How to Protect Your HVAC System from Summer Storms

Here in the Midwest, rain showers are not limited to just springtime.  Summer can bring its fair share of pop-up storms and that can be an issue for your HVAC system, especially if it is aged or worn out.  Even a new system can be at risk from damaging winds or electrical surges.  At Royal Heating and Air, we have a few tips to help you prepare and protect your HVAC system from storms.

Wind & Hail

The first threat to your HVAC system that we are going to talk about is wind and hail.  When the wind kicks up during a storm it can stir up debris of all sizes (or hail) and torpedo it against your outdoor condensing unit. Your condenser is made of tiny and delicate fins that can be easily bent or dented by flying debris.  If this happens it can seriously affect how efficiently your system functions. If you notice dents or dings on your outside condensing unit after a storm, it is recommended that you have an HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks come out and inspect your system to see if repairs are needed.

Preventatively, it is a good idea to do what you can to keep your trees trimmed and your yard free of debris.  In an extreme situation, it may be best to shut off your HVAC system and cover it securely just until the storm passes.  However, it is important to uncover it before using your system again and before moisture and mold has a chance to accumulate.

Lightening

Lightening can be the most serious hazard to your HVAC system during a summer storm.  A strike at or nearby your home can damage or completely ruin your system’s components or wiring.  Of course, your system is hard wired in, so you can’t just plug it into a surge protector.  But you can add a whole-house surge protector, which will not only protect your HVAC system but everything that is plugged into your home’s electrical system.

Otherwise, your safest bet is to shut your thermostat off during an electrical storm and turn off the breaker to your system until the storm has passed. If your system is on during a power surge and the electricity goes off, and your air conditioner does not start back up when the electricity resumes, call Royal Heating and Air.  We prioritize emergency HVAC services the Lake of the Ozarks for our clients and will be happy to come out and help.  

Rain

Rain and moisture shouldn’t be an issue for a healthy HVAC system, but if one is old or worn out and has leaks or cracks where rain and humidity can get into moisture sensitive components, it is possible that normal rainstorms could cause problems.  You can help avoid unwanted surprise by scheduling a regular maintenance check with a reputable HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

While you can’t control the weather, you can predict and prevent some of the risks to your HVAC system caused by summer storms.  We know how miserable it can get in the summer if your air conditioner goes out and as the king of comfort, we want you be able to weather the storms safely and comfortably.  For all your HVAC services at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can count on 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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A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

When it comes to working as an HVAC technician at theLake of the Ozarks, one thing is for certain, every day is different.  But each day is likely to bring a combination of at least 3 things … working with your hands, working with people, and plenty of problem solving.  

Working with your Hands

Whether on a service call to figure out why someone’s air conditioner is not working, installing a new system, or doing a preventative maintenance check, the service technician will be removing access panels, examining the parts and pieces of the system, cleaning components, and looking for anything unusual.  They may find that the outside condenser coils are coated with debris, and if so, will need to remove the top cover and use low pressure water to spray the unit from the inside out.  The inside unit also has coils that may need to be cleaned.  They may be arriving at a house that has water leaking from the HVAC unit and damaging the home.  That may be something as simple as blowing out a clog in the drain line, or it may require checking/correcting the level of refrigerant in the system.  All in the same day an HVAC tech may learn and use plumbing skills, electrical skills, mechanical skills, carpentry skills, and much more.

Working with People

Our clients are why we are in business.  We are their trusted partner when it comes to maintaining, servicing, repairing or replacing an HVAC system at the Lake of the Ozarks.  So, every day will involve working with and helping the people we serve – sometimes in the midst of a stressful situation.  Most people are not very familiar with how their HVAC system works, they just know they want to be comfortable in their own homes.  A technician at Royal Heating and Air is trained to know and be able to explain how the system works or why it isn’t to a customer in language they can relate to.  They will also offer options for solutions, always trying to repair before replacing and showing respect for the client’s budget.

Problem Solving

Sometimes we think our technicians should wear capes.  Each day they go out and help diagnose and SOLVE problems for our customers.  Sometimes they are easy problems, sometimes they are complicated.  But our team members will not be satisfied until they have figured out what the issue is and provide a workable solution for the client.  It is not unusual for an employee to start with Royal Heating and Air with no prior HVAC experience, which can be a bonus for both the employee and the company.  The employee receives free on the job training while earning a great paycheck and learns how and what to do at Royal’s high standards of expectations.  The skills that are utilized to help our customers each day, translate into life skills that will be valuable in any setting.

Royal Heating and Air is always interested in meeting someone who is thinking about a career in the HVAC Industry, and right now we are actively seeking someone to add to our crew.  If you enjoy working with your hands, working with people, and using critical thinking skills, you may be perfectly suited for our team!  You could learn a trade without going into student debt, while getting started in the job market, and develop skills that will apply for the rest of your life!  Call today to find out more.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Warning Signs That Your HVAC May Be in Need of Help – Time To Call a Professional.

Wondering if there is something seriously wrong with your HVAC system is very stressful.  But if you know the warning signs to look for you can feel confident knowing how to recognize when something is wrong, and whether or not it requires calling a professional.  As usual, prevention is cheaper that fixing a problem after it has gotten bigger.  So, we wanted to share some things with you to help you decide when it is time to have your HVAC system serviced at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Lack of regular maintenance.

Your HVAC system is one of the most important systems in your home, yet most people don’t really think about it until something goes wrong.  Lack of regular maintenance can actually be a warning sign all by itself.  We know regular maintenance on our cars is essential to keep them running and to prevent breakdowns or extend the life of the car.  The same is true for your HVAC system.  Routine maintenance checks reveal issues before they become big problems and can reduce the need for repairs.  Scheduling a routine HVAC maintenance check at Lake of the Ozarks is as simple as going online or calling Royal Heating and Air.  You can even get on a maintenance schedule, so we come out twice a year preventatively, so you don’t have to think about it at all.

Freezing coils.

Your air conditioner can literally freeze up, and although it seems counter intuitive, it is more likely to happen the hotter is it is outside.  We work our air conditioners harder in the heat and if the refrigerant is low, or there is dust or debris on the coils, they are less effective in absorbing the heat, causing them to get too cold, leading them to freeze the water condensing on them.  This situation can cause expensive damage in several different ways and is something you will want to have a professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks inspect for you.

Blowing warm air - not keeping up.

If your system just seems to be ineffective at keeping up, that could be a sign of something small or major.  First, see if the thermostat responds.  Turn it down 10 degrees and see if the air conditioner kicks on.  If not, the problem is likely in the thermostat and may be a simple as changing batteries.  If it does kick on but still does not bring the temperature down, make sure all the breakers are on.  If they are, check to see if the coils are covered with dust or if the filter is clogged.  If after checking all those things there is still no change, it is time to call a trusted HVAC service company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Leaks and clogs.

If you have refrigerant leaking from a damaged area in your HVAC unit, that can be a serious issue that only a professional should address.  Sometimes you may have water leaking from your air conditioner.  That can happen if the coils have frozen and then thawed, or if your drain pan is clogged.  No matter whether it is a clog, or thawing coils, or leaking refrigerant, scheduling HVAC maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks will be the answer.

Other.

In general, if you notice unusual odors, like the smell of something burning or a musty smell, those are signs that something isn’t right.  If you hear strange noises like banging or grinding or whining or screeching, that is not normal and should be looked in to.  If you are just not getting the air flow that you should, or the air in your home is stuffy and steamy because air conditioning is not removing enough humidity from the air … these are all signs that your HVAC unit is not functioning properly and is need of a checkup.

Just like with your cars, preventative maintenance is key to making sure your HVAC unit will function and last the way it was made to.  Taking care of your HVAC system couldn’t be easier than it is with Royal Heating and Air.  Whether you want a one-time service visit, or you want to sign up for regular maintenance checks, all it takes is a phone call or online request.  It is our goal to keep you comfortable year-round, 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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5 DIY Tips Before Calling Your HVAC technician if Your Air conditioner is Not Keeping Up.

Royal Heating and Air knows it is no fun finding yourself in the heat of summer when your air conditioner is not keeping up.  It can even be dangerous if it quits all together.  Because your HVAC system gets used more during this season, it is a good idea to know some things to look for if your system is not working the way it should.  Here are a few DIY tips from the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1) Electricity.

Just to be sure, double check that the electricity in your home is working and that no breakers have blown. If you find there is a blown breaker, and it blows again after you reset it, you will want to call an electrician and your favorite HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks.

2) Thermostat.

Sometimes it is not the air conditioner, it is the thermostat that is malfunctioning.  If your thermostat has a battery (most do) eliminate that variable, replace it with a new battery.  Then turn down the temperature on the thermostat 5-10 degrees and see if the AC kicks on.  If not, the problem may be with the thermostat, not the HVAC unit.

3) Filter.

If the airflow is restricted in your HVAC system, that can cause it to be inefficient in cooling the air in your home.  It can also result in your entire system running more or working harder which in turn can cause other problems.  Check your filter and see that it is clean and properly in place.  Royal Heating and Air suggests checking your filter monthly and replacing it when you notice it is coated with dust or debris.  You will probably need to change it more often if you have pets in the home or if you live in a dusty area like near a gravel road.

4) Clean and Clear.

If weeds and greenery sprout up around your outside condenser unit it can have the same effect as a dirty filter.  Those plants restrict airflow through the condenser coils and limit their cooling potential.  It is best to keep a 3-foot-wide swath clear around your outside unit.  If you notice that the coils are dirty, it is recommended to clean those too.  You can use a garden hose (never under pressure) or call us for an HVAC maintenance check at the Lake of the Ozarks.

5) Vents.

Although it seems counterintuitive, closing vents to avoid heating areas of the house you don’t use will not help make it easier for your air conditioner to keep up.  It can actually cause pressure problems and lead to your HVAC system working harder.  So, take a quick look at all your vents and air returns and see that they are open.  Also, try not to place furniture or other objects in the way where they can restrict airflow.

If after checking all these things you still find your air conditioner is not performing up to par, it is time to call an HVAC professional at the Lake of the Ozarks.  In fact, for extra peace of mind you could schedule preventative maintenance with us and one of our technicians will inspect your entire HVAC system and make sure it is in great shape and running at optimum efficiency.  At Royal Heating and Air, we are proud to be the King of Comfort and we want to keep you comfortable all summer long.  For all your HVAC services at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can count on 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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