Royal Heating & Air

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

7 Mistakes You're Making With Your Air Conditioner

Although summer is starting to wind down, we still have a few more weeks of hot, sweltering and humid days. If you're wanting to make sure your AC unit can keep you cool on even the hottest of days, you will want to make sure you're taking all the preventative measures. Unfortunately, there are a few mistakes you are making with your air conditioner that could be undercutting its efficiency and its effectiveness. Continue reading to learn more about these mistakes and how you could prevent them.

1. You're Forgetting To Change The Air Filters.

It's best to check the filter once a month and change as necessary. Most filters can last about three months, but you may have to change it more often if you have pets, kids or smoke. A dirty air filter could cause your AC unit to not work as efficiently or cause it to freeze. This is an easy task that can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and help keep you cool all summer long.

2. You're Not Getting Your System Serviced.

One of the best things you can do for your HVAC system is to get it serviced by a professional. At Royal Heating & Air, we recommend having a technician look over your system at least twice a year. Once in the spring for your AC unit and once in the fall for your furnace. A professional technician can spot any issues early on before they become a major issue.

3. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low.

AC units are not designed to be set at super low temperatures. If you have it set below 68 degrees, you could cause your thermostat to freeze up - literally. When your AC unit freezes, it doesn't work as efficiently and it puts extra wear on it as well.

4. You're Not Utilizing The Fans.

Fans, especially ceiling fans, are a great way to keep cool air circulating throughout your home. In addition to keeping the air moving in your home, fans can also remove some of the burden from your AC unit. During the summer, make sure the ceiling fan is set to counterclockwise so it pushes air down.

5. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Not Positioned Correctly.

If your thermostat is positioned in the sun all day or is near a lamp or anything else that emits heat, it could throw off the readings. This could cause the AC to turn on even when it doesn't need to be. Blocking AC vents could cause your AC unit to work harder to cool your house. When positioning your furniture, make sure you're not blocking any vents.

6. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains.

The sun could be your AC unit's worst enemy. Bright sunlight beaming into your home all day long could cause your air conditioner to run for long periods of time to cool your home down. Closing the blinds and curtains, especially during the hottest part of the day, can help keep your home cool and help alleviate some of the pressure from your AC unit.

7. You're Not Using A Programmable Thermostat.

A programmable thermostat can help you save you money on your heating and cooling bill by automatically raising the temperature at those times of the day when you're out of the house. There are even newer thermostats that can be controlled by your smart phone that makes programming even simpler!

If you need help with your air conditioner this summer season, call Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313. Don't forget to schedule your fall service appointment to make sure your furnace is working properly so there are no surprises by the time the cold winter weather rolls in.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Thursday, August 10, 2017

5 Signs That Your Home Could Benefit From A Dehumidifier

A home that has excess moisture can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can pose a number of issues to your health and home. Luckily, humidity problems can be remedied through the use of a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can help keep your home comfortable and is your first line of defense against excess humidity in your home. However, how do you know if your home needs one? Here are 5 signs that your home could benefit from a dehumidifier.

1. Condensation On The Windows

When a room is too humid, condensation may start to build up on the windows. It may just look like fog, but when the environment is extremely humid you may actually see streaks or water droplets.

2. House Smells Musty

A musty smell is a tell-tale sign that mold and mildew are present. Excessive humidity in a home can cause mold to grow, which can lead to the musty smell. Lack of proper ventilation could also lead to mold and mildew.

3. Mold On The Ceiling

If you see mold in your home, it's generally a sign of excess humidity and it's time to get a dehumidifier. Bathrooms can't air out steam and excess humidity, making them prime areas for mold to grow. It can grow on walls, ceilings or around toilets and showers. Even small mold patches can be a problem, as they can quickly spread.

4. Water Stains Around The House

Water stains on the ceilings, walls, floors and other surfaces are a red flag for excess moisture in your home. When you see water stains, it's best to investigate what's causing the stain, as it could be a leaky pipe or a ventilation issue.

5. You're Experiencing Allergies

If you find yourself sneezing and coughing a lot, it could be the result of too much bacteria and mold growing because your home's air is too moist. A dehumidifier can help eliminate toxins in the air and keep mold spores from growing.

Your HVAC system can control the amount of humidity in your home, but sometimes it needs a little help. Luckily, adding a dehumidifier in your home can help keep you comfortable. If your home has high humidity levels, call the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Royal Heating & Air can help you determine if your home can benefit from a dehumidifier. To schedule an appointment, call 573-480-4313 today!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Could Your HVAC System Be Causing Indoor Air Odor?

If the air in your home is a little smelly, you may use air fresheners or candles to get rid of the smell. However, these tactics could only be masking the odors, not getting rid of them. In order to combat the smell in your home, you need to locate the source, and it could be caused by your HVAC system. There are several reasons why your indoor air quality could be declining, and Royal Heating & Air is here to help you get your home smelling like new again.

What Could Be Causing It?

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander and mold may be the cause of your home's odor problem. In addition, poor ventilation could contribute to unpleasant odors. Moisture build-up on walls and windows and stagnate air are both signs of poor ventilation. Poor ventilation could lead to mold, which could lead to musty smells in your home.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

Dirty Sock Syndrome is the foul, moldy smelling odor that comes from your air conditioner when it's first turned on. It's caused by the build up of mold and bacteria on the evaporator coil. Mold and mildew can grow due to the moisture that builds up on the coil through continued use, and it's fueled by the dust that collects in the AC unit over time from inadequate filtration.

What Can Be Done?

The best way to combat indoor odor is to find the source of the smell. Whether it's poor ventilation or mold growth on the AC coils, you need to find the source and eliminate it. One way to clean the air in your home is to install UV lights in your HVAC system, which can help kill odors and prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants. It's important to also have your HVAC system serviced twice a year. Our Lake of the Ozarks HVAC service technicians can inspect your AC unit to ensure it's clean and free of any mold build-up. Don't forget to also regularly check the filter and change as necessary. A dirty air filter can lead to major issues in your HVAC system, including mold growth on the AC coils.

Royal Heating & Air can help you have better indoor air by taking a look at your HVAC system. To schedule a service appointment with one of our Lake of the Ozark HVAC technician, call us today at 573-480-4313.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Protect Your AC From The Summer Heat

With temperatures nearing the 100s, AC units will be humming along all over the Lake area. We want to make sure the summer heat doesn't make your AC unit overwork. If your AC unit isn't performing efficiently, the extreme heat may cause it to overwork. Luckily, with just a few simple steps, we can help you beat the heat and keep your AC from overworking and running more efficiently.

1. Check the Filters

It's best to check the air filters once a month and change as necessary. Replacing the air filter is one of the easiest and most effective methods of conserving energy and saving money on your energy bills. It's a critical step in maintaining your system. It's important to regularly change the filter, as they get clogged with dust and other contaminants. If your filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. In addition, a dirty filter can cause cold air to get caught in the system, which can cause it to freeze up and stop working.

2. Keep AC Unit in the Shade

Making sure your AC unit is in a shaded area can help make it run more efficiently. Air in shaded spaces is cooler, which means that the AC unit will have an easier time cooling the air.

3. Don't Keep Thermostat in Heat

It's important to keep the thermostat away from heat producing appliances like lamps and TV sets. The thermostat would sense the heat coming off these appliances, which would cause the AC unit to run longer than necessary. When installing the thermostat, be thoughtful of the location. If it's placed near a window, the sun might shine on it also causing the AC unit to run longer.

4. Is it Time To Upgrade?

If your AC unit is over ten years old, it may not be very efficient in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Newer models are much more energy efficient and can keep your home comfortable no matter the temperature outside. If you have decided to replace your current AC unit, it's important to make sure it's the right size for your home. If your AC is too large for your home, it will cycle on and off more frequently, which will reduce the efficiency of the system.

5. Seal It Up

Make sure the cold air stays inside by properly insulating your home. In addition to ensuring there is enough insulation in the attic and around the air ducts, seal up any cracks and crevices around the windows and door frames with caulking. If your home is not weatherized, you could be wasting precious cold air during the summer months, which could make your AC unit work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

6. Call An HVAC Professional

The best way to make sure your AC unit is prepared for the summer heat is to have a professional Lake of the Ozarks HVAC technician take a look at your system. Royal Heating & Air can ensure that your system is prepared for even the hottest of days. Call us today at 573-480-4313 to schedule your service appointment.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Monday, July 17, 2017

Best Cooling System For Your Home

As a homeowner, there are many decisions you have to make when it comes to your home. From what type of flooring you want to the different appliances you can choose from, the options are endless. On top of that, you also have to decide what type of cooling system you want in your home. While your home probably had a cooling system installed when you bought it, depending on how old it is or what type it is, you may want to upgrade it. There are several different units you can install into your home to keep you cool all summer long. Royal Heating & Air takes a look at the different units available to help you decide which is best for your home.

Central Air Conditioning

Central AC units are probably one of the most common types of AC systems. These units are best for large buildings and homes. They use a split system, which includes an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor coil. The air conditioner pulls heat from inside the home and brings it outside, which gives you cooler air in your home. The biggest difference between central AC units and other forms of AC system is the use of air ducts, which allows the cool air to reach multiple rooms in your home. Although central AC units are a big investment, they're highly beneficial. They don't make much noise, are efficient at keeping the indoor air cool during the summer and can help keep the indoor air clean by removing dust and other contaminants.

Heat Pumps

When cooling, heat pumps are essentially the same as AC units, as they work the same way to cool your home. However, what makes heat pumps different than AC units is that they can be reversed to heat your home. The reverse system can take heat from the outside of the home and move it inside, which makes your home warmer during the winter. Heat pumps can do twice the work, which can keep your home comfortable all year long, and keep your energy bills lower. However, once the temperature drops too low, heat pumps won't be able to keep your home warm, and another heating source like a furnace will have to kick in to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Mini Split

There are two components that make up a mini split, which are an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coils as well as the cooling fan, while the outside unit houses the compressor, condenser and expansion valve. Mini splits work very similarly to heat pumps, as they are a high-efficiency air conditioner that can be reversed to also heat your home. One of the benefits to a mini split is that they don't need ducts to works. However, because of this, they're best in cooling down specific areas rather than whole homes, so they work best in small homes, condos and apartments.

If you are wondering what system is best for your home, call a professional Lake of the Ozarks heating and cooling company. At Royal Heating & Air, we can discuss the available options and figure out which system is best for your home. Call us today at 573-480-4313 and let the King of Comfort keep you cool all summer long!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Importance Of Maintaining Your AC Unit

With the summer cooling season fully underway, AC units all across the Lake of the Ozarks are humming along to provide precious cool air. While millions of people rely on AC in the summer, the units won't work well without a little care. With regular maintenance, you can count on your AC unit operating at top efficiency. If you are diligent about your AC maintenance, your AC unit will take care of you.

1. Remember to check the air filter monthly and change as necessary. This is a very simple task that can do wonders for your unit. If the filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, the unit will have to work harder and use more energy to keep your house cool. This could potentially overwork your AC unit and damage it. It will also lower the air quality in your home, which could aggravate allergies and asthma.

If you're running your system with a dirty filter, there are a couple major consequences that could happen.

- Short Cycling: When an AC or furnace cycle stops before hitting its temperature goal, it's known as a short cycle. A clogged air filter can cause this by trapping stagnant air inside the system tricking it into stopping the cycle early or forcing it to shut down to avoid overheating. This puts excessive wear on the system components and often leads to unpredictable temperatures in your home.

- Frozen Coils: During the summer season, dirty air filters can trap cooled air inside the HVAC system, which can eventually lead to frost buildup on the condenser and evaporator coils. If the frost continues to build, it could cause the unit to freeze up.

2. Have your HVAC system serviced at least twice per year. While you are able to change out the filter yourself, having your HVAC system serviced requires the professionals. A Lake of the Ozarks HVAC technician can give your entire system a good once-over to make sure everything is operating at peak condition and that there are no damaged parts. If there is anything that needs to be repaired or cleaned, the technician will make sure it gets done correctly. The HVAC system has a lot of moving parts and it's important they get taken care of properly to ensure there are no problems down the line.

3. Don't forget to clean the ducts. While it's important to take care of the HVAC system itself, it's also important not to forget about the ducts themselves. However, ducts don't need regular maintenance, so it's easy to forget to take care of them. Air ducts need to be cleaned and checked every couple of years by a professional. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may need to clean them more often. It's best to have your air ducts checked every couple of years to get rid of any dust or grime that accumulated over the years and to ensure there isn't any leakage.

If you need help ensuring your AC unit can last you until the end of the summer season, contact Royal Heating & Air at 573-480-4313. We can take a look at your AC unit and ensure everything is working the way it should.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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