Your Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

At Royal Heating and Air, we know your HVAC system is one of the more expensive systems in your home. Just like with your car, proactive maintenance is critical to keeping your system running efficiently and reliably. So today, we wanted to talk to you about the important benefits of a fall maintenance check.

Efficiency and Lifespan

As parts wear and dust accumulates on your components, your furnace, and air conditioner can become less efficient and have to work harder. Over time this can slowly increase your energy bill and reduce the lifespan of your system.  In fact, consistent maintenance can lengthen the working life of your system up to 48% and reduce loss of efficiency up to 15%.

Prevent Bigger Problems

Regular preventative maintenance can not only increase efficiency and lifespan, it also helps you discover and repair things before they lead to bigger problems, more expensive repairs, and potential outages.  If you have not had your furnace serviced yet this year, we have HVAC technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks ready to help

What It Entails

When one of our technicians arrives for a fall HVAC maintenance check at the Lake of the Ozarks, the first thing that will happen is your system and its components will be inspected.  If parts are dirty, they will be cleaned, if there are signs of wear or damage, those will be addressed.  Moving parts will be lubricated and if the filter is clogged it will be replaced. The air handler will be checked out to make sure it is in good working condition and cleaned if needed. Airflow efficiency will be measured and your thermostat will also be tested and calibrated if necessary.  In addition, the technician will monitor the system while it is on to make sure it is functioning properly and not using more power than it should be.  If you have a gas furnace the burner will be cleaned and the heat exchanger checked for signs of cracking or corrosion, too.  Any issue that is found will be brought to your attention and discussed along with repair solutions.

While it is easy not to think about your heating and cooling system … it is no fun if it stops working.  It is far better (and less expensive) to fix a small problem before it becomes huge issue or leaves you without service in the coldest season. At Royal Heating and Air, we love to help people get the most out of their HVAC systems and we know how much preventative maintenance can help. We work hard to make HVAC preventative maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks convenient for you and even have a program where you can sign up for regular maintenance checks and not even have to think about it.  We let you know when it is time, and you get to relax, and rest assured knowing your HVAC system is in tip-top shape.  Even though you are still using your air conditioner, you will want to get on the schedule now for your fall maintenance check.  Make sure all is good when the cold winter weather is upon us, give Royal Heating and Air a call today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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HVAC Hazards to Watch Out for This Fall

Fall is just around the corner at the Lake of the Ozarks, and that means it's time to start preparing your HVAC system for colder weather. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are ready to help you prepare for the season and avoid the common hazards that can come with fall weather around your home. Keep reading to learn more and give us a call to schedule your maintenance check! 

Carbon Monoxide 

Soon the temperatures will cool off and you'll turn on your heater to keep the house warm and toasty. The number one danger of a failing heating system is a carbon monoxide (or CO) leak. This is one of the important reasons why you should schedule heating maintenance early and install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. CO detectors should be installed just like smoke detectors; this means they should be installed in all of the major areas in your home... Preferably on every level of the house and outside of each bedroom. It’s also a good idea to test all of your CO and smoke detectors once a month.

Fire Hazards

Any time you're dealing with a heat source, there is a potential for fire. That is why it's incredibly important to keep your furnace and pipes clear from anything that might catch fire. Make sure there is nothing combustible within 6 inches of your ventilation pipe. Periodically inspect your vent pipes to make sure there is nothing obstructing them, such as leaves, snow, or even bird nests. All fuel-burning systems need ventilation for proper safety. Also maintain a minimum 3-foot clearance around your furnace, fireplace, and other heat sources. Keep the area around heaters unobstructed and free from any flammable items. You should also never store any paint, chemicals, gasoline or any other combustible material anywhere near your furnace.

Frozen Lines

Any lines outside of the house that carry water or condensation need to be drained and protected to prevent freezing and cracking. To prevent your irrigation lines from getting damaged this winter, call your landscaping company before the ground freezes to drain the water. Any residual water left in your irrigation system over the winter season will freeze, expand, and likely cause serious damage to the entire system. It is also a good idea to disconnect and drain the hoses around your house. Also, if you have a high-efficiency furnace, there is likely a condensation line to keep the moisture from puddling around your furnace. If the temperature drops to very cold levels, then this line could freeze all the way back to the furnace and cause it to not be able to kick on. Keep this line insulated away from the cold weather in the fall and winter months. 

Get a Fall Maintenance Check

There are a lot of things to consider when getting your home and HVAC system ready for the cold season. If you want to make sure your home is going to be comfortable and safe all season long, give Royal Heating & Air a call! We'll come out and do a maintenance check on your HVAC system to make sure everything is in working order. We can also schedule a Whole Home Comfort Check, install a Programmable Thermostat, and more! Call today to work with the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We are here for you! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Your HVAC Fall Maintenance Check – Why You Shouldn’t Skip It!

 At Royal Heating and Air, we know your HVAC system is one of the more expensive systems in your home. It is also one you rely on every single day, 24/7 and DO NOT want to be without due to an unexpected failure. Just like with your car, HVAC maintenance is critical to keeping your system running efficiently and reliably. So today, we wanted to talk to you about important benefits of a fall maintenance check.

Efficiency and Lifespan

As parts wear and dust accumulates on your components, your furnace and air conditioner can become less efficient and have to work harder. Over time this can slowly increase your energy bill and reduce the lifespan of your system.  In fact, consistent maintenance can lengthen the working life of your system up to 48% and reduce loss of efficiency up to 15%.

Prevent Bigger Problems

Regular preventative maintenance can not only increase efficiency and lifespan, it also helps you discover and repair things before they lead to bigger problems, more expensive repairs, and potential outages.  If you have not had your furnace serviced yet this year, we have HVAC technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks ready to help

What It Entails

When one of our technicians arrives for a fall HVAC maintenance check at the Lake of the Ozarks, the first thing that will happen is your system and its components will be inspected.  If parts are dirty, they will be cleaned, if there are signs of wear or damage, those will be addressed.  Moving parts will be lubricated and if the filter is clogged it will be replaced. The air handler will be checked out to make sure it is in good working condition and cleaned if needed. Airflow efficiency will be measured and your thermostat will also be tested and calibrated if necessary.  In addition, the technician will monitor the system while it is on to make sure it is functioning properly and not using more power than it should be.  If you have a gas furnace the burner will be cleaned and the heat exchanger checked for signs of cracking or corrosion, too.  Any issue that is found will be brought to your attention and discussed along with repair solutions.

While it is easy not to think about your heating and cooling system … it is no fun if it stops working.  It is far better (and less expensive) to fix a small problem before it becomes huge issue or leaves you without service in the coldest season. At Royal Heating and Air, we love to help people get the most out of their HVAC systems and we know how much preventative maintenance can help. We work hard to make HVAC preventative maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks convenient for you and even have a program where you can sign up for regular maintenance checks and not even have to think about it.  We let you know when it is time, and you get to relax, and rest assured knowing your HVAC system is in tip-top shape.  Even though you are still using your air conditioner, you will want to get on the schedule now for your fall maintenance check.  Make sure all is good when the cold winter weather is upon us, give Royal Heating and Air a call today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather

There's no denying that fall is officially here! Temperatures are cooling off and soon the leaves will be changing. Sometime this month, most people will be turning on their heaters to stay warm through the night. Fall is a beautiful season at the Lake, but there are some things you should do to prepare the house and your HVAC system for the colder weather. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you! Keep reading to learn more.

Restock Essentials

Don’t get stuck in the cold without the essentials you need. Before the freezing weather gets here, make sure you have everything you will need to safely move about and get out of the house. Put your shovel and ice scraper where they will be easily accessible. Purchase ice melt to keep on hand. Ice storms don’t always come with fair warning, so having it on hand can be tremendously helpful. It is also a good idea to keep your car stocked with items that will keep you safe a warm in case of an accident while you wait for emergency response… heavy blanket, hand & foot warmers, flashlight, reflective triangle, etc. 

Drain Outdoor Water Lines

Call your landscaping company before the ground freezes to drain the water from your irrigation system. Any residual water left in your irrigation system over the winter season will freeze, expand, and likely cause serious damage to the entire system. It is also a good idea to disconnect and drain the hoses around your house. 

Mind Your Roof

It can be important to make sure everything is up to standard with your roofing before winter starts. Don’t get stuck with roof leaks from snowmelt because of an overlooked crack or gap. Another way to make sure your roof is protected is to keep your gutters clear from debris. If gutters get overfilled, water can get backed up into your attic or other areas in your home where it shouldn’t be. When this water freezes, it can cause even more damage. 

Look for Leaks

Leaks in the seals on your home can be somewhat difficult to notice in the warmer months. However, as the temperature drops, you may notice heat escaping near your windows and doors. Check the seals in these areas to make sure there aren't any cracks or gaps letting warm air escape. There are several tools you can use to help seal off doors and windows. Some are very simple additions to the bottom of the door or window that provide an additional buffer from the elements.

If you are still noticing a lot of heat loss in the winter months, you may want to consider investing in energy-efficient windows. These windows help hold in the warm air (or in the summer, the cool air) so your HVAC system doesn't have to work so hard to keep up. If you aren't sure how efficient your HVAC system is, call Royal Heating & Air and schedule a Home Comfort Check. We will do a complete check of your heater, gas furnace burners, and heating elements and help you find anything that may not be functioning at its optimal level.

Get a Programmable Thermostat

Traditional thermostats simply read the temperature of the room and signal your HVAC system to kick in if it is below (or above in the summer) the temperature you set for your home. A programmable thermostat can learn your patterns by keeping track of how you set the temperature throughout the day. When you're away at work, it can give your HVAC system a break. Do you like to sleep with the air a little cooler? Your programmable thermostat can do that for you automatically! With the freedom to set your programmable thermostat and forget it, you can sit back and relax while it saves you time and potentially even money.

Fall Maintenance Check

Help your heating system out by scheduling regular maintenance checks and inspections. A professional HVAC technician can usually find issues in your unit before they cause bigger problems or system failure. They will inspect the unit's overall condition, motor, electrical components, safety controls, and more. If anything is lagging or has minor damage that could cause issues down the road, your technician will recommend a repair or replacement so you don't end up stuck with a broken heater in the dead of winter.

Now is a great time to check-in on your HVAC, especially your heating system. No one wants to have a heating emergency in the dead of winter. Help prevent emergencies by scheduling regular maintenance on your HVAC system. This can help keep everything running efficiently and safely through the cold season. If you do experience an HVAC emergency, remember that you can always call our team at Royal Heating & Air! 

Lake of the Ozarks HVAC

As the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air is here for you! We love being there for you to take care of your HVAC system year-round to provide you with a comfortable, safe home. Give us a call to schedule your fall maintenance, a whole home comfort check, a programmable thermostat installation, or any other HVAC service work you need to have a great fall season at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have your back! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Get Ready for Fall!

This weekend may still feel like summer, but fall is in the air! Soon the leaves will be changing and we'll all be bundling up in our scarves and boots and turning on the furnace to keep the house warm. Is your home ready for the temperature change? Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you stay comfortable and safe in every season. Keep reading to learn how you can best prepare your home for fall this year. 

Keep Your Floors Clean 

Dirty floors could dramatically affect the air quality in your home, particularly if you have a lot of rugs or carpeting. The pet hair, dust, dirt, dander, and dead skin cells that accumulate in your carpet do not stay there indefinitely. As traffic moves through your home, all that debris can get kicked up and start circulating in the air you breathe. For people who suffer from allergies and asthma, this could be a real health hazard by making it more difficult to breath.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and outside of each bedroom.
The number one danger of a failing heating system is a carbon monoxide leak. This is one reason why you should schedule heating maintenance early. CO detectors should be installed just like smoke detectors; this means they should be installed in all of the major areas in your home. It’s also a good idea to test all of your CO and smoke detectors once a month.

Keep Furnace and Pipes Clear

Make sure there is nothing combustible within 6 inches of your ventilation pipe. Periodically inspect your vent pipes to make sure there is nothing obstructing them, such as leaves, snow, or even bird nests. All fuel-burning systems need ventilation for proper safety. Also maintain a minimum 3-foot clearance around your furnace, fireplace, and other heat sources. Keep the area around heaters unobstructed and free from any flammable items. You should also never store any paint, chemicals, gasoline or any other combustible material anywhere near your furnace.

Change Air Filters

Dirty filters are hard on your system. The air filter in your HVAC system is a barrier that helps decrease the amount of dust, hair, and debris circulating in your home.  A system that is overworked will not run effectively, which could cause potential risk to your home. You want to make sure to change your filter often to prevent future damage to your unit which could be dangerous. Four-inch filters need to be checked every 6 months and replaced at least every year. One-inch filters should be checked monthly and replaced as needed. 

Get a Whole-Home Humidifier

Winter air feels dry because the heating process tends to remove moisture from the air. Dry air can affect the health of your skin, sinuses, and overall well-being if it persists for too long. There are numerous benefits to installing a whole-home humidifying system (read our blog on the topic, here). Help improve the quality of the air in your home by calling Royal Heating & Air today and scheduling an appointment for your system.

Check the Vent Airflow  

If the airflow in your home is inefficient, you could have to deal with stale, stagnant air. This could cause bad odors and allergens to settle in your home. Gross! Your HVAC system could simply be too dirty to efficiently move air through the duct-work. A dirty unit could also decrease the airflow in your home. It can be important to have a professional check on your system to ensure everything is functioning appropriately and that there isn't anything blocking the flow of air. Schedule a Home Comfort Check with Royal Heating & Air to check-in on the HVAC systems in your home.

Regular Service with Royal Heating & Air

As the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air is here for you to help make sure everything runs smoothly all season. If you need a maintenance check on your system to get ready for fall, give us a call and we would love to come out and help! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Don’t Get Stuck with Fall Germs & Discomfort

Fall is just around the corner, which means that dry air and germs are not far behind! With the house being more closed up in the fall and winter, the air can become stale and bacteria can thrive and affect air quality. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, which means we know just how to help keep your home as comfortable and clean as possible. Keep reading to learn more about what we can do for you!

Destroy Bacteria

The fall and winter seasons can come with more bacteria, colds, and other illnesses. To help prevent additional bacteria and viruses from spreading around the house through the air ducts, try using a UV light system in your HVAC! Ultra Violet light prevents bacteria from replicating, ridding your home of pesky pathogens that could cause your family to feel "under the weather", or even catch serious illnesses. Royal Heating & Air can help reduce the bacteria in your home by installing a system using UV light directly in the HVAC ductwork! Many of our customers that have installed such systems into their homes have said they notice almost immediately when the bulb burns out because of how the quality of the air changes. 

Keep Things Flowing

It's important to have an HVAC system that is functioning properly so that the air flow in the house is as consistent and clean as possible. Hire a professional HVAC technician in your area to regularly check on the AC unit and furnace and make sure everything is functioning properly. A unit that is broken or having problems could be causing stale air, hot or cold spots in the house, and issues with moisture.

Banish Dry Air

Dry air in the winter is a common, uncomfortable problem for many homeowners. In reality, it isn't the cold air that causes dryness, but the use of heat to warm the house. Heaters sap the moisture out of the air, but humidifiers can add it back to the air to help bring comfort and health back into the home. Dry air can dry out your skin, but it can also dry out your eyes, nose, and throat. Dry eyes feel scratchy and uncomfortable and can make it hard to focus. If your sinuses get dehydrated, they can feel tight and even sore at times. If your nasal passages get too dry, it can be hard for your system to fight bacteria and viruses due to the lack of mucus that captures and disposes of those pathogens. If you suffer from dry coughing and snoring, your throat may be too dry. A whole-home humidifier from Royal Heating & Air could solve your winter dry air woes.

Best HVAC at the Lake 

Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here for you! Whether you need a UV light system to destroy bacteria, regular maintenance to keep the system running well, or a whole-home humidifier to bring moisture back into the air... We're the one to call!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Carbon Monoxide: What it Does and How to Protect from Exposure

Carbon monoxide is a substance that could threaten the health and safety in your own home. You may have heard of it before, but do you know how common carbon monoxide exposure is and how it can affect your health? As the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air cares about your wellbeing. Read on to learn important information about how to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide this season.

Where Does it Come From?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, can be found in fumes that come from burning fuel. Sources can include vehicles, small engines, stovetops, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, and furnaces. Because many of these items are commonly found in nearly every home in America, the likelihood that you could be exposed to carbon monoxide is high. In fact, over 400 Americans die annually from unintentional CO poisoning. Even more frightening, over 20,000 people visit the emergency room and 4,000 people are then hospitalized from CO exposure every year in the United States. (https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm) Keep reading to find out why carbon monoxide is dangerous and how you can help protect yourself and your family from exposure.

Why is it Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. For that reason, it can be hard to know if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home. If CO builds up indoors or in an enclosed area, it can be deadly. As your body is forced to breathe in more carbon monoxide and less oxygen, it starts to affect your bloodstream. The oxygen in your red blood cells gets replaced with carbon monoxide which does serious damage to your body and can often result in death without treatment.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide are often likened to the flu. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, get to fresh air and seek medical attention: dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/symptoms-causes/syc-20370642)

How to Protect Yourself from Exposure

The idea that a substance could be leaking into your home and threatening your health without you knowing is terrifying to consider. To help alleviate your fear, try implementing some of the following tips in your home.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• When you buy gas equipment, make sure it has a seal from a national testing agency.
• Check and clean your chimney every year.
• Don't patch a pipe with tape, gum, etc.
• Never use your gas range or oven as a heating source for your home.
• Have your heating system and other gas appliances checked regularly by a qualified technician.

Call Royal Heating & Air 

Our experts at Royal Heating & Air would be more than happy to come by your home for a fall maintenance check. We will make sure your furnace is in good working order to help prevent carbon monoxide exposure in your home. We are the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks - You can trust us to take care of you and your home HVAC needs. Call today for your appointment! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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