Best Ways to Prepare for a Warm Fall—it’s Coming

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Warm Fall photoMeteorologists 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.

Finding a Propane Tank Leak

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Propane leak gadgetDo 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.

Converting from Electric to Propane Heat

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Carolina Fuels Propane Tank“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.

Main Reasons your Home Air Conditioner is Frozen

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frozen air conditioner photoSo 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.
  1. 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.

Becoming an HVAC Technician: What You Need to Know

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HVAC technician photoAny job in the heating and cooling industry is a lucrative career. Becoming an HVAC technician is an ideal career choice for someone with a high school diploma and mechanical aptitude. Salaries are competitive for technicians in North Carolina, and the job market looks positive for the near future. If you are interested in a career with a reputable HVAC company in NC, here’s what you need to know.

Minimum Requirement is a High School Diploma or GED

It is necessary to have completed high school and received a diploma or a GED as a base requirement to consider training to be an HVAC technician. Math, chemistry, physics, shop, and computer classes all contribute to a solid background for learning how to repair and install heating and air conditioning systems.

Start Out as an HVAC Technician’s Assistant to Gain Experience

Before enrolling in a technical school or community college, it is wise to get some on the job experience first. Get a job as an assistant to an HVAC technician in order to see firsthand what the job of a technician truly entails. If you are still interested in training to be a technician after a few months on the job, it’s safe to say you should continue on with your education in the field.

Complete an Associate’s Degree or Certification

Once you’ve worked in the field a while and you are still interested in becoming a technician, enroll in a program at your local community college or technical school. Employers may offer financial assistance or tuition reimbursement for your schooling as long as you continue to work for the same HVAC company after completing your certification. You may even be able to find a paid apprenticeship program that will allow you to work and gain your certification or degree at the same time.

Get Your HVAC Technician License and Keep it Renewed

In order to work as an HVAC technician in North Carolina you are required to be licensed. You will have to pass a test to gain licensure, and it is your responsibility to renew your license periodically as necessary. You may have opportunities to complete training courses through the HVAC company you work for, as they are required to employ licensed technicians.

North Carolina is one of the Best States for HVAC Technicians

There’s always a need for HVAC technicians in North Carolina. With hot summers and chilly winters, it seems there’s always repairs, maintenance, and installation to do. Average salaries are competitive with the cost of living and rival the salaries of people with four year college degrees working in other fields.

If you are interested in becoming an HVAC technician and you wish to work for Alamance Oil or Berico, submit your resume online on the careers page. Whatever step in the process you are currently working toward, you may find just the right opportunity here.

Fuel Delivery Here in Red Button

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Pet Owners

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pet ownersMost 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.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Home Humidity

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As the weather gets hot, the humidity seems to increase. Humidity is the moisture that gives the air a heavy, damp feeling that makes a hot day seem even hotter. Outdoor humidity is perfectly normal, but when you are experiencing a high level of indoor humidity, it can cause moisture-related problems. Mold and mildew growth in walls and carpets that lead to odors, allergies, and even structural damage are the direct result of excess indoor humidity. There are variety of ways to keep indoor moisture in check, including HVAC maintenance tips. Try any or all of these ways to reduce your home humidity.

Reducing the humidity in your home

  1. Use vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Most kitchens are equipped with vent fans above the stove top, which can greatly reduce cooking-related humidity. Run your bathroom fan when you take a shower or bath to vent excess humidity that comes from using hot water.
  2. Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are machines that collect moisture from the air and turn it into water that can be drained or dumped out. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements can prevent damage from too much indoor humidity.
  3. Keep your air conditioner well maintained. Central air conditioning systems as well as window units and portables automatically control humidity when they are working properly. If you start to notice excess humidity all of a sudden (think fogged up windows and moisture collecting on metal surfaces), it likely means your air conditioner is not working properly. It could be a blocked drain pipe or some other issue with your system. Follow basic HVAC maintenance tips and get a tune up to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and properly controlling indoor humidity levels. If you notice humidity after installing a brand new system, it may mean your new air conditioner is not the right size for your home.
  4. Make sure your clothes dryer is properly ventilated. Clothes dryers typically vent to the outdoors. If this is not the case or if your ventilation tube is blocked, the excess indoor humidity could be coming from your laundry room. Check your dryer to make sure it is in good working order and venting as it should.
  5. Seal your basement and/or have a sump pump or French drain installed. If a damp basement is the root of your humidity issues, consider having it professionally sealed to keep out excess moisture from the ground that can seep through concrete walls. French drains and sump pumps remove moisture from your basement by pumping the water up and out.

A Dry Home is a Cooler, More Comfortable Home

Besides the obvious benefits of preventing mold and mildew, keeping humidity levels low in your home will make it feel cooler and more comfortable during the hot weather season. You can even raise the temperature in your home and still feel cool enough when the air is drier, which helps you save energy and keep your power bill lower. Follow the above suggestions and HVAC maintenance tips to keep your home dry and comfortable this summer. And call (336) 226-9371 to schedule AC maintenance with Alamance Oil, Carolina Fuels or Berico.

6 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Home HVAC System

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York HVAC systemsIs 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.

The Best Ways to Air Condition Your Garage

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Garage workshopDo you spend a lot of time in your garage either working on cars or another hobby? If so, you may find times when your garage gets so hot that it’s unbearable to spend time there. Air conditioning a garage can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Garages typically lack insulation and ventilation and tend to have a lot of open space. Some have windows, some don’t. Some have only one door that opens on one side with the remaining 3 walls closed off. All of these characteristics make garages difficult to keep cool. But you can beat the heat with these cooling options.

Affordable Garage Cooling Options (In order from least expensive to most expensive).

  1. Fans. One way to make your garage feel cooler is to install or use portable fans. Fans don’t cool the air, but they get the air moving, which can make a big difference in a hot, stuffy garage.
  2. Window unit. If you have the luxury of a window in your garage, a window air conditioner can work well. Turn it on whenever you want to be in the garage yourself, otherwise leave it off. Your car doesn’t need AC.
  3. Portable air conditioner. Since you can put it anywhere, a portable air conditioner is ideal for garages and any other space that lack AC. However, since garages lack proper insulation, a portable air conditioner may fail to cool sufficiently. If it seems that your portable AC isn’t keeping you cool, consider adding insulation to your garage.

Purchase Top AC Brands to Keep Your Garage Cool and Comfortable

Carolina Fuels installs air conditioning units from some of the top AC brands and best manufacturers including: Lennox, York, Goodman, Armstrong Air, and Thermopride. Add up the square footage of your garage and be sure to purchase an air conditioner that is designed to cool a big enough space. Pricing is determined by the size of the area the unit can cool. Many portable AC units double as dehumidifiers, which helps your garage feel cooler by drying out the air and making it feel less stuffy.

Most window units are designed to cool small rooms, so they may not be effective for a large garage space. A heavy duty window unit may be better for cooling a larger space. The higher the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, the bigger the space that can be cooled by the system. Be sure to purchase one that can handle the total square footage of your garage.

Garages with Finished Rooms Above Can Work with a Central Air Conditioning System

If you have a Mother-in-law suites or a FROG (Finished Room Over Garage), it can work well to install a separate HVAC system for those two spaces. Your garage and the space above can share one set of ductwork and one air conditioning unit. You can maximize energy usage and HVAC equipment by cooling both spaces at the same time.

Contact Carolina Fuels for tips on air conditioning your garage and other spaces. Call (336) 623-9741 to request a quote.

Top 4 Reasons to Use a Programmable Thermostat

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thermostatYou 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.