First Steps to Take When Preparing Your Home for Sale in the New Year

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historic home front viewPlanning to sell your home in the New Year? If so, it’s time to start making preparations. The ultimate goal is to get as much for your home as possible and to sell it in a reasonable amount of time. To make this happen, you may need to make some improvements to your home. Some items may be simply cosmetic, others may be more involved, but from a fresh coat of paint to heating installation in Burlington, NC, all of these steps are important.

  1. Consider curb appeal. First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your home. A potential buyer has to be pleased with the look of the home from the moment they pull up to the curb. Take the time to tidy up the front of your home and lawn and make any exterior improvements that may be necessary.
  2. Evaluate the condition of your home. This is the time to make sure your home does not have any major structural issues such as a faulty foundation or a roof that needs replacing. If anything major needs to be done, you can go ahead and take care of it ahead of the sale or plan to negotiate the price of your home or other compromise to allow the buyer to take care of these things.
  3. Have your HVAC system inspected. Your heating and air conditioning system is a key factor to potential buyers. Have a reliable HVAC company inspect and tune up your system. If there are any major problems they will be discovered through this process. If not, you can prove to interested parties that your system has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired by professionals and was found to be in good condition.
  4. Go ahead with heating installation in Burlington, NC. If your HVAC system is found to be in less than stellar condition or if it is beginning to show signs of age, it may be in your best interest to replace it before selling your home. An old or failing furnace or air conditioner can be a deal breaker for house hunters. While it is one of the more expensive home improvements, a new HVAC system can help potential buyers to overlook other issues with your home.

Save money on new oil, propane, or dual fuel systems with current specials offered by Alamance Oil

Once you make the decision to replace your furnace before selling your home, there are ways to save money on your new equipment.  When you hire Alamance Oil to handle your heating installation in Burlington, NC, you can take advantage of rebates ranging from $300 to $500 on oil, propane, and dual fuel systems. Choosing an energy efficient model can be a major selling point for potential buyers who are looking for high quality systems and low monthly bills. You can also save money on oil and propane delivery through Alamance Oil’s Autofill and E-Z Pay programs, take advantage of free and easy change-over for existing fuel tanks, plus other perks. Call Alamance Oil to schedule an inspection of your current HVAC system and evaluate its condition, schedule heating oil or propane delivery, and all other home heating needs: (336) 273-8663.

Why You Shouldn’t Close Registers for Temperature Control

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ThermostatDo you attempt to control the temperature in different rooms of your home by closing the registers or vents? Maybe there are certain rooms that don’t get used as much or some family members have different opinions of what the desired indoor temperature should be. You may think that this practice is helping you save energy and allowing your HVAC system to work more efficiently, but in actuality, you are likely doing more harm than good. In fact, you could be increasing your chances of needing oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, as a result of this practice. Here’s why.

  1. HVAC systems are designed to heat and cool a certain amount of space. Furnaces and air conditioners are sized according to the total square feet to be heated or cooled. When you take even one room out of the equation, your system won’t work properly.
  2. You are rendering your variable-speed motor useless. If you happen to have an HVAC system with a variable-speed motor, closing some of your vents will cause the motor to run at high speed for longer, negating the efficiency benefits.
  3. It restricts air flow. With a single-speed motor, closing some of your registers will impede air flow between rooms and throughout the ductwork, which causes the rest of your home to heat or cool unevenly.
  4. It may result in leaks in your ductwork. Closing some of your vents puts extra pressure on your entire system, which can cause your ducts to develop leaks. This means air can seep in and out of the ducts when it shouldn’t.
  5. Your evaporator coil could freeze over. When it comes to your air conditioner, low air flow from closing registers can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, which prevents your AC from cooling your home.
  6. Your compressor could break. Extra pressure on your system could lead to a broken compressor, which is the part responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout your HVAC system. No compressor equals no cool air.

If you are concerned that closing your registers has done damage to your heat or AC, contact Carolina Fuels for oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, as well as for repair of any other type of system from propane, to gas, to electric.

What are some alternative solutions?

Instead of closing some of your vents, consider applying a zone temperature control system in your home. This could be a separate zone and thermostat for your upstairs and your downstairs, or a separate zone for your basement. A zone system allows you to heat and cool certain areas of your home to different temperatures. The ductwork leading to certain rooms can be closed off from the rest of the ducts with a damper system. Certain HVAC models are designed to handle multi-zone households. If you are interested in upgrading to a multi-zone HVAC system, contact Carolina Fuels. Expert technicians can install a new HVAC system in your home quickly and accurately, ensuring proper operation. Carolina Fuels also offers oil furnace repair in Reidsville, NC, and a full range of home comfort services from propane delivery to annual tune-ups. Call (336) 623-9741.

Preparing for the Cold Months

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As a homeowner in a climate zone with warm summers and cold winters, you know how important it is to have a properly working HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Your home comfort depends on it, as well as the health of your family and the condition of your home. With the coldest months of the year upon us, furnace repair in Eden, NC, is a very important issue. The best way to prepare your furnace for the cold months is to schedule maintenance before you experience a problem that may require repair.

Benefits of Being Proactive About Furnace Repair in Eden, NC

  1. Prevent Unexpected furnace failure. Whether or not you like surprises, a broken down furnace is a surprise no one enjoys. When you have your furnace inspected and tuned up at the start of the cold season you can prevent most furnace problems from ever happening.
  2. Save money. Preventative maintenance saves you money in a variety of ways. When you avoid unexpected breakdowns, you avoid having to pay for costly repairs and after-hours or emergency fees. Maintenance also helps your furnace to run more efficiently, lowering your heating costs. And when you sign up for a yearly maintenance plan with your HVAC company you get a discount on any repairs you may need and on new equipment.
  3. Stay warm. This one is a no-brainer. If you have your furnace serviced before the weather gets cold, it is more likely to work properly and efficiently to keep you and your family warm all night and day through the cold months of the year.
  4. Stay safe. A furnace that is not working properly can be an actual danger to your home and family. One of the most common ways your furnace can pose a threat is by releasing too much carbon monoxide. A furnace that is dirty or not venting properly can release a dangerous level of CO into the air in your home which can cause severe health problems. And because a furnace burns fuel, there is always a risk of fire with a dirty or malfunctioning system. Prevent these dangers with an annual tune up.
  5. Protect your home. After the safety of your loved ones, the next concern is your home itself. A furnace that doesn’t work properly can do damage to your home. Pipes can freeze and burst, causing major water damage. Floorboards can bow or spaces can form in between them. Extreme changes from cold to warm can permanently damage your home. It’s best to keep the interior temperature as consistent as possible. A failing furnace can also cause excess moisture to build up inside your home which can cause mold or mildew to form.

Protect Your Home and Family During the Cold Season with Carolina Fuels

Carolina Fuels wants to make preventative maintenance calls to as many customers as possible before the temperatures reach the seasonal lows because customers are always first priority. If you want to make sure your furnace is ready for winter, schedule furnace repair in Eden, NC, now. Call (336) 273-8663.

Starting the New Year off Right Around the Home

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Each new year is full of hope and endless possibilities. Make this the year of a happy home by taking the time to properly maintain it. Start the new year off right around the home by taking the following steps to be sure your house is ready for the year ahead.

  • Furnace Repair in Greensboro, NC, is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare your home for a new year. The ideal time for furnace maintenance is in the late summer or early fall, but better late than never. The coldest months in North Carolina are usually January and February, so it’s crucial that your furnace is in good condition. A heating system tune-up involves inspecting, cleaning, and repairing your furnace to prevent potential problems. Reduce your chances of furnace failure on a cold day or night by calling your HVAC company to come and service your system.
  • Refill Propane and Heating Oil Tanks. If you heat your home with propane or heating oil, the new year is a good time for tank refills. Running out of fuel is very inconvenient during cold weather for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that you are at the mercy of the current fuel prices and possible shortages, meaning you may pay more for your fuel during the coldest months of the year. Another reason is that allowing your tank to get completely empty results in a more complicated and more expensive refill process. And the most obvious reason is that you’ll be feeling pretty chilly inside while you wait for a refill. You may even have to pay after-hours or emergency fees for night or weekend deliveries. Avoid running out of heating fuel by signing up for regular refills with your supplier.
  • Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. An important safety precaution, testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing the batteries ensures a safe year for your family. Even if the batteries are not dead, replacing them means you’ll be sure your detectors are ready to warn you if necessary. And you can avoid that annoying chirp that wakes you up in the middle of the night while you stumble around in the dark trying to figure out which one is going off. Also make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

Put your Home in the Reliable Hands of Berico this Year

If you’re not already a Berico customer, you could be missing out on some real advantages. Berico is an all-in-one home comfort service, meaning every aspect of your home’s climate control can be handled by expertly trained technicians. Heating and cooling system maintenance, repair, and installation can be taken care of by Berico no matter what brand or model you have. If you require heating fuel, Berico delivers propane and heating oil when you need it or on a predetermined schedule based on usage and weather. Be sure your home is ready for the year ahead by calling Berico at (336) 273-8663.

Give the Gift of Warmth

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When the weather turns cold each fall or winter, you simply turn on your heating system to battle the cold. If you have a functioning heating system, you probably rarely give a second thought to what it would be like if you didn’t have heat. But that is the reality facing an alarming number of families in the state of North Carolina, some of which reside in Guilford County. According to data collected by local food banks, 75% of NC households have had to choose between heating their homes and buying food. That is the unfortunate reality, but it doesn’t have to continue that way. You can make a contribution to help those less fortunate to heat their homes this winter through The Gift of Warmth, a Salvation Army program. Such financial gifts help local HVAC companies like Berico provide families in need with heating system repair in Greensboro, NC.

Benefits to Donating:

  • Donations are tax deductible. As with any charitable donation, your gift is tax deductible, which may result in a larger tax return check this year.
  • Help families in your own community. Are you more interested in helping your own neighbors than people overseas? If the amount you are able to donate to charities is limited, consider giving back to your own community. You can designate your donation to help families in Guilford, Alamance, or Rockingham and Caswell counties.
  • Keep people from having to choose which of their basic needs to fulfill. Every person deserves to have his or her basic needs fulfilled each day. Sufficient food, clothing, warm housing, and healthcare are things no one should have to do without or choose between. Your gift can help to ensure that no family is forced to decide whether to eat or pay for heating system repair in Greensboro, NC.

How to Give:

Simply visit giftofwarmth.com and enter your credit or debit card information. The site is secure so there is no risk, but you can also donate using your PayPal account. You can make a one-time donation or set up an automatic monthly contribution. You can also donate in person at any BB&T financial center. The total goal is to raise $50,000 to help local families.

Berico is Proud to Participate in The Gift of Warmth Each Year

Providing reliable heating system repair in Greensboro, NC, is a passion of Berico, Carolina Fuels, and Alamance Oil. A warm home is something Berico wishes for every family. When customers come together and donate to a common goal, amazing results are achieved. The village mentality is something that is still alive and well in many people’s hearts, and the Gift of Warmth gives those people an opportunity to exercise that belief. Help Berico to provide local families with much needed heating system repair in Greensboro, NC this winter. Donate to The Gift of Warmth today.

Gas Log Fireplace Safety Tips

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Do you want the ambience of a fire in your fireplace without the hassle of hauling wood and shoveling ashes? Do you want to avoid the smell of wood smoke in your home? Gas logs are a cleaner, easier alternative to a traditional wood fireplace. But it is important to be just as careful with gas logs as with wood. Gas log fireplaces have a specific set of safety precautions that must be followed to keep your home and family safe. If you currently own or are considering converting to gas logs in Greensboro, NC, be sure to follow these safety tips.

  1. Do not install gas logs yourself. This process should only be performed by a licensed contractor. Gas lines and electrical wires should only be handled by trained technicians who have experience with installation or conversion of gas log fireplaces.
  2. Check county and city building codes. There are restrictions on gas log fireplaces in residential areas. Be sure you and your contractor look into the county and city codes regarding the installation of gas log fireplaces in your area/home before making any changes.
  3. Be sure all necessary detectors are installed. Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and oxygen depletion sensors should all be in place to ensure safe operation of your gas logs.
  4. Have your chimney swept. If you are converting from a wood fireplace to a gas log fireplace it is very important to be sure your chimney is clear of all debris and soot.
  5. Schedule routine maintenance for your gas logs in Greensboro, NC. Proper and safe operation of a gas log fireplace depends on yearly maintenance by a professional. This is an important step each year that should be taken care of before your fireplace is used. Maintenance should include a thorough cleaning of the logs, accessories, fan, air circulation passages, vents, and the glass screen. Your carbon monoxide detector should be tested and the batteries replaced.
  6. If you smell gas: make sure all people immediately leave the home. Call 911 from a safe distance.
  7. If you notice unusual smells or a change in the appearance of the flames: call your gas log service provider or another gas log fireplace professional.
  8. Be sure you know how to use your vented or unvented logs. If your gas log fireplace is vented, make sure your chimney flue is locked in the open position. If unvented be sure you limit your use to a few hours at a time to avoid excessive carbon monoxide buildup.

Have your Gas Logs Installed or Serviced by Berico for Safe Operation this Winter

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to fireplaces of all kinds. Berico wants to make sure you and your family will be safe this winter as you heat your home. If you are thinking of converting from a wood fireplace to gas logs in Greensboro, NC, a licensed Berico technician can perform this installation and recommend the best option for your home. If you already have gas logs, Berico can service them to ensure safe and efficient operation. Call for a free estimate or to schedule service: (336) 273-8663.

Holiday Hosting Tips

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Do you want to know the real secret to stress-free hosting? Being prepared. By planning in advance for your get together, you can take the hassle out of hosting and focus on having a good time yourself. Being prepared includes things such as setting up a cleaning schedule for yourself and calling your propane supplier in Burlington, NC, to make sure your tank is full. Follow these tips and your event is sure to be the highlight of your guests’ holidays.Christmas Party Table Setting

  1. Make a list. The most organized people make lists so that nothing is forgotten. Whether you record your plans on paper or electronically on your phone or other device, make sure your list is thorough and that you always keep it with you. When you shop for supplies, you will want to refer to your list to make sure you get everything you need so you can make just one trip.
  2. Prepare as much as possible in advance. Do everything that can be done ahead of time. Stock up on non-perishable food, decorations, napkins, and other supplies. Start cleaning the areas of your home that are not likely to get messy again before the event. Make sure you have all of the serving dishes and utensils you will need.
  3. Decorate for the crowd. Keep your guests in mind when it comes to decorating. Are there going to be children there? If so, put the fanciest items away or up out of reach. Trying to impress important business associates? Use the fine china. Know your audience.
  4. Tidy up and clean the most used areas. If you’re strapped for time as the event approaches, clean just the areas of your home the guests will see. Close off bedroom doors and messy closets and any other area that will not be used.
  5. Make your home comfortable. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Guests will feel more at home if it’s not too warm or too cold. Before your get-together, be sure to contact your propane supplier in Burlington, NC, for a tank refill and a furnace tune-up. You don’t want a heating emergency to ruin your plans.
  6. Focus on the entryway. As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Hang a festive wreath on the door, make sure the front porch and steps are clean, and be sure your foyer is inviting. Candles or scent warmers just inside the door create a warm ambience and a pleasing fragrance to set the tone for your party.

Home Comfort is the Key to a Happy Holiday Hosting Experience

Like all other preparations, preventative maintenance for your furnace and a refill for your heating oil or propane tank is a crucial measure. This is especially true if you are housing out of town guests who will be staying one or more nights. Alamance Oil, a propane supplier in Burlington, NC, can do more than just refill your tank. An all-in-one home comfort service, Alamance Oil offers a full range of HVAC services. Before hosting, schedule a furnace tune-up and fuel delivery to be sure your guests will be comfortable and happy for the duration of their stay. Call (336)226-9371.

Carolina Fuels Acquires Kallam Oil Company

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Reidsville, NC

October 17, 2017

Carolina Fuels is merging with Kallam Oil Company, a leading provider of heating oil, propane, and commercial fuels in Madison, NC, marking yet another acquisition by Berico Fuels. Carolina Fuels, a division of Berico Fuels, supplies residential and commercial fuel, propane, and HVAC services to customers in Rockingham County, and the surrounding area. This merger with Kallam Oil marks the fifth acquisition for Berico Fuels since January 2016. With each transaction, Berico expands their customer base and service area, making it more convenient for residents and businesses to receive services.

A well-respected company, Carolina Fuels offers a full range of residential and commercial services including heating oil and propane delivery, as well as heating and air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance, fleet fueling, and other commercial fuel services. The Carolina Fuels executives have always admired Kallam Oil for its excellent reputation in the community and is proud to continue the stellar service that Kallam customers have come to expect.

The Carolina Fuels staff welcomes Kallam Oil customers with service specials such as $0.05 per gallon discount on the first residential oil or kerosene delivery and $35 off the first furnace or AC tune-up or HVAC repair service. Berico’s complete home comfort care services are now available to Kallam Oil customers as well as potential new customers in the area.

As the company grows, Berico Fuels continues to uphold their commitment to excellence in service and quality in the industry. Berico’s owner, Will Berry said, “Berico is actively looking for opportunities that will help us grow and provide customers with the best services possible.”

Affordable Services Available to New and Existing Customers

Berico is an all-in-one home comfort provider. They offer “Keep-Fill & E-Z Payment” programs to ease the burden for our fuel customers.  Going above and beyond heating fuel and propane delivery, with heating and cooling system installation, maintenance, and repair, Berico also combines home comfort into one complete package, called the Comfort and Protection Service Agreement. Berico’s services also include agricultural fuels, fleet fueling for commercial businesses that require diesel, gasoline, and kerosene delivery, as well as motor oil and lubricants. Home comfort services even extend to maintenance and installation of household equipment like gas logs and generators.

For complete information, please visit: Berico Heating & Air Conditioning
Media Contact:
Berico Heating & Air Conditioning
2200 E. Bessemer Ave
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 273-8663

Perks of Installing a High Efficiency Heating System

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thermostatWondering if you could benefit from a new high efficiency heating system? There are certainly a lot of perks to high efficiency furnaces and other heating equipment. If your current heating system is old and starting to show signs of its age, such as higher fuel bills and insufficient heating, replacing it now is a wise choice. Planning for furnace installation in Greensboro, NC, before winter comes offers additional advantages.

Benefits of Upgrading to a High Efficiency Furnace

  1. Save money on heating fuel. Whether you have natural gas, propane, or heating oil, a high efficiency furnace will require less fuel to heat your home than your old furnace. Your monthly gas bill will be lower, and you will require fewer refills of your propane or heating oil tank.
  2. Enjoy more consistent warmth. A high efficiency furnace heats your home more evenly and offers a more lasting warmth than your old furnace. Your home will maintain its goal temperature for longer and throughout each room.
  3. Quieter operation. New furnaces, especially high efficiency ones, are designed to run much more quietly than old furnaces. Been noticing a lot of noise coming from your heating system this season? That’s another sign of an aging furnace. Gain some significant peace and quiet with new furnace installation in Greensboro, NC.

Advantages to Upgrading your Heating System Now

Even when you know replacement is needed, it may be tempting to put off this particular undertaking until it gets cold. Resist this temptation and get your new furnace installation scheduled now. Here are the reasons why:

  • If your old furnace fails on a cold winter night, you’ll find yourself in an emergency situation. Not having heat on a freezing night can become dangerous quickly. You may be forced to call your HVAC company after close of business. After-hours and emergency fees apply in these situations, meaning you’ll pay extra for the same services.
  • HVAC companies get busy during the winter and may not be available to replace your furnace when it breaks down. If your heat breaks down in winter, its highly likely that your HVAC company will be busy repairing and replacing systems for other customers. You could be waiting in the cold for days before help arrives, or even be forced to stay elsewhere until your system can be replaced.

 Call Berico for High Efficiency Furnace Installation in Greensboro, NC

Now is the time to take advantage of the current specials being offered by Berico. If you’ve been thinking about furnace replacement, it’s likely your air conditioning was installed at the same time in one complete HVAC system. If your furnace needs to be replaced, your air conditioning surely does too as AC systems typically don’t last as long as furnaces. Berico is offering a free furnace installation with any air conditioning installation. Been thinking about switching to heating oil? You can get a $500 rebate for installing a new oil furnace or tank.  So don’t wait any longer. Start gaining all the perks that come with new high efficiency furnace installation in Greensboro, NC. Call Berico (336)273-8663.

Tips on Switching from Electric to Propane Heat

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Carolina Fuels Propane TankDoes your home have an electric heating system? Have you ever wondered if there’s another, possibly better, way to heat your home? There is. It’s called propane, and it has many advantages over electric heat. Switching is easy. It only requires a new furnace and propane tank installation in Reidsville, NC. If your furnace is getting old or requires frequent repairs, now is the time to consider switching to propane.

Advantages of Heating with Propane

  • Efficiency. Propane is a high-efficiency heating fuel. Less propane is required to heat your home than electricity.
  • Affordability. Propane is an affordable source of energy for home heating when compared to electricity, heating oil, and natural gas.
  • Versatility. In addition to heating your home, propane can be used for appliances like stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, and water heaters.
  • Safety. Propane is a non-toxic, non-poisonous gas that has a very low volatility (requires extremely high temperatures to ignite).
  • Reliability. When the power goes out you will still have heat if you have a propane fireplace. Your electric furnace wouldn’t be much help in a severe snow storm if trees fall on power lines and cause outages.
  • Environmentally friendly. Propane is not itself a greenhouse gas and is a low-carbon, clean-burning fuel. It does not harm the earth or ground water if a tank leaks.

How To Switch from Electric to Propane Heat

Convinced you’re ready to make the switch? Follow these steps to switch your electric heat over to propane as easily as possible.

  1. Call your HVAC company (Carolina Fuels). Your heating and air conditioning company can help you get started on your conversion. A technician can evaluate your system and determine the best course of action for switching.
  2. Schedule propane tank installation in Reidsville, NC. Your propane supplier will need to install a propane tank on your property. Your tank can be buried underground if you would prefer to conceal it and save space.
  3. Have a propane furnace installed. Your HVAC technician can recommend a new propane furnace for your home. If your electric heat was a forced air system you will already have ductwork in place, which would lower your installation cost.
  4. Convert other appliances or purchase new. Any appliance you wish to run on propane will either have to be converted if possible or replaced.

Carolina Fuels Can Help You Save Money by Switching to Propane

If you’re ready to save money and enjoy the other benefits of heating with propane, contact Carolina Fuels. Propane tank installation in Reidsville, NC, and furnace installation can be handled by one company this fall before the weather gets cold. Be prepared for winter like never before and plan to spend less on heating your home this year and in the years to come. Carolina Fuels offers free tank swap outs for new customers as well as other propane specials and discounts. Call (336) 623-9741 today and see how easy it is to switch.