Summer Storms and HVAC at the Lake

Summertime in the Midwest brings days full of sunshine and outdoor fun, but it can also bring humidity, very high temperatures, and storms. These can all cause issues for your house and HVAC system. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, so we have the knowledge and expertise to help prepare you for summer weather!

Rain & Moisture

A popular old saying is that "April showers bring May flowers." But as anyone living in Missouri probably knows, the rain in the Midwest can be unpredictable and last well into the summer months. While rain and typical moisture from humidity won't harm a healthy air conditioning unit, it's very possible that an old, worn out unit could experience issues. If there are any leaks or cracks in your system, rainwater and humidity could seep into places that house moisture-sensitive components. Scheduling regular maintenance with your local HVAC company can help keep your AC unit protected.

Wind & Hail

Wind may not sound dangerous on its own, but wind speeds in the Midwest can get very high. These rapid winds can pick up debris and ram it into the side of your air conditioning unit with alarming force. The force from hail can also be destructive to your AC unit. It can be difficult to prevent this kind of damage, as the weather in Missouri is unpredictable, and it isn't practical or safe to "board up" your unit. After a serious storm in your area, check on your unit. If you notice several dings, cracks, or damage from the storm, then it would be a good idea to give Royal Heating & Air a call to come check on your system and make any necessary repairs. Dents in your AC unit's coils could seriously affect the system's efficiency.

Power Surges & Electrical Storms

This is possibly one of the most serious threats to your HVAC system. If your home experiences a surge of electricity during a storm, then some of the elements in your HVAC system could fry. The air conditioning unit can't exactly be plugged into a surge protecting power strip, but there are measures you can take to help protect your system. Look into a whole-home surge protection system to help keep your HVAC safer from electrical storms. If you do experience a surge or power outage in the house and the air doesn't kick back on when electricity returns, call Royal Heating & Air. We have the best emergency HVAC services at the Lake and would be happy to come check-out your system for you.

HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake is an incredible place to spend your time! But it's not fun when a storm takes out your air conditioning. Help prevent uncomfortable temperatures in the home by scheduling regular maintenance and adding Royal Heating & Air to your contacts in your phone. 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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Fall Furnace Maintenance

The weather is starting to cool down and fall is officially here. Each season, there are different things homeowners need to do in order to ensure safety and comfort in their home. Royal Heating & Air is here to help you with these tasks. Get your home ready for the cold weather and holiday season by checking off these fall furnace maintenance tasks provided by the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. These tasks will help ensure that your home will be safe and cozy this fall and winter.

Fall Furnace Maintenance

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system should be checked twice a year. Once in the spring before the heat of summer, and once in the fall before the cold of winter. Heating systems, such as fireplaces and furnaces that aren’t routinely checked are not only inefficient, but they can be dangerous as well. The older your HVAC system, the more important routine checks are.

Also, many manufacturer’s warranties require regular annual tune-ups for their warranties to remain in effect.

When you schedule your professional service during the interim seasons, your system performs better and is able to withstand the daily usage that is necessary to keep your family comfortable and safe in the months with extreme weather. Think of your HVAC system like your car. You would never wait until your car breaks down to have it serviced. The same should go for your HVAC system. Your furnace or boiler needs annual tune-ups and it’s best to do it in the fall before the cold weather really hits.

DIY Furnace Maintenance

Professional maintenance once a year is important, but it’s also important to conduct some basic DIY maintenance of your own. Here are some common tasks you should be performing:

Clean and change the air filter every 30-60 days.

You should never wait more than 90 days to replace your filter. Clean air filters improve energy efficiency and improve airflow, they also help to clean and filter your indoor air. Because of this, it’s important to make sure the air filters are clean. You can usually find your filter in a pull-out access door near the front of the furnace.

Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors.

One way to save money on rising energy bills during the cold winter months is to ensure that your windows and doors have been properly sealed, weather-stripped, or caulked. By keeping the heat in and the cold out, your heater won’t have to work so hard to keep your home comfortable. Another thing you can add for extra insulation is shades or blinds.

Keep your vents and registers unobstructed and open.

Closing vents and registers can cause unnecessary buildup in your ductwork. This can cause duct leaks and other inefficiencies. Make sure there are no rugs, furniture, or any other objects blocking your vents.

DIY Furnace Safety

The number one danger of a failing heating system is a carbon monoxide leak. This is one reason why you should schedule heating maintenance early. Here are some ways to keep your family safe:

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and outside of each bedroom.

CO detectors should be installed just like smoke detectors; this means they should be installed in all of the major areas in your home. It’s also a good idea to test all of your CO and smoke detectors once a month.

Make sure there is nothing combustible within 6 inches of your ventilation pipe.

Periodically inspect your vent pipes to make sure there is nothing obstructing them, such as leaves, snow, or even bird nests. All fuel-burning systems need ventilation for proper safety.

Maintain a minimum 3-foot clearance around your furnace, fireplace, and other heat sources.

Keep the area around heaters unobstructed and free from any flammable items. You should also never store any paint, chemicals, gasoline or any other combustible material anywhere near your furnace.

We hope this list helps you and your fall furnace maintenance. Royal Heating & Air knows that annual professional maintenance will ensure that your home is safe and cozy this fall and winter. 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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The History of the "V" in HVAC

HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) is a big part of modern society. However, it wasn’t always such a vital part of life like it is today. Ventilation is an important part of indoor air quality. Without a constant supply of ventilation, contaminants generated indoors could lead to serious health issues. Your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC company has taken a look at the history of ventilation and how it became a part of the heating and cooling systems we use today.

The Need for Ventilation

Ancient Egyptians recognized the need for ventilation when they noticed that the stone carvers working inside had a higher amount of respiratory distress than those working outside. They attributed this to the higher amount of dust that was accumulated indoors. They realized they needed a way to ventilate the space they were working in, so they created air shafts to control the dust in the workspace.

The importance of clean air can also be dated back to the Ancient Romans. The earliest architect whose written records are known to exist is Vitruvius Pollio. He said that towns should be located “without marshes in the neighborhood, for when the morning breezes blow toward the town at sunrise, if they bring with them mists from marshes and, mingled with the mist, the poisonous breath of the creatures of the marshes to be wafted into the bodies of the inhabitants, they will make the site unhealthy.”  

The Importance of Ventilation and Health

When open fires for cooking and heating moved indoors, there needed to be a way for indoor ventilation. Smoke exited through cracks and holes in roofs. However, these early flues did not vent particularly well, as a large number of deaths were linked to carbon-monoxide inhalation. During the coal mining era in France around the 1500s, ventilating machines were created to improve the air quality in the mines. There was a series of fans with blades that directed fresh air into the shaft. This was also the time that chimneys were introduced to America from Europe.

Modern Ventilation

After the Industrial Revolution, ventilation technologies made major advancements. By 1866, the U.S. Capitol was equipped with ventilating fans. The U.S. deputy surgeon general published “The Principles of Ventilation and Heating and Their Practical Application” in 1884. This was a comprehensive text providing standards and specification for properly ventilating large public buildings. This publication was incorporated into numerous building codes from 1900 – 1920s. Soon after, ASHVE was introduced as the industry standard.

As more architects used mechanical ventilations in buildings, the cost of outdoor air ventilation came into question. It is preferred to minimize ventilation in cold, warm or dusty climates to conserve energy, cost or filtration. This led to ASHRAE, which reduced outdoor ventilation rates in 1981. In 2004, ASHRAE changed from space by space ventilation rate recommendations to include both an occupant-based contamination component and an area-based contamination component.

Cleaner Air with Royal Heating & Air

Ventilation is an important part of heating and cooling homes. If your home is not properly cooling during these summer months, call our Lake of the Ozarks HVAC maintenance company. Royal Heating & Air is a full-service, locally owned and operated HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can help you with anything from preventative maintenance to a complete HVAC installation. Call 573-480-4313 today to see how Royal Heating & Air can help you.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

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Is Your AC Not Working? Try These Simple Fixes!

It is now mid-summer, and you are probably running your air conditioner frequently. The last thing you want to deal with during this heat wave 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 if your AC isn’t working properly.

1. Check Your Thermostat

Double check the batteries, 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 trouble shooting methods it suggests.

2. Clean the AC 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.

3. 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.

4. Replace Broken Fuses

Broken or blown fuses are often the cause of air conditioning units not working. Fixing these fuses is simple as standard sizes are available at local hardware stores.

5. Clean Air Ducts

Air ducts are prone to getting dusty and sometimes they get clogged, which restricts their ability to ventilate fresh air. 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.

6. 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.

Fix Your AC Unit with Royal Heating & Air

If all else fails, 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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When is it Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

Replacing vs. repairing your HVAC system is all a matter of how much money you are willing to invest, and where you want that money to go. However, there are a few telltale signs of when it is time to stop repairing your HVAC system and finally replace it. Royal Heating & Air is here to help you decide if you need to replace your HVAC system or continue repairing it.

Signs You Need to Replace

Is Your Heat Pump or AC more than 10 years old?
The average lifespan of an AC system can range between 15 and 20 years old. However, if your unit is more than 10 years old, the efficiency may have decreased significantly.

Does Your Unit Require Frequent Repairs?
Consider the condition of your current unit. How often does it require maintenance? If you are constantly repairing your unit, you should consider replacing.

Are Your Energy Bills Increasing?
Your HVAC system may be less efficient. Recent advancements in HVAC technology has greatly improved energy efficiency. If your current AC is more than 10 years old, you could benefit from replacing your unit.

Are Some Rooms in Your Home Too Hot or Too Cold?
There could be multiple reasons why this is happening. Improper equipment operation, duct problems or improper insulation could all be possible causes.

Does Your Home Have a Humidity Problem?
Just like with irregular room temperatures, there are multiple reasons for this problem. Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment and leaky ductwork can cause humidity issues throughout your home.

Is Your HVAC System Noisy?
You could possibly have an improperly sized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Replace or Repair Your HVAC System with Royal Heating & Air

There are many factors that go into your decision of repairing or replacing your unit. Your Lake of the Ozarks’ HVAC company can help you no matter which way you decide to go. From preventative maintenance to complete furnace and air conditioning installations, Royal Heating & Air can provide you with affordable, dependable, trustworthy service. The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks services all makes and models, and offers Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

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