Top 6 Blogs of 2019 – The Best HVAC Resource in the New Year!

What a year 2019 has been! Our team at Royal Heating & Air loves being part of the community at the Lake of the Ozarks and serving all your HVAC needs. Over the past year, we have shared some important and fun topics in the blog, and we are excited to recap a few of our favorites to close out the year. Read on to learn more!

1) Gas vs. Electric – Which is Best?

If you are considering installing a new heating system this winter, it could be important to consider the pros and cons of gas and electric systems. There are a lot of factors to consider, including how quickly each energy source can heat your home, how much each system costs both initially and over time, environmental factors, and how much maintenance each requires. Find out which energy source might be best for your home here!

2) Benefits of Installing HVAC UV Lights

Did you know that installing UV lighting in your HVAC system could help improve the air quality in your home? UV light is commonly used to sterilize a multitude of objects, including air ducts. Sterilization with ultraviolet light can help control the growth of mold and mildew and prevent build-up on the coil or algae growth in the drain lines. Find out more about what UV light could do for your HVAC system by reading the whole blog here.

3) Perks of Using a Smart Thermostat

It seems like everything is getting “smart” these days… Smart phones, smart watches, smart thermostats even! We love what smart thermostats bring to the table. They can help you save energy, make your HVAC system more convenient to use, and allow you to review past energy use to make better choices in the future. The full blog offers a lot of great insight into smart thermostats and how they can help improve your home.

4) How a Whole-Home Humidifier Could Improve Your Winter

The air in winter can feel significantly drier than it does in any other season. One great way to improve the air quality in your home during the winter is to install a whole home humidifier in the HVAC system. Keeping the air in your home moisturized not only helps your skin, nose, eyes, and throat feel more hydrated, but it could also keep your home in better condition. Find out how!

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

This is a very scary, life-threatening substance that can be difficult, if not impossible to detect with human senses. It comes from the fumes that are produced by burning fuel and can come from vehicles, small engines, stovetops, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, and furnaces. Carbon monoxide takes up the space in your lungs and red blood cells instead of oxygen. If you are exposed to it for too long, it can actually kill you. Learn more about this deadly substance and how you can protect yourself and your family from it in the full blog!

6) Learn 4 Ways Fido Could be Affecting the HVAC

There are a lot of factors that can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. But did you know that one of those things could be your beloved family pet? Pets can affect the air filtration, airflow, temperature control, and the health of your outdoor units. Find out how you can help ease the burden on your HVAC system by reading the whole blog here.

Your Resource for HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks. For any HVAC questions, needs, or emergencies, we are a team you can trust. Add us to your phone to schedule your winter maintenance appointment, or in case an HVAC emergency takes you off guard: 573-480-4313 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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Should the HVAC Unit be Repaired or Replaced? How to Read the Signs

Is your heater struggling to keep up in these freezing temperatures? If you're waking up with icy fingers and toes, your furnace could probably use some attention. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have your back! So before you get frustrated and decide to throw it out and start over, read on to learn more about what your HVAC could be trying to tell you. It could need anything from a simple repair to a total replacement.

Health Hazards

One of the biggest, and perhaps most important, reasons to replace your furnace would be if it is threatening the health of you and your family. Sometimes when a unit is damaged, it is easy to fix with a simple repair. Your local HVAC company could have you back to your daily routine in no time. This is not always the case, though. While repairs to valves and wires could be simple enough, repairs to a cracked heat exchanger are significantly more complicated. And if this issue is left unresolved, then the furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide into your house. This deadly, odorless gas is not something you ever want in your home. If there is an imminent threat of a carbon monoxide leak, it could be time to replace your unit entirely.

Long-Term Cost

Replacing a furnace is not cheap. However, if you find yourself repairing the unit over and over again, then you may actually save money in the long run by replacing it with a new unit. A good way to determine whether to repair or replace it is to compare the costs directly. If the cost of repairing the unit is more than 50% of the cost to replace it, then it may be a good idea to go ahead and invest in the replacement.

To help offset the costs, you may be able to take advantage of rebates through Ameren Missouri or Summit Natural Gas. With Ameren Missouri, you could earn rebates by purchasing a new, energy-efficient system. Summit Natural Gas offers great rebates as well for purchasing new systems and recycling the old one. Check out the available rebates here!

Unit's Lifespan 

The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years. Remember that this is an average, not an exact range. Your 20-year-old furnace could still be running strong. This range is when half of all units have burnt out and half are still running. Some furnaces will last longer if they are well maintained and serviced, while others will struggle with longevity due to harsh winters and inadequate care. When your unit starts needing frequent repairs, then it is probably time to make a change and replace the furnace.

Efficiency

The purpose of your HVAC system is to keep you comfortable in your home regardless of hot or cold it is outside. If your system is no longer performing its job well, or if the heating bill has suddenly skyrocketed, it could be time to take action. Call your local HVAC company to come out and check whether the issue has a quick fix or means your unit needs to be replaced. Sometimes your HVAC system simply needs to be serviced and have the ductwork cleaned out. Your furnace could also just be an old, inefficient system. HVAC technology has advanced significantly over time, so replacing your old unit could be exactly what the system needed.

Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC

HVAC systems can be difficult to understand and diagnose if you don't have experience working with them regularly. Our professional technicians are experienced and knowledgeable. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake, after all! Call today to schedule your winter maintenance appointment: 573-480-4313. We can't wait to serve you!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Learn 4 Ways Fido Could be Affecting the HVAC!

There are a lot of factors that can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. But did you know that one of those things could be your beloved family pet? As the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air knows how to help improve the efficiency of your air conditioning and heating units even with a fur-baby or two in the home. Read on to learn more!

Filtration

Nearly any pet that you adopt will shed dander and hair throughout your home. Even if you regularly dust and vacuum, a lot of that shedding will still end up in your air filter. Check the recommendations of your specific kind of air filter to see how often you should check and replace it. You may want to increase the frequency of checks and replacements, though, if you have a pet. The higher amount of loose materials floating around your home and getting stirred up from the carpet, the more quickly the filter will become full and need replacement. You may also want to consider an air filter that is hypoallergenic to help reduce the presence of dander allergens in the air. 

Airflow

Does your cat love curling up next to the vent to soak in all the warmth from the heater? It may be cute and Instagram-worthy, but it could also be affecting your HVAC's efficiency. When rooms or vents are blocked off, your HVAC system has to work harder to compensate and bring the whole home to the set temperature. Keep an eye on your vents to ensure your pet isn't regularly covering them with toys, lying on them, or dropping sticks and debris from outside down the ducts.

Temperature

When people don't have pets at home, they can program their thermostats to lower temperatures in the winter and higher ones in the summer to conserve energy. However, if you have a pet that stays at home while you're away at work, you may not want to drop the temperature as low. This means your HVAC system will run more constantly throughout the day and expend more energy. While you may not want to allow the temperature to fluctuate too drastically, you can still allow a little bit of flex to help save energy by implementing a programmable thermostat. Ask your favorite Royal Heating & Air technician how to get started installing one in your home!

Outdoor Units

If your pet can access the HVAC unit, they may be marking their territory and urinating on the unit without you even realizing it. If this is the case, the urine could be causing serious damage to the unit and shortening the life of your HVAC system. Consider putting a fence around the unit to keep your pet away from it.

Your HVAC System Solution 

Having a pet in your family's life can be a huge bonus! Who can resist puppy eyes? But when it starts to slow down your HVAC system, you may need a little help from a local HVAC company that has your back. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here for you. Give us a call today to schedule your regular maintenance check-up!

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 the HVAC System for Winter Weather!

The days are getting shorter and colder as we move into the winter season! Soon the sleet, snow, and ice storms will start in earnest. Is your HVAC system prepared? Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks, so we know what it takes to help you get your systems ready for winter. Read on to learn more!

Schedule a 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.

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 hot 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.

Keep Airflow in Mind 

It is important to maintain good airflow throughout your home to keep your HVAC system functioning efficiently. Regularly check your air filters to ensure they are not dirty. A filter overloaded with dust, pet hair, and debris cannot properly filter the air in your home and will force your heater to work harder to push air through the dirty filter. Check the recommendations on the filter type you use to know how often your filter should be replaced.

Some people think that closing vents and doors in unused rooms can help the HVAC system preserve energy. It actually has the opposite effect. The air is still being heated and pushed through your air ducts to that vent. Blocking the vent or shutting the door does not efficiently redirect the airflow to other areas in your home. Instead, your HVAC system has a hard time keeping your whole home at a consistent temperature and ends up working harder.

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.

Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC Company

Royal Heating & Air is here to serve you and all of your HVAC needs. We love taking care of you and making sure your home stays comfortable year-round. Give us a call to schedule a maintenance inspection, a home comfort check, or a programmable thermostat installation. Whatever the HVAC need, 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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