How to Feel, See, Smell, and Hear HVAC Issues

Right now the temperature is bobbing back and forth between chilly low and summer-like highs, but soon summer will be in full swing, and your air conditioner will be working hard to keep the house cool and comfortable. Or will it? Could it be time to replace your air conditioning unit? Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have the tips and information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not you need a new AC unit this season. Read on to learn more about how your senses can tell you if you need a new unit!

What You'll Feel - Bad Air Flow

If some rooms in the house have trouble keeping temperature, then it could mean your AC unit is having serious issues. If the air feels weak, warm, or completely absent, then your air conditioning unit is struggling to keep up and may need to be replaced. If you have trouble determining weather or not the temperature is different throughout the house based on feeling it yourself, there are tools that can help measure the ambient temperature coming out of the vents in your home. Pointing the detector at the vent will give you a read-out of the temperature of the air coming through it. If this number varies by more than a degree or two throughout the house, then there could be something wrong with your ductwork or the air conditioning unit itself.

What You'll See - Leaks and Moisture

Every air conditioning unit with have some kind of moisture or condensation, but it you see a lot of dripping and leaking, then it could be more than just condensation. It could be a refrigerant leak. If the Freon is leaking out of your unit, this could be very dangerous, as Freon is poisonous. If it's not a chemical, water leaking could also mean that there is a big issue with the unit. The condensation tube could be broken or leaking, causing water to run out of the unit. If you see too much moisture or a leak, call Royal Heating & Air to come check it out!

What You'll Smell - Bad Odor

Your air conditioning unit is not supposed to smell bad. If there is a bad odor coming from the unit, that could mean that there is mold growing inside the unit or ductwork. This is very unhealthy to have spreading throughout your home and in the air you breathe every day. Another bad smell that could be coming from your unit would be burning. If you sense a burnt smell, it could mean that there is something wrong with the wiring. If that is the case, call a professional HVAC company right away to come check on the unit.

What You'll Hear - Loud Noises

Air conditioning units normally make some level of noise as they kick in and cool your house. However, if you have noticed that the unit is suddenly much louder than normal, or if you hear unusual noises coming from the unit, it might be time to call your local HVAC technician to make sure everything is working properly. Noises like grinding, squeaking, and chattering are not normal and could mean there is a serious issue.

Other Important Clues:

High Energy Bills

If you have noticed that your energy bills have been increasing suddenly without using any more air conditioning than normal, it could mean that the unit's efficiency is suffering and that it's time for a replacement.

Constant Repairs

If it seems like you are constantly having to call for someone to come fix your unit, then it may mean it's time to get a new one altogether. Next time a technician comes by to fix an issue with your unit, ask their opinion on when they think it would be wise to replace the unit. It could save you money in the long-run.

Unit's Old Age

If your unit is between 15 and 20 years old, it could definitely be time for a replacement. Most units are designed to last in that range. So once it starts nearing 15 years, it might be time to consider replacing it. Particularly if you notice any of the other issues we've covered.

New AC at Lake of the Ozarks

Whether you decide to replace or repair your air conditioning unit, Royal Heating & Air is here for you. We are the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we pride ourselves on our professional, high-quality products and services. Give us a call for all your HVAC needs: 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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Warning Signs of a Gas Leak

If something smells like rotten eggs, there’s a chance that it could be gas that you're smelling. And we are not talking about gas coming from someone, more so from your furnace. Gas can often give off an unpleasant odor, which most people describe as rotten eggs or sulfur. Natural gas and propane, for the most part, are odorless; however, gas manufacturers are required to add a certain chemical which causes that awful smell. Royal Heating & Air knows that smelling gas is extremely dangerous and you should take action immediately. Check out these warning signs from the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

If you smell gas and you can trace it back to your furnace, you should immediately turn off the unit, evacuate your house, and call the fire department. Contacting both the fire department and gas company is a good place to start because they can make inspections and let you know whether it’s safe or not. In order to fix your furnace and the gas problem, you should contact your professional heating company at the Lake of the Ozarks for emergency service.

If You Smell Gas In The House

Do not use an electrical devices or appliances that could cause a spark – avoiding potential fire risks is important.

Avoid lighting matches and any other fire sources.

Turn off the source of gas if you can, evacuate everyone from the house, and call the fire department. Then call your local gas company and the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Signs of a Possible Gas Leak

Knowing the signs of a gas leak will not only give you peace of mind, but it will help keep everyone in your house safe.

Smelling Rotten Eggs or Sulfur?

Gas and propane often smell like rotten eggs. You should never ignore the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. This is how natural gas makes its presence known. Another cause of a rotten egg smell is a dangerous electrical problem. You should follow the smell to identify where the smell is coming from so you know how to take action.

Hissing Sound

Often times you don’t just smell a gas leak. If the leak is coming from a pipe or behind the wall, you can actually hear the leak. Gas makes a distinct sound when it is leaking from the gas line. If you can pinpoint the smell and you can hear a sound that goes along with it, then you should take immediate action to prevent more gas from escaping.

Give Royal Heating & Air a Call

Gas leaks are nothing to take lightly. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action immediately to help prevent any other serious problems. The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks knows how important it is to have your furnace serviced twice a year. If you are needing your furnace serviced or replaced, give Royal Heating & Air a call!

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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