years, meaning a long term seasonal shift will take place, making warmer falls the norm. In this case, a new air conditioning unit will pay for itself in energy savings within the first few years.

A Comfort and Protection Service Agreement from Berico Helps You Prepare for a Warmer Fall

Maintenance agreements are the best way to keep your HVAC system in good working order. When you sign up, Berico puts you on a schedule for twice yearly maintenance and heating fuel delivery as needed. You never have to worry about running out of propane or heating oil because Berico times refills based on the amount you typically use and the weather each season. Your well maintained system will be less likely to break down, keeping your home comfortable all year long and your energy bills low.

Sign up for a Comfort and Protection Service Agreement today and be prepared for a warm fall. Call (336) 273-8663.

“I want to pay more to heat my house this winter,” said no one ever. With energy costs at an all-time high, many homeowners are looking for ways to save on home heating. Before you give up and move closer to the equator, consider some alternative options to save on energy costs this winter. If you’re using electricity to heat your home, you are likely fighting a losing battle. Electricity is expensive and doesn’t deliver a very satisfying warmth. Homeowners are realizing the benefits of alternative sources of heat, and one of the top choices in Eden, NC, is propane.

Heating with Propane Offers Many Benefits

• Money savings. It is simply cheaper to heat your home with propane than with electricity. Propane is more efficient, meaning you get more warmth for each dollar you spend with propane.
• Warmer feel. Propane offers a warmer, more radiant heat than electricity. The heat created when propane burns goes further and lasts longer, making your home feel more consistently comfortable throughout each room.
• Safety. One of the safest heating fuels, propane burns clean, creates very little soot, and will not ignite except under extremely hot temperatures.
• Dependability. Even when the power goes out, your propane furnace will continue to heat your home. The same cannot be said for electric heat.

Switching to Propane is Easy and Affordable

Do you currently have a forced air gas or electric furnace? Forced air means there are ducts and vents in your home that the warm air moves through to heat your home. If the ductwork is already in place, that’s half the battle already. You will simply need to replace your old furnace with a propane furnace. You will also need a propane tank installed somewhere on your property either above or underground. A propane supplier and HVAC specialist like Berico can handle the entire process for you and continue to provide you with routine maintenance and propane deliveries as long as you need.

If you have electric baseboard heat or wall mounted units that do not require ductwork, you can still switch to propane. It requires just a bit more work to install ducts and vents throughout your home. The extra work to convert does raise the cost, but each individual case is different. For some it may be more affordable than for others. Berico will do a free estimate for you and recommend your best option from a financial standpoint, taking into consideration the cost now and your possible future savings.

Eden NC Propane is more Environmentally Friendly than Electric

The electricity myth, that it’s better for the environment, needs to be stopped. In most areas (certainly here in NC) electricity is made from burning coal. When coal burns, harmful elements like sulfur, mercury, lead, and arsenic are released into the air. Clean-burning propane is a much more earth-friendly option for energy. By switching to Eden, NC, propane you are doing your part to preserve our planet for future generations.

For a free estimate on switching to propane, call Carolina Fuels at (336) 623-9741.