Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Cool Facts About Air Conditioning!

We're lucky to have AC units to help us get through the "dog days of summer" without much discomfort. We're so used to having air conditioning in our everyday lives that we don't think much about those times when AC was a luxury that many didn't have. Here are some surprisingly cool facts about this amazing innovation that keeps us comfortable during the hot summer days.


- Hotter states, such as Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Florida, can thank air conditioning for their population booms. People started moving to these hotter states after the invention of the home AC unit, as it made these states more comfortable to live in.

- The amount of energy the United States uses each year to power AC units is about the same amount of energy that's used by the entire continent of Africa.

- Air conditioning has allowed for advances in medical technology, longer human life expectancy, reduction in the spread of diseases in warmer climates that were once very common and dramatically increased employee productivity.

- The Romans were the first civilization to use any type of warm air heating system.

- The first AC unit wasn't meant to be used in homes. It was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902 for a publishing company in Brooklyn. It kept temperatures and humidity low so it didn't ruin the paper. It was never intended for people's comfort.

- The first fully air conditioned home was built in 1913 in Minneapolis. It was included in a mansion for Charles Gates, but he could never experience it as he died before the mansion was completed.


- The term Summer Blockbusters came about thanks to air conditioning. One of the first businesses to utilize air conditioning back in the early 20th century were movie theaters. Patrons flocked to theaters to not only enjoy the films but also the cool air during the hot summer months. Marketers took advantage of this trend and saved their big hits for the summertime.

- The first car that offered optional AC was introduced in1939 by Packard Motor Car Company. However, it wasn't a very popular option as it was very expensive and the evaporator and blower system took up a majority of the trunk space.

- Schools offer summer vacation because of the lack of air conditioning in the classrooms. However, schools decided to keep it going once AC units were introduced into the schools.

- Herbert Hoover added air conditioning into the Oval Office. It cost him $30,000 just to cool the one room. Franklin Roosevelt added air condition to the White House bedrooms.


We hoped you learned a little something about this important invention that helps keep you comfortable all summer long. We can help ensure you stay comfortable in your home no matter the season with our Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling services. Call us at 573-480-4313 to schedule an appointment with one of our expert HVAC service technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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



Tuesday, August 22, 2017

It's Not Too Early To Get Ready For Winter

Summer is sticking around for one more month, but it's never too early to get a jump start on prepping your home for the cold winter season. Royal Heating & Air wants to make sure you stay toasty warm during the cold months, so we've put together a list of things you can do to help.


1. Make sure your home is properly insulated. 

Without proper insulation, it will be harder for your home to keep cool or warm. While your HVAC system is hard at work, if your home isn't properly insulated, it will continue to work even when it doesn't need too. The heat can escape from your home, and to make up for the heat loss, your furnace will continue to run. With proper insulation, your home can stay nice and warm all winter long, without overworking your furnace.

2. Seal up your home's windows and door frames. 

Just like with improper insulation, not having your windows and doors sealed could let out precious warm air. Take the time to walk around your home and make sure all windows are sealed up. If you feel outside air around your windows, take silicon chaulk and seal up any openings. It's also important to check around door frames and make sure that the weather stripping on the bottom of the door is in tack.

3. Go outside and check your property.

During the winter months, the Lake area can experience some harsh weather. Make sure nothing gets damaged, like your AC unit, by taking a walk around the outside of your home and clear away any dead branches from the trees.



4. Make sure your chimney is clean.

Alternate heat sources are a great way to give your furnace a little break during the cold winter season. However, you have to take precaution when using these alternate heat sources. If your home has a fireplace, it's a great way to get a little cozy. However, it's important to make sure you get it cleaned regularly. It's recommended to clean your fireplace twice a year for health and safety reasons. It will help reduce allergens in your home and prevent your flue from being clogged.

5. Check the thermostat. 

Now that summer is winding down, it's a good time to check that the thermostat is working properly on the heat setting. During a cooler night, take the time to switch the thermostat from cool to heat to ensure it kicks on. While doing this, it's also a good idea to check the air filter and change it as necessary. 

6. Reverse your ceiling fans.

During the summer, it's recommended to set the ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise to blow the air straight down. However, in the winter months, it's best to have the ceiling fan rotating clockwise. You may think that having the ceiling fan at all would be counterintuitive. However, heat rises, so when it's set to counter clockwise on a low setting, it can push the warm air away from the ceiling and down into the room. 


7. Get your HVAC system serviced. 

Although the furnace may have kicked on and seemed like everything is fine, it still needs to be looked at by a professional Lake of the Ozarks HVAC technician. It's always best to have your furnace serviced by a professional before the start of the season to ensure there is no underlying issue that could be overlooked.

Although we don't want to think about it, summer is slowly winding down. Royal Heating & Air wants to make sure you stay toasty warm all winter long. Give us a call at today to get your fall service check scheduled today!


Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

7 Mistakes You're Making With Your Air Conditioner

Although summer is starting to wind down, we still have a few more weeks of hot, sweltering and humid days. If you're wanting to make sure your AC unit can keep you cool on even the hottest of days, you will want to make sure you're taking all the preventative measures. Unfortunately, there are a few mistakes you are making with your air conditioner that could be undercutting its efficiency and its effectiveness. Continue reading to learn more about these mistakes and how you could prevent them.


1. You're Forgetting To Change The Air Filters.

It's best to check the filter once a month and change as necessary. Most filters can last about three months, but you may have to change it more often if you have pets, kids or smoke. A dirty air filter could cause your AC unit to not work as efficiently or cause it to freeze. This is an easy task that can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and help keep you cool all summer long.

2. You're Not Getting Your System Serviced. 

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is to get it serviced by a professional. At Royal Heating & Air, we recommend having a technician look over your system at least twice a year. Once in the spring for your AC unit and once in the fall for your furnace. A professional technician can spot any issues early on before they become a major issue.

3. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low. 

AC units are not designed to be set at super low temperatures. If you have it set below 68 degrees, you could cause your thermostat to freeze up - literally. When your AC unit freezes, it doesn't work as efficiently and it puts extra wear on it as well.


4. You're Not Utilizing The Fans.

Fans, especially ceiling fans, are a great way to keep cool air circulating throughout your home. In addition to keeping the air moving in your home, fans can also remove some of the burden from your AC unit. During the summer, make sure the ceiling fan is set to counterclockwise so it pushes air down.

5. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Not Positioned Correctly.

If your thermostat is positioned in the sun all day or is near a lamp or anything else that emits heat, it could throw off the readings. This could cause the AC to turn on even when it doesn't need to be. Blocking AC vents could cause your AC unit to work harder to cool your house. When positioning your furniture, make sure you're not blocking any vents.

6. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains. 

The sun could be your AC unit's worst enemy. Bright sunlight beaming into your home all day long could cause your air conditioner to run for long periods of time to cool your home down. Closing the blinds and curtains, especially during the hottest part of the day, can help keep your home cool and help alleviate some of the pressure from your AC unit.


7. You're Not Using A Programmable Thermostat. 

A programmable thermostat can help you save you money on your heating and cooling bill by automatically raising the temperature at those times of the day when you're out of the house. There are even newer thermostats that can be controlled by your smart phone that makes programming even simpler!

If you need help with your air conditioner this summer season, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313. Don't forget to schedule your fall service appointment to make sure your furnace is working properly so there are no surprises by the time the cold winter weather rolls in.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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


Thursday, August 10, 2017

5 Signs That Your Home Could Benefit From A Dehumidifier

A home that has excess moisture can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can pose a number of issues to your health and home. Luckily, humidity problems can be remedied through the use of a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can help keep your home comfortable and is your first line of defense against excess humidity in your home. However, how do you know if your home needs one? Here are 5 signs that your home could benefit from a dehumidifier.


1. Condensation On The Windows

When a room is too humid, condensation may start to build up on the windows. It may just look like fog, but when the environment is extremely humid you may actually see streaks or water droplets.

2. House Smells Musty

A musty smell is a tell-tale sign that mold and mildew are present. Excessive humidity in a home can cause mold to grow, which can lead to the musty smell. Lack of proper ventilation could also lead to mold and mildew.


3. Mold On The Ceiling

If you see mold in your home, it's generally a sign of excess humidity and it's time to get a dehumidifier. Bathrooms can't air out steam and excess humidity, making them prime areas for mold to grow. It can grow on walls, ceilings or around toilets and showers. Even small mold patches can be a problem, as they can quickly spread.

4. Water Stains Around The House

Water stains on the ceilings, walls, floors and other surfaces are a red flag for excess moisture in your home. When you see water stains, it's best to investigate what's causing the stain, as it could be a leaky pipe or a ventilation issue.


5. You're Experiencing Allergies

If you find yourself sneezing and coughing a lot, it could be the result of too much bacteria and mold growing because your home's air is too moist. A dehumidifier can help eliminate toxins in the air and keep mold spores from growing.

Your HVAC system can control the amount of humidity in your home, but sometimes it needs a little help. Luckily, adding a dehumidifier in your home can help keep you comfortable. If your home has high humidity levels, call the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Royal Heating & Air can help you determine if your home can benefit from a dehumidifier. 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


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Could Your HVAC System Be Causing Indoor Air Odor?

If the air in your home is a little smelly, you may use air fresheners or candles to get rid of the smell. However, these tactics could only be masking the odors, not getting rid of them. In order to combat the smell in your home, you need to locate the source, and it could be caused by your HVAC system. There are several reasons why your indoor air quality could be declining, and Royal Heating & Air is here to help you get your home smelling like new again.


What Could Be Causing It?

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander and mold may be the cause of your home's odor problem. In addition, poor ventilation could contribute to unpleasant odors. Moisture build-up on walls and windows and stagnate air are both signs of poor ventilation. Poor ventilation could lead to mold, which could lead to musty smells in your home.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

Dirty Sock Syndrome is the foul, moldy smelling odor that comes from your air conditioner when it's first turned on. It's caused by the build up of mold and bacteria on the evaporator coil. Mold and mildew can grow due to the moisture that builds up on the coil through continued use, and it's fueled by the dust that collects in the AC unit over time from inadequate filtration.


What Can Be Done?

The best way to combat indoor odor is to find the source of the smell. Whether it's poor ventilation or mold growth on the AC coils, you need to find the source and eliminate it. One way to clean the air in your home is to install UV lights in your HVAC system, which can help kill odors and prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants. It's important to also have your HVAC system serviced twice a year. Our Lake of the Ozarks HVAC service technicians can inspect your AC unit to ensure it's clean and free of any mold build-up. Don't forget to also regularly check the filter and change as necessary. A dirty air filter can lead to major issues in your HVAC system, including mold growth on the AC coils.

Royal Heating & Air can help you have better indoor air by taking a look at your HVAC system. To schedule a service appointment with one of our Lake of the Ozark HVAC technician, call us today at 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"


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