Royal Heating & Air: Frequently Asked AC Questions

Thursday, January 3, 2019

What size system do I need?

Determining the right size HVAC system is important. If you buy a system that is too large for your home, you are wasting money, but if you buy one that is too small, it won't keep your home at a comfortable temperature. One way is to determine how many BTUS of heating and tons of AC you will need is by using the square footage of your home. There are many charts that can help you factor the right BTUS for your home's square footage. If you are between sizes, we recommend going up in size. If you want to really make sure you choose the right size unit, give us a call. We can ensure you have the exact unit to fit your needs.

What does the SEER number mean?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measurement of an air conditioner's cooling capacity to the power input. It is a rating to show how efficient the system will perform and it is given by the manufacturer. When you purchase a unit, typically the higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit will be. Always choose the higher SEER rating when given a choice.

How long will the installation take?

Each home and situation is different, so it is recommended to get a quote to determine an estimated timeframe for installation. After the right unit is found for your home, we will let you know if we have it in stock or if it needs to be ordered. The actual installation varies depending on the home and what is needed to install the unit. New homes with the ductwork already installed, it typically takes a full day to install the unit. If we need to add the ductwork, vents and other HVAC equipment, it could take longer depending on the size of the home. On existing homes, we will need to remove the existing unit before installing the new unit, so it could take up to a couple days for the entire process. Existing homes that will require new ductwork or any other additional needs will extend the installation time frame. Give us a call and we can help answer any questions you need.

Does the system qualify for rebates?

Rebates change from year to year, so always ask before purchasing your unit to see if it qualifies. Most rebates only qualify on existing homes and not for rentals or new construction. We can help you navigate through all your questions before purchasing your next HVAC unit.

Should I replace the entire HVAC equipment at the same time?

If only part of your system goes out, you don't have to replace the entire system. However, we recommend when you replace one you should replace both. Most of the time your AC unit and furnace were installed at the same time, which means if one goes out it won't be long before the rest of the unit wears out. If you are spending the money to replace part of the unit, you might as well have peace of mind that your entire system is updated and running efficiently. You will save money in the long run with a more efficient unit as well as by only having technicians come out once versus two different times to work on your HVAC system.

Royal Heating and Air is here to help with your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC System needs! Our goal is to keep your unit running safely, efficiently and for as long as possible. "The King of Comfort" team is ready to give you peace of mind with all your Lake of the Ozark HVAC needs!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Friday, June 29, 2018

Your Air Conditioning FAQs Answered

Air conditioning may be one of the greatest inventions of all time. There's nothing better than walking into a cool home or business after being outside on a hot summer day. For someone who's not familiar with AC systems aside from their magical cooling properties, you might have some questions. The best air conditioning company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to answer some of those FAQs.

1. How Does An Air Conditioner Work?

In order to cool a home, air conditioners use a refrigerant that absorbs and discharges heat. Warm air moves across the evaporator coils. Then the refrigerant in the coils absorb's the air's heat and "cools" the air. The refrigerant turns from a cool liquid into a hot gas that is transferred to the outside unit, where it's compressed and condensed back into liquid form. The hot air is released outdoors and then the refrigerant travels back to the indoor unit to continue the cooling process.

2. How Often Should I Have My AC System Maintained?

For a residential AC system, it's recommended that you have your AC serviced 1-2 times per year, especially in the spring before the summer heat hits. For areas with high levels of contaminants in the air such as kitchens, hair salons or workshops, additional service may be needed to keep your AC system in tip-top shape!

3. Why Should I Service My AC System Regularly?

Routine maintenance on your AC system keeps your unit running at maximum efficiency. This can significantly extend the lifetime of your unit and reduce your operating costs. In addition, if your system is under warranty, routine maintenance is often required to keep that warranty.

4. Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

There are several reasons why an AC unit could be leaking water. Condensation on the coils should fall into a drip pan that is then drained away or pumped outside. If excess water is finding it's way into your home, that condensate is likely not being drained away properly. The most common reason is that dirt and grime clog up the drainage system. Another issue could be that the pump is broken, in which case that would need to be replaced. If cleaning your coils doesn't fix the issue, it's time to call in a professional HVAC repair technician at the Lake of the Ozarks to determine and resolve the issue.

5. How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?

The single most important thing you can do to maintain your AC system is replace the filter regularly. It's recommended that you check your filters monthly, especially during the hot summer months when the system is working extra hard to cool your home. Some higher efficiency filters can last up to three months, but it's still a good idea to check them. If you have a disposable filter and you see that it's covered in dirt, you can easily replace it yourself. You can get filters at your local home improvement store, just make sure you get the correct size for your unit.

6. How Long Does The Average HVAC System Last?

On average, most HVAC systems will last anywhere from 10-20 years. As your unit starts to age though, the efficiency can decrease. Your unit may get louder and require more frequent maintenance and repairs. When this happens, you'll need to make the decision to continue repairing it or invest in a new HVAC system.

7. How Do I Know If My AC Unit Needs Replaced?

If your AC system is more than 10 years old and you're having to repair it frequently, you might consider replacing your system. While it may seem like a big investment now, it can save you money in both repair costs and energy costs over time. Find a trusted Lake of the Ozarks AC company to schedule a consultation for an estimate on a new system. Do the math and see what the best option is for you at the time. You don't want to keep throwing money at repairs to turn around and have to replace it soon after because it entirely breaks down.

If you have other questions about your AC unit, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 573-480-4313. Royal Heating & Air is your full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From installation to preventative maintenance, we've got all your HVAC needs covered!