Thursday, June 30, 2016

History of HVAC: The Air Conditioning

Without air conditioning, this extreme heat wave happening at the Lake of the Ozarks would make this summer unbearable. AC used to be considered a luxury item, but in today’s world, it is definitely considered an essential. It is hard to imagine life without it. We use AC to cool our homes, hospitals, data centers, laboratories and other important buildings. According to the Energy Information Administration, 48 percent of a home’s energy consumption is a result of heating and cooling. In today’s blog, Royal Heating & Air takes a look at the history of air conditioning and how it became such a vital element in today’s society.


The Beginning of AC


In the 1840s, John Gorrie, a Florida doctor, believed that the way to avoid diseases, such as malaria, was to cool the patients down and make them more comfortable. He came up with a way to cool the hospital rooms down with ice. Unfortunately, the ice had to be shipped from frozen lakes and streams in the north to Florida. This became very expensive, so Dr. Gorrie began experimenting with the concept of artificial cooling. He designed a machine that created ice using a compressor powered by a horse, water, wind-driven sails or steam. In 1851, he was granted a patent for his design, but failed to bring his invention to the marketplace. Although he was unsuccessful, his invention laid the groundwork for modern refrigeration and air conditioning.

A Unique Solution


It wasn’t until several years later that the idea of artificial cooling was picked up again. Willis Carrier, a young engineer, took a job at Buffalo Forge Company in 1902 with the task of solving a humidity problem. The company he worked for printed magazines, and with the high amount of humidity at the plant, the pages would wrinkle and stick together. Carrier designed a system that controlled the amount of humidity using cooling coils. He secured a patent for his machine that could either humidify (by heating the water) or dehumidify (by cooling the water) air.

While refining his machine, he also designed and patented an automatic control system for regulating the humidity and temperature of air in textile mills. Soon, Carrier realized that humidity control and air conditioning could benefit many other industries. He eventually left Buffalo Forge and formed Carrier Engineering Corporation.


Home Comfort with AC


Air conditioning was slowly being brought to the American public. Even with the great depression, theaters would spend anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 on a system that Carrier produced. Theaters were one of the rare places Americans could enjoy artificial air during the hot summer days. Although there were huge advancements in cooling technologies, the systems were still too large and expensive for home use.

In 1929, Frigidaire introduced the split-system, a unit that was shaped like a radio cabinet and small enough to use in the home, into the marketplace. However, it was very heavy, expensive and required a separate, remotely controlled condensing unit. General Electric improved on this and designed a self-contained room cooler. They produced 32 similar prototypes from 1930 to 1931.

H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman patented a small AC unit that could be placed on a window ledge. They were available for purchase in 1932, but were not very popular due to their high price tag.  It wasn’t until Henry Galson developed a more compact version of the window AC, that homeowners could enjoy artificial air without having to make expensive upgrades.

By the late 1960s, most new homes had central AC and window ACs were more affordable, which led people to move to the hot-weather states like Arizona and Florida. With the energy crisis in the 1970s, laws were passed to reduce energy consumption, which led to the development of the Energy Department’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program. This established a federal energy efficiency standard for AC manufactures.

Royal Heating & Air Makes Home Comfort Easy!


With temperatures rising and the humidity settling in, Lake of the Ozarks residents will be using their AC systems more and more. Make sure your AC is working properly by giving us a call at 573-480-4313 today! From preventative maintenance to complete furnace and air conditioning installations at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can provide you with affordable, dependable, trustworthy service.


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313


Google+

Monday, June 20, 2016

Variable Speed and How It Relates to HVAC Systems

Homeowners can benefit greatly with variable speed technology in their HVAC system. Variable Speed is found in all types of technology. It is what allows you to control the volume on the radio, adjust the speed on a treadmill, and even dim the lights. In this blog, Royal Heating & Air explains how variable speed technology is used in the HVAC industry and how this technology benefits you and your home.

What is Variable Speed?


Variable speed essentially refers to the fan motor inside the indoor part of an air conditioning unit. It moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. Unlike the conventional single-speed motors, a variable speed motor runs at a wide range of speeds to precisely control the temperature of your home.

HVAC and Variable Speed Technology



  • Reduces Temperature Swings
  • Reduces Operating Noise
  • Improves Dehumidification
  • Increases the Efficiency of the System

9 Benefits of Variable Speed



1. Longer run times at lower power.

This allows the temperature in your home to remain constant, which can help lower your utility bill.

2. Improved efficiency.

Variable speed HVAC systems are able to adjust, rather than just turn off and on as in a traditional system. These systems cycle less which will help lower cost.

3. Better dehumidification.

Because the system runs at a lower more constant speed, the heat pump can remove more moisture from the home. 

4. Better comfort.

The system is able to control the temperature and humidity in the home. It also has extra capacity during extreme hot or cold weather conditions.

5. Great for zoning.

The variable speed system can communicate with the control and the rest of the system, determining which zones need more or less, and act accordingly.

6. Easier on the equipment.

Because variable speed systems do not constantly turn off and on, it is easier on the unit as a whole.

7. Reduced risk of oversizing.

Due to how the variable speed HVAC systems are designed, homeowners will not notice the difference if the unit is oversized.

8. Quieter because it runs in lower stages.

Variable speed HVAC systems run on a low speed for a long period of time. This will reduce the amount of noise the system makes while it is running.

9. Units are smaller & lighter.

These units are often smaller and lighter than a traditional HVAC system.


Save Energy with Royal Heating & Air


These are just some of the many benefits of variable speed HVAC systems. If your HVAC unit needs upgrading, consider installing a new system that features variable speed technology. For all your HVAC needs, call your Lake of the Ozarks’ heating and cooling company at 573-480-4313 today


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313


Google+

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Types of HVAC Systems

Homeowners rely on their HVAC systems through the different seasons to keep them comfortable. HVAC stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. These systems both heats and cools, making the indoor environment comfortable. There are four primary types of HVAC systems including the split system, hybrid heat split system, duct-free split system and packaged system. All systems come in different sizes and specification to meet your needs. In this blog, your Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling company shares with you all the different HVAC systems to see which one fits your needs.

Split System


The split system is the most common type of HVAC system. This type has components of the whole system both inside and outside the building. It usually includes:

  • AC that cools the refrigerant.
  • Furnace and a fan or evaporator coil to convert the refrigerant and circulate the air.
  • Ducts that carry air all through the building.
  • Control panel or thermostat to manage the system.
  • This system could have optional accessories to increase the quality of indoor air like air cleaners, purifiers, humidifiers, UV lamps and more.


Hybrid Heat Split System


This system is an advanced version of the traditional HVAC split system that improves energy efficiency.  The addition of a heat pump allows the option of electricity-fueled heating and air conditioning. They also typically include:

  • Furnaces and evaporator coil for conversion of the refrigerant and circulation of air.
  • Ducts to channel the air around the building.
  • Interface for adjusting and controlling the system.
  • Just like with the traditional system, this unit could also come with accessories for more quality indoor air.


Duct-Free Split System


This unit is ideal for places where conventional ducted systems cannot be installed. They can also be a great compliment to an existing ducted system. They will typically include:

  • Heat pump or AC to heat and cool the refrigerant.
  • A compact fan coil.
  • Wires and tubing for the refrigerant, connecting the outdoor unit to the fan coil.
  • A thermostat or control panel to manage the system.
  • Optional accessories for improved air quality.

Packaged System


This system is for those places that do not have the space for the multiple components of the split systems. From one-roomed units to entire homes, this has everything needed to cool or heat any space. They typically include:

  • The AC/heat pump combined with evaporator/fan coil
  • Thermostat/control interface for control for the system
  • Optional indoor air quality accessories


Cool Your Home with Royal Heating & Air


Once you know what all the different types of HVAC systems include, it will be easier to figure out what will work best for your Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling needs. Royal Heating & Air services all makes and models of HVAC systems and is a dealer for Bryant heating and cooling systems. Give us a call at 573-480-4313 for your free estimate. 


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313


Google+

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Cleaning Air Ducts with Ultraviolet Lights

UV light has been used to sterilize a variety of things. In 1903, Niels Finsen won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with UV light in the treatment of Tuberculosis. Since then, UV light has been used in a variety of ways, from sterilizing hospital rooms to even making nail polish dry faster. Here at Royal Heating and Air, the use of UV light is for sterilizing air ducts, which reduces the amount of bacteria and results in a higher quality of air. How exactly does this work, though? Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC company explains the use of UV lights in residential homes.

How it Works


HVAC UV lights remain on 24/7 and are very effective at controlling mold and bacteria. Any mold in the line of sight of the UV light will be killed, minimizing the build-up on the coil. In some cases, people with severe respiratory issues could tell when the light was burnt out due to the decrease in air quality.

Types of UV lights


Preferred Series UV Lamps

There are two types of UV Lamps from Bryant that Royal Heating and Air can install. Choose from either the single bulb style or the double bulb style. Both are efficient at killing mold and bacteria, improving home air quality and minimizing mold build-up on coils. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two:

Single Bulb


Performance

Average Power Consumption: 23 watts

Maximum Amperage Draw: .6 AMPS

Technology

Average Lamp Life: 1 year

Lamp Length: 19 inches

Average Power Consumption: 53 watts

Unit Power Consumption: 6-foot cord

Double Bulb

Performance

Average Power Consumption: 57 watts

Maximum Amperage Draw: 1.1 AMPS

Technology

Average Lamp life: 1 year

Lamp Length: 19 inches

Average Power Consumption: 27 watts

Unit Power Cord Included: 6-foot cord

Effectiveness


There have been a few studies on the effectiveness in UV light sterilization. Two studies looked at the effectiveness of sterilization by UV light, one in a hospital and the other in commercial office space.

In 2012, researchers at Duke University Medical Center used UV light to reduce the number of drug-resistant bacteria by nearly 97 percent in 50 hospital rooms. (Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018130923.htm)

In the other study, researchers measured the amount of fungus in an office before and after the use of Germicidal UV radiation. After 4 months of use, the amount of fungal contamination was reduced significantly. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC93076/)

Disadvantages


The main disadvantage of installing UV lights for sterilization of your air ducts is that only items in the line of sight are affected. Other disadvantages include possible damage to the drain pan in three to five years and possible damage to flex duct in as little as two years.

Benefits


There are many benefits to installing a UV light. The most valuable benefit is the increase in indoor air quality. UV lights control the amount of mold and bacteria in the air ducts. This can reduce the chances of contracting a cold or the flu because the air in not re-circulated by the HVAC system. Not only does the UV light reduce the number of bacteria in the air, it also reduces smells and odors. UV lights are especially beneficial to Lake of the Ozarks residents because they are more efficient in humid climates. These lights can also reduce clogging in condensate drain lines by preventing algae growth. Lastly, UV lights reduce the amount of mold build-up on the coil, which improves the efficiency and reduces electricity cost.

Cleaner Air with Royal Heating and Air


HVAC UV lights are an effective way to improve indoor air quality. Lake of the Ozark residents are often plagued with mold due to the naturally humid climate. Installing a UV light to your HVAC systems could significantly improve your indoor air quality by removing the mold from the coils. Royal Heating and Air is a full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at Lake of the Ozarks. From preventative maintenance to complete furnace and air conditioning installations, we can provide you with affordable, dependable, trustworthy service.


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com
CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313


Google+