Buying a New HVAC System – The Answers to All Your Questions!

A good HVAC system can make or break your home comfort. Imagine sweltering summers with no air conditioning, or frigid and icy winters with no heat... Missouri weather can be brutal and you need a great system to keep up with it. If yours is struggling and it's time for a new one, or you're building a new house altogether, Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are here to help! In today's blog, we're answering common questions when it comes to buying a new HVAC unit. Keep reading to find out! 

Should I Replace All the HVAC Equipment at Once?

If only part of your system goes out, it's possible that you won't have to replace the entire system. However, we recommend that when you replace one, it can be a good idea to replace both. Typically, AC units and furnaces are installed at the same time. That means if one goes out, it won't be long before the other one wears out too. If you are spending money to replace part of the unit, you deserve to have the peace of mind that your entire system is updated and running efficiently! You will also save money by only having technicians come out once instead of twice. Plus, in the long run, you'll save money with improved efficiency all around.

What Size System Do I Need?

Determining the right size for your HVAC system is important. If you buy a system that is too large for your home, you'll be wasting money. But, if you buy one that's too small, it won't keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You want to buy one that's just right! One way is to determine the proper size for your unit is to determine how many BTUS of heating and tons of AC you will need. You can figure that out by using the square footage of your home. There are several useful 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. You can also give your local HVAC expert a call: 573-480-4313. We would be happy to help you determine what size system would be right for your home!

How Long Does Installation Take?

Each home and situation is different, so we recommend that you get a specific quote to determine an estimated timeframe for installation. After you find the right unit for your home, we determine whether or not we need to order the system or if we already have it in stock. The actual installation time varies depending on the home's specifics and what is needed to install the unit. For example, will the system need new ductwork also? Installation in homes with ductwork already installed typically takes a full day. However, if we need to add the ductwork, vents, and other HVAC equipment, it could take longer. On existing homes, the old unit has to be removed before the new one can be installed, so it could take up to a couple days for the entire process. There are a lot of variables! Give us a call and we can help evaluation your situation and give you an accurate quote.

What is a SEER Number?

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 Do I 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.

Best Heating & Cooling Company 

At Royal Heating and Air, we pride ourselves on being The King of Comfort! As the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here to help with all your heating and cooling needs. Give us a call to learn more or schedule an appointment! 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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What to Expect During your HVAC Change Out

Getting a new HVAC system installed is exciting … and perhaps nerve racking too.  We don’t suggest a changeout without a lot of analysis first.  We always strive to repair rather than replace, and only recommend replacing an HVAC when it is in the homeowner's best interest.  Usually that is only when the price of frequent repairs is not cost-effective, and/or the system is so old and malfunctioning to the point it is not worth investing in further. 

Sometimes we come to that conclusion as a result of a service call, sometimes homeowners call asking us to quote a new HVAC system.  Either way, the first step involves the owner, Tom Royal, meeting with the client at their home.  Tom inspects the condition of the existing system himself, trouble shoots, and checks to make sure the unit is big enough for the house.  (So many houses here at the lake started as small fishing cabins and have been expanded numerous times without an HVAC upgrade.) Tom talks with the homeowner about his or her concerns with the current system and answers any, and all, of their questions.

The office will prepare a quote, which is itemized to show all the options and the cost of each.  The quote will also include an additional options page with pricing, to inform homeowners of the opportunity to add in a wi-fi programmable thermostat, UV filters for maximum indoor air quality, and more. 

The homeowner will be given all their choices along with costs and time frames, provided information on potential rebates and financing, and allowed to think about them until they are ready. We do recommend you keep in mind when comparing quotes, any HVAC tech replacing your system should be bonded and insured, and EPA certified.  We are, and we also are proud to let you know we have an A+ rating with the BBB.

Once a homeowner decides to move forward with a change out, a technician will take precise measurements of the existing ductwork to then create ductwork to perfectly merge the old ductwork with the new HVAC unit.  On the day of the install (which is usually completed in one day), the first thing will be to remove the old system.  We then put in the new system, modify the ductwork and connect to the existing ducts.  Next, we test the system and debrief the homeowner on their new HVAC and how to run it and do basic maintenance like changing the filter or knowing how to shut off the breaker, etc.  Finally, we clean up and haul off the old equipment.

After the install, we follow up to make sure you are happy and that everything is working perfectly.  We also help you with all the paperwork to register your extended warranty (which covers parts for 10 years and labor for 1 year) and apply for any applicable rebates for you.  

While a new HVAC system changeout is not something we recommend lightly when it is time to make that investment and add to your home’s value, we are happy to be your team to guide you through the process.  The comfort and safety of your family mean everything to us, and helping you know you are making a wise investment matters to us too.  If you have concerns about your current HVAC system or would like to learn more about replacing your current HVAC system, feel free to call us anytime.  We are the king of comfort and we are happy to help!  

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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The History and Development of Modern Air Conditioning

In the year 1902, 25 year old Willis Carrier was an experimental engineer when he was hired by Brooklyn’s Sacket-Wilhelms Lithographic and Publishing Company … but not to produce air conditioning for people.  For two summers the heat and humidity in New York caused the printing company’s paper to wrinkle and swell, and caused the ink to misalign and blur.  To reduce humidity around the printer, Willis blew warm air over cold coils with an industrial fan, causing condensation to form on the coils.  That process of condensation not only helped reduce humidity, but also cooled the air and made people more comfortable. Carrier continued to improve upon his idea, and in 1922 created the smaller, safer and more efficient Centrifugal Refrigeration Compressor, which is considered the precursor to modern air conditioning.

This compressor was still too big and too expensive to be practical for residential use.  But manufacturers of all kinds of industries, from sugar to leather to macaroni, were well aware of how heat and humidity changes hindered production.  So it was the industrial sector that first made use of air conditioning.  It was actually when air conditioning was introduced to movie theatres that it came to be known by most Americans. Can you imagine sitting close together with dozens of other people in a room with no windows … without air conditioning?  Introducing cool air to theatres actually enticed more middle and upper class people to go to the movies and expanded the popularity of the industry.  However, air conditioning was still not practical on a residential application because of the size and expense of the machine as well as the harsh chemicals.

As the air conditioning system designed by Carrier continued to grow in popularity commercially, the race was on to make the machines smaller and more affordable to the average person. In 1931 a portable air conditioner was made to sit on a window ledge for cooling an individual room and was available on the market within a year.  However, it was far too expensive to be enjoyed by most Americans. 

It was not until 1947 that the cost of the window unit was affordable enough to become widely available in the United States. That revolutionized access to air conditioning for everyone in the country.  Sales of these window units continues to increase through the 50s, and by the 1960s new homes were being built with central air conditioning systems.  Today, it is easy to take for granted so many activities that would seem impossible without it … for example, working in an office building in August or having a dinner party in the middle of the summer, or even buying chocolate in July.  It makes sense that in 2000, the National Academy of Engineering named modern air conditioning to be one of the top 100 achievements of the 20^th century. 

While scientists had experimented with cooling air more than 100 years earlier, Willis Carrier is credited with being the father of the modern air conditioner because of its practical application and advancement.  His invention changed the world in ways no one would have imagined at the time. Although the need for conditioned air was sparked by industry rather than a notion for making people more comfortable, the impact on our daily lives is undeniable.  At Royal Heating and Air, we are proud to provide new HVAC systems at the Lake of the Ozarks, and be a part of making homes and businesses comfortable and productive.  We are here for all of your HVAC maintenance, repairs and service.  Willis Carrier may be named the father of modern air conditioning, but at Royal Heating and Air we are known as the king of comfort.  Give us a call at (573) 480-4313 with any of your HVAC questions. 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buying New HVAC

If buying a new HVAC system is on your to-do list, you may have a lot of questions about the size, type, timing, and other parts of the process. Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, so we are here for you to help answer all of your heating and cooling questions. So, whether you think you need an upgraded system for your house or you're looking for the right system for the dream home you're building, we can help guide you through buying a new HVAC unit.

How do I know it's time to replace my system?

Sometimes HVAC issues just need a simple fix or attention from a professional HVAC technician in your area. In other situations, it's time to completely replace your HVAC system. How can you tell the difference? 

The best way to know whether you need a repair or a replacement is to call a professional to come perform a check-up on the system. If frequent repairs will quickly add up to more than a replacement, it could be a good idea to just get a new one. Other reasons to get a new system could be... if the unit is having issues and is already toward the end of its lifespan (15-20 years), if the efficiency of the unit has dropped off and doesn't improve with repair, if there is an issue causing a carbon monoxide leak that can't be fixed, and many more. Call an HVAC company you can trust to come inspect your unit to see if it's time for a replacement. 

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.

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 thing. However, we recommend when you replace one, that it's a good idea to replace both. Most of the time, AC units and furnaces are installed at the same time, which means that once one goes out the other one won't be far behind. 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 to work on your HVAC system.

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. 

For new homes with the ductwork already installed, it typically takes a full day to install the unit. If we need to add ductwork, vents, or other HVAC equipment, then it could take longer. The size of the home is a big factor. 

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 to complete the entire process. Existing homes that require new ductwork or any additional needs will also have an extended installation time. Give us a call and we can help answer more specific questions about your situation and how long it could take to replace your system.

How does a system qualify for rebates?

To help offset the costs, you may be able to take advantage of rebates through Ameren Missouri or Summit Natural Gas. With Ameren Missouri, you could earn rebates by purchasing a new, energy-efficient system. Summit Natural Gas offers great rebates as well for purchasing new systems and recycling the old one. Rebates can change from year to year, so always ask before purchasing your unit to see if it qualifies. Additionally, most rebates only qualify on existing homes, not for rentals or new construction. Check out the available rebates here and give us a call. We can help you navigate through all your questions before purchasing your next HVAC unit.

Buying a New HVAC System

Buying a new HVAC unit isn't a particularly fun thing to do. It's not exciting for most people to pick out a new furnace or air conditioner. But, with Royal Heating & Air, it can be a whole lot easier! We are the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we take great pride in what we do. We can help you find the right unit for your home so you can sit back and relax in the comfort you deserve. Give us a call today to learn more about what we offer and how we can help improve your HVAC! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

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