3 Things That Could Cause Your AC Unit to Freeze Up and How to Avoid Them

It is hard to imagine how an air conditioning unit could freeze up in the extreme heat of summer.  But it is more common than you think.  At Royal Heating and Air we get requests for HVAC service at the Lake of the Ozarks every summer due to frozen air conditioners.  It is usually because of one of three things, and the good news is … they are avoidable.  We would like to share those three things with you in this blog so you can avoid any inconveniences or unexpected damage due to a frozen AC unit this summer.

1) Improper Airflow.

Your air conditioning unit requires good airflow to function properly.  The way it works is by blowing the hot air in your home over evaporating coils which are cooled by a chemical refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs that excess heat and, in the process, cools the air which then blows back into your home.  If the airflow is restricted, it can keep enough air from flowing across the coils and they get too cold.  This leads condensation on the coils to turn to ice and freezes up the unit. 

A common cause of lack of airflow is a dirty air filter.  Keeping a clean filter will help maintain proper air flow and help prevent freezing.  Proper air flow also helps improve efficiency, which could help extend the life of your HVAC unit.  Not to mention, a clean air filter helps maintain better indoor air quality.  It is a good idea to check your filter more regularly if you have pets or a home more prone to dust such as one on or near a gravel road.

2) Dusty Coils.

Another reason to check your air filter regularly is to prevent dust from building up on the evaporator coils.  When dust in the air blows over the wet coils it sticks and creates a thick layer of moist residue that blankets the coils and keeps them from exchanging heat from the air into the refrigerant.  This causes the coils to get way too cold and eventually freeze up. 

3) Refrigerant.

If your AC is low on refrigerant, it can have a huge impact on how your system works.  When the pressure is low, the temperature of the refrigerant can drop.  At some point, the hot air is not enough to keep up with the low temperature and the evaporator coil can freeze.

Freezing up is something that can and should be avoided.  It not only could cause you to be without AC temporarily in the heat of the summer, but it might also result in damage to your AC unit and your home.  Sometimes homeowners don’t even realize the AC has frozen until they see the water damage caused to their home after it has frozen and quit working long enough to thaw.

Of course, you can keep an eye on your air filter and your coils yourself, but only a professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks should check the refrigerant.  At Royal Heating and Air, when you schedule regular HVAC maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks, we check all three FOR YOU and more!  Why worry about avoidable damage when you can trust Royal Heating and Air to keep your HVAC in great shape?  After all, 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 Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop 2021

As a family-owned HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating and Air is proud to be a part of the Lake of the Ozarks community.  We deeply respect how this community works together to help each other and we love to support those who dedicate their heart and time to making the lake the wonderful place that it is.  That is why we want to tell you about The Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop, because all of the proceeds from the Duck Drop event will benefit local children’s charities including Kid’s Harbor, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, The Food Pantry, Lake Area Big Brother’s Big Sisters, Wonderland Camp, and more!

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Golf Tournament.

It all starts with the Duck Drop Golf Tournament which takes place on Friday, August 6^th, 2021 at the Golf Club at Deer Chase. This “quacky” tournament includes crazy holes and obstacles in strategic places around the course to test your skills. It is a 4-person scramble with registration and lunch starting at noon and the shotgun start at 1:30p.m.  Each player also receives 10 complimentary Duck Drop tickets and there is a contest to win a set of Calloway golf clubs and bag! If golf is not your thing, consider being a hole sponsor instead for only $50.  Registering to sponsor or play in the tournament is easy, just click HERE and fill out the form.

Duck Drop.

The Duck Drop itself takes place on Saturday.  The ducks will be released by helicopter over the Osage River below the Dam at noon.  Ducks can be purchased for $5 each or 6 for $20 with first place winning $5000 and second place winning $1000.  You can get your tickets now by calling Katie Royal at 573-216-9046, or buy them online by clicking HERE.  Winners will be announced at the Fun Zone after the duck race is finished, you do not need to be present to win.  

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Fun Zone.

What is the Fun Zone, you ask?  The Fun Zone is located on the Strip near the Dam and includes loads of things to do and enjoy with the kids.  There will be a bounce house, face painting, henna tattoos, snow cones, hot dots, cotton candy, root beer floats, games, a dunk tank, and more!  The Fun Zone will open at 10am and duck drop tickets will be available at there up until 11am.

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Other ways to help.

First, you can help spread the word about what a great event this is and invite your friends, family, and co-workers to join you in supporting local kids. You can also become a sponsor by clicking HERE and filling out the form.  You can even volunteer to be on the committee to organize this awesome event.

Of course, as the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here to help anyone stay comfortable in their homes and businesses with top notch HVAC service and maintenance.  But we are more than just a heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are parents who care deeply about the lake community with a special place in our hearts for children.   We know you will be happy with the time and money you give to these outstanding children’s organizations by participating in the Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop.  We want to thank you personally, for caring too.  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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How Your Home or Office May Benefit From UV Light Technology in Your HVAC System

Allergens, pathogens, and odors, oh my!  If you are worried about what is floating around in your air, Royal Heating and Air has solutions for you.   It has been scientifically proven that UV light is effective in killing mold, bacteria and viruses.  That is why they are commonly used in hospitals, grocery stores, and restaurants to sterilize the HVAC system and maintain excellent indoor air quality. 

While testing is still being done, the CDC has said that “Vaporous hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and moist heat are the most promising decontamination methods” for COVID-19.  That has created a lot of interest in UV lights and we are happy to answer our clients questions about them because we know there are so many different benefits to utilizing this technology in your home.

UV Light for Coils.

There are 2 types of UV lights available for your HVAC system.  One focuses on the components that are most prone to growing mold and mildew or other allergens and contaminants.  The coils in your system are where water will condense and drip into the drain pan.  This creates a humid, dark place for bad things to grow.  Then when air is circulated throughout your house through your HVACs ductwork, those germs are spread around and can reach every part of your home.  By directing UV light on the coils at the proper intensity, those germs are killed and prevented from multiplying or spreading. 

This effectively keeps your coils cleaner and free from the buildup that results from the contaminants collecting on them.  So, in addition to benefitting from cleaner air, your HVAC will be more effective when it comes to heat exchange and airflow.  This greater efficiency can not only help reduce your overall energy consumption, but it can even help extend the life of your HVAC system. 

UV Light for Air Ducts.

The second type of UV light for your HVAC is designed to focus on the air in your air ducts and to sterilize the air as it passes through.  The positioning and intensity of the light can make a huge difference in its effectiveness.  You will want to rely on a trusted HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks to evaluate your home first to see if it is well suited for a UV light, and second to handle the installation to make sure you get the results you are expecting.

Benefits of UV Lights.

Installing a UV light in your HVAC system at the Lake of the Ozarks can have a number of beneficial effects.  It will prevent the growth and spread of mold and mildew within your system.  It will also kill bacteria, fungus and viruses that are exposed to it.  Some additional positive side effect of that include greater efficiency and improved indoor air quality along with elimination of unhealthy odors.   

If any of this interests you, keep in mind that you will want a qualified HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks to inspect your current system and make sure it will benefit from UV light technology.  At Royal Heating and Air we ready and able to help you decide which type of UV light system is best for you and get it installed safely and properly.  Just give us a call or fill out a request service form on our website. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Preventative Maintenance - 5 things you can do to help your HVAC system function better and last longer

As with any big investment, the better we take care of something, the more efficiently it will function and the longer it will last.  When it comes to your HVAC system, that translates into lower energy bills, fewer repair bills, better indoor air quality, and a lower chance of emergency repairs being needed.  While it is recommended to have a HVAC professional at the Lake of the Ozarks inspect your system in the spring and in the fall, there are some things you can do as a homeowner to keep your system in optimal condition.

1) Keep outdoor unit clean and clear.

Any weeds or shrubs or other debris that grows or piles up around your outdoor condenser unit can reduce airflow and efficiency.  It is a good rule of thumb to keep 2 feet of clear space all around your condenser unit.

It is also important to make sure the unit itself is clean.  The first thing you will want to do is turn off the power – both at the breaker box inside your electrical panel and at the shut off panel usually mounted to the house near the condenser.  Next, remove the fan cage on the top of your condenser and clean any leaves or debris from the inside.  Then examine the fins, if they are dirty, use a gentle stream of water from a garden hose to spray from the inside to the outside.  DO NOT use a pressure washer for this as it will cause damage to your fins.

Finally, because being out of level can affect the way the refrigerant moves within your system, it is critical that your condenser be level.  So, it is a good thing to check on during your maintenance inspections.  If it needs levelling, use weatherproof shims to correct it.

2) Clean evaporator coil. 

On the inside of your indoor unit, you will find the evaporator coils.  You may need to remove a few screws to open the access panel.  Dust off the coils with a soft brush, and spray with a coil cleaner which can be found at most home improvement stores.  Just follow the instructions on the can.

3) Clean drain lines and drain pan.

Your indoor unit will have a place for water that condenses on the coils to drip into and be carried away.  Usually, you will see a tube running from the unit to a drain the in floor.  If the tubes or the drain pan become clogged it can cause water to backup and flood your house or cause your unit to stop cooling.  It is recommended to clean the drain pan with hot soap and water with a little bleach.  Then it is a good idea to pour a cup of 50/50 solution of bleach and water down the drain.  If it drains easily, you are good to go.  If it drains slowly or not at all, you will want to clear the clog in the tube with a shop vac. 

4) Check/replace filter.

How often your filter needs to be replaced depends on your specific HVAC system.  But if you live on a dusty road or have pets, or are sensitive to allergens, you will want to visually check your filter more often. If you are considering upgrading to a HEPA filter, check with your HVAC specialist at the Lake of the Ozarks to make sure the filter is compatible with your HVAC system and won’t restrict air flow to the point of causing damage or losing efficiency.

5) Annual or semi-annual check-ups.

Your HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks will examine numerous other things in addition to the above when they do a maintenance check for you.  They will also check the refrigerant level, make sure electrical connections are safe, the moving parts are working properly and lubricated, and much more.  The DIY maintenance homeowners can do does not eliminate the need to for check ups from your professional HVAC company, but rather, works as a compliment.

At Royal Heating and Air, we understand that your HVAC system is a major investment that affects your quality of life on a daily basis.  We are your partners in making sure that investment does its job and lasts as long as possible.  To sign up for a maintenance plan with Royal Heating and Air, just go to our website or call 573-346-8370 and we will make sure you have trouble-free comfort year-round!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Having Fun and Staying Safe this Independence Day – 5 Things to Consider during 4th of July

Fireworks are a tradition most of us look forward to every year as we ramp up toward the 4^th of July Holiday.  Unfortunately, each year that tradition results in unnecessary injuries.  At Royal Heating and Air, we just wanted to share a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe and avoid any unwanted mishaps.

photo credit: Fun Lake MO

Of course, the safest way to enjoy fireworks during the 4^th of July is at a public display.  There is a long list of options this weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Here are a couple links that can help you decide which one you would like to attend.

Fun Lake MO – https://bit.ly/3h5ptac

LakeExpo - https://bit.ly/3dsfr0v

But many people will also do some sort of home display.  When lighting your own fireworks, there are some basic things to keep in mind.

1) Trajectory.

You never want to lean over or put any part of your body over a firework when lighting it.  You should not throw or point any fireworks at another person (or animal or personal property). It is also a good idea to wear eye protection and especially for children to also wear ear protection.  Standard ear plugs and safety glasses are fine.

It is dangerous to use metal or glass containers to shoot fireworks from because if they accidentally explode in the container, it can cause shrapnel.  It is also important for all observers to stay back from anyone lighting fireworks, and for those doing the lighting … light and run a safe distance and shoot one at a time so you know everything has ignited properly.

2) Fire Hazards. 

Never shoot fireworks off around trees, dry grass, brush, leaves, or in a way the debris falls on cars, houses, or roofs.  Have a bucket or hose ready just in case, and always douse the spent fireworks with water before placing them in any trash receptacle.  Keep a close eye on sparklers – while they are typically seen as something for the kids to enjoy, sparklers burn at nearly 2000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt metal.  So, keep a close eye on kids with sparklers, or better yet, consider the glow sticks (and necklaces and bracelets and glasses, etc.) as a fun alternative for kids ages 5 and above that lasts all night!

3) Duds.

Sometimes it happens, we light the firework, and it seems like it lit, but nothing happens.  First, leave it alone for several minutes before approaching. DO NOT under any circumstances look down in the tube or try to relight a dud.  If it is something that launches out of a tube, first knock the tube over in a direction pointing away from you and other people, and let it sit for several more minutes.  If it is not a tube launching firework, douse the dud with water.

4) Be Smart.

Do not try to make your own fireworks or modify those you buy.  Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket, the friction or static could be dangerous.  Don’t leave your fireworks debris on the ground after a display. You may want to wait until morning when there is light but clean up all of the trash and dispose of it properly.

5) Be Kind.

Be aware that not everyone enjoys fireworks or equates them with happy celebrations.  Many combat veterans DO NOT LIKE FIREWORKS and appreciate when people are considerate of how they feel.  4^th of July is also one of the most terrifying times of the year for pets and animals.  It is very important to keep your pets indoor to lessen the trauma and lower the chances of them getting loose and running away.

Royal Heating and Air is a family-owned business at Lake of the Ozarks that not only cares about providing the best HVAC services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we also care about our community and the people who live and visit here.  We hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled, and safe holiday weekend.  Remember us when it comes to all your HVAC maintenance and service needs at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Happy Independence Day from Royal Heating and Air!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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