No one wants to spend a night shivering in the cold, waiting on a furnace repairman to come out and fix their furnace. Now is the time to check your furnace to ensure that it is heating properly and none of the issues below are evident.

Issues that Require Furnace Repair

1. Heating or Cycling Problems – When you start your furnace for the season, notice whether there is adequate heat flowing out of the registers. Sometimes it is as simple as you closed a register and forgot to reopen it. Other times, there could be an issue with airflow, which will decrease the amount of heat flowing into your home. Also, take time to notice if the furnace is staying on all the time or if it is cycling on and off every five minutes. The constant state of cycling on and off could indicate a dirty flame sensor or that your furnace is overheating or could indicate a leaky heat exchanger. If you notice this issue, call your furnace repair technician immediately.

2. Pilot Light – A clogged line can prevent the pilot light from burning or it could be burning too low. Sometimes pilot lights simply fail to stay lit. Newer furnaces with the electronic ignition also need to be maintained. The electronic ignition can fail, need replacing, or it can have an electrical issue that prevents it from operating as it should.

3. No Heat Coming Out – There are many issues that could result in your furnace not blowing hot air. For example, it could be as simple as an issue with your thermostat or more complicated mechanical or electrical issues. With the advances in computer technology, newer units have control boards that evaluate specific conditions before releasing fuel into the heating system. Almost like the motherboard in your computer – if everything is working properly, the computer starts. If the motherboard detects issues, then the computer doesn’t start. The control board works in a similar fashion. The control board runs a diagnostic to make sure certain conditions are met and, if everything meets the criteria, fuel is released and heat is generated. If the conditions are not met, then the fuel is not released and no heat is generated.

4. Blower Issues – Sometimes you may turn on your furnace and although you heat the furnace turn on, no hot air flows out of the registers. This can be caused by issues with the blower, which is responsible for blowing the warm out into the ducts and through the registers. Issues with the blower can be as simple as a belt that needs replacing or something more serious like the motor overheating.

5. Ductwork – If you notice that warm air is not flowing out of one of the registers, it could be an issue with the ductwork. The ductwork could be damaged, which then causes the warm air to leak into other areas.

6. Funny Noises – If you hear squealing, grinding, or rattling noises coming from your furnace, it is best to call a repair technician. It could be an easy fix (ie a belt that needs replacing) or signal something more serious like a furnace motor dying.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, then call Alamance Oil to schedule your furnace repair in Burlington, NC today at (336) 273-8663.

Are you in need of a propane supplier? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your current propane supplier. Or maybe you recently bought a home with a propane furnace and you’ve never had one before. Maybe you are considering having a propane furnace installed in a new home or switching to a propane furnace from a different heating fuel. Whatever the reason, you want to find an affordable, reliable propane delivery service in Burlington.

But what qualities should you look for in a propane supplier?

1. Safety. The most important quality in a propane delivery service, safety records are a great way to start. A reputable heating fuel supplier should be able to provide you with references. Suppliers are most likely involved in safety programs that can further attest to their emphasis on safe practices.
2. Better Business Bureau Accredited. If you want to find out about a company’s customer service history, the BBB is a great resource. The BBB gives businesses a letter grade rating based on a number of criteria, such as customer complaints and resolution, business practices, and government action taken against a business. Look for a propane supplier with an A+ rating with the BBB.
3. Experience. Choose a supplier with plenty of experience. If a company has been in business for a long time, they must provide excellent customer service. Otherwise they wouldn’t be in business today. And a company with experience can be trusted to do the job right. If you sign up for a delivery plan, the company will know how to calculate your usage and be sure to refill your tank before you run out.
4. Heating fuel supplier and HVAC service in one. A propane supplier who can also repair your furnace is quite convenient. You can combine your yearly furnace maintenance with a propane refill. Every year before the winter cold sets in, your HVAC company/propane supplier can give your furnace a tune-up and refill your propane tank to get you all set for the heating season. Combining these two services will save you money.

Propane delivery in Burlington is convenient with Alamance Oil

Alamance Oil Company exceeds all of the above criteria. Serving Burlington and the surrounding area since 1924, we have the experience necessary to safely deliver your propane on time. We are A+ accredited with the Better Business Bureau and we were awarded the Super Service Award by Angie’s List. We offer service plans that include propane delivery discounts. New propane customers enjoy special pricing and free tank swap out if you are switching suppliers. We deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergency. By switching to Alamance Oil you can save up to $150 a year. Schedule fuel delivery or call 336-273-8663.

For more information on choosing a propane supplier:http://www.propane101.com/choosingapropanecompany.htm

Is your furnace showing signs of poor performance? Do you hear noises you’ve never heard before, or is your furnace running louder than it did in the past? Has your gas bill been higher than usual? Does your home seem to heat unevenly, where some rooms are warmer than others? These are all signs that your furnace is not running properly. It may be that a simple tune-up is all that is necessary. A small repair could have it back in tip top shape. Or it could mean that your HVAC system will need to be replaced soon. How do you decide between heating replacement and heating repair in Greensboro?

Consider the following factors:

• Age of your furnace. A typical furnace lasts between 10 and 20 years. If your furnace is older than 8, it may be in your best interest to replace it. New furnaces are significantly more energy efficient, which can save up to 20% on heating costs.
• Frequency of repairs. If it seems that your furnace has needed a lot of repairs in the recent years, it may be time to consider replacement. Don’t keep investing in an old furnace when you could be putting your money toward a new one.
• Cost of current necessary repair. If your furnace needs a costly repair at this time, consider the amount. If the repair is going to cost more than half the price of a new furnace, then replacement is a better option.

Consult a Professional HVAC company

If your HVAC system in Greensboro has not been running well lately, contact a professional HVAC service. A trained technician can inspect your system and offer the best advice based on its age and condition. They can also recommend the best new heating system for your home. Technicians calculate the size of heating system you need based on the square footage of your home. You can be sure that a certified heating and cooling technician can correctly install a new furnace in your home.

Consider replacing an old furnace with a new propane furnace

If you do decide to replace your furnace, consider switching to propane. Propane is a non-toxic, clean burning fuel that is very efficient for home heating. New propane furnaces can be 95% efficient or higher, which will definitely save you money on heating costs compared to your old furnace. Propane delivery is convenient and affordable. Propane is safe for the environment as it is not considered to be a greenhouse gas. The best part: propane provides a warm, radiant heat that keeps your home comfortable on the coldest days and nights.

Berico provides reliable heating repair and heating installation in Greensboro

When you are ready to consult a professional HVAC service, call Berico. A Berico technician will assess your current heating system and provide honest advice on repair or replacement. With over 90 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry, you can trust that Berico will offer accurate advice and reliable service. Berico is also a propane supplier if you choose to have a propane furnace installed. All of your heating and cooling needs can be met by one great company. Schedule service or call 336-273-8663.

For additional information on repairing vs. replacing your furnace: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/it-time-replace-your-old-gas-furnace.htm

When the weather cools down and the nights get crisp, you know the heating season has begun. And if you have a propane furnace, this is the time to consider having your propane tank refilled. Don’t wait until you run out on a cold winter day or night. That’s when propane suppliers are busiest and you may have to wait for a delivery. When it comes to choosing a supplier, there are advantages to choosing a local propane delivery service in Burlington, NC like Alamance Oil.

Look for a full service HVAC company and fuel supplier in one

A lot of propane suppliers perform only one service: propane tank delivery and refill. But there are benefits to using a propane supplier that can also repair and maintain your furnace. Such a company will be more knowledgeable about HVAC systems and therefore be able to more accurately calculate your propane usage and time deliveries accordingly so that you never run out. If for some reason you run out of propane ahead of schedule, an HVAC service will be able to find out why. If your furnace is using too much propane, it indicates a problem or a need for repair. It is much more convenient to have a propane supplier with HVAC knowledge.

Find an affordable propane delivery/maintenance plan for convenience

Occasional furnace maintenance is necessary in addition to periodic propane deliveries. Why not take care of both at the same time with one visit from one company? Plans that combine both are not only more convenient, but they make both services more affordable. Yearly maintenance for your furnace keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. You will save money on energy when your furnace is clean and tuned up. You also avoid emergency repairs that could be costly in the middle of a cold winter. Every fall you should have furnace maintenance and a propane refill to be sure your heating system is ready for winter.

Save on Propane with a Comfort and Protection Plan from Alamance Oil

Alamance Oil, your HVAC service in Burlington and propane supplier, offers Comfort and Protection Plans that include yearly preventive maintenance and propane savings through more efficient furnaces.  The plans offer additional benefits such as 20% off repairs and diagnostic fees, priority service, and $50 bonus bucks with each year you are on the plan. We even waive the after-hours charge if you happen to need emergency service. Alamance Oil is more than a propane supplier; we are a full service heating and air conditioning company serving Burlington and the surrounding area. When it comes to home heating, we are experts. Schedule fuel delivery, schedule HVAC service, or call (336) 226-9371.

Gas logs fireplaces bring back memories like warming up by the fire after coming in from the frigid, cold, weather outside. Or the warmth of the fire against your frozen fingertips, as you watch the snow quickly dissipating from your fingertips. Great childhood memories, yet, in today’s world, chopping wood and coaxing a fire to life, well it’s just not feasible.

In today’s typical home, both parents work to make ends meet and there just isn’t enough time in the day for these simple pleasures. What if you could bring back these memories, live them all over again with your children, without the back breaking wood chopping or enticing of flames? Plus, most homes don’t have built-in fireplaces anymore. It’s just too much hassle.

Propane gas log fireplaces provide an alternative to burning wood, protect natural resources, yet, provide instant heat and realistic flames just like the fireplaces from the older days. Gas log fireplaces now come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. You simply choose the type of gas logs and whether you want propane or natural gas to fuel your fire. Plus, gas logs fireplaces can be installed in almost any home, with or without a chimney, and without any major construction to the house.

While some may believe that gas logs are dangerous, when installed by a professional, gas logs can bring you years of enjoyment and memories with minimal maintenance. Although a chimney is not important when installing gas logs in Greensboro, ventilation is. Having a professional install your gas log fireplace will ensure that you have the proper ventilation system plus they can go over any questions you may have, instruct you on maintenance and inform you how often your gas logs need to be replaced or how often your ventilation system should be inspected.

Also, remember that although gas logs don’t produce the fiery embers like dry wood does, it is still important to have a screen or doors on your fireplace to ensure that safety for your children and pets and to prevent any accidents. Although you do want to periodically clean the screens and logs, make sure you turn the propane gas off first as a safety precaution.

Remember, typically anything that burns or generates heat can also produce carbon monoxide, including gas logs and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is lethal to human. This is why you should always have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Also, make it a routine to check the batteries on the carbon monoxide detector before turning on any heat in the home.

In short, gas logs in Greensboro can bring you and your family years of enjoyment when installed professionally and maintained correctly. Safety precautions, including carbon monoxide detectors and screens, should always be used.

Berico Heating and Air Conditioning, offers gas logs in Greensboro for both propane and natural gas fireplaces, as well as professional installation. If you have been thinking of adding a fireplace or gas logs, just give us a call today at (336) 273-8663. We have a showroom at all of our locations in Greensboro, Eden, and Burlington to see what we offer.