Heat Pump versus Traditional Air Conditioner and Furnace - Which is Best For You?

When it comes to replacing an HVAC system at the Lake of the Ozarks, people sometimes inquire about heat pumps and whether they might be a better option.  At Royal Heating and Air, our technicians hear it all the time, but the answer to that question is unique to each client depending on a number of factors.  To help you understand why, we thought we would take some time today to talk about heat pumps and how they work, what makes them different, and how to make a good decision on which one is right for you. 

Similarities.

A traditional air conditioner does not add cool air to your home, it removes heat from the air in your home.  It does this as it draws air into the indoor air handler through the return vents in your ductwork.  The warmer air passes over cooling coils filled with refrigerant and the heat is absorbed into the refrigerant.  The refrigerant circulates through the system to the outdoor unit where it releases the heat into the great outdoors.   A heat pump will work based on the same principle to cool the air in your home. 

Differences.

Where they differ is in the heating side of the HVAC system.  Air conditioners only cool, so for heating you have to have a separate furnace unit.  Heat pumps are able to heat AND cool with the same unit.  It does so by basically reversing the process it uses for cooling … taking heat from outside and absorbing it into the coils and releasing it into the inside air handler to be circulated in your home.  

But because heat pumps take heat from the outside, they are limited in their heating efficiency when temperatures are  below 25-30 degrees.  In areas where it is not uncommon for temperatures to fall below that, it may be recommended to have a backup heat source or furnace as well.  On the other hand, a traditional air conditioner is only very efficient when the indoor and outdoor temperatures are only about 20 degrees apart or less.  But a heat pump will remain just as efficient in those higher temperatures.

Cost Analysis.

To compare price differences you really have to look at several factors to know which one will cost you more in the long run.  Because it is not just about upfront cost, it is also about efficiency and what it costs to run each type of unit where you live.  Here in Missouri that can be tricky.  If you live somewhere that often has extreme heat and rarely gets below freezing, the heat pump is a no brainer.  But if you have more days per year below freezing days than above 90 degrees a traditional HVAC system may make more sense.  In Missouri we get quite a mix. It also matters if you really only need to replace the heating OR cooling part of your system whether it is a good idea to switch your type of system.

In reality a reputable HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks is needed  to help you analyze all these factors.  Our owner would be happy to look at your current system and, talk with you about your options so you could really compare costs and make a fully educated decision.   If you have questions about heat pumps versus air conditioner and furnace systems, give us a call anytime.  We are the king of comfort and are always on your team to provide for all your HVAC needs. 

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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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"

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How Your HVAC System can Help Reduce Allergy Suffering

Over 26 million Americans have asthma, and the most common type of asthma is triggered by allergies. What if there was a way to reduce those allergens indoors, where we spend the majority of our time?  Well, there is!  Here are some ways you can use your HVAC system can do just that.  

1) Clean air ducts. 

Since we don’t really see them, it is easy to forget about them.  But your ductwork can accumulate a build up of dirt, dust and allergens that can be spread around your entire home as your HVAC circulates the air.  Having your ducts checked and cleaned if they are dirty can reduce a significant number of particles in the air that could be affecting your allergies.

2) Clean filter.

For the same reason, having the right filter and replacing it regularly can make a huge improvement in your indoor air quality.  The same filter that will block allergens, can instead spread them throughout your entire home, if your filter gets built up and clogged with contaminants.  Keeping a clean filter not only helps with indoor air quality, it will also help your HVAC work more efficiently and extend the life of your system.

There are even high-efficiency filters such as HEPA filters which filter out more particles.  However, these more powerful filters can create more pressure in your system which can cause damage if your HVAC system is not suited for high-efficiency filters.  So, it is very important to ask your HVAC service technician at the Lake of the Ozarks if your system can handle it.

3) Whole-home Air Purifier.

A whole-home air purifier is a unit that is installed within your HVAC systems air handler, and it is capable of removing 99.97% of pollution and contaminants from the air.  It will do so with much more efficiency than your HVAC system alone.  A whole-home air purifier captures airborne particles from return air before they enter your HVAC system and can also extend the life of your HVAC system.

4) UV Light.

For another layer of protection, UV lights are a wonderful option for reducing pollutants and killing airborne allergens travelling through your return air vents.  There are basically 2 types.  One is installed above the evaporator and prevents the growth of microbes on the coil and drain pan.  The other is installed in the return air ducts and sterilizes the air as it passes through.  Your HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks can advise you on the differences and help you decide which one is best for you.

5) Whole-home dehumidifier.

We have all heard it, “it’s not the heat it’s the humidity” in Missouri.  If the humidity in your home is too high, it can negatively impact your home and its indoor air quality.  With a whole-home dehumidifier you will be able to set and control the moisture level in your home and keep it at the optimal level to reduce airborne contaminants and the potential of mold and mildew growth.  A reputable HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you with choosing and installing one in your home.  

If you are interested in using your HVAC system to reduce your allergy suffering, Royal Heating and Air is here to help.  We are happy to walk you through all your options and help you make the best decision for you and your home.  It is just one more way that Royal Heating and Air really is the King of Comfort.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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5 Reasons Why a Career in HVAC Could Be a Good Fit for You

There are a lot of reasons that people are attracted to the HVAC industry for a career.  One of the biggest reasons our technicians enjoy what they do is because they get to work with people and help solve problems.  They enjoy the challenges, they benefit from a vast amount of on-the-job training, and they like the reward of good pay.  If you are curious about becoming an HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would like to share 5 things you might enjoy about it.

1) Critical thinking and problem solving.

That is what we do, every day.  We assess problems, troubleshoot, and bring creative solutions to get someone’s HVAC up and running properly.  It takes technical ability, mechanical skill, and common sense.  Every situation is different, and our technicians enjoy looking at a problem from every angle until they have an answer.  A great HVAC technician is a quick thinker who loves to take on technical challenges.

2) Helping others.

Our technicians work together with our clients to help make them comfortable and happy, often during a stressful situation.  They find it very gratifying to “be the hero” and some of our clients think they should be wearing capes! Besides knowing they are solving an annoyance, we know the service they are providing is very important.  HVAC systems not only control the temperature, but also the humidity and overall air quality in our homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and more.  They don’t just keep us comfortable, they help keep us healthy.

3) Challenges and variety.

Every day is different when you have a career in HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks.  People who get bored doing the same thing all the time, or who hate sitting at a desk, find HVAC careers more interesting and satisfying.  Technicians learn a wide variety of skills utilizing knowledge in plumbing, framing, electrical, and much more.  These are the kind of skills that will always be useful to them in life and at work.

4) Good pay.

HVAC technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks earn skilled labor wages and make a competitive annual salary.  With a reputable HVAC company like Royal Heating and Air, technicians have a full-time year-round job that is possible to enter straight out of high school.  Also, because this type of work cannot be outsourced and is always in demand, you have great job security in the HVAC industry.

5) On the job training.

Some people think you must have a college degree or trade school training to be successful in an HVAC career, but many HVAC technicians gain most of their knowledge on the job.  At Royal Heating and Air, we see advantages to training people on the job because we know they will be taught right according to our high standards, and they won’t have to unlearn any bad habits.  Plus, we enjoy seeing how multi-talented our technicians become as they learn a such a wide skillset and are always adding to it.

If any of this sounds attractive to you, then you may just have a shining career in HVAC waiting for you out there.  At Royal Heating and Air, we are always looking for great people to add to our team and want to encourage anyone to pursue their interest in HVAC.  We are sure glad we did.  In fact, we are hiring right now, so if you have questions or would like to take the first step towards a new career, reach out to us today. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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Family Friendly Attractions at the Lake (part 2)

This week, Royal Heating and Air, will continue sharing with you some of the fun things to do with your family here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We will talk about things to see and learn in the area (for those inquisitive kids).  We will discuss low cost or free activities, so you don’t have to worry about the budget.  We will also talk about some of the more random or miscellaneous things that you might not even think to look for.

Things to See or Learn.

If your kids love seeing and learning new things, there are lots of options at Lake of the Ozarks.  We are fortunate to have several commercial caves including Bridal Cave in Camdenton, Stark Caverns in Eldon, and Jacob’s Cave in Versailles, each with their own unique features. There are also caves in the area State Parks. In addition, we have the Camden County Historical Museum, the Morgan County Historical Society and Museum, the Miller County Museum, and Wilmore Lodge and the Bagnell Dam Historical Museum located near the dam.  If you want to show your kids exactly how the dam was built, that is the place to go.  Also, if you have a budding artist in your family, you could even take art classes at Lake Fine Art Academy and Galleria.

Low or No Cost.

The State Parks at the Lake of the Ozarks are extensive and so beautiful with breathtaking natural beauty.  Whether you are looking for a public beach to swim, or hiking trails, fishing spots, caves, springs, castle ruins and Ozark bluffs, the local State Parks have it all and more.  Check out Ha Ha Tonka in Camdenton, the State Park down Hwy 42, and the State Park Marina in Osage Beach.

More.

Of course, most kids love a good pirate adventure and at the Lake of the Ozarks you have options.  You will love Jolly Roger’s pirate themed restaurant in Rocky Mount where you can even book a cruise on the Pirate Ship Calypso!  Or you can check out famous Captain Ron’s, (home of the Shootout) and enjoy the beach and sand volleyball areas all day long.  If you are in town around the Shootout, you most definitely do not want to miss the kids’ treasure hunt on the beach. 

If you would like to enjoy some mini golf with the family, you may choose from Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf, Putt ‘N’ Stuff, and Sugar Creek Miniature Golf.  Or how about some bowling fun at Eldon Lanes or at the Westside Lanes in Gravois Mills.  Maybe you want to just relax and see a movie … there is Lake West Cinema 5 down O Road in the Laurie/Gravois Mills area, and Marcus Eagles Landing Cinema in Osage Beach.  

For a tasty treat, enjoy a lake favorite with frozen custard at Andy’s, and Randy’s, both in Osage Beach.  Then for a close up look at some of the fastest power boats in the nation, you can venture out to Performance Boat Center’s showroom with an upper viewing balcony so you can even see inside the boats.

We are so proud to live at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We are happy to raise our family here and committed to providing the best HVAC service and maintenance to all our customers, because as a family-owned business, it matters to us.  We just wanted to share these ideas with you because we think there is something for everyone in the family here at Lake of the Ozarks. We hope you enjoy living here just as much as we do. With so much to choose from … memories are waiting to be made!  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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