What to Expect During your HVAC Change Out

Getting a new HVAC system installed is exciting … and perhaps nerve racking too.  We don’t suggest a changeout without a lot of analysis first.  We always strive to repair rather than replace, and only recommend replacing an HVAC when it is in the homeowner's best interest.  Usually that is only when the price of frequent repairs is not cost-effective, and/or the system is so old and malfunctioning to the point it is not worth investing in further. 

Sometimes we come to that conclusion as a result of a service call, sometimes homeowners call asking us to quote a new HVAC system.  Either way, the first step involves the owner, Tom Royal, meeting with the client at their home.  Tom inspects the condition of the existing system himself, trouble shoots, and checks to make sure the unit is big enough for the house.  (So many houses here at the lake started as small fishing cabins and have been expanded numerous times without an HVAC upgrade.) Tom talks with the homeowner about his or her concerns with the current system and answers any, and all, of their questions.

The office will prepare a quote, which is itemized to show all the options and the cost of each.  The quote will also include an additional options page with pricing, to inform homeowners of the opportunity to add in a wi-fi programmable thermostat, UV filters for maximum indoor air quality, and more. 

The homeowner will be given all their choices along with costs and time frames, provided information on potential rebates and financing, and allowed to think about them until they are ready. We do recommend you keep in mind when comparing quotes, any HVAC tech replacing your system should be bonded and insured, and EPA certified.  We are, and we also are proud to let you know we have an A+ rating with the BBB.

Once a homeowner decides to move forward with a change out, a technician will take precise measurements of the existing ductwork to then create ductwork to perfectly merge the old ductwork with the new HVAC unit.  On the day of the install (which is usually completed in one day), the first thing will be to remove the old system.  We then put in the new system, modify the ductwork and connect to the existing ducts.  Next, we test the system and debrief the homeowner on their new HVAC and how to run it and do basic maintenance like changing the filter or knowing how to shut off the breaker, etc.  Finally, we clean up and haul off the old equipment.

After the install, we follow up to make sure you are happy and that everything is working perfectly.  We also help you with all the paperwork to register your extended warranty (which covers parts for 10 years and labor for 1 year) and apply for any applicable rebates for you.  

While a new HVAC system changeout is not something we recommend lightly when it is time to make that investment and add to your home’s value, we are happy to be your team to guide you through the process.  The comfort and safety of your family mean everything to us, and helping you know you are making a wise investment matters to us too.  If you have concerns about your current HVAC system or would like to learn more about replacing your current HVAC system, feel free to call us anytime.  We are the king of comfort and we are happy to help!  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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5 Easy Tips to prepare your HVAC for Summer

The summer heat will be here sooner that you might think, and nothing is more miserable than high temperatures and a sluggish HVAC system.  Before the temperatures get that hot, there are a few things you can do to prepare your HVAC system for maximum efficiency and reduce your chances of having problems.

1) Change your air filter.

As usual, one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to keep your AC working efficiently is to change the filter whenever it starts to build up with dust.  Dust clogging your filter not only circulates dirt around your home and in the air, it also causes your AC unit to have to work harder.  Different AC units have different filters and how often you need to change your filter depends on what kind it is.  But if you see dust build up, you know it is time, and if you have pets, you should check more often.

2) Clean and clear around your outside condenser.

Another thing to do is to check your outdoor unit, called the condenser.  It is important that the area around your condenser unit is clean and free of debris.  Leaves and twigs can build up in and around the condenser and affect performance.  Clear any weeds or plants from around the unit to allow for full airflow.  The 2 feet around your condenser should be free of any shrubs or plants.  

3) Check coolant lines for insulation.

A quick inspection of your coolant lines is a great idea as well.  The coolant lines are pipes or tubes carrying refrigerant from your indoor air handler to the condenser unit outside.  They should be covered with foam coolant line insulation.  Proper insulation makes a difference in your AC’s efficiency, so make sure the insulation is intact and not missing. 

4) Check drain lines

The indoors portion of your HVAC unit includes the evaporator and air handler.  The cooling coils in that indoor unit will have a drain line for water.  If your air handler is in your garage or basement that line likely goes into or over the main floor drain.  You will want to make sure that line is unclogged and draining properly.  If that line becomes clogged it can back up into the pan and eventually overflow causing water damage and potentially mold.

5) Energy efficiency

There are also things to do to help you maximize your cooling efficiency all season long.  Using sun blocking window coverings and keeping them closed through the hottest times of the day can help.  Using ceiling fans to circulate air flow can also make a difference. Just make sure the fan is blowing air down during the summer and pulling air up throughout the winter.  You should also look for cracks and drafts where air can escape and seal those up.

Another thing that may be helpful includes installing a programmable thermostat so you can set it to use less AC or heat when you don’t need it (like when you are not at home) and regulate your usage more precisely.  Also, if the coils or fins on the outside condenser unit are dirty, clogged, or bent, it can cause your AC to run much less efficiently.  You can use a refrigerator coil brush or soft brush on a vacuum to carefully clean the coils and fins.  Just be very careful not to bend the fins.  For more stubborn stuck on debris there are commercial AC coil cleaners available.  If this is something you would rather not tackle yourself, we understand.  Feel free to give us a call and we will be glad to help!

If you find your HVAC is still struggling to keep up after taking care of all these preparations, reach out to us to see how we can help.  We always seek to repair rather than replace when possible, and we have information on financing a new system when the time is right.  If your system needs a little maintenance, it is always better to find out early in the season rather than in the hottest part of the summer.  We do offer HVAC preventative maintenance checks and recommend that you have one done twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall.  For preventative maintenance, HVAC repairs and service, or a whole new change out, you can depend on us to help you find the right solution for your needs.  That is why, at Royal Heating and Air, we are the King of Comfort! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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The History and Development of Modern Air Conditioning

In the year 1902, 25 year old Willis Carrier was an experimental engineer when he was hired by Brooklyn’s Sacket-Wilhelms Lithographic and Publishing Company … but not to produce air conditioning for people.  For two summers the heat and humidity in New York caused the printing company’s paper to wrinkle and swell, and caused the ink to misalign and blur.  To reduce humidity around the printer, Willis blew warm air over cold coils with an industrial fan, causing condensation to form on the coils.  That process of condensation not only helped reduce humidity, but also cooled the air and made people more comfortable. Carrier continued to improve upon his idea, and in 1922 created the smaller, safer and more efficient Centrifugal Refrigeration Compressor, which is considered the precursor to modern air conditioning.

This compressor was still too big and too expensive to be practical for residential use.  But manufacturers of all kinds of industries, from sugar to leather to macaroni, were well aware of how heat and humidity changes hindered production.  So it was the industrial sector that first made use of air conditioning.  It was actually when air conditioning was introduced to movie theatres that it came to be known by most Americans. Can you imagine sitting close together with dozens of other people in a room with no windows … without air conditioning?  Introducing cool air to theatres actually enticed more middle and upper class people to go to the movies and expanded the popularity of the industry.  However, air conditioning was still not practical on a residential application because of the size and expense of the machine as well as the harsh chemicals.

As the air conditioning system designed by Carrier continued to grow in popularity commercially, the race was on to make the machines smaller and more affordable to the average person. In 1931 a portable air conditioner was made to sit on a window ledge for cooling an individual room and was available on the market within a year.  However, it was far too expensive to be enjoyed by most Americans. 

It was not until 1947 that the cost of the window unit was affordable enough to become widely available in the United States. That revolutionized access to air conditioning for everyone in the country.  Sales of these window units continues to increase through the 50s, and by the 1960s new homes were being built with central air conditioning systems.  Today, it is easy to take for granted so many activities that would seem impossible without it … for example, working in an office building in August or having a dinner party in the middle of the summer, or even buying chocolate in July.  It makes sense that in 2000, the National Academy of Engineering named modern air conditioning to be one of the top 100 achievements of the 20^th century. 

While scientists had experimented with cooling air more than 100 years earlier, Willis Carrier is credited with being the father of the modern air conditioner because of its practical application and advancement.  His invention changed the world in ways no one would have imagined at the time. Although the need for conditioned air was sparked by industry rather than a notion for making people more comfortable, the impact on our daily lives is undeniable.  At Royal Heating and Air, we are proud to provide new HVAC systems at the Lake of the Ozarks, and be a part of making homes and businesses comfortable and productive.  We are here for all of your HVAC maintenance, repairs and service.  Willis Carrier may be named the father of modern air conditioning, but at Royal Heating and Air we are known as the king of comfort.  Give us a call at (573) 480-4313 with any of your HVAC questions. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Royal Heating and Air - A Family Owned Business

Royal Heating and Air was started by Tommy and Katie Royal in 2011 as a modest company based in their garage with no other employees and one service van.  Tommy had his first job in HVAC right out of high school, and then went to school to master the trade.  Katie was still in college when they started Royal Heating and Air.  She took care of the books and business startup/organization from her college apartment, while Tommy took care of running the business at home.  It was their goal from the very beginning to bring truthful, trustworthy service to the lake area, and to be a company that truly cared about their customers. 

With that mindset, the company started to grow rapidly and never stopped.  Today, Royal Heating and Air has 5 vans, 5 crew members plus Katie, and a commercial location in Camdenton.  Tommy and Katie also started a family and welcomed 2 beautiful children into world during that time.  Katie has been and continues to be very involved in the community as a member of Young Professionals at the Lake, and Kiwanis.  As a member of Kiwanis, Katie has volunteered countless hours to important local events including the Duck Drop and Christmas for Kids.  Royal Heating and Air has also been a faithful member of a local chapter of Business Networking International which works to promote and generate referrals for other lake area businesses.

When you meet Tommy and Katie and the crew, you can instantly feel that they are a close knit and friendly bunch.  It is noticeable that Tommy and Katie care about their employees and treat them more like family.  The crew seems to pay that forward in the way they conduct themselves and treat their clients.  They really stand out in how professional, personable, respectful, and helpful they are with everyone they deal with.  Katie is quite confident that her guys are the best crew at the lake!

Royal Heating and Air is also outstanding in the way they are so straightforward with their clients. They have no interest in trying to sell you something you don’t need or mislead you into thinking you have to have a whole new system.  Tommy and the crew work hard to find a way to repair rather than replace.  Only when your system gets to the age or point that it becomes unreliable, do they recommend a change out.  When that time comes, they can not only take care of the change out to a new HVAC system, they can even give you information on how to finance your new HVAC system as well. Royal Heating and Air also manufacture their own custom ductwork.  That means they can connect your old system to your new system with a perfect fit and no air leaks, for peak efficiency and less noise from air flow.

No matter what your HVAC needs may be, Royal Heating and Air is in your corner.  Whether you are in need of HVAC maintenance or repair, or need a completely new HVAC system, Royal Heating and Air makes it a personal goal to bring you the highest level of professionalism along with warm and friendly customer service.  They also believe in giving back to the community as a way of life, and taking care of their employees as a matter of principle.  You can feel assured that Tommy and the crew will shoot you straight on any of your HVAC questions, and you can feel great about working with such a wonderful, family owned small business.  For all your HVAC needs, give Royal Heating and Air a call at (573) 480-4313.  We are happy to help! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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3 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality for your Family

Your HVAC system does more than just keep your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it actually helps provide better indoor air quality (IAQ).  Pollutants come from all directions, some can be created in the home (like household cleaners, off-gassing from furniture and carpet, and cooking) and other can find their way into the home (like outdoor allergens, mold, and bacteria).  No matter how they get there, they can have a significant effect on your health, and they can also reduce the efficiency and life span of your HVAC unit.

Why does IAQ matter?

On average, people spend 90% of their time indoors.  But did you know that overall, IAQ is two to five times more contaminated than the air you breathe outside?  The Environment Protection Agency agrees that poor IAQ can have a very negative impact on people’s health.  We also know that those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children can be particularly vulnerable when exposed to pollutants.  While pet dander and mold are the most common causes of poor IAQ, there are other contributing pollutants found in most homes like mold and fungi, bacteria and germs, humidity imbalances, outdoor pollen, household chemicals, ozone, stale air and cooking residue.  If you notice condensation on your windows, musty odors, warping wood, peeling paint, or loose drywall tape, those may be signs of poor IAQ.  If you notice coughing or sneezing, or getting headaches, or if you feel you breathe easier when you are not in your home, it may be worth looking into your IAQ.

How does cleaning and filtration help?

One of the simplest things any homeowner can do to maintain good IAQ is to replace your air filter every three months or more.  It is said that the average home will accumulate up to 40 pounds of dust each year!  If filters are not changed regularly, they are not as effective in filtering out those particles which means dust gets circulated in with the air you breathe. Clogged filters can even tax your whole HVAC system by reducing airflow and efficiency.  Also, when dust covers the components of your HVAC system, it can actually lead to premature part failure or shorten the life span of your unit.

Air cleaners can be used when filtration is not enough.  Air cleaners will capture much more than the standard dust and dander that air filters catch.  Most air cleaners will trap bacteria, smoke, pollen, airborne pathogens, and more.  Usually air cleaners can block organisms down to the size of one or even one-third micron, potentially eliminating pathogens like the common cold. 

What does ventilation do?

While every homeowner wants to make their home energy efficient, some homes are so air tight that they don’t allow for proper air flow.  Poor ventilation can not only make the air feel stuffy and hard to breathe, it can lead to poor humidity.  Humidity, whether too high or too low, can contribute to the creation of bacteria, viruses, mildew, mold and fungus.  These pollutants are not only bad to breathe, but they can cover your HVAC components and reduce efficiency just like dust.  A ventilator can be a great solution because with each cycle, it brings in fresh air and expels stale air.  Many ventilators can condition the incoming air by using the energy of the outgoing air, and thereby lower energy consumption as well. 

Are Ultra Violet (UV) lamps effective?

Sometimes, it is better to take it to the next level with a UV lamp in your HVAC.  When air cleaners and ventilation are not enough to block the pollutants and airborne pathogens you are concerned about, a UV lamp can be a fantastic solution.  Sometimes environmental conditions can cause your HVAC coil to become a host for bacteria and mold spores too.  To stop this problem and others at the source, a UV lamp can be installed inside your HVAC or within your ductwork.  This will help to stop these contaminants in their tracks, block the spread of bacteria and prevent a larger mold problem. 

If you are interested in improving your IAQ, consider us a resource to walk you through your options.  At Royal Heating and Air we believe everyone deserves to breathe clean air and feel their best.  We are here to help you with inspections, proper HVAC maintenance, and advice on air cleaners, ventilators, UV lamps, and more to help you and everyone in your home breathe just a little easier.  It is just one more way that Royal Heating and Air really is the king of comfort.  To learn more, check out our website or 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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