Spring HVAC & Home Safety Tips 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝙉𝙀𝙀𝘿 𝘵𝘰 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸!

Spring is a beautiful time of year! The snow is thawing, flowers are poking through the ground, and the sunshine lasts longer... It's great! But, the changing seasons can also bring some safety concerns and issues you will want to consider for your home. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, so we know exactly what steps you should take to make sure your home and HVAC system are ready for the warmer weather. Keep reading to learn more! 

HVAC Checklist & Safety Tips

1) Check the Air Filter

 
It’s a great idea to change your air filter with the change of seasons. Air filters should be changed according to their use, but the average can be every 30 to 90 days. You should check your air filter every month, and don’t wait longer than 3 months to replace it. Having a clean air filter is crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality. If your air filter is dirty, then the air inside of your home will also be dirty and more difficult to breathe.

2) Clean & Seal the Ducts 

Ducts should be cleaned professionally every 5-7 years. It’s also important to make sure that your air isn’t escaping through gaps and cracks in your ductwork. On average, about 20-30% of conditioned air that flows through air ducts escapes through cracks in the ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.”

3) Clean Around Your Unit

You should check on your outdoor unit often. Spring is a great time to check on its condition. During the winter months, it’s possible that dead leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris could have collected around the unit. It’s important to keep the area around the unit free and clear to prevent any issues with airflow or potential clogging. In fact, we recommend that there should be at least a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit. When planting spring flowers and plants, be sure to pay attention to how close they are to your HVAC unit and how large they will grow.

4) Consider a Thermostat Upgrade

Spring is a great time to upgrade your thermostat! Programmable thermostats are not only convenient, but they are also cost-effective. Programmable thermostats allow you to easily control the temperature of your home during 24/7, whether you’re home or away. Even better, smart thermostats can provide energy savings by learning your unique schedule and adapting to it. This helps conserve energy while still keeping the house comfortable when you're home. 

5) Get a Spring Checkup 

Transitioning from winter (especially the very icy one we just had) to spring is an adjustment for you, and for your HVAC system! Make sure your air conditioner is going to be ready when the warmer weather arrives by scheduling a checkup with your favorite local HVAC technician - Royal Heating & Air!

Safety Checklist for the House

1) Thermostat Batteries 

Your thermostat is an important tool that you need year-round. If it is battery operated, the batteries in your thermostat need to be changed about once a year. Spring is a good time to check those batteries, and replace them if necessary.

2) Check the Smoke & CO Detectors

Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors could one day save your life. It's important to make sure they are functioning properly and that the batteries are all fresh. Spring is a great time to test both detectors and replace the batteries. A way to remember this task is by doing it with every Daylight Savings Time switch - that's this weekend! 

3) Create (or Review) Your Emergency Plan

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important that each household has a plan and an exit strategy in case of an emergency. Just like any public building, you should have plans for what to do in case of common emergencies in your area: fire, flood, carbon monoxide leak, and tornado. In these situations, you will usually only have minutes to get out of the house or get to shelter. That's why it’s important to have a plan ahead of time, and to practice it regularly. Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to review and practice your emergency plan.

Spring Safety for You and Your HVAC

The first official day of spring is just over a week away - March 20th! This weekend is also Daylight Savings Time, which means it's time to "spring" our clocks forward and get ready for warmer, longer days. This is the perfect reminder to make sure our homes are clean, safe, and comfortable for the upcoming season. Royal Heating & Air can help with HVAC advice, a whole-home comfort check, new programmable thermostats, an AC unit checkup, and more! Give us a call to schedule yours: 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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5 Ways to Help Improve HVAC Efficiency

Improving your HVAC efficiency could make a big difference in your energy bill and have a positive impact on you and your home. Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have a lot of experience in HVAC operations. We have some great tips for you today on how to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Read on to learn more!

1) Regular Maintenance

Your HVAC system works hard year-round. Make sure everything is still in good condition by scheduling regular maintenance checks with your local HVAC company. It's a good idea to have maintenance performed on your units every spring and every fall before the major turn in temperature. Another indication that it is time for a professional HVAC technician to pay you a visit is if the unit is making a strange sound or giving off a bad odor.

2) Keep Clean

Air conditioning units and furnaces can collect dust, dirt, and debris over their lifetime. It's important to make sure they are regularly cleaned so they can operate as efficiently as possible. It's also possible for coils to accumulate rust and other harmful materials if not regularly cleaned and maintained.

Keeping your home as clean as possible is also helpful to the efficiency of your HVAC system. Be sure to regularly dust, vacuum, and clean out vents to ensure there are no blockages inhibiting airflow and making the system work harder.

3) Change Filters

Filters have a very limited lifespan. Some last six months while others last for only one. Make sure you know how often your filter should be changed, and have backups ready to replace when necessary. If a filter gets overloaded with dust, pet hair, and other debris, it cannot filter air efficiently and will put a strain on your HVAC system.

4) Energy Efficient Windows

It's no secret that windows can let out a lot of heat or cool air, depending on the season. Thinking about sitting next to a window in the winter makes us feel chilly enough to want a cozy blanket and hot cocoa. Installing energy-efficient, double-paned windows can help solve this issue. These windows help reduce the amount of hot/cool air that can escape through the windowpane, allowing your HVAC system to take a break more often during the day.

5) Custom Ductwork

If you are remodeling or building a new home, now is the perfect time to help promote efficient airflow through the HVAC system by hiring a professional HVAC company to install custom ductwork. Custom sheet metal fabrication can ensure your ductwork works with the flow of your home rather than against it. It can also limit leaks and inefficient spots that can often happen with standard air ducts. Call Royal Heating & Air to get a quote and add us to your team!

HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air loves helping our customers, ensuring your homes are happy and comfortable in every season! Give us a call to schedule your spring maintenance or HVAC service and we will be there for you. 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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Is Your HVAC System Ready For Spring?

It may still be chilly outside, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t worry about prepping your HVAC unit for Spring. Soon the weather will start to warm up, flowers will be blooming and it’s a great time to turn your focus towards your indoor air quality and any winter clutter that has been left behind. Royal Heating & Air also knows that it’s a great time to make sure that your HVAC unit is ready for the hot summer weather. Now is the time to schedule your spring HVAC maintenance with the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks before the warm weather arrives. By having your unit maintained and cleaned regularly, your unit will be more efficient and your home’s air will be healthier. We have put together a spring maintenance checklist to make sure your HVAC system is ready for spring.

HVAC Spring Maintenance Checklist

Change Your Air Filter – It’s a great idea to change your air filter with the change of seasons. Air filters should be changed according to their use, but on average every 30 to 90 days. You should check your air filter every month and you shouldn’t wait longer than 3 months to replace it. Having a clean air filter is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality. If your air filter is dirty, then your air inside of your home will more than likely be dirty.

Duct Cleaning & Sealing – It’s a good idea to have your ducts cleaned professionally every 5-7 years. It’s important to make sure that your air isn’t escaping through gaps and cracks in your ductwork. On average, about 20-30% of conditioned air that flows through air ducts escapes through cracks in ductwork.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.”

Clean Around Your Outside Unit - You should check on your outdoor unit often. Spring is a great time to check the condition of your unit and schedule any maintenance needed. During the winter months, it’s possible that dead leaves and branches, dirt, and other debris could have collected around your unit. It’s important to keep the area around the unit free and clear to prevent any issues. We recommend that there should be a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit. When planting spring flowers and plants, be sure to pay attention to how close they are to your HVAC unit and how large they will grow.

Thermostat Upgrade - Spring is a great time to upgrade your thermostat. You should consider a programmable thermostat, not only are they convenient, but they are also cost-effective. Programmable thermostats allow you to easily control the temperature of your home during the day and the night and whether you’re home or away. Smart thermostats provide energy savings by learning your unique schedule and adapting to it.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Maintenance

It’s important to get your HVAC system serviced twice a year by the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks in order to ensure its performing properly and is running efficiently. Give Royal Heating & Air a call to set up your appointment today. Spring is just around the corner, don’t wait before it’s too late! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Are You Ready for the Summer Heat?

We can officially say goodbye to winter and the cold weather. Spring is here, but the weather feels more like summer. With the weather quickly getting warmer, now's the perfect time to contact the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks for routine service. Manufactures recommend getting your heating and cooling systems serviced to ensure it's working at its optimum efficiency. At Royal Heating & Air, we recommend having your system checked twice per year - once in the spring and once in the fall. Servicing will help extend the life of your equipment, lower your utility bills and help provide consistent performance for your equipment. Nobody wants to get stuck on the hottest day of the year without air conditioning! Make sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape by having it serviced by Lake of the Ozarks' best heating & cooling company.

Importance of Preventative Maintenance

If you've turned on your air conditioning system for the season and it's working fine, you may think you don't need to have it serviced. However, AC units can continue to cool your home even if they have mechanical problems. There are many working parts that make up your cooling system. If one of these parts develops an issue, the problem will only get worse over time. It's possible for the other parts of your AC unit to run longer to make up for the malfunctioning part. This additional strain on your HVAC system can cause even more parts to break down.

When you call Royal Heating & Air to service your HVAC system, we can detect small and developing problems and address them before they become expensive or difficult to resolve. Preventative maintenance can also ensure your system is able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature no matter what the weather is like outside. When your HVAC system is working properly, it will run more efficiently, which can help decrease your heating and cooling costs.

When your HVAC system is properly maintained, it could help extend its life. Preventative maintenance helps reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC system, which means you shouldn't have to replace parts as often.

What Does Royal Heating & Air Do?

When you have Royal Heating & Air come to your home, we'll inspect your AC unit in the spring and your heater in the fall. During the spring service check, we will ensure you have enough refrigerant, and that the coils are clean and that there are no leaks. If the refrigerant is leaking or the coils are dirty, it's harder for your AC unit to cool your home. We will also do a standard check of your thermostat to make sure it's accurately reading and keeping your home at the temperature you set it at. We will also ensure your air filters are clean and change them if necessary.

Call the Best HVAC Company at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air recommends that you have your HVAC serviced at the Lake of the Ozarks twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Preventative maintenance will help extend the life, lower your utility bills, and help provide consistent performance from your equipment. Schedule an appointment with the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Don’t Fall for These HVAC Myths

When it comes to your HVAC system and the best way to keep your home cool, there is a lot of misinformation out there. When it comes to making an expensive HVAC purchase, or making sure your HVAC system is properly taken care of, you want to know that you can trust the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. All of these HVAC myths are costing homeowners not only money and energy, but they’re causing real frustration. While these HVAC myths might not go away, Royal Heating & Air is here to set the record straight.

HVAC Myths

The bigger the air conditioner, the cooler your home will be.

False! The size of the unit does not equate to the level of comfort your home will have. Each home is different, and each home needs a properly sized cooling system. If your unit is too big for your home, not only will your operating costs be higher, the unit won’t function properly. The most common issues with the wrong sized system is frequent cycling on and off, high humidity, and poor distribution.

Close vents to save money.

False! There’s this common misconception that if you close air vents in rooms you hardly use you’ll save money. The truth is, no matter if vents are closed or not, your HVAC system will use the same amount of energy. Closing vents in unused rooms to get more air in used rooms couldn’t be further from the truth. Closing off vents can cause many problems for your HVAC system. Some common problems include:

• Pressurization and airflow issues throughout your home
• Increased pressure and even duct leaks
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Dead compressors
• Cracked heat exchanger
• Humidity problems in rooms with closed vents

Keep in mind that your HVAC system was designed for a certain number of vents and space. In order to keep your HVAC system running as it should, it’s important to keep all vents open.

HVAC maintenance is a waste of time and money.

False! If you remember anything from this blog, remember this! You invested a lot of money in your HVAC system and it’s extremely important to keep it performing at its best. Having maintenance done on your HVAC system twice a year will help prolong the life of your equipment and it will reduce the need for costly repairs in the future. When your unit is functioning efficiently, it will keep your home comfortable no matter the weather.

You should leave ceiling fans on when you leave because they help cool down the room.

False! A ceiling fan will cool down any bodies in the room, but it won’t actually cool down the room itself. You feel cooler with a ceiling fan on because it is blowing cool air around and it feels cool against your warm skin. Think of it as a cool outdoor breeze. Ceiling fans usually make you feel around 5 degrees cooler, but it won’t do anything for your room once you leave. When you’re home, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher while running the ceiling fan. When you leave, don’t forget to turn off the ceiling fan to help save on energy costs.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Maintenance with Royal Heating & Air

Make sure your HVAC system is ready for the hot and humid summer months ahead. The weather is starting to warm up and now is the time to make sure you get your spring HVAC maintenance done. Don’t wait, give the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call today. Royal Heating & Air can make sure your HVAC system is performing its best. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Spring is in the Air… Literally

It’s finally starting to feel like spring at the Lake of the Ozarks. The weather is beginning to warm up, flowers are blooming, and we are finally able to open up our homes. The downside to spring? Spring allergens and pollutants are out in full force. Spring allergens can enter your home in many different ways, and Royal Heating & Air knows how important it is to keep your home free of these pollutants. To help prevent spring allergens from taking over your home, the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few helpful tips.

Help Prevent Spring Allergies

One of the best ways to reduce the effects of spring allergies is to make sure that your HVAC system is well maintained and ready for the warm weather ahead. When your HVAC is working properly, it is constantly recycling and filtering out contaminated air. The better your filtration system, the cleaner the air will be. This is why it’s important to stay up to date on changing your air filter, especially during heavy use months.

Use Proper Furnace Filters

One of the most important things you should do is replace your air filter. It’s important to get the highest rating air filter that will work with your HVAC system. Think of your air filter as the first line of defense between your home and the air that you breathe. During the warmer months, especially during spring, you should check your filter every 30 days. A dirty air filter not only worsens your indoor air quality, but it restricts airflow which can cause other issues.

Get Rid of Debris

Spring is a great time to check the area around your outdoor unit. You will want to make sure the surrounding area is clean of debris, leaves, tree limbs, and dirt and dust. When your outdoor unit is clean and clear, it will help with energy efficiency and help prevent any problems. You should also check the area around your indoor system. Make sure there’s no built-up dust or debris. The best way to check your indoor HVAC system? Give the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call. We can check your system as well as the area around your system.

Clean Ducts and Return Vents

It’s a good idea to clean your home’s supply and return grilles twice a year. The best way to clean them is to vacuum around the vents first and then use a damp rag to wipe away any remaining dust and dirt. If you can unscrew and take off the grille, it’s best to do so and vacuum the inside. While cleaning these areas, it’s important to make sure there is nothing blocking the airflow. Things like rugs, furniture, and window treatments should not be blocking or covering any vents.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Maintenance

It’s crucial to get your HVAC system serviced twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. When it comes to your spring maintenance, it’s important to not wait. You will want to schedule your AC maintenance before you will be depending on it. Don’t wait until the first heat wave hits to schedule your maintenance. You will want to make sure you can rely on your HVAC system to keep your home cool and comfortable. As the weather starts to get hotter, HVAC companies will be swamped with calls for service and maintenance.

Give Royal Heating & Air a Call

Before the weather really starts to warm up, now is a great time to schedule your spring HVAC maintenance. Having your HVAC system running properly will not only help with your energy efficiency, but it will help keep your indoor air clean and free or spring allergens and pollutants. Give the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call today! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Save Energy This Spring

The weather is starting to change, plants are coming alive, and the birds are chirping. Spring is often looked at as a fresh start and a new beginning. You made it through the freezing cold winter and now it’s time to turn your attention to spring and the warmer months that are ahead. Royal Heating & Air knows that the start of each new season brings a new chance for homeowners to assess their home and the major components that make up their home. It’s also a great time to assess how much energy you are using. With the warmer weather ahead, now is a great time to make sure you’re saving money where you can. The best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips to help you save money on your energy bill this spring.

Ways To Save Money This Spring

Check Your Thermostat

As the season changes and the weather starts to warm up, you will want to take a look at the programming on your thermostat. During the winter months, setting your thermostat a few degrees lower than average will help save money on heating costs. The same idea is true for the warmer months. If you program your thermostat a few degrees higher than average, around 78 degrees, it will help you save money on cooling costs. The cooler you keep your house during the summer, the higher your energy bill will be.

Tip: Upgrade to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will adjust your home’s temperature when you are home and when you leave. This can also help you save money on your energy bill.

Ceiling Fans

A great cooling alternative would be a ceiling fan. When you run your ceiling fan along with your air conditioner, you can raise the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees and you won’t notice a change. Don’t forget to switch the direction of your ceiling fan. During the winter months, in order to force warm air down you will want to run the fan at a low speed in a clockwise direction. During the summer and warmer months, you will want to change the direction and run the fan at a counterclockwise direction to push cold air down.

Ventilation Is Necessary

Open your windows and screen doors! A lot of people focus only on the furnace or the air conditioner, but it’s extremely important to get the air inside of your home moving and to introduce fresh air. Air quality plays an important role in the health and well-being of you and your family, so open your windows when the weather is nice outside. This will also allow for a cool breeze to cool down your home. Spring is a great time to have your windows open. Not only are you introducing fresh air into your home, you’re also creating a cooling cross breeze and helping to save money on your energy bill.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Maintenance

Getting your HVAC system serviced and maintained twice a year by Royal Heating & Air helps ensure that it’s performing at its best. When the summer months hit, HVAC companies are busier than ever. Don’t wait, give the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks a call and ensure that your HVAC system will be ready to take on the heat and humidity that comes along with the summer months.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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