Tips for Staying Healthy This Season!

Fall and winter tend to be seasons that come with colds, the flu, and other general illnesses that no one enjoys. If you are looking for ways to make your home healthier to help reduce the chances of getting sick this season, then today's blog is for you! Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have several important tips and information to help you improve the family's health this season. Keep reading to learn more!

Cleaning House

Dirty floors could dramatically affect the air quality in your home, particularly if you have a lot of rugs or carpeting. The pet hair, dust, dirt, dander, and dead skin cells that accumulate in your carpet do not stay there indefinitely. As traffic moves through your home, all that debris can get kicked up and start circulating in the air you breathe. For people who suffer from allergies and asthma, this could be a real health hazard.

Changing Filters & Cleaning Ducts

The air filter in your HVAC system is a barrier that helps decrease the amount of dust, hair, and debris circulating in your home. However, if the filter becomes overloaded, it won't be able to do its job as well, and your HVAC system will likely have to work harder as it tries to push air through the clogged filter.

Large amounts of pollen, dust, and dust mites inside the ductwork can cause respiratory issues, even for people without allergies. If your body is dealing with inflammation and consistently trying to clear out allergens from your system, it could have a harder time fighting off other things trying to attack your system.

To help prevent harmful materials from accumulating in the home, change the filters in your HVAC system regularly and make sure to clean the air ducts and units often!

HVAC Maintenance

As equipment ages, it can start to break down, leak fluids or gas, and stop working properly. This is not only frustrating, but could also be very dangerous for you and your family's health. One of the gases that could start leaking from your system is carbon monoxide. This odorless, colorless gas replaces the oxygen in your lungs and can seriously threaten your life. 

Additionally, if your HVAC system isn't working efficiently, then the air in your home may not be as clean as it could be. Servicing the HVAC system is important part of airflow in the home. A well-working HVAC system with a new filter can easily catch pollutants and harmful materials that would otherwise be circulating inside the air in your home. Breathe easier with regular HVAC maintenance from Royal Heating & Air!

UV Light System

To help prevent additional bacteria and viruses from spreading around the house through the air ducts, try using a UV light system in your HVAC! Ultra Violet light prevents bacteria from replicating, ridding your home of pesky pathogens that could cause your family to feel "under the weather", or even catch serious illnesses. Royal Heating & Air can help reduce the bacteria in your home by installing a system using UV light directly in the HVAC ductwork! Many of our customers that have installed such systems into their homes have said they notice almost immediately when the bulb burns out because of how the quality of the air changes.

Best HVAC at the Lake

If you are noticing an issue with the quality of air in your home, then it's time to call in the professionals! Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are here to help you stay comfortable and healthy all year long. Give us a call to set up a maintenance check-up and to learn more about our UV light systems and other methods of improving your home's air flow and efficiency. We are here for you!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Learn All About Air Filters - Types, Uses, and More!

Air filters play a very important role in the functionality and efficiency of your HVAC system. By pushing air through the filter, your HVAC system can help keep the air in your home cleaner and healthier. Some filters simply help prevent the spread of dust and debris, while others can help reduce allergens in the air. Choosing the right filter can seem like a daunting task when you're standing in front of an aisle full of so many sizes, ratings, and brands. Let Royal Heating & Air help give you some pointers on how to choose the right air filter for your home. Read on to learn more from the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Facts About Air Filters

Filters are rated on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system to determine how efficient they are and what kind of materials they help filter from the air (MERV Rating Chart: http://www.mechreps.com/PDF/Merv_Rating_Chart.pdf). A rating of 1-4 offers minimal filtration and can remove dust mites, fibers, pollen, and dust from the air it filters. Ratings 5-8 can filter the air more thoroughly by removing smaller particles like mold spores, cement dust, and even hair spray. For a more superior filtration, ratings 9-12 can remove Legionella, lead dust, auto emissions, and certain fumes. Ratings between 12 and 20 are typically reserved for surgical rooms, hospitals, "cleanrooms", pharmaceuticals, and areas that deal with hazardous materials. 

Air filters not only help filter the air in your home, but they also protect your HVAC system and the air ducts from accumulating dust and debris that would affect its efficiency. To help keep the air and your ducts clean, regularly change your air filters and don't allow them to get clogged.

Types of Air Filters 

Fiberglass

This is the most common type of filter on the market. Comprised of fiberglass, these filters help eliminate major debris in the air. Although they are on the lower end of the MERV rating system, they are highly affordable and easily accessible. 

Pleated

These filters have a higher rating on the MERV system, reaching between 5 and 13. Because they help eliminate mold spores and finer particles from the air, pleated filters could be a great idea for homeowners that suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. The drawback to these types of filters is that they can be somewhat less efficient. With more resistance to airflow, your system may have to work harder to push air through the house, particularly if you have trouble remembering to change the filter regularly. 

HEPA

These are very thorough filters that are rated between 17 and 20 on the MERV system and can filter out tobacco smoke and bacteria. If you have an indoor smoker in your home or someone that suffers from a condition that makes them susceptible to infections, this filter may be the right choice. However, they can be difficult to install and may require a professional technician.

Reusable

These air filters can be washed and replaced, helping save on long-term costs for air filtration. The MERV rating is on the low end, only filtering out major dust particles, mites, and pollen at a 1-4. While these are convenient and cost-effective, they can cause additional issues in your system. If they are not perfectly dried before being reinstalled, they can grow mold and mildew and start to spread it in the air in your home. 

Sensing

Some newer filters can actually time how long they have been operating, sense the amount of debris they have accumulated, and alert you that it's time to change the filter. Some brands can even automatically order replacements as needed. While this technology is incredibly convenient and ensures your filters are never overloaded, make sure to check the MERV rating to see if it truly is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. 

HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have your back for all your heating and air conditioning needs! Call Royal Heating & Air to schedule your fall maintenance and home comfort check to ensure all your systems are operating at maximum efficiency. We love taking care of you!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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It's The Little Things That Matter

It’s something you hear all the time and it’s an important question. When is the last time you changed your air filter? While it may seem like a small and even insignificant task, it’s truly the little things that matter. Royal Heating & Air knows that it’s important to change your air filter regularly. During heavy use months, you should be changing your filter every month. During off-peak times, you should change your filters at least every three months. If you’re wondering why your air filter is critical and why it’s so important to regularly change it, the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks has the information you need to know.

 Benefits Of Changing Your Air Filter

Fewer repairs – dirty or clogged air filters can lead to restricted airflow, overheating, and even a dirty HVAC system. This means that your HVAC system will require frequent repairs or service. If you want to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, clean, and even cost-effective, it’s important to regularly change your air filter.

Longer Lifespan – if you neglect to get your HVAC system professionally serviced, it can easily cut down its lifespan. It’s important to get your system serviced regularly, once in the fall and once in the spring.

Increased Indoor Air Quality – since we spend a majority of our time indoors, it’s important that we have great indoor air quality. Regularly replacing your air filter is crucial. Supplementing your air filter with an air purification system is a great way to ensure that the quality of your indoor air is good.

Energy Savings – dirty and clogged air filters can slow down the flow of air which can cause your HVAC system to work harder. This wastes a lot of energy and will increase your monthly energy bill.

Problems Caused By A Dirty Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system is there to filter out things like dirt and debris from the air that is flowing through the system. As the air filter gets clogged, it will start to restrict the flow of air through the system. These are some of the most common problems that are the result of dirty air filters:

Less Home Comfort – When the air filters are dirty or clogged, there will be less air moving through the system. If there is less conditioned air coming through your vents, there could be discomfort throughout your home.

Fan Motor – the fan motor is what is responsible for turning the blades and pushing the air through your home. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, then the fan motor has to work even harder to pull air inside your home. This can cause the fan motor to become strained and even cause it to break down.

Higher Energy Bills – if your air filter is dirty, then your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. If you’ve noticed that your home’s energy bills are increasing but you’re not using your system more, a dirty air filter could be to blame.

Get Your HVAC System Ready For Summer

Warmer weather is just around the corner, and Royal Heating & Air knows that it’s important to make sure that your HVAC system is ready to keep your home comfortable all summer long. Schedule your spring HVAC maintenance with the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We are here to make sure your home is comfortable year-round, no matter the season.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Your Guide to Clean Air

When we are in our own homes, we don’t necessarily realize how many allergens and contaminants we’re breathing in. While you may feel like the air indoors is safer than outside, our indoor environments can contain pollutant levels that are greater than the levels outdoors. While it may not be something we think about often, indoor air quality is vital to you and your family’s health. Is it really possible to have more pollutants and allergens indoors than outside? Absolutely! The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows that insufficient ventilation, increased use of synthetic materials and a lack of air filtration all contribute to this problem. Royal Heating and Air is here to help you improve your indoor air quality.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency:

• On average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. This is a lot of time spent where the concentrations of some pollutants are sometimes two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
• People who are usually most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution tend to spend more time indoors.
• Some indoor pollutants have increased in recent decades due to energy-efficient building construction and increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides and household cleaners. 

It’s a continuous cycle. Don’t continue to recirculate these contaminants through your HVAC system, or redistribute dust and allergens around your home when you vacuum. If you have proper air ventilation ad filtration, you won’t be circulating all of those contaminants.

Air Filtration Guide

HVAC Air Filters – It’s important that you change your HVAC air filters every 30-60 days, or as recommended by your system’s specific air filter. You should never wait more than 90 days to replace the air filters. A dirty air filter means the air you are breathing is more than likely dirty. A dirty air filter also restricts airflow, which can cause frozen evaporator coils and other problems with your HVAC.

HEPA Filtration – Use a vacuum with High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filtration. If you vacuum regularly with a vacuum that has HEPA filtration, you will help keep your home and the air in your home clean. You can also outfit your HVAC system with HEPA filtration, but your system will probably need professional modification to accommodate the larger filter.

Exhaust Fans – If you don’t have exhaust fans in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, it’s a good idea to get them professionally installed. Exhaust fans remove moisture, odors and stagnant air to help improve indoor air quality. Exhaust fans also help to prevent high humidity and mold growth in your home.

Minimize Smoke – By reducing smoke in your home, you will reduce air irritants. If you have sensitivity to allergens, it’s vital to not have any cigarette smoke in the house. It’s also important to minimize or reduce wood fire smoke. It’s important to inspect your chimneys, fireplaces and vents at least once a year.

Duct Cleaning and Sealing – Getting your air ducts professionally cleaned and sealed helps keep your air clean and it also helps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Houseplants – Why not add some green to your house while supplementing your indoor air filtration system? Houseplants that have natural air cleaning abilities include:

• English Ivy
• Boston Fern
• Peace Lily
• Spider Plant

These are just a few steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality. While we may not want to believe it, a lot of times the indoor air quality in our homes is filled with more allergens and pollutants than outside. Royal Heating and Air is your source for the best indoor air solutions for your family’s health. From preventative maintenance to installations, the best HVAC company in Lake of the Ozarks 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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How Do You Know When It's Time To Change The Air Filter?

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is to change the air filter. At Royal Heating & Air, we recommend checking the air filter once a month and changing it as necessary. However, how do you know when it's time to change it? The best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks takes a look at all the factors that determines when it's time to change your home's air filter.

Air filters will clean out the particles in the air including dust, dirt and other "contaminants." Too many of these particles flying around your home can contribute to allergies, congestion and other health problems. The air filter will catch the majority of these particles before it reaches your vents. Over time, the air filter will get clogged by these particles, which makes it difficult for air to get through. This could result in your HVAC system working harder to try and reach the temperature set at your thermostat.

When To Change Your Air Filters

It might seem easy to know when it's time. When the air filters are visibly dirty, change them. However, choosing how often you should do this depends on several factors.

- The type of filter your HVAC system requires.
- The overall air quality of your city.
- If you have pets.
- The number of people occupating the house.
- General air pollution in your city or if there is construction taking place nearby.

It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the type of air filter you buy, which is usually bi-monthly. This is a great rule of thumb, however, this general guideline is not going to apply for everyone. If you have any allergies, smoke, have pets or any of the things mentioned above, you may need to change the air filter more often. On the other hand, if you live in a remote area or if your home is infrequently occupied (such as a vacation home), you may not need to change it as often.

How To Tell If It Needs Changing

A dirty air filter isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it means the filter is doing its job to remove dust and other particles from the air in your home. However, it's important to change the air filter before they become clogged to ensure the air can flow nicely through. There is no general guideline as to how much dirt is too much dirt, however, if there is a visible coating of dirt covering most of the filter's surface, in a layer that is thick enough that you can no longer see the filter material itself, that's a sign that your filter has been in the HVAC system far too long. A working filter would have a good coating of dust - a coat of fine particle where the underlying material is still visible. Once it gets beyond that point, it's time to change it.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when deciding it’s time to replace the filter. Keeping your heating and cooling vents clear of debris will be well worth it, not only when it comes time for your energy bills, but also for your overall health and well-being. If it's been a while since you've taken a look at the air filter, Royal Heating & Air can help you find the right one for your system. For all your heating and cooling needs, give Lake of the Ozarks' best HVAC company a call 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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