AC Unit Not Working? Simple Fixes to Try BEFORE Calling a Professional

It is now mid-summer, and you are probably running your air conditioner frequently.  The last thing you want to deal with during the heat of summer at the Lake of the Ozarks is a broken AC unit.  Before you call the best AC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may want to try a few simple fixes.  Royal Heating & Air has created a list of things you can try BEFORE calling a professional if your AC isn’t working properly this summer.

1. Is there Electrical Power to the House?

This may sound silly, but before bringing in a professional, make sure you double-check that all electrical is working properly in your home.  You would hate to call in your local HVAC company just to find out that the house or even neighborhood is temporarily lacking power.

2. Replace Broken Fuses

Along the same lines as checking electrical power, check if you have any broken fuses.  Broken or blown fuses are often the cause of air conditioning units not working.  Fixing these fuses is fairly simple, as standard sizes are available at most local hardware stores.

3. Check Your Thermostat

First, double-check the batteries in your thermostat, and make sure the thermostat is working properly.  If your AC unit isn’t turning on, try turning the thermostat down 5 – 10 degrees to see if that helps.  Sometimes your AC unit works fine, and the thermostat is the one that is acting up.  Make sure you thoroughly read the manual and use the troubleshooting methods it suggests.

4. Replace the Filter

Make sure the filter is clean.  If it is not, replacing it may fix your issues.  Royal Heating & Air suggests checking your filter every month and changing it as necessary.  If you have pets, you may need to change your filter more frequently.  If your system has a primary and secondary filter, do not forget to check both.  If your AC stays on longer than it should, it may just be a matter of a dirty air filter.  The same goes for if the AC unit is not blowing cool air, or not blowing much air.  Make sure your filters are clean and installed properly.

5. Clean Your Unit

If your AC unit turns on, but it is not cooling properly, go outside and see if the area around the unit is clean.  Make sure there is no debris or weeds blocking the air circulation.  Allow at least three feet of clear space around the AC unit.  Check all spaces to make sure there are no nests being formed or leaves blocking anything.  If your outdoor unit is clogged with dirt or other debris, you won’t get proper airflow.

6. Clean Air Ducts & Ensure Vents are all Open

Again, it may sound silly, but check ALL air vents in the home and make sure they are open - If even one of them is closed, it can make cooling your entire home more difficult.  Air ducts are prone to getting dusty and sometimes they get clogged, which restricts their ability to ventilate fresh air, so make sure you clean them thoroughly.  Also, sometimes the seams in the ducts leak the cool air.  If you come across any breaks, you may need to fill them with caulk.

7. Reset the AC Unit

Reset switches shut off the AC if there is a voltage issue.  In many units, the switch is manual control, which means you need to push the button again to get the AC unit working again.  Most reset switches are a red button that requires some effort to push.  Make sure to check the switch on the indoor unit as well as the disconnect switch to the outdoor unit.

Fix Your AC Unit with Royal Heating & Air

If these simple tricks don’t work, call the best AC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Don’t wait until your AC unit is not working to do regular maintenance.  Check your filters once a month and routinely make sure there is no debris surrounding the outside unit.  If your unit needs professional repair, call Royal Heating & Air today at 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Tips to Save Energy & Money When Cooling Your Home

According to the EPA, the average American household spends more than $2,000.00 a year on energy bills alone.  This is quite a bit of money and energy that is being used to heat and cool your home.  Royal Heating & Air, your HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, has come up with some ideas to help you conserve your household energy consumption and save money this summer when running your air conditioning unit.

Use Fans & Natural Cooling Agents

For central AC systems, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without sacrificing comfort.  Fans also help spread the cool air from wall AC units throughout your home.  If you are able, consider opening your windows during the night while you are sleeping and when it is cooler outside.  When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.

Keep Heat Out to Lower AC Use

Consider purchasing window treatments like black-out shades or other energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cool air inside.  Blocking the sunlight by using shades can keep the heat out – it has been shown that highly reflective blinds can slash heat gain up to 45 percent when used properly.  That’s a lot of saved energy – which means savings on electric bills!  Make sure all your windows are sealed and close properly.  Caulk any cracks in the exterior of your home, as these will let in heat as well.  Make sure that your ductwork is sealed and insulated.  Your air ducts are one of the most important systems in your home, and if the ducts are poorly sealed or insulated, they are likely contributing to higher energy bills.

Set Your Thermostat & Avoid Frequently Changing the Temperature

Did you know that you could save a lot of money each year on cooling costs by turning your thermostat up a few degrees from its normal cooling setting for just eight hours a day?  You can save money on your energy bill just by programming your thermostat while you are asleep or away.  Royal Heating and Air recommends purchasing a programmable thermostat for your home so you can start saving both energy and money today.

Maintain Your Equipment!

Keep your HVAC system clean.  A little bit of dirt can cause major problems. Get in the habit of changing your air filters every 30 days. Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of leaves and debris.  It’s important to get your HVAC system serviced twice a year by the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks in order to ensure its performing properly and is running efficiently. Give Royal Heating & Air a call to set up your appointment today. Summer is just around the corner, don’t wait before it’s too late!

YOUR LAKE OF THE OZARKS HVAC COMPANY

At Royal Heating & Air, we can help with all your HVAC needs including preventative maintenance, repairs and installing new units. Make sure your HVAC unit is working properly by having a professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks do regular maintenance. However, when it is time to upgrade, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313 and we can help you install your new system.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner Last Longer

You are making a big investment when you purchase an HVAC unit, so naturally, you will want your unit to last as long as it can. There are many factors that go into how long your system will last. Some of those factors include regular maintenance, quality of the unit, and how often you use your unit. The best HVAC company at Lake of the Ozarks wants to help you to get the most out of your unit. Royal Heating & Air has put together a few tips that will help your HVAC system last longer.

Quality Unit

When it comes to purchasing an HVAC unit for your home, you tend to get what you pay for. While you don’t need the most expensive unit on the market, this is something you definitely want to invest in. When a unit is made with high-quality materials, it will naturally last longer. Many higher quality brands usually come with a manufacturer warranty as well. When investing in a product, having a warranty will help give you peace of mind.

Routine Maintenance

Preventive air conditioner maintenance is one of the most effective solutions to help you get the most out of your AC unit. Getting your unit professionally cleaned, inspected and serviced will help prevent minor issues from turning into major and costly problems. It’s a good idea to have your unit checked out at least twice a year, once in the spring as well as in the fall.

Keep Your Unit Cool and Protected

Avoid placing both indoor and outdoor units in direct sunlight or near any other appliances that produce heat. Use window coverings or heavy blinds indoors (especially on the side of the houses that gets the most sun) and place the outdoor unit under an awning or a shady tree for extra protection. Make sure there is enough of a distance so leaves and debris don't get stuck in the fan. The area around the unit also needs to be free of loose dirt, grass, and weeds.

Change the Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC are probably one of the most important components when it comes to efficiency and performance. They filter particles during air intake and they help keep those materials from clogging up your HVAC system.  Air filters usually should be changed every 1-2 months depending on how often you use your unit. If you have pets, you may need to change them more often.

Clean Air Vents

Air vents tend to naturally get dusty and dirty. Regular cleaning of your air vents is important for both the functionality of your unit, as well as, the health of your family and pets. Having dirty air vents can also lead to low air quality in your home. Regularly cleaning your air vents helps eliminate airborne allergies.

Clean Air Ducts

Air travels through your home in your home’s air ducts. These passageways can get dusty and dirty which in turn cause your unit to work harder. Keeping these passageways clean can help with the longevity of your HVAC unit. Scheduling regular duct cleaning is a great benefit for your unit.

There are still a few more weeks of warmer weather left. Make sure your home is kept cool and is ready for the fall by scheduling routine maintenance with your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC repair company. From preventative maintenance to installations, Royal Heating & Air is here to help you. Call 573-480-4313 to schedule an appointment today!  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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5 Tips To Lowering Cooling Costs This Summer

Summer is full of vacations, pool days, relaxation and, of course, hot and humid days. After a fun day out in the sun, we want to come home to a nice, cool home. However, sometimes we don't like the costs associated with cooling our homes. If you're wanting a little extra spending money this summer, Royal Heating & Air has 5 tips to help you reduce your cooling costs this season.

1. Avoid Heat Build Up

When the outdoor temperature exceeds the temperature inside, try to avoid activities that generate heat like cooking, using the dishwasher and using the dryer. Instead of using the oven, or cooking on the stovetop, try grilling outside. You can avoid using the dishwasher by hand washing dishes or letting your clothes air dry instead of turning on the dryer. Or instead of doing these activities during the peak of the heat, try saving these activities for when the sun goes down or the temperature drops.

2. Use Your Ceiling Fans

Using ceiling fans could help you feel about 6 degrees cooler via the wind-chill effect. Although a fan doesn't cool a room, it just makes it more comfortable to be in. When combined with the air conditioner, the ceiling fan can help disperse cooled air more efficiently and allow you to lower the thermostat a bit with little or no discomfort. However, just remember to turn off the fan when no one's in the room to enjoy it, as it's just wasting electricity.

3. Close Blinds & Curtains

Whatever your window treatments are, you'll see a difference in your cooling cost when you keep them drawn during the day. Try using light-colored treatments to deflect the sun's scorching rays. Hang shades as close to windowpanes as possible, as this enables them to also block outdoor heat from radiating inside.

4. Be More Energy Efficient

Installing a programmable thermostat can help your system become more energy efficient. It's best to increase the temperature by a couple of degrees when you're not home, or when you're asleep to help with your cooling cost during the summer. When coming home to a hot house, don't set your thermostat colder than you want to cool your home, as this doesn't cool your home faster.

5. Get AC Unit Serviced 

It's not enough to install a programmable thermostat. If you don't properly care for you AC unit, it won't help reduce your cooling cost. In fact, if there is something wrong with your AC unit, it could cost you more. Dirty air filters block airflow and could make your unit work harder to cool your home. In addition, ensure registers aren't blocked by dust or furniture. It's best to have a professional Lake of the Ozarks HVAC technician look at your system to ensure everything is in proper working condition. 

Royal Heating & Air can ensure your HVAC system is ready for the summer season. Call the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks at 573-480-4313. We can take a look at your AC unit and make sure it's running efficiently to make sure you stay cool even during the hottest of days.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

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