Friday, December 30, 2016

How To Protect Your AC This Winter

The winter season is in full swing, which means that your furnace is working hard to keep you and your family warm. Although we aren't using the AC unit now, we can't forget about it. It's important to make sure your AC unit is taken care of during the winter months to ensure it's ready to keep you cool this next summer. Lake of the Ozarks best heating and cooling company has a few tips to help protect your AC unit this winter.

Made For The Cold

Although your air conditioning unit is made for the summer months, it's actually built to survive the tough winter weather. Some people even find that their units work fine taking no precautions before winter. However, the outdoor components of the system can be damaged by debris, moisture build-up and repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. You could switch off the power to avoid accidentally turning it on during the winter, which could create a problem if it starts cycling water through the system and that water freezes. 


Cover Up?

There are pros and cons to covering your AC for the winter. While the cold itself won't hurt your system, the debris that accumulates over the season can. If you decide to cover your AC unit during the winter months, it is important to clean it up and remove any leaves or other gunk that has built up before stowing it. There are two ways you can cover an AC unit. First, you can place a piece of plywood over the top to keep icicles, branches, leaves and other things from falling in the top. Secondly, an AC cover from manufacturers can also keep debris out as well as lower the risk of damage to the metal from repeated freezing and thawing. However, if you have a heat pump, it is important NOT to cover it during the winter months, as it works all year long. 

Don't Forget To Check On It

Whether you decide to cover your AC or not, it is important to periodically check on your AC unit throughout the winter season. If your AC is covered, it is important to make sure the cover is intact. In addition, it is important to check underneath the cover and clean out any debris that may have gotten in. If you did not cover it, it is important to check on your system after any snow storms to remove snow from the top to prevent water from getting into your system. It is also important to clear away any debris in and around the system.

Let Royal Heating & Air Protect Your HVAC System

If you need help protecting your AC or furnace this season, call the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ensuring that your AC is protected this winter will help make sure that your AC is ready to work hard next summer.  You can count of Royal Heating & Air to make sure your AC unit is ready when you need it next summer.  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days 2017

Grab your coats, hats and gloves for one of the most popular winter events at the Lake of the Ozarks! Eagle Days will return for its 17th year at the Lake on Saturday, January 7 and Sunday, January 8. This fun, free community event is a great opportunity to view and learn about eagles and Royal Heating & Air is a proud sponsor for this year's event. The best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks has all the information on one of the best winter events. 


Photo Credit: FunLake.com

2017 Ameren Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days
January 7 & 8, 2017

Photo Credit: FunLake.com
Missouri is one of the leading states to spot our national bird, the bald eagle. Eagles make nests wherever they can find food and open water, which is why the Lake of the Ozarks is so attractive to these birds. If you would like to see a few up close and personal, then you should make plans to attend the 17th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days. 

The very first Eagle Days at the Lake, which was held in 1999, attracted 651 participants. Last year, over 3,700 people attended, which made it one of the most successful Eagle Days to date. This year's event will feature many fun activities, which include:

- Wild eagle viewing & program
- Owl, hawk and turkey vulture programs
- Coloring contest
- Photo contest
- Kid's activities

There is something for everyone at this year's event. There will even be live eagles from the World Bird Sanctuary with naturalists on hand to answer any question you may have about them.  

Everyone is encouraged to bring their binoculars to spot wild eagles. Willmore Lodge and below the Bagnell Dam are both excellent spots for bird-watching. Bring your camera too, as you will be able to get some beautiful photos of these birds during the live presentations. If you're lucky, you may even be able to capture some great pictures of them in the wild.


Photo Credit: FunLake.com

You can view a full Eagle Days schedule of events on their website at www.LakeOfTheOzarlsEagleDays.com. You can also find the photo contest rules, download the picture for the coloring contest and if you want to get involved, the application to volunteer for this year's event. If you have any questions about the event, 1-800-386-5253. 

The Annual Eagle Days event is fun for the whole family! Royal Heating & Air is proud to be a sponsor for this year's event. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera for viewing and photo opportunities. We hope to see you and your family January 7 & 8 at Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days! 


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

HVAC Tips For Christmas

It's that time of the year when the heating and venting aspects of your HVAC unit has a big job, which is to keep you warm and toasty so you can enjoy your eggnog in comfort. Ensuring your HVAC system is in excellent condition for the holidays is important whether you are hosting a big holiday party or enjoying the day with your family spending time with each other. Royal Heating & Air wants to make sure your home is ready for Christmas no matter your plans. Here are five HVAC tips brought to you by the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

- Change out the air filter. It is important to check the air filter one a month and change as necessary. A clogged and dirty filter can overwork your HVAC system, which could make it difficult to pump out more heat. A severely clogged filter could even become a fire hazard.

- Be aware of the vents. Vents should never be covered, even if they're located beneath windows where drapes and couches are regularly placed. When moving furniture around to make room for Christmas decorations or for holiday parties, be aware of floor, wall and ceiling vents, and not to block any of them.

- Clean up needles. Pine needles can make their way just about anywhere, including the vents. Clean up daily around your Christmas tree if and when needles start to drop. That is the best way to keep your home tidy and pine needles out of your vents.

- Find a safe place for your tree. It is important to find a place for your tree that is far away from any heating source. Putting a tree too close to a heat source not only dries out the tree faster, it's also a fire risk.

- Make use of alternative heating sources. Make your home nice and toasty by using alternative heat sources to give your HVAC system a bit of a break. If you have a fireplace, get cozy and make good use of it. Test out new holiday cookie recipes and use the stove top and oven to create some heat while also filling up on delicious holiday treats.

Merry Christmas From Royal Heating & Air

Happy Holidays from Lake of the Ozarks' best HVAC repair company! If your home isn't feeling cozy this holiday season, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313. With the cold winter season in full swing, it is important to keep our furnaces in tip top shape. If your furnace fails, don't forget we also offer 24/7 emergency service. Merry Christmas from the team at Royal Heating & Air!


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


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Thursday, December 15, 2016

Why Is The Furnace Not Turning On?

We are officially in the cool season and many of us are constantly running our furnaces. When your home starts to feel a little chilly and you expect the furnace to kick on and it doesn't, it may be a bit concerning. Your Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling company is here to help you if you find that your furnace isn't turning on. Here are five troubleshooting tips to get your house warm again. Just remember, Royal Heating & Air is here to help with all your heating and cooling needs, and we even offer 24/7 emergency service! 

1. Check The Thermostat

The thermostat should be one of the first things you check if your furnace doesn't kick on. Make sure that it is set to "heat" rather than "cool" and that it's set to a higher temperature than the room temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that the time and date are correct, as well as the a.m. and p.m. settings. Make sure the batteries are working and that it is firmly attached to the wall. 

2. Switches & Breakers

Sometimes, all your furnace needs to do in order for it to start working again is for it to be turned on. All furnaces, no matter the age or manufacturer, have a switch that turns it on and off, and it could have accidentally been switched off. If that is not the issue, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to make sure everything is switched on and functioning. In addition, make sure that the front panel covering the blower motor is securely fastened - there's a push-in switch under it that must be fully depressed for the furnace to operate. 


3. Change The Filters

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace issues. Dust and dirt restrict airflow, and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, which results in your house not warming up. It is important to make sure to regularly check the filter and replace as necessary. A clean filter is vital, as it reduces the efficiency of the furnace and shortens its life. 

4. Check The Pilot Light

Check to make sure that the pilot light is lit. If gas or propane flow to the pilot light is interrupted, even for a moment, the light can go out and will need to be re-lit.  It's also important to make sure your gas is on. Just like the switches, someone may have turned off the gas valve and forgot to turn it back on. The easiest way to check to see if the gas supply is on is to check another gas appliance in your house, such as your stove. If you have no gas, call the gas company or fill your propane tank. 

5. Look For Blocked or Leaky Ducts

Blocked or leaky ducts can restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder than it needs to heat up your home and in some cases, your home will still feel chilly. Make sure the registers are open and clean. Afterward, check the ducts and ensure there are no leaks.

At Royal Heating & Air, we want to make sure you and your family stays warm this holiday season. If your furnace is not working properly, call us at 573-480-4313. We offer free estimates and 24/7 emergency service. 



Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Humidifier Or Dehumidifier... Or Both?

Now that we have finally made it into the cold season, you may have been experiencing a few of the side effects, such as dry, itchy skin and chapped lips. The winter season can sometimes take a toll on our bodies and even our homes as well. The same thing can happen during the summer months as well. The extra moisture in the air not only warps wood furniture, it can also sometimes cause asthma. Luckily, there's something that you can do to help make it more comfortable in your home. Your Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling company explains the difference between dehumidifiers and humidifiers and if they're a right fit for your home. 



Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are typically used during the summer months when the air is warm and humid. They decrease the amount of moisture in the air, which helps controls mildew and mold from growing in your home, which could keep headaches and allergies at bay. If you experience respiratory issues like asthma, then installing a dehumidifier could help. 

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are typically used during the winter months when the air is cold and dry. They increase the amount of moisture in the air, which helps keep skin from drying out. In addition to keeping skin moisturized, humidifiers help control nasal congestion and allergies. 

Finding Balance

When the humidity levels in your home get out of balanced, the first place you might notice it is your personal health. Dry air can promote skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and chapped lips, while too much moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew to grow, which could cause respiratory issues and other serious illnesses. In addition to personal health issues, over time, these conditions could cause damage to your home. Dry air could cause some types of wood to crack and split, while humid air could cause it to warp. If your home has an extensive mold issue, you may have to replace all the infested material to make sure it is completely gone from the premises. 

Which is right for your home?

If the levels of humidity in your entire home is off, it may be best to install a whole home system. However, if the problem is just in a certain area or room, smaller or portable units may be the right solution for your home. The best way to figure out the humidity levels in your home is to install a hygrometer, which reads the percentage of air in your home. 

Gain Balance With Royal Heating & Air

Typically, your HVAC system will control the amount of humidity in your home. However, sometimes it needs a little help. Luckily, with the help of dehumidifiers and humidifiers, your home can give you comfort no matter the season. If you need help figuring out if your home needs a humidifier or dehumidifiers, call the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Royal Heating & Air can let you know the proper type and size of unit that you need in your home. To schedule an appointment, call 573-480-4313 today!



Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


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