It’s So Nice Out! Should I Open My Windows?

Spring will officially be sprung this weekend! The Spring Equinox for our part of the world is this Sunday, March 20th at 10:33 a.m. And, if you're like a lot of people, you can't wait until the warm weather is here for good. Winter can be a dreary time, full of grey skies, freezing temperatures, and feeling cooped up inside all the time. When spring rolls around, you may want to throw open the windows and let all the fresh air and sunshine into the house. Goodbye, winter! But... Is that actually a good idea? As the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air is here to help answer that question! Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of opening up your house this spring.

Breath of Fresh Air

Over the winter, your house stayed sealed up to keep out the cold. You wouldn't dream of leaving the windows open when it's below freezing outside! But, even though that helped keep your house warm, it also kept the air pretty stale. Indoor air quality can be a huge concern for your overall health and wellbeing. If you're breathing stagnant, recycled air, you are also likely breathing in bacteria, dust, and contaminants that got picked up from your air ducts or from other surfaces in your house. 

Opening up the windows and getting fresh airflow into the house can be a literal breath of fresh air. Fresh, clean air from outside can help get rid of stuffy smells and increase the amount of oxygen in your home (plants give off oxygen, people breathe out carbon dioxide). Both of these benefits can help you breathe easier, experience less brain fog, and feel a boost in your mood.

On the other hand... 

The fresh air you're letting into your home may also carry some unwanted materials like pollen, dirt, gravel dust, smoke, and others. If you're thinking about opening your house up for some fresh air, you may want to consider the environment outside first. Check the weather for the pollen count - Is it abnormally high, or relatively low? Step outside and take a deep breath - Is someone burning leaves nearby? Is there construction going on? How windy is it? If you take into account what the weather and surrounding conditions are, then you can make a more informed decision about whether or not it's a good idea to open the windows today. 

An alternative way to keep the air in your home fresh and clean would be to install an HVAC Ultraviolet Light System in your ductwork. The UV light from these systems kills bacteria, viruses, mold, and other harmful materials so you can enjoy the best possible indoor air quality at home. Call Royal Heating & Air to learn more! 573-480-4313 (Plus, don't forget to change those filters!)

Save on Energy

Springtime is known for it's beauty and pleasant temperatures. Why not take advantage of that? When the weather is between a comfortable 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit, it might seem silly to have the air conditioner set on 71 or the heater set on 67. Your heat and air will be regularly turning on to maintain that exact temperature, when it's already right around that temperature outside. Instead, you can turn off the thermostat and just open up the house to enjoy some cool, fresh spring air! (Note: If there's not a breeze, you may want to turn on a small fan to get the air moving so you can make the most of the fresh air.) 

On the other hand... 

If you're turning the air conditioner (or heater) off and on repeatedly, then you could actually be wasting more energy as your system tries to get the house back to your specific desired temperature over and over. If you decide to open up the house, try to keep it open for most of the day and don't ask your HVAC system to try and catch up in the middle of the day when it's warmest. Make the choice and stick with it instead of opening and closing the windows multiple times throughout the day. 

Best HVAC Company at the Lake 

Spring is a wonderful season full of fresh air, new growth, and beauty. You can make the most of it by following the principles above and getting some fresh air moving through your house just in time for spring cleaning. Now is also the perfect time to have your air conditioning unit checked by a professional. Give Royal Heating & Air a call and we'll come out to make sure your system is working and ready to take on  spring and summer this year. 

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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Why Would an AC Unit Freeze Up?

It's the middle of summer and the heat and humidity are high! So how would it make sense that an air conditioning unit could freeze during such hot temperatures? Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are here to help answer that question for you. Check out the rest of today's blog to learn more about why air conditioning units might freeze up in the summer time, and how you can prevent it.

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a cooling chemical that helps turn the air moving through the AC unit from warm air into cold air. So, if the refrigerant levels are too low, the pressure in the system also can get too low, which in turn drops the temperature of the unit. While it might sound okay for an AC unit to be cold, the whole system is not supposed to get that way. If it does, the evaporator coil can actually freeze up and stop working. 

Low refrigerant levels are not normal for a healthy AC system and could mean that you have a leak. Call our professional HVAC technicians at Royal Heating & Air to come out and take a look at your AC unit. We can inspect your system and look for any leaks or issues with your refrigerant that may be causing freezes.

Lack of Airflow 

Air conditioning units require airflow in order to cool your home. They don't simply blow cold air into the house. Instead, they actually pull air from your home, run it over the evaporator coil, and then blow it back into the home. The evaporator coil allows the refrigerant to absorb excess heat, which is how the air is cooled. So, if air is being blocked from flowing freely through your unit to the coil, then the coil can get too cold. This can easily cause condensation to turn to ice and freeze-up your unit.

One thing that can commonly affect airflow in the home is the condition of the air filter. It is important to change the filter regularly to ensure enough air is getting through to the evaporator coil. You may need to check your filter more often if you have pets or a home that is prone to dust. You can also call the professionals in HVAC repair at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we can come check it out for you!

Residue on the Coils

Evaporator coils play an extremely important roll in the air conditioning process, as we've discuss. But did you know that they also help dehumidify the air? The evaporator coil pulls water out of the air, helping to dehumidify your home and make it feel even cooler. When an AC unit is working well, the water it pulls from the air drips from the coil and into a pan. If the coils are dirty, though, then the moisture they pull from the air can hang around for too long and freeze over before it can drip off of the coil. 

Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance to make sure that the evaporator coils are not accumulating too much residue and dirt that could cause your AC unit to freeze-up this summer. 

AC at the Lake

Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we would love to help you keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape through the rest of the summer. Give us a call to schedule a check-up!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Fun Ideas to Celebrate Father's Day 2020!

Father's Day is just around the corner! In about two weeks on June 21st, we will all be celebrating the great fathers in our lives. Royal Heating & Air has some great ideas and information to share with you to get ready for a great Father's Day celebration. Keep reading below and choose your favorite way to celebrate your dad!

Father's Day 2020

The celebration of Father's Day is always the third week of the month of June. This year, the date is June 21st, which also happens to be the first official day of summer! Being right after the summer solstice, Father's Day this year will be one of the longest days of the year with plenty of sunshine to enjoy the day.

Gone Fishing

Whether your dad is an avid fisherman or not, fishing with the family is a fun and peaceful activity to enjoy at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you live lakeside, this is a great activity to be able to spend time outside with the family for the day. But even if you don't live in a lakefront location, you can grab some poles and find a great fishing pier to spend the day together. The Old Farmer's Almanac even says it will be a great day for fishing!

Camp Out

June also happens to be National Great Outdoors Month, which makes camping the perfect Father's Day activity. You can go rugged and put your own tent together at a wooded camp site, or you can go luxury in a comfortable RV near other fun outdoor activities, like kayaking or hiking. Whatever your camping style, just get outside and have a great time together! Father's Day weekend is scheduled to experience a new moon, which means the stars will be extra bright. See how many constellations you can spot!

Fire Up the Grill

Is dad usually the one that does the grilling for the whole family? Take over his grilling duties for the day and treat him to a feast fit for a king! You can even try something new for a special meal. Try using a new rub or flavor profile like Jamaican Jerk. For dessert, grill half peaches and add a scoop of ice cream for a delicious summery treat.

Enjoy Time at Home

We've all probably spent more time at home lately than we usually do, but you don't have to be uncomfortable while you're inside. Find new fun things to do, and always stay cool and comfortable with professional service from Royal Heating & Air. We have the best air conditioning technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you! Give us a call for all your HVAC needs: 574-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Stay Safe This Summer - Outside and at Home!

Summer is a great time of year, especially at the Lake of the Ozarks! But summer can also bring uncomfortable circumstances and even some dangerous situations. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you get ready for a great summer full of fun that is also safe. Keep reading to learn more!

Safe from the Sun

Sunshine can be good for you in the right amounts. It's one of the best and most reliable ways to get the vitamin D that your body needs. However, if you are exposed for too long without protection, then it could actually be bad for you. We all know that sunburns hurt and that peeling skin is itchy and annoying. But did you know that damage from the sun can also cause mutations in your skin cells that could eventually cause cancer? Yikes! 

Make sure to always apply a high-quality sunscreen at or above SPF 30 if you plan to be outside longer than 15 minutes. Even one hour of direct sunlight exposure can cause a bad burn that could have you feeling uncomfortable and tender for weeks.

Safe on the Water

Being out on the water at the Lake of the Ozarks is a great pastime! Feeling the wind in your hair as you cruise across the Lake in a boat... What could be better? An important element to take into consideration, however, is that being on the water can also be dangerous. 

There are several accidents on the water every year that could be prevented with a little preparation and caution. Before you go out on the water, make sure you have a designated driver, wear high-quality life jackets, and drink responsibly. 

Safe at Home

Staying at home is more common these days. You may think that there aren't any risks to staying at home, but that may not be the case. Indoor air quality can actually be pretty unhealthy, containing dust particles, bacteria, germs, and other harmful materials. 

Royal Heating & Air can help improve your indoor air quality with our great services, including HVAC maintenance and UV light systems. Regular HVAC maintenance keeps your systems operating well so that the air in your home circulates well. Our UV light system also help in a big way by killing pathogens in the air as the ultraviolet light comes into contact with the harmful materials. We can install them directly into your HVAC system to help clean the air as it works. 

HVAC at the Lake 

Summer at the Lake of the Ozarks is a great time of year. Royal Heating & Air is here to help you make sure it is a comfortable and safe one! To help keep your home comfortable in every season, give us a call and we will be there for you!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Kick Off Spring with Great Lake Events

Spring is just a few weeks away and the Lake of the Ozarks will soon be bustling with activity. Royal Heating and Air has been part of the community for many years, and we love springtime at the Lake. There's nothing like smelling grass and flowers starting to push up through the ground and hearing the hum of Lake activity returning. Check out some of these great events going on at the Lake to welcome the start of spring! 

NORTH-SIDE 

LOMDA ST. CHARLES BOAT SHOW

March 5: 3 pm - 9 pm
March 6: 12 pm - 10 pm
March 7: 10 am - 9 pm
March 8: 10 am - 5 pm
St. Charles Convention Center
1 Convention Center Plaza
St. Charles Missouri 63303

The premiere boat show in the Midwest! Find great information at this show from several different, fantastic vendors.

LAKE OZARK ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Mar 14, 1:00pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
1 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark MO 65049

Watch and enjoy fun floats, marching bands, and candy from local businesses at this family-friendly parade.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY WITH DJ WATTS

Mar 14, 7:00pm-11:00pm
H. Toad's Bar & Grill
2359 Bittersweet Rd
Lake Ozark MO 65049

This event is free to enter and will feature contests, drink specials, and Irish-themed foods. Don't forget DJ Watts who will be spinning for the event's duration.

ALHONNA EARLY BIRD OPEN BUDDY BASS TOURNAMENT

Mar 28, 7:00am-4:00pm & Mar 29, 7:00am-2:00pm
Alhonna Resort
677 Outer Road
Lake Ozark MO 65049

This two-day tournament provides 100% payback of all entry fees. The entry fee also includes complimentary breakfasts at 6:00am every morning for tournament participants at Bobber's Restaurant at Alhonna Resort. Prizes will be awarded directly after the tournament.

BRIDGE AND DAM HALF MARATHON, 5K AND 10K

Mar 28, 7:30am
Bagnell Dam
1 Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049

This is the 5th Annual Bridge and Dam Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K. The race will begin on Bagnell Dam and run over the Community Toll Bridge onto MM and down Las Campanas. All proceeds will benefit the LOTO FCA.

EAST-SIDE

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Mar 06, 7:00pm
Great Stone Coffee
1375 Hwy KK
Osage Beach MO 65065

Music, poetry, comedy, or anything else you're passionate about... Take it to Great Stone Coffee's open mic night!

WHOBILATION 5K

Mar 07, 2020
Tri-County YMCA of the Ozarks
950 Airport Road
Osage Beach MO 65065

This 5K is a family-friendly and fun way to help the Tri-County YMCA to raise money for our facility. Running, walking, strollers, and pets are all welcome! Also enjoy a brunch inspired by Dr. Seuss after the run along with awards for each category. Medals and shirts will be awarded to all finishers.

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS AT THE LAKE

Mar 13 & Mar 14, 8:00pm
Main Street Music Hall
5845 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach MO 65065

Grammy-nominated Liverpool Legends is the ultimate Beatles experience! They will perform songs from the full career of the Beatles with costume changes, vintage instruments, and special effects.

PIZZA FOR A PURPOSE

Mar 13, 6:00pm
RedHead LakeSide Grille
1700 Yacht Club Drive
Osage Beach MO 65065

Brick oven pizza, beverages, and learning about the not-for-profit organization Children's Learning Center. Enjoy a huge silent auction, prizes, and fun for just $15 per ticket. Which includes all you can eat pizza!

PAINT NIGHT AT GREAT STONE COFFEE

Mar 20, 6:30pm
Great Stone Coffee
1375 Hwy KK
Osage Beach MO 65065

For $35 per painter, enjoy a few hours of creating fun art with acrylic paint on stretched canvas.

GREAT STONE COFFEE TRIVIA NIGHT

Mar 28, 7:00pm
Great Stone Coffee
1375 Hwy KK
Osage Beach MO 65065

Test your knowledge of random trivia while you enjoy great food and delicious drinks. Over $150 in prizes will be awarded to winners!

QUARTERMANINA

Mar 29, 2020
Inn at Grand Glaize
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beaach MO 65065

"Food, fun, and fundraising!" There will be over 125 items up for bid, and tickets are just $15 apiece or $150 per table.

SOUTH-SIDE

SPRING ZEN INAUGURAL RETREAT-OLD KINDERHOOK RESORT

Mar 06, 3:00pm - Mar 08, 3:00pm
Old Kinderhook Resort
678 Old Kinderhook Resort
Camdenton MO 65020

This weekend retreat is the perfect relaxing getaway. Take in all the beauty of the venue during free time as part of the beginning open schedule, then join interesting workshops throughout the day. Workshops are just $25 each and include styles of yoga, nutrition, lifestyle coaching, rest, relaxations, and excursions. Great free time activities in the area include kayaking, hiking at Ha Ha Tonka, getting a massage and enjoying the spa, golfing at one of the top rated golf courses in Missouri, and more! Book lodging by calling Jasen Jones at 573-317-4440 or emailing at jjones@oldkinderhook.com. The cost of the retreat is just $199 for all three days!

SPRING GARAGE SALE AT CAMDEN COUNTY MUSEUM

Mar 07, 9:00am-4:00pm
Camden County Historical Society
206 S Locust
Linn Creek MO 65052

Enjoy perusing several items from a variety of vendors throughout the day. Lunch will also be available.

LUCKY DAYS AT CAMDENTON CROSSROADS

Mar 13, 2020 - Mar 14, 2020
Various Locations
Camdenton MO 65020

Several businesses at the Camdenton Crossroads will offer promotions and giveaways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Participating businesses will feature painted shamrocks in their windows, and look for Lucky the Leprechaun and his friends hiding in each business. If you find them all and turn in the completed form at any participating business, you will be entered to win the "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow.

PASTA,PASTA,PASTA - THE BASICS

Mar 24, 5:00pm or 7:00pm
A Pinch of Happiness Spice Shop
54 E US Hwy 54
Camdenton MO 65020

Chef Andy Raynor, the Executive Chef at Old Kinderhook, will showcase the art of pasta making at this event. And you will be able to learn hands-on pasta making skills. The event's dish will be a simple linguine pasta with tomato basil garlic sauce, along with mushroom and goat cheese agnolotti. Choose from the 5:00pm-6:30pm or 7:00pm-8:30pm sessions.

WEST-SIDE

ST. PAT'S PUB CRAWL

Mar 14, 5:00pm
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Ln
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Purchase wrist bands and ride the buses to 14 different westside restaurants and bars for delicious food and drinks with entertainment at each location.

ST. PATRICK'S PARADE ON THE WATER

Mar 14, 8:00am-4:00pm
Captain Ron's Bar & Grill
82 Aloha Lane
Sunrise Beach MO 65049

Start your morning off with an optional breakfast at 8:00am at Captain Ron's Bar & Grill. Cruises will depart at 10:00am and head to four different restaurants on the main channel. Call to purchase tickets and learn more info: 573-374-5500.

LAKE WEST BUSINESS EXPO

Mar 28, 9:00am-4:00pm
Lake Christian Academy
17178 North State Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach MO 65079

Explore a wide range of products at this year's expo from several local westside businesses. Parking and admission are free, and lunches and snacks will be available for purchase to help benefit the Lake Christian Academy.

SPRING LIFE AT THE LAKE

Life at the Lake of the Ozarks is beautiful year-round, but the springtime is when everything starts coming back to life. As you enjoy the weather warming up and the wonderful events available around the Lake, remember to keep your home and HVAC system in good condition so there are no surprises when the heat kicks in and you need the AC. Call Royal Heating and Air when you need help with your HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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