7 Ways to Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling Bills

Now is the time of year when a lot of people start thinking about the electric bill and ways to spend less money.  At Royal Heating and Air we are all about saving on HVAC costs and we wanted to share 7 tips to help you use less energy this summer.

1) Change filters and keep it clean.

It is more important than most people think.  Dirty air filters increase energy use by about 7% and are the most common cause for breakdowns. Changing your HVAC filter monthly could reduce your energy usage by 5-15% and help extend the life of your system.  Clogged filters make your entire system work  harder.  Keeping your outside unit clear and free from debris is also something that will help your system run more efficiently.

2) Keep registers clear.

Just like a clogged filter, anything blocking the register could cause your system to have to strain to produce the proper airflow and work harder to maintain the same temperature.

 

3) Use Ceiling Fans.

Ceiling fans help in a couple ways.  They circulate create air flow which has a cooling effect on the skin by itself.  They also circulate the air, so your system is not trying to cool hot patches while cold air sits static.  Because heat rises and cold air sinks, make sure the fan is blowing up towards the ceiling in the summer to pull cold air up. 

 

4) Windows.

Sunlight is a huge source of indoor heat, and during the summer as much as 30% of undesirable heat comes through the windows in your home.  The more of those rays you can block the better it is for HVAC savings. Using sun blocking curtains, or window tinting film can reduce the temperature in your home and allow your system to work less.  

 

5) Fix leaks.

No matter where they are, leaks rob your system of efficiency and cost you more money. Caulking leaky windows and weatherstripping doors are great starting points.  If your HVAC unit was not installed by Royal Heating and Air, you may have leaky ductwork causing your system to lose efficiency.  Having your ducts sealed can make a difference if that is the case.

6) Programmable thermostat.

When you are at work or on vacation, or other times when you don’t need to keep the house so cool, raising the thermostat can add up to significant savings. We recommend having a programmable thermostat installed.  A programmable thermostat allows you to set your temperatures to adjust automatically for when you are typically home or away.  Properly used, you could save up to 12% over the course of a year.

7) Preventative Maintenance.

An air conditioner that is not properly maintained can use 10%-30% more energy which can reduce its total life span. Every 2- 3 years it is recommended to have a professional tune up to check refrigerant levels, controls, and make sure everything is clean. In addition, it is a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly by a trusted HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

Royal Heating and Air is here to help you lower your energy costs with HVAC service and maintenance you can count on.  Go to our website or call today to schedule your preventative maintenance check now. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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How to Stay Cool Without Overloading the AC

Summer is a great time to be at the Lake of the Ozarks! Swimming, going out on the boat, and enjoy the bright summer sun. We can't wait! Summer also means high temperatures and lots of humidity. If you are looking for ways to cool the house without overworking the air conditioning this summer, Royal Heating & Air has the tips you need! Read on to learn more.

Fans are Your Friend!

Fans circulate the air in your home and can help make the air feel cooler more quickly. The air conditioning typically only moves air through the home when it is in the process of cooling it to the set temperature. Once that temperature is reached, the system will shut off. Using fans throughout the house can help keep the cooler air circulating and help the air conditioning unit not have to work as hard during the day. For an extra cooling affect, you can place a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of the fan to help circulate cold air through the room. 

During the Day

Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Have you ever noticed that the air is hotter next to a lamp or light fixture? That it because many common light bulbs give off a lot of heat and energy while they are on. Incandescent light bulbs are the number one culprit. Try using energy efficient light like LED bulbs instead. These don't emit as much heat as standard bulbs, so while they don't directly cool the house down, swapping them for hotter light bulbs can help lower the overall temperature in the house. 

Get Outside and Grill!

Every time you use the stove top or oven, a lot of heat is being released into the house. Your air conditioner will have to fight this heat all day, wasting a lot of energy. Instead of creating all that heat inside, use the grill and make your meals outside! Grilling is a fun activity that can also add a lot of flavor to your food.

Draw the Blinds 

We know it can be hard to shut out a beautifully sunny day, but closing the blinds on the windows can have a major impact on the temperature in your home. Without high-end energy efficient windows, a lot of heat can leak through the windows into your home. Using black-out curtains can help significantly with the amount of heat coming into the house. To get your daily dose of sunshine, take a walk, sip a lemonade on the porch, or enjoy time out on the water instead of letting it overheat your home.

At Night

Use Different Bedding 

In the winter, nothing feels better than curling up under fluffy, warm bedding and drifting off to sleep. But in the summer, it can be difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep when the bedding is too hot. It could be a good idea to have two different sets of bedding - one for the cold months and another for the warm seasons. Cotton sheets allow more airflow than other kinds of fabric like polyester or flannel. Bamboo sheets are also known to feel cooler and more comfortable when the ambient temperature is hotter. When purchasing summer bedding, make sure to look for fabrics and designs that advertise being breathable and light. Some brands will even have a recommended season printed on the packaging.

Open the Windows  

The Lake of the Ozarks is blessed by the Lake itself and the benefits it provides. Because of the large body of water, nights around the Lake tend to be cooler than they are when you are land-locked. Use this to your advantage and open up the windows over night to let in the cool air and cross-breeze. Just make sure you have an adequate security system to prevent intruders overnight, and don't forget to close the windows and blinds first thing in the morning before the temperature rises.

HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

To make sure your HVAC system isn't overworked or malfunctioning, call the best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we will be there for you! Royal Heating & Air has the experience and the know-how to get the job done quickly. For all your AC needs at the Lake, call 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Save Energy & Money with These Tips!

If you are looking for a good way to potentially save energy and money this spring, look no further! Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have you covered. Today we are talking about a few ways you can help your home HVAC system use less energy and cost less money. Read on to learn more!

Regular Maintenance

Furnaces and air conditioning units need regular maintenance in order to continue performing well and to stay efficient. Scheduling maintenance twice a year can help prevent major problems from flaring up down the road. Imagine something small is starting to go wrong or wear out on your system. You aren't aware of it, so the problem continues and gets worse month by month. Soon, you're noticing that the system is having a hard time keeping up. Before you know it, summer and all it's humid glory is here and your home feels like a sauna. Don't let that be you! Call Royal Heating & Air to come check out your HVAC system every spring and fall to make sure everything is good to go for the next season.

Use A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to truly set it and forget it. You can program your system to change to specific, set temperatures during the day or night. This can allow your system to keep a schedule that could help the HVAC not have to work as hard all day. Remember to set the thermostat at the temperature which you feel comfortable. Setting it colder than what you prefer will not cool it off more quickly. It will only put a strain on your system and possible cause issues.

Upgrade HVAC System

If your home is operating on an old HVAC system, it could be slowing down and having a hard time keeping up. Not only that, but older systems also weren't designed with as many energy efficient technologies as they are today. New HVAC systems often have something called variable speed technology, which allows your HVAC to run longer at a lower power to minimize the amount of times it has to start up and try to play catch up with the temperature in the home. 

Take Advantage of the Weather

Right now is the perfect time to take advantage of the weather to help keep your home cool while saving money. Spring is a very temperate season without too many extreme highs and lows. Turn off the thermostat and open up the windows throughout the home and allow the spring air to flow through the house. This can help give your HVAC system a break, save you money on energy bills, and also allow fresh air into the home for better overall air quality. This can also be a great thing to try at night when the air is cooler. Just keep in mind that the weather may change and start raining, and always keep safety in mind when leaving windows open while you are sleeping.

Keep the Heat Out

During hotter days, it can be helpful to use black-out curtains and shades, or energy efficient windows to help prevent heat from flowing into the home. When the sun is beating down and the temperature is reaching toward 90, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. Blocking the radiating sunshine from coming into the house can help beat the heat.

HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air cares about you and your home. We work hard to make sure you are comfortable and happy by providing expert repairs and installations for all your HVAC needs. Give us a call to schedule a maintenance check-up or for a consultation on installing a new system or programmable thermostat.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Tips to Save Energy & Money When Cooling Your Home

According to the EPA, the average American household spends more than $2,000.00 a year on energy bills alone.  This is quite a bit of money and energy that is being used to heat and cool your home.  Royal Heating & Air, your HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, has come up with some ideas to help you conserve your household energy consumption and save money this summer when running your air conditioning unit.

Use Fans & Natural Cooling Agents

For central AC systems, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without sacrificing comfort.  Fans also help spread the cool air from wall AC units throughout your home.  If you are able, consider opening your windows during the night while you are sleeping and when it is cooler outside.  When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.

Keep Heat Out to Lower AC Use

Consider purchasing window treatments like black-out shades or other energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cool air inside.  Blocking the sunlight by using shades can keep the heat out – it has been shown that highly reflective blinds can slash heat gain up to 45 percent when used properly.  That’s a lot of saved energy – which means savings on electric bills!  Make sure all your windows are sealed and close properly.  Caulk any cracks in the exterior of your home, as these will let in heat as well.  Make sure that your ductwork is sealed and insulated.  Your air ducts are one of the most important systems in your home, and if the ducts are poorly sealed or insulated, they are likely contributing to higher energy bills.

Set Your Thermostat & Avoid Frequently Changing the Temperature

Did you know that you could save a lot of money each year on cooling costs by turning your thermostat up a few degrees from its normal cooling setting for just eight hours a day?  You can save money on your energy bill just by programming your thermostat while you are asleep or away.  Royal Heating and Air recommends purchasing a programmable thermostat for your home so you can start saving both energy and money today.

Maintain Your Equipment!

Keep your HVAC system clean.  A little bit of dirt can cause major problems. Get in the habit of changing your air filters every 30 days. Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of leaves and debris.  It’s important to get your HVAC system serviced twice a year by the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks in order to ensure its performing properly and is running efficiently. Give Royal Heating & Air a call to set up your appointment today. Summer is just around the corner, don’t wait before it’s too late!

YOUR LAKE OF THE OZARKS HVAC COMPANY

At Royal Heating & Air, we can help with all your HVAC needs including preventative maintenance, repairs and installing new units. Make sure your HVAC unit is working properly by having a professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks do regular maintenance. However, when it is time to upgrade, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313 and we can help you install your new system.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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7 Tips To Stay Warm Without Turning Up The Heat This Winter!

Fall time at Lake of the Ozarks can be unpredictable with warm days and cool nights.  You may find yourself switching between your a/c and furnace on a daily basis right now.  Before the cold air sets in permanently for the winter and we all start blasting the heater, Royal Heating & Air the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks offers 7 tips to help you stay a little warmer this season.

Seal Up Cracks

The first step in fighting the cold weather is to make sure the warm air stays in and you keep the cold air out. Check for drafts near doors and windows and seal all necessary spots. Caulk is a good way to seal up around the frame and weatherstripping underneath doors and windows. 

Close Blinds

Blinds have another purpose other than decoration and privacy. During the winter, close the blinds to trap warm air in and keep the cool air out. If kept closed, blinds can prevent drafts from making the room cool. However, if there is a nice sunny day, make sure to keep the blinds open and let the sun heat up the room - just remember to close them before it gets dark. 

Insulate Your Home

Insulation is pretty standard in today's homes. However, if your home is older, it is a good idea to check to make sure the insulation is still good. Over time, insulation will get packed down. When that happens, the insulation won't work as efficiently. Make sure your home is sealed up by making sure there is enough insulation.

Make It Humid

Humidity makes the air feel warmer, which is why we try to take the humidity out of the air during the summer. However, in the winter, we want to add humidity. While taking a shower, turn off the bathroom fan. Afterward, leave the door open and let the humidity fill up the house. However, a professional HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks can add a humidifier to your home.  

Get Cooking

Cooking and baking are great ways to get the house nice and warm, plus it will smell good too! In the summer, it is best to do as much cooking outside as possible to keep the house cool. During the winter, do as much cooking and baking inside to get your home nice and toasty. 

Put Down Rugs

If you have hardwood, tile or laminate flooring, having rugs can help you stay warm without blasting the heater. Rugs can help prevent cold air from slipping through the floorboards of hardwood. Plus, they are usually warmer to walk on than tile or hardwood.  

Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans going clockwise pushes air down and creates a draft. However, in the winter, they can also help make your home feel warmer. When the ceiling fan goes clockwise, it will push the cool air up and mix with the rising heat. Once the air mixes, it will spread out and down making the room feel warmer. 

Keep Warm With Royal Heating & Air

Royal Heating & Air will ensure that your home is safe and cozy this fall and winter. The tips above are a great way to get ready for the colder weather without breaking the bank.  From preventative maintenance to installations, the best HVAC company in Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you. Call 573-480-4313 to schedule an appointment today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Save Energy This Spring

The weather is starting to change, plants are coming alive, and the birds are chirping. Spring is often looked at as a fresh start and a new beginning. You made it through the freezing cold winter and now it’s time to turn your attention to spring and the warmer months that are ahead. Royal Heating & Air knows that the start of each new season brings a new chance for homeowners to assess their home and the major components that make up their home. It’s also a great time to assess how much energy you are using. With the warmer weather ahead, now is a great time to make sure you’re saving money where you can. The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips to help you save money on your energy bill this spring.

Ways To Save Money This Spring

Check Your Thermostat

As the season changes and the weather starts to warm up, you will want to take a look at the programming on your thermostat. During the winter months, setting your thermostat a few degrees lower than average will help save money on heating costs. The same idea is true for the warmer months. If you program your thermostat a few degrees higher than average, around 78 degrees, it will help you save money on cooling costs. The cooler you keep your house during the summer, the higher your energy bill will be.

Tip: Upgrade to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will adjust your home’s temperature when you are home and when you leave. This can also help you save money on your energy bill.

Ceiling Fans

A great cooling alternative would be a ceiling fan. When you run your ceiling fan along with your air conditioner, you can raise the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees and you won’t notice a change. Don’t forget to switch the direction of your ceiling fan. During the winter months, in order to force warm air down you will want to run the fan at a low speed in a clockwise direction. During the summer and warmer months, you will want to change the direction and run the fan at a counterclockwise direction to push cold air down.

Ventilation Is Necessary

Open your windows and screen doors! A lot of people focus only on the furnace or the air conditioner, but it’s extremely important to get the air inside of your home moving and to introduce fresh air. Air quality plays an important role in the health and well-being of you and your family, so open your windows when the weather is nice outside. This will also allow for a cool breeze to cool down your home. Spring is a great time to have your windows open. Not only are you introducing fresh air into your home, you’re also creating a cooling cross breeze and helping to save money on your energy bill.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Maintenance

Getting your HVAC system serviced and maintained twice a year by Royal Heating & Air helps ensure that it’s performing at its best. When the summer months hit, HVAC companies are busier than ever. Don’t wait, give the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call and ensure that your HVAC system will be ready to take on the heat and humidity that comes along with the summer months.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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