Royal Heating & Air

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

How To Avoid Your Furnace Not Working On The First Cold Day

Now that autumn is here the nights and mornings are getting a bit chilly. Although you may not have switched your furnace on yet, you may be thinking about doing it soon. Now's the perfect time to contact your HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks for a quick routine service. As the Lake area cools down, you do not want to be stuck without a furnace. Having a Lake of the Ozarks' HVAC company service your unit before the start of the season can help ensure you don't freeze on the first cold night of the season.

Importance Of Furnace Maintenance

Your furnace doesn't just regulate the temperature inside your home, it also affects the indoor air quality. In addition, it also has a direct impact on your utility bills. A furnace that is maintained and serviced regularly often performs better and is more energy efficient, which could help reduce the costs of operation. If you have turned your furnace on, either for the season or just to make sure it turns on, and it seems to be working properly, you may think you don't need service. However, this is not always the case. A furnace could still heat your home, yet have mechanical issues that are not visible. If these issues go unrepaired, they will only get worse. Other parts could work overtime, making up for the work not being done by the broken part. However, the strain of this could lead to your whole unit breaking down.

What Can Royal Heating & Air Do?

If you call a professional HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks to do service on your unit, they can help detect problems early, which could extend the life of your system. Royal Heating & Air can detect small developing problems and address them before it becomes expensive or difficult to resolve. It is recommended to have your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC unit serviced twice a year. Your air conditioning unit should be checked in the spring and your furnace should be checked in the fall. There are many different working parts in your furnace and Royal Heating & Air will come and make sure all of them are in proper working order. There are many parts that make a furnace work and when they are all working properly, you will have a furnace that will make your home comfortable during the cool season that's more energy efficient.

Get Your Furnace Serviced By Royal Heating & Air

In order for your furnace to properly work, it needs regular maintenance done by a professional HVAC service company at the Lake of the Ozarks. If your HVAC unit needs repair or service, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-481-4313. We can make sure your furnace is prepared for the cold season, so that it can keep you comfortable all winter long.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

10 Ways To Stay Warm Without Turning Up The Thermostat

It is slowly getting cooler at the Lake of the Ozarks. Many of us are preparing for the season by bringing out long sleeve shirts and thinking about turning on the heater. Before the cold air sets in and we all start blasting the heater, Royal Heating & Air offers ten tips to help you stay a little warmer this season.

1. Seal Up Cracks

The first step in fighting the cold weather is to make sure the warm air stays in and the cold out. Check for drafts near doors and windows and seal up if necessary. Caulk is a good way to seal up around the frame and weatherstripping underneath doors and windows.

2. Close Blinds

Blinds have another purpose other than decoration and privacy. During the winter, close the blinds to trap warm air in and keep the cool air out. If kept closed, blinds can prevent drafts from making the room cool. However, if there is a nice sunny day, make sure to keep the blinds open and let the sun heat up the room - just remember to close them before it gets dark.

3. Insulate Your Home

Insulation is pretty standard in today's homes. However, if your home is older, it is a good idea to check to make sure the insulation is still good. Over time, insulation will get packed down. When that happens, the insulation won't work as efficiently. Make sure your home is sealed up by making sure there is enough insulation.

4. Make It Humid

Humidity makes the air feel warmer, which is why we try to take the humidity out of the air during the summer. However, in the winter, we want to add humidity. While taking a shower, turn off the bathroom fan. Afterwards, leave the door open and let the humidity fill up the house. However, a professional HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks can add a humidifier to your home.

5. Get Cooking

Cooking and baking are great ways to get the house nice and warm, plus it will smell good too! In the summer, it is best to do as much cooking outside as possible to keep the house cool. During the winter, do as much cooking and baking inside to get your home nice and toasty.

6. Eat Warm Meals

There is nothing better than sitting down to a warm meal after a cold day. Just like you want to cool yourself down in the summer with ice water, in the winter, the best way to warm up is by eating hot food or drinking hot beverages. Hot cocoa or warm soup is the perfect way to get warmed up after a cold day.

7. Get Moving

Moving is the best way to stay warm. Do something active like clean the house or exercise. As long as your moving, your body temperature will raise. If you are into yoga, there are certain positions that are designed to raise your body temperature.

8. Put Down Rugs

If you have hardwood, tile or laminate flooring, having rugs can help you stay warm without blasting the heater. Rugs can help prevent cold air from slipping through the floorboards of hardwood. Plus, they are usually warmer to walk on than tile or hardwood.

9. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans going counter clockwise pushes air down and creates a draft. However, in the winter, they can also help make your home feel warmer. When the ceiling fan goes counter clockwise, it will push the cool air up and mix with the rising heat. Once the air mixes, it will spread out and down making the room feel warmer.

10. Flip For Flannel

In the summer, you want to sleep with breathable cotton sheets. However, in the winter months, flannel sheets are the best way to go. Just like you would wear flannel while outside in the winter. Flannel sheets are great for trapping heat while you're sleeping.

Keep Warm With Royal Heating & Air

Hopefully, with these tips, you can stay warm this season without blasting the heater. Not only can these tricks help keep you warm, they can also help ensure that your furnace gets a break. Constantly running your HVAC system may shorten its lifespan and may require more maintenance. However, if you allow your furnace to take some breaks, it could last longer. If you do need maintenance done on your unit, call Lake of the Ozarks' best HVAC repair company 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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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Putting the "H" in HVAC

With the colder weather on its way, it's almost time to switch your thermostat over to the heat setting. At the Lake of the Ozarks, we don't always think about our heating units until it's freezing cold and we need them. The heating systems that we have today are a recent discovery, so how did people survive the harsh cold winters? Royal Heating & Air takes a look at the history of heating.

Heat By The Fire

In the early days of mankind, man would stay warm by building a fire pit in their living space. They would stay warm and cook their food using these fire pits. Soon after, they learned to build hearths. In fact, hearths have been used to heat homes since about 42,000 B.C.

The Roman and Korean societies used under-floor radiant heating thousands of years ago. The Romans used a system of hypocausts, which pumped heated air into open spaces beneath raised buildings. The Koreans, on the other hand, used furnaces at one end of the home that pumped hot air under the home to a chimney on the other side.

Insulation & Chimneys & Other forms of Heating

Although homes in the Middle Ages were still heated with fires on open hearths, they needed to figure out a way to keep the heat inside. Medieval home builders used clay and straw as a home insulation technique.

Beginning in the 14th century, European homes began to have chimneys used to heat their homes, which allowed hearths to be moved from the center of the room to up against the wall. This improved living spaces, but the popularity of chimneys was slow moving and were relatively uncommon 200 years later.

In the late 17th century, the next big movement in home heating came with the invention of the stove and was very popular over the next two centuries. Coal and wood were both primarily used as fuel for those who heated their homes with stoves. However, burning coal in stoves left black stains on the walls and ceilings. In addition, coal generated an especially large amount of soot, which is bad for the environment. Sulfur dioxide, a by-product of burning coal, is largely responsible for acid rain.

Home Heating Today

In 1815, the first gas metering system for the home was invented, however, it wasn't used until 25 years later in the 1840s. Later in the 1920s, the oil burning furnace became a popular domestic heating option. Electric furnaces came along soon after and quickly became a favored option of home heating. Over half of homes in America heated with gas fired forced air furnaces. Oil fired forced air are still used in some homes. However, in warmer climates, homes are heated using electric heat pumps to supply both heating and cooling energy.

Heat Your Home With Royal Heating & Air

Heating has become an important part of society and home comfort. At Royal Heating & Air, we are experts in all things related to heating and cooling at the Lake of the Ozarks. If your furnace needs maintenance or repairing, call the best HVAC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks at 573-480-4313 to schedule your appointment today.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Monday, September 19, 2016

Is Your Furnace Not Working? Try These 5 Simple Fixes!

It's almost that time of the year. The weather is getting a bit chilly and you may be thinking of turning on your heater soon. However, what happens when it doesn't kick on? It is a good idea to test your furnace out before it gets too cold. This will allow you to see if there is anything wrong with it and allow you enough time to fix it before you actually need it. Before calling the best furnace repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks, try these simple fixes.

1. Check The Thermostat

Make sure that the settings on the thermostat are correct. It may seem simple, but make sure that it is switched to heat. Check the furnace against the room temperature by setting the thermostat to a higher temperature and see if that makes the furnace turn on. Double check the display settings including the time and date, as this could affect the programmable settings.

2. Check The Pilot Light

There are many reasons why a pilot light could go out including a strong draft. A burnt out pilot light is one of the most common reasons why a furnace won't turn on or stops working. If your pilot light won't relight, you may have lost gas to your home. Check to make sure the gas valve is open. Double check that you have hot water and if you have a gas stove, double check that it works. If your pilot light relights, but won't stay lit, you may have another issue and it is time to call Royal Heating & Air.

3. Check Furnace Filters

Just like with your AC, a clean filter is vital to the life of your furnace. Some homes have separate filters for the AC and furnace, so make sure both are nice and clean before using them. A dirty furnace filter is not only important to maintaining your furnace, it is also important to your health. A dirty filter can not only lead to asthma, but it could also cause colds and other cold weather health issues.

4. Check The Air Ducts

If your furnace is turning on, but not heating up well, you may need to check the air ducts. Leaks can cause your furnace to not work as efficiently, which is bad for your comfort and your wallet. If you feel comfortable checking the air ducts yourself, go for it! If you need help, call the best HVAC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks. We can help you seal up your air ducts, making sure you feel comfortable all winter long.

5. Check The Blower Panel

If the blower panel is not closed properly, your furnace will not work. A safety device will prevent the furnace from turning on, which will leave you feeling chilly and wondering what is going on with your furnace. If the blower panel was recently opened, double check to make sure it was properly closed. If it is not pressed in all the way or crooked, the furnace will continue to not work.

When In Doubt, Call Royal Heating & Air

If you have checked everything and are still having issues with your furnace, it is time to call a Lake of the Ozarks professional furnace repair company. When you call Royal Heating & Air to fix your furnace, you will be feeling comfortable in your home in no time! To schedule your appointment, call 573-480-4313 today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

5 Ways To Prepare Your HVAC Unit For Fall

The weather is getting a bit chilly, the leaves are changing and pumpkin spice items are back on the shelves, which means that fall is just around the corner. However, you may have to do more than pulling out your sweaters from storage to prepare for the cooler weather. There are several things you should do before switching your thermostat from cool to heat. Royal Heating & Air has 5 ways you can prepare your HVAC unit for fall:

1. Change The Air Filters

A dirty air filter can lead to a number of different problems. It's a good idea to check your air filters once a month and change as necessary. Your AC has been running for roughly three months, which means it has filtered a lot of debris. If you have not changed your filter during the summer months, it would be a good idea to change it before switching over to heat.

2. Clean Your Unit

Since your AC has been running for a while, it is a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning before "storing" it for the winter months. Wiping down the inner coils, outer casing and frequently used controls can help avoid issues caused by build up when you start it back up when it gets warmer. If you find anything hard to remove or any damage, make sure you call a professional Lake of the Ozarks HVAC repair company.

3. Check Your Thermostat

Because you have been using your thermostat all summer long, you may want to make sure the batteries aren't low and everything is in working order before switching it over to the heat setting. If your thermostat is older, now is the time to upgrade your thermostat to a newer model. Programmable thermostats can help save energy and save you money on your utility bills with the multiple daily settings. Having these settings will allow your system to not work as hard when you are away.

4. Schedule A Maintenance Check

Having your AC unit looked over by a Lake of the Ozarks HVAC company before the cooler weather can give you peace of mind. When the winter season comes, you will know that your heater will be in tip top shape. The technician will look at your AC unit for any damage that may have occurred during the summer months. In addition, they will also make sure your furnace is in working order.

5. Think About Purchasing A New Unit

If your unit is over 10 years old, needs frequent repairs or can't meet your heating or cooling demands, it may be time for a new HVAC unit. Fall is a great time to purchase a new unit, as the weather is just getting cool. You can go into the harsh, winter weather with a brand new HVAC unit.

Preparing Your HVAC Unit With Royal Heating & Air

Fall is just around the corner and you may be switching over to the heat setting soon, so make sure your HVAC unit is in tip-top condition by calling Royal Heating & Air. As a professional HVAC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can assess your AC for damage that may have accumulated over the summer months. In addition, Royal Heating & Air can take a look at your furnace and make sure it is working condition before it becomes cold. If you are needing to schedule your maintenance appointment with Royal Heating & Air, call us at 573-480-4313 today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

During the summer months, we use our air conditioning units more than usual. Because of this extensive use, you may experience some issues, such as your AC system leaking water. If you do run into any issues with your AC unit, the best HVAC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you. Royal Heating & Air takes a look at why your HVAC unit is leaking and how you could fix it.

Why Is There Water In My AC Unit?

Having a little bit of water around your air conditioning unit is normal. Besides blowing cold air throughout your house, your AC also pulls humidity out of the air. The AC's inside unit pulls in hot, humid air through the return grille and over the cold evaporator coil to cool the air down. In doing so, condensation forms on the evaporator coil. The water that is formed falls into a drain pan and down a condensate drain line, which exits your home, or goes into your plumbing.

What's Causing the Leak?

As we discussed earlier, there are many units that are involved in taking the water out of the AC. If there are issues with any of these parts, this is when a leak could occur.

1. Clogged condensate drain - Dirt, rust, algae or other debris could all cause your condensate drain to become partially or completed blocked. This could cause build-up, which could lead to a leak in your AC unit.

2. Disconnected drain line - An improperly installed AC system could cause a drain line to loosen over time resulting in a pipe to disconnect from its connection.

3. Cold temperatures - Running your AC near the end of the season when its too cold could cause a leak. If the AC attempts to cool your home when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees, the cooling coils could form ice, which causes the leak in the AC unit.

4. Cracked condensate drain - Over a period of time, your condensate pan could rust causing it to crack. If this happens, your drain pan is no longer sealed and could cause water to leak out of your AC unit.

5. Dirty air filters - A dirty air filter could restrict airflow over the evaporator coils. This could result in the coils getting too cold and freezing. When the ice melts, the excess moisture drips into the condensate pan, causing it to overflow.

6. Low refrigerant levels - If the refrigerant levels are too low, the amount of pressure in the AC gets too low, which results in the evaporator coils freezing. When the ice melts, too much water falling into the drain pan will overflow it, causing it to leak.

If Your AC Leaks, Call Royal Heating & Air

Regardless of the reason, if your AC leaks, it is important to call a Lake of the Ozarks HVAC company. Having excess water leaking from your AC could cause issues with the electrical parts of your unit. It is important to have regular maintenance done on your AC unit to prevent costly repairs and breakdowns. If you need to schedule an appointment with a professional HVAC repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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