James Oxygen & Supply is your reliable supplier of cryogenic gases for your business!

cryogenics hickory, NC Across several industries, cryogenic gases such as argon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and helium have become an invaluable tool for creating and perfecting products. From medical to space exploration, technological development to a host of other fields, the possibilities are endless when it comes to utilizing the power of cryogenic technology!

Businesses here in western North Carolina know they can trust James Oxygen & Supply for dependable cryogenic gases delivery and services, including the installation and setup of your cryogenic gases system.

Applications of cryogenic gases

If you are new to cryogenic gases, you may be surprised at the wide array of industries that use them.

The medical fields are a big user of cryogenic gases and technology. One application is cryosurgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses cryogenic temperatures to successfully remove unwanted tissue or malignant growths without the need for traditional surgery. Cryosurgery has been employed to treat an array of medical ailments, most notably benign and malignant skin problems. This surgery is incredibly efficient due to its utilization of frigid temperatures, which are able to successfully remove the targeted cells from the body. Ice crystals begin to form on the cells and ultimately tear them apart.

By utilizing cryogenic Dewars, medical facilities are able to keep biological specimens in their optimal condition for long-term storage. The vacuum insulated pipework and connecting points play a crucial role in this process by creating an environment conducive to the preservation of embryos, stem cells, and blood. As such, many biobanks have incorporated these systems into their operations.

The food industry is another major user of cryogenic gases. Not only does cryogenic refrigeration accelerate the cooling process, but it also helps to safeguard product quality. It’s no wonder then why cryogenic tunnel freezers and cooling trays are a must-have for any food processing business!

The electronics industry also uses cryogenic gases and technology. Electronic components are extremely sensitive and can be easily harmed during production due to their size, high temperatures, moisture, or oxidation. An inert gas like nitrogen is used to protect the product from contamination by neutralizing any pollution in its surrounding atmosphere. This way, a device remains safe from contamination during manufacturing.

Cryogenics are also used to transport gases such as propane. By transforming gaseous elements into liquids, the amount of space necessary for storage is greatly decreased. As a result, overall transportation costs plummet and the procedure becomes significantly easier.

As technology advances, cryogenic processing has become a favorable method to strengthen the longevity of materials. This process not only increases material durability but also allows for an extended life expectancy. Cryogenically hardened valve springs can last up to six times longer than their standard counterparts, and brake rotors can have a threefold increase in longevity. This process works on multiple different materials including metals, plastics, carbide, and even diamonds!

Need a cryogenic gases supplier you can count on? Contact James Oxygen & Supply today for a consultation!

Is It Time to Replace Yours?

water heater service north carolina The water heater in your North Carolina home does a lot. Hopefully you don’t take it for granted. Think about all it does. Whenever you need warm or hot water—whether it’s to bathe, wash your hands, do the laundry, clean your clothes, or a variety of household chores, your water heater is on the job. And during the colder months of the year your water heater has to do even more work because the water it’s heating is starting off even colder. So if you have been taking your water heater for granted, don’t. It’s responsible for about 20% of your energy bills (according to the US Department of Energy).

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Most conventional/storage water heaters last between 10 and 12 years, especially if they receive proper maintenance. Tankless water heaters last an average of 18 years.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

When a water heater fails, it can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Don’t wait until your water heater fails to replace it. Save yourself a lot of stress, inconvenience, and money by being proactive and replacing your water heater before it lets you down.

How do you know it’s time to replace your water heater? Here are five clues it may be time to replace your water heater:

  1. Higher energy bills. Water heaters get less efficient as they age. If there’s an increase in your energy bills that isn’t explained by an increase in fuel prices or an increase in your hot water usage, then your water heater may be losing efficiency. A new water heater will be more efficient and save you money over time.
  2. Leaks or rusty water. Puddles under your tank or rusty water anywhere are both signs of corrosion and mean your water tank is probably very close to the end of its life.
  3. Hard water stains. If you notice white marks on your silverware and glassware after they’ve gone through the dishwasher, there’s probably a lime buildup in your tank. Lime can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
  4. Odd noises. Growling or gurgling sounds coming from your storage tank mean there’s probably a build-up of sediment. This should be addressed immediately, as it could lead to serious problems that require expensive repairs or premature replacement if left unaddressed.
  5. Your water heater’s age. Even if you’re not noticing any of the above issues, once your water heater hits 10 years old, it may still be a good idea to replace it. A new water heater will run more efficiently and reliably—saving you money on your energy and repair bills.

If it’s time to replace your water heater, James Oxygen & Supply installs propane water heaters from Rinnai and can help you choose the best one for your household’s needs.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

At James Oxygen & Supply, we’re big fans of tankless water heaters because of all the benefits they offer.

With a conventional or storage water heater, every time the hot water in the tank is depleted, you have to wait for the water heater to heat more. That can be a huge inconvenience, especially if there are a lot of people and/or appliances in your home that need hot water around the same time. Tankless water heaters yield a virtually endless supply of hot water on demand.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are between 14% and 34% more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters. Conventional water heaters have to reheat the same water indefinitely to keep it from falling below a set temperature. With a tankless water heater, the water is only heated when it’s going to be used. That added efficiency shows up as savings on your energy bills.

Trust James Oxygen & Supply

Not sure which water heater is right for your North Carolina home? Don’t worry. The experts at James Oxygen & Supply will help you make the right choice.

Contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about the difference a tankless water heater can make in your home and the money-saving rebates you may qualify for.

Your Business Is Our Business

bulk propane hickory, NC James Oxygen & Supply is a full-service commercial propane services provider serving businesses of all types in western North Carolina. When you trust your propane needs to us, you benefit from our more than 60 years of experience. We’re here to make sure you always have the propane you need to keep your business running smoothly.

Propane is a popular commercial fuel because it offers a tremendous amount of versatility and it’s cost-effective. Our commercial propane customers are a very diverse crowd. Here’s a selection of the various types of businesses that use propane and some of its applications.

When it comes to commercial propane delivery, James Oxygen & Supply is here for your business. Our drivers are trained, experienced, and certified. You can count on us for safe and courteous propane delivery.

At James Oxygen & Supply we are not one size fits all. We’ll work with you to come up with delivery and payment options that work for your business. We also offer special pricing for fill stations and chicken houses when the market allows.

Make Your Business Better

James Oxygen & Supply is here to help make your business better with propane. We have been a reliable source of propane and propane products in western North Carolina for over 60 years. Let us take care of your business.

Whatever business you’re in, you can trust your commercial propane needs to James Oxygen & Supply. Contact us today to learn more.

Your Heating Solution Options

gas fireplaces Your western North Carolina home is your refuge. When winter’s chill sends you indoors, you’re seeking comfort and warmth. There’s nothing quite like unwinding next to a cozy fire. A fireplace offers warmth as well as ambiance. It’s a real treat during the coldest winter months.

The problem with traditional wood-burning fireplaces is that they’re a lot of work. You have to buy or chop wood and carry it to your home. You have to get the fire started (which can take a lot of time) and tend to it while it burns. And afterward, there are ashes and soot to clean up. Additionally, there are safety concerns. Embers can escape the fireplace and do real damage.

Fortunately, there’s a way to get all the benefits of a fireplace without the drawbacks of a wood burning fireplace. James Oxygen sells gas fireplace inserts, fireplaces, freestanding stoves, and gas fireplace logs. Each of our home hearth products offers the warmth and coziness of a fireplace without the work associated with wood.

Here’s how easy it is to have a real fire with a propane hearth product, all you need to do is flip a switch or press a button!

If you’re considering a gas fireplace installation, trust the experts at James Oxygen & Supply. Our hearth products come from manufacturers you can trust. And we offer both vented and vent-free (or ventless) versions. We’ll install and then maintain and repair your equipment as needed (including gas-log cleanups) so that your hearth product is always ready and able to provide you with fire when you want it.

Vent-Free Fireplaces

What is a ventless fireplace? Vent-free or ventless fireplaces are different from vented fireplaces. In a vented fireplace, the exhaust produced by combustion is vented outside the home. Typically, by means of a flue or chimney. In a home without a chimney, ventless fireplaces offer efficient heating without requiring the expense of additional renovations to install a flue.

Vent-free fireplaces are able to be vent-free because they burn gas differently and more efficiently that their vented counterparts. That difference and greater efficiency leads to the production of fewer fumes, and so a flue isn’t needed for venting. Additionally, many modern models have built-in carbon monoxide and oxygen detection systems that help monitor the air quality in the room and help keep your family safe.

Why choose a vent-free fireplace? Here are some of the advantages they offer:

  1. They’re a more cost-effective option than a vented fireplace in a home without a flue or chimney.
  2. They’re cleaner and easier to operate than wood-burning fireplaces because there’s no wood to chop, buy, or carry and no soot and ash to clean up. They start with just a push of a button or flip of a switch.
  3. A vent-free fireplace can go in just about any room in your home.
  4. Vent-free fireplaces are extremely energy efficient. With a vented fireplace, some heat is lost up the flue, so more gas is needed to generate the same amount of warmth as with a vent-free system.

Home Hearth Products

James Oxygen & Supply is western North Carolina’s leader in selling, installing, maintaining, and repairing quality propane appliances like propane fireplaces. Let us help you enjoy the heat without the hassle of wood.

If you’re ready to bring more comfort to your home with a propane hearth product, let the professionals at James Oxygen & Supply help. Contact us today to learn more!

The Winner Is Clear

gas appliances north carolina After the holidays, lots of budgets need a bit of resuscitating. And this year many of the costs associated with the holidays and the winter months are higher than they have been previously. That makes any opportunity to economize a big win. When you use propane, you get a lot of benefits for your western North Carolina home that electricity can’t match. Propane is versatile, eco-friendly, readily available, safe, and efficient. However, one of the biggest benefits propane offers is how much more efficiently and effectively propane appliances run than the electric counterparts.

Using Propane Appliances Is Eco-Friendly

Propane is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels. Using propane appliances in your home instead of electric appliances can reduce your carbon emissions significantly. A home that uses propane rather than electricity for heating will produce up to one 1/3 fewer carbon emissions. A home that uses propane for heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and space heating will produce up to 1/2 the carbon emissions of an all-electric house.

There are a lot of advocates for electricity, and it does have its uses. But electricity isn’t as clean and green as some would like you to think. Most of the electricity in America is still generated by coal-burning power plants. In fact, coal-burning power plants are the second-largest source of electricity in the US. Those power plants have an adverse effect on the environment.

Additionally, if there’s a leak (which is rare), propane doesn’t harm the environment. It doesn’t contaminate or damage the air, soil, water, plants, or water-based organisms. It simply dissipates.

Using Propane Appliances Is Efficient

You get more for your money with propane appliances versus electric ones because propane appliances operate more efficiently. Modern propane heating systems are capable of up to 98% efficiency. A propane water heater gets the job done in less time than it takes an electric water heater. The same is true of a propane clothes dryer. (They also leave you with less static and fewer wrinkles.) Using propane appliances versus electric ones will keep your energy costs lower. That’s a relief to any budget.

Upgrade to Propane

There are so many different ways propane appliances can improve your home. In fact, there’s a propane appliance for just about every room. Whether you’re looking for an indoor heater, water heater, or fireplace and gas logs, James Oxygen & Supply is western North Carolina’s leader in selling, installing, maintaining, and repairing quality propane appliances. Our knowledgeable staff is here and happy to help you assess your home’s needs and choose the right appliance. They can also help you find rebates to help you spend less out of pocket.

Let our family business serve your family

James Oxygen & Supply is proud to be a family-owned company that is focused on service. If you’re ready to upgrade your home with propane appliances, we’re here for you.

Contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about what we can do for you!

propane forklift north carolina Throughout western North Carolina, a variety of businesses make use of forklifts. Forklifts are used by construction companies, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, paving companies, and recycling enterprises. If your business falls into any of those categories, or if your business uses forklifts, then James Oxygen & Supply is here to make your forklifts more efficient—saving you time and money. We offer on-site cylinder exchange.

Advantages of Propane Forklifts

Not all forklifts are the same. In addition to propane, there are forklifts powered by diesel, gasoline, or electricity. However, propane forklifts offer a number of advantages over the others.

Here are some of the advantages for propane forklifts:

  1. The average propane forklift cylinder can power a forklift for roughly eight hours. That’s a full work shift. And replacing an empty tank only takes a few minutes. When an electric forklift is out of power, it needs at least eight hours to recharge before it can be put to work again.
  2. Propane forklifts burn clean. That means your forklifts will need less maintenance and have a longer life expectancy than forklifts using other fuels.
  3. Propane forklifts run on full power until it’s time to replace the cylinder. Electric forklifts, on the other hand, slowly lose power as they lose juice.
  4. Propane forklifts can carry heavier loads and do better on inclines than electric forklifts.
  5. Propane-powered forklifts can handle working outside in the rain and snow. That’s something most electric forklifts can’t do.

Propane Tanks Sizes for Forklifts

What size are propane tanks for forklifts? There are two common sizes of propane tanks for forklifts:

  1. Standard: These have a capacity of about 2 to 3 gallons. They’re generally used with smaller forklifts like pallet jacks and reach stackers.
  2. Large Capacity: These have a capacity of about 4 to 5 gallons. They’re generally used with larger forklifts like reach stackers and pallet trucks.

The tank size you choose will depend on the type of forklifts your business uses and how much fuel you use on a daily basis. Let James Oxygen & Supply put our more than sixty years of experience to work for you. We are very knowledgeable when it comes to the needs of a local business like yours. We can advise you on the best exchange plan for your business.

James Oxygen & Supply

James Oxygen & Supply a family-owned company that is focused on service. We offer safe and dependable delivery and propane cylinder exchange so you can keep your forklifts up and running.

Let us work with you to determine your propane needs and come up with a propane tank exchange plan that suits your business. We don’t provide one size fits all service. Our propane tank exchange services are flexible and customizable.

If you have a business in western North Carolina, choose James Oxygen & Supply as your propane tank exchange provider. Contact us today to learn more.

welding equipment north carolina If you need welding supplies in western North Carolina, you’ll find everything you need at James Oxygen & Supply. Welding machines are just the beginning of what we offer. We understand everything welders need to get the job done, and so we’ve got everything a welder needs under one roof. We sell a variety of welding machines and welding supplies including safety products. Our welding products are top quality. And our knowledgeable staff members are always available to answer your questions.

Our Locations

James Oxygen & Supply has western North Carolina covered. We have offices in Boone, Hickory, Marion, and North Wilkesboro. But you don’t have to come to us. We can also come to you.

James Oxygen & Supply has two mobile welding supply vans. So there’s no need to make a special trip or wait for a delivery to get the supplies you need. One of our supply vans will come to you so you can buy the supplies you need right off the truck!

Now that you know where to find us, here’s a summary of the products we offer at James Oxygen & Supply:

Welding Machines

Buying welding equipment is a large and important investment. James Oxygen & Supply can help you find the best welding machine for your business at a fair price. We offer top-quality products, and our knowledgeable staff members are here to answer your questions and offer guidance.

Here are the different kinds of arc welders available at James Oxygen & Supply:

General Welding Supplies

James Oxygen & Supply understands the needs of welders. First and foremost, every welder needs a good welding helmet. We sell safe and reliable welding helmets. And since stick welding is the most common kind of welding, James Oxygen & Supply sells everything needed for stick welding, including stick electrodes and electrode holders.

Here’s a selection of the general welding supplies sold at James Oxygen & Supply:

Safety Supplies

Safety is of the upmost importance. We take it very seriously at James Oxygen & Supply. We sell all the safety products you need to keep you and your workers as safe as possible on the job.

Here are some of the safety supplies James Oxygen & Supply offers:

Choose James Oxygen & Supply

If you’re a welder in western North Carolina, make James Oxygen & Supply your one-stop shop for everything you need. We are experts at all things welding and offer top-quality welding supplies from brands you can trust like Hobart, Jackson, McKay, Miller, Safety Cart, Tilman, Tweco, United Abrasives, Uniweld, Victor, and Washington Alloys.

Contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about the welding products and services we offer.

Count on James Oxygen & Supply

welding supplies north carolina If you have a welding company in Western North Carolina or a business that replies on welding, then you can count on James Oxygen & Supply for all your welding needs. We are a one-stop resource for all things welding. We sell welding machines and welding supplies including safety products. The products we sell are high quality, and if you have any questions or concerns, our knowledgeable staff members are always ready to help.

James Oxygen & Supply understands the needs of welders. Welding machines are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what a professional welder or welding business needs. Welders use a variety of products and materials to get the job done, and James Oxygen & Supply has them all. When you come to us, we put our more than 60 years of experience to work for you to make sure you have everything you need on the job.

So if you are a welder, have a welding company, or run a business that relies on welding in Western North Carolina, James Oxygen & Supply is all you need. We’re your one-stop shop for all things welding.

Here’s an overview of the products and services James Oxygen & Supply offers our customers.

Welding Machines

Your welding equipment is a big investment. James Oxygen & Supply is here to help you find the best welding machine for your business at a fair price. We offer quality products and have knowledgeable staff you can count on for information and guidance.

Here are the different kinds of arc welders available at James Oxygen & Supply:

General Welding Supplies

At James Oxygen & Supply we know your needs go beyond a welding machine. No matter what type of welding you do, you need a good welding helmet. We sell safe and reliable welding helmets. And since stick welding is the most common kind of welding, we carry everything needed for stick welding, including stick electrodes and electrode holders.

Here’s a selection of the welding supplies you’ll find at James Oxygen & Supply:

Safety Supplies

Safety important at James Oxygen & Supply. Its’s our top priority to make sure you and your workers have the safety equipment and information you need to be protected on the job. Here are some of the safety supplies James Oxygen & Supply offers to minimize the risks to you and your workers on the job:

We’ll Come to You!

You don’t need to make a special trip for supplies or wait for delivery. James Oxygen & Supply has two mobile welding supply vans that will come to you. Contact the service manager in charge of your town, and you can make arrangements to buy the supplies you need right off the truck!

Choose James Oxygen & Supply

If you’re a welder in western North Carolina, you can trust the professionals at James Oxygen & Supply. We understand the needs of welders and offer top-quality welding supplies from brands you can trust like Hobart, Jackson, McKay, Miller, Safety Cart, Tilman, Tweco, United Abrasives, Uniweld, Victor, and Washington Alloys.

Contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about the welding products and services we offer.

Safe and Professional Delivery in Western North Carolina

medical gas supplier north carolina If you’re looking for a medical gas supplier you can count on, choose James Oxygen & Supply. James Oxygen & Supply delivers much more than just oxygen. For a long time, we’ve provided a wide variety of industrial gases to a variety of businesses throughout western North Carolina. If you’re looking for medical gas supplies in North Carolina, you can count on James Oxygen & Supply.

Medical Gases

James Oxygen & Supply has years of experience and expertise supplying medical gases to medical facilities and practices throughout western North Carolina. Let us put our extensive experience and expertise to work for you. We have the medical gases you’re looking for. And we’ll ensure that they’re delivered safely.

If you have a medical practice or facility, you can trust James Oxygen & Supply to take care of your medical gas needs reliably and safely. We offer a variety of medical-grade gases that can be used in a clinic, doctor’s office, or any medical facility. We can also manage the installation and setup of your medical gas system.

Here are the medical-grade gases James Oxygen & Supply offers:

In addition to the gases listed above, James Oxygen & Supply also offers cryogenic gases delivery and service. We also supply portable oxygen tanks for in-home use. Just as your patients trust you to offer them exemplary care, you can trust James Oxygen & Supply to provide safe and professional delivery of your medical gases.

Cryogenic Gases

Cryogenic gases are liquid gases in bulk. Cryogenic gases have many healthcare applications. They can be uses in the treatment of skin conditions like lesions and warts. They can also be used for the safe and stable storage of organic materials such as cells, blood, and tissues.

As the region’s leader in the delivery of cryogenic gases, James Oxygen & Supply will put our decades of experience to work to deliver for you. James Oxygen & Supply can also manage the installation and setup of your cryogenic gas system.

Here are some of the cryogenic gases James Oxygen & Supply offers:

Safety Matters

James Oxygen & Supply offers your medical facility unmatched knowledge and experience. The delivery professionals working for James Oxygen & Supply are highly trained and extremely knowledgeable about the correct handling of medical gases and all pertinent safety standards. You can trust us to deliver and to deliver safely.

Your medical facility can also count on us to provide on-site training for all of your employees in the safe and appropriate handling of your medical gases.

Whatever your medical gas needs are, if you’re in western North Carolina, contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Calculating the Per Gallon Price

propane prices north carolina There’s a lot to consider when trying to calculate the per gallon price of propane for your western North Carolina home. A number of factors affect the cost of propane, and it’s important to understand them. Lately we’ve seen an upswing in prices. We know that can be frustrating and a financial hardship for some of our customers, but we want to encourage you that propane remains one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home and run your appliances. And propane’s efficiency means it helps reduce your carbon emissions as well.

Propane Costs Fluctuate Less Than Oil

Even though the per gallon price of propane may change from day to day, the price swings with propane tend to be more moderate when compared to those of heating oil, gasoline, and other fuels derived from crude oil.

This is largely because propane is a completely domestic form of energy. America is actually able to export about twice the quantity of propane that gets used here. This abundance gives our country supply security and helps moderate the pricing in the U.S. 

Supply & Demand

This basic economic principle affects the price you pay for your propane. As we approach the colder months and the beginning of the heating season, demand for propane will increase. But the demand for propane goes beyond home heating.

Global demand for propane has increased because of its increased use as a petrochemical precursor. Petrochemicals are used to make things like plastic, paper, adhesives, and detergents. Petrochemical manufacturers are the largest consumers of propane.

Global Conflicts & Natural Disasters

Geopolitical factors like war and economic sanctions as well as natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can impact crude oil and natural gas prices. Since propane is a by-product of both crude oil and natural gas, when the price of those fuels increases the price of propane eventually increases as well.

Other Factors

Certain factors have always influenced the price of propane: proximity of the supply, transportation bottlenecks, energy policy, and manufacturing trends. However, the past two years have brought additional variables: The cost to deliver fuel has increased. Covid-19 created workforce issues and supply chain delays that drove up the price of supplies, parts, tanks, and other materials.

Ways to Save

Here are some ways you can reduce the price you pay for your propane:

  1. Buy a bigger tank: With a bigger tank you can stock up when prices take a dip and pay less per gallon on average.
  2. Sign up for automatic delivery: When you sign up for automatic propane delivery as a James Oxygen customer, you save 20 cents per gallon off the market price on the day we deliver every time we deliver.
  3. Be efficient: Reduce the amount of propane your home uses by installing a smart thermostat and getting regular service for all your propane appliances so they work as efficiently as possible.

Our Family Business Is Here for Your Family

James Oxygen & Supply is proud to be a family-owned company that is focused on service. We’re committed to providing our western North Carolina customers with quality propane at a fair price.

You can trust the professionals at James Oxygen & Supply. Contact us today to learn more.