What Does it Take to be a Great HVAC Tech?

HVAC Technicians have a very important (and not always easy) job. If you are thinking about becoming an HVAC technician, or are just curious what it takes for your tech to be the best at what they do, today's blog is for you! Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks. One of the reasons for that is our incredible technicians that help us help you keep your home comfortable and safe year-round. 

Not Afraid to Get Dirty

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) makes your home cozy and comfortable. But, keeping it that way isn't always the most comfortable experience. Many times, HVAC units and their components are located in the crawl space of a home. That's right, under the house where all the dirt, spiders, and creepy crawlies are. A great HVAC technician should be prepared to get to the unit, no matter where it is located, and be able to fix it while spending time in those conditions. 

Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures

HVAC issues seem to occur when the weather is at it's worst. If the heat index is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and someone hasn't had an HVAC check in a long time, a minor issue they've had for awhile could become a BIG issue. People might overcompensate and try to keep their house too cool in extreme heat and actually cause their air conditioning unit to freeze from over working. If the temperature is below freezing, there are also a host of issues that can come up for HVAC systems. HVAC technicians need to be prepared for this kind of problem and know that they'll probably be working in subfreezing temperatures and sweltering heat on a regular basis. 

People-Person

Most people are not very familiar with how their HVAC system works, they just know they want to be comfortable in their own homes. An HVAC technician needs to be able to explain to the "average Joe" what is going on and how they can fix it using simple terms. Customers typically don't want a whole lesson on HVAC, but they do want to know enough to know that you really did fix the issue and that you know what you're talking about. HVAC techs also need to be able to work with people in high stress situations. If the heating or cooling has gone out in their home and they are expecting guests, they could be experiencing a significant amount of stress. The tech should be able to be a calming and reassuring presence during the appointment to help ease the customer's worry. 

"Know Their Stuff"

Whether on a service call to figure out why someone’s air conditioner is not working, installing a new system, or doing a preventative maintenance check, the service technician will be looking at a lot of different elements that have to all work together to keep the home comfortable. The technician will be removing access panels, examining the parts and pieces of the system, cleaning components, and looking for anything unusual. They may be arriving at a house that has water leaking from the HVAC unit and damaging the home. That may be something as simple as blowing out a clog in the drain line, or it may require checking/correcting the level of refrigerant in the system. All in the same day an HVAC tech may learn and use plumbing skills, electrical skills, mechanical skills, carpentry skills, and much more. They need to "know their stuff" to be a great HVAC technician and serve the customer well, finding and fixing the issue the first time. 

Problem Solving

Sometimes we think our technicians should wear capes.  Each day they go out and help diagnose and SOLVE problems for our customers. Sometimes they are easy problems, sometimes they are complicated. But our team members will not be satisfied until they have figured out what the issue is and provide a workable solution for the client. It is not unusual for an employee to start with Royal Heating and Air with no prior HVAC experience, which can be a bonus for both the employee and the company. The employee receives free on-the-job training while earning a great paycheck and learns how and what to do with Royal’s high standards of expectations. The skills that are utilized to help our customers each day, translate into life skills that will be valuable in any setting.

Work With the Best!

Royal Heating and Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are always interested in meeting someone who is thinking about a career in the HVAC Industry. In fact, right now we are actively seeking someone to add to our team. If you fit the criteria above and want to be part of a great team, you may be perfectly suited for a job at Royal Heating & Air! You could learn a trade without going into student debt, while getting started in the job market and developing skills that will apply for the rest of your life! Give us a call to learn more and get started: 573-480-4313

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Your Post Winter Storm Checklist

Winter Storm Landon really poured quite a bit of snow on our state! After a big storm with lots of snow and ice, there are some important things you need to check. As the best heating company at the Lake of the Ozarks, Royal Heating & Air is here for you with all the tips you need. Keep reading to get the checklist you need to make sure your home and HVAC are in good condition post-storm. 

Check the Roof

Any time there is a lot of precipitation, especially if it includes ice, there could be damage to the roof of your home. Once it's safe to do so, clear the snow off your roof and check for any obvious signs of damage. Better yet, call a professional to come check for you.

Check Your Outdoor Units

Check your outdoor HVAC units for any damage caused by wind, foreign objects blowing into it, ice damage, etc. Clear any snow drifts that have accumulated around your unit so it's easier to see anything that has gone wrong. It's also a good time to schedule a maintenance check with your local HVAC company (call 573-480-4313 to schedule!) to make sure nothing has been damaged in the storm. 

Check Trees Near the House

When a storm includes a lot of wind and ice, it can also compromise the integrity of the tree branches. Checking the trees around your house could help prevent future disasters of branches falling on your home. 

Test Your Smoke & CO Detectors 

Make sure the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fresh and that they are working properly. When your furnace is running overtime to keep the house warm, there can be a greater chance of gas leaks or fire. Stay safe by making sure your detectors are all in working condition. 

Best HVAC Company

Royal Heating & Air is here to help you stay safe and comfortable year-round! Give us a call to schedule a maintenance check. Better yet, get on our proactive maintenance plan so you never have to think about when it's time to evaluate your HVAC. We are here for you! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Cozy Valentine’s Day Inspiration 💗

Valentine's Day is just a quick 18 days away! If you were planning on waiting until the last minute and buying grocery store chocolates and the last wilting bouquet... STOP! We've got creative, easy ideas to make your Valentine really smile and think you put a lot of work into the holiday this year. Check it out! 

Make Cheesy Kindergarten Valentine's Cards

Yes, it's cheesy! And, yes, that's the whole point! Get a variety pack of construction paper, a box of crayons, and some stickers at the local store. Set out your supplies on the table and put up a cereal box wall to hide your progress. Then spend time giggling together while you craft the perfect, hilarious, super-cheesy Valentine's cards for each other. Bonus points for frilly lace and ribbon!

Challenge Each Other to a Bake-Off

Are you more competitive than cheesy? Challenge each other to a bake-off! Find a recipe on the internet for something neither one of you has ever made before (like chocolate lava cake!). Print off two copies of the recipe and count it down. 3, 2, 1... Bake! You'll have to set some ground rules so the race is fair: No stand mixers or electric beaters, no sabotaging each other's recipes, etc. Let the kids, or a hungry neighbor, be the taste tester to determine who wins! 

Give the Gift of Dates

Sometimes one of the hardest things about going out together after years of being a couple is simply thinking of what to do and making a plan. So, make a plan together this Valentine's Day! There are several awesome resources out there to help inspire couples to have a great time. One of the best that has gained a lot of popularity recently is the Adventure Book series. They plan the dates so you don't have to - just scratch off the next square and have fun! There is both a Couples version and a "spicy" version to choose from. Not in the budget to buy a fancy book? Get a bag of popsicle sticks, a mason jar, and some markers. (You may even have most of that at home already!) Divide the popsicle sticks evenly between you and write creative date ideas on each one and put it in the mason jar. You can even decorate the jar with paint, washi tape, stickers, etc. Now you have a pretty jar full of date ideas so you're never stumped when date night rolls around!

There's an App For That

These days, there seems to be an app for everything. There's even an app that can help couples improve communication, chat about their dreams, and learn more about each other. A great one to try is "Paired". The free version gives you and your significant other one simple question every day. It's not just for couples that have disagreements or struggles! It helps you get to know each other better and have conversations that might not come up otherwise. There are lots of other apps out there too, so take a look and find your favorite!

Cuddle Up & Dream 

Head out to the store, find a big fluffy blanket, choose your favorite snacks, and get ready to settle in on the couch. Cozy up together and talk about your dreams for the future. It may seem ultra-cheesy, but talking about and planning for the future can help strengthen your relationship and give you a sense of shared purpose. Do you someday dream of traveling in Europe together? Do you want to open a small-town bakery or coffee shop when you retire? Make a bucket list together and stick it on the fridge to remind each other of your dreams every day. 

Stay Warm This Valentine's Day! 

Last year around Valentine's Day, the Lake of the Ozarks experienced a major freeze. In fact, nearly the entire lake froze over! Keep your system working well through the chilly temperatures by checking everything ahead of time...

• Ensure your indoor vents are not covered with clutter.
• Check to see that the outdoor unit isn't blocked.
• Make sure the condensation line of your high-efficiency furnace doesn't freeze.
• Set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature so your furnace can keep up.
• Have emergency gear on hand - extra blankets, gloves, hats, hand warmers, temporary space heaters, jugs of water, etc.
• Call the best heating company at the Lake of the Ozarks for help! 

Royal Heating & Air is here for you all year long to make sure you and your family are safe and comfortable in every season. If you have any questions about your HVAC, feel free to give us a call: 573-480-4313

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Keep the Family Entertained in Sub-Freezing Temperatures!

The temperatures have been really low the past few days! And sometimes it can be hard to think of what to do and how to stay entertained when it's in the single digits outside. Royal Heating & Air is here to keep your house comfortable and warm throughout the icy winter. And today we're bringing you some great ideas on how to stay entertained inside when it's too cold to be outside!

Get Crafty

You might be singing, "Snow, snow, go away!" But, you could embrace the snow theme instead and create paper snowflakes to hang around the house for the snowiest snow day of all! Some of the best materials to use for decorative snowflakes are probably already in your house... Printer paper, paper plates, and coffee filters all make beautiful snowflakes. You could try and follow a snowflake pattern online, or just have fun with it! The key is to make a circle with the material you're using, fold it in half several times over until it looks like a cone, then cut little notches out of the edges... voila! A pretty, unique snowflake of your own! 

Go Classic

When was the last time you played a good old fashioned card game, or even checkers! There are so many fun games out there right now, that it's easy to forget about the simpler games that we used to play. If you don't have a checker board, don't worry... You can use napkins to make the squares and paper plates and plastic cups for the pieces! Or, you could use ALL the decks of cards in the house and build the biggest house of cards you've ever built. Try seeing how many rooms you can build through with your card house castle. Or try to get the tallest tower of cards possible! 

Bake Some Treats

Another fun cold weather activity is to bake together. If you have a favorite baked treat, but you've never tried making it yourself, look up a recipe online and give it a go! Not feeling super adventurous? Sugar cookies are a classic treat... and who doesn't love sneaking some cookie dough before they go in the oven? Plus, baking can make you feel warmer as you watch the cookies bake in the oven. 
(Important Warning: Never use your oven to warm the house!! This can cause carbon monoxide leaks and even house fires.)

Do a Puzzle

If you have an old puzzle you've done before, now might be the perfect time to break it back out and put it together again! Puzzles help pass the time and can be a lot of fun to work on together. If you don't have a puzzle but can get out of the house for a bit, swing by the nearest WalMart and find a big selection of puzzles of all sizes in the toy section. There are also gadgets like the Puzzle Scoop that helps move bigger sections of the puzzle around and the Puzzler Saver that lets you roll the puzzle up on a mat to put away and continue working on later.

Stay Warm

Whatever fun activity you choose, be sure your house is warm and safe with the best heating company at the Lake of the Ozarks... Royal Heating & Air! We have been serving the Lake area for 10 years and we are committed to keeping your family comfortable year-round, even in single-digit temperatures. If your furnace isn't keeping up with these temperatures or your vents are only blowing cold air, give us a call and we'll come check it out! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Use This HVAC Checklist Before Calling the Pros!

If you are noticing that something is off with your HVAC system, there could be a few things you can check and try on your own before calling in the professionals. Most people's instinct is to call right away, but there are a few things you can check first! Royal Heating & Air truly cares about your home comfort and giving you the best solutions. That's why we're sharing a quick checklist of a few things you should take a peek at before picking up the phone. 

Is the Power On? 

This might sound like a really silly question. But, with so many people using natural light during the day, you may not even realize that you've had a power outage. 

• Check Outages - If you don't have power, check to see if it's a temporary outage in your area... 
• Do you neighbors have power? 
• Does your power company show an outage online?
• Yes, There's an Outage - If it is a temporary outage that has already been reported in the area, then your solution is to wait until the power comes back on and see if everything starts back up like it should. 
• No, There's Not an Outage - If there's not a temporary outage in your area, check your breakers. You could have accidentally tripped one, causing the power to shut off. 
• Yes, The Breaker is Flipped - When you flip the breaker back on, if it immediately flips off again, then it's time to turn everything off, call an electrician, and have a professional HVAC technician come to the house to see what's going on. 

Is the Thermostat Working? 

The thermostat is another quick, easy check you can do to see if there is a simple error you can handle on your own.

• Thermostat Power - Many thermostats run on batteries. If your HVAC isn't kicking on when the temperature falls out of range, then it could just mean your thermostat's power is too low. Replace the batteries and turn the thermostat 5-10 degrees in the direction you want the house temperature to move and see if it kicks on. If it does, problem solved! If not, it's time to give us a call. 
• Thermostat Setting - Check to make sure the thermostat is on the right setting and didn't get bumped into a different one. There is cool, fan, and heat. Fan just circulates air, while the other two settings are self-explanatory. 
• Thermostat Error - Your thermostat might be flashing a symbol that you don't recognize. For example, if your system has just turned off after a cycle and you immediately change the temperature again, it could flash a warning that it needs to wait a little bit before turning on again. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. You can always search your thermostat type and what the symbol means to get a good idea of what's going on. 

Is the Filter Clean? 

• Check the Filter - When was the last time you changed the air filter? Clogged filters restrict airflow and can make it difficult for your system to keep the temperature where you want it. When you change it, go ahead and mark your calendar or set a reminder for the next time you need to make the switch!
• 1-inch filters should be changed every month
• 2-inch filters should be changed every 2 months 
• 4-5-inch filters should be changed every 6 to 12 months

Inspect Your Vents

Some people have this idea that closing vents and doors to rooms they aren't using will help concentrate all the air flow into the room they are using and therefore maximize efficiency. That couldn't be further from the truth. The air will still get pushed through the ductwork to those rooms and then have nowhere to go. The room your in won't get any more air than it would have in the first place, and all the air will leach into other areas of the house trying to get the whole home to the right temperature. 

• Open the Vents - Go through the house and make sure all the vents are open.
• Tidy Up - Even if you know all the vents are open, make sure they are all not blocked by any clothes, kids' toys, plants, etc. Your vents should have two feet of room on all sides.
• Get the Ducts Cleaned - Every so often, it's a good idea to have your ductwork thoroughly cleaned. Your ducts can accumulate quite a bit if dust, debris, dead insects, and even dead rodents. Not only does this block air flow, but it also can be harmful to your health to breathe in the air that passes over these materials day after day. 

Check the Outdoor Unit

Now that you've checked everything inside, it's time to check outside! A lot of people stop at the inside checks and then just call a technician because they are intimidated by the idea of trying to look at the outdoor unit. But, there are a few simple things you can take a look at before calling. 

• Remove Debris & Crowding - If weeds have started growing up around your unit or animals have made nests on or near it, you'll want to clear that away. There should be three feet of room around your unit for optimal efficiency. 
• Check for Damage - Missouri experiences a lot of crazy weather! And that can mean fallen branches, debris being blown into the unit, and other sources of damage.
• Do a Light Clean - Use a gentle nozzle on a standard hose to spray down your unit (but not under pressure!) to help get rid of any clogging leaves and particles that could be causing problems.
• Check the Disconnect Switch - The are disconnect switches to your indoor and outdoor units. On the outside, it will be in a service box mounted on the wall near your condenser unit. Make sure this is switched ON. 
• Check Your Fuses - There is a fuse between your thermostat and your AC. If it's been blown, this could be a simple swap! Standard sizes are available at most hardware stores.
• Check for Freezing - If you have a high-efficiency furnace, then subfreezing temperatures could cause the condensation line to freeze all the way back to the unit, freezing up the unit and preventing it from kicking on. Try thawing this out to see if it begins working again. 

Best HVAC Company at the Lake 

If you have gone through this checklist and are still experiencing issues, give us a call! Royal Heating & Air is here for you, and our technicians would love to come out and check your system to make sure everything is working like it should be. Your comfort and health means a lot to us, and we love helping however we can! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

HVAC 101: The Basics Every Home Owner Should Know

If you're a home owner in Missouri, you have an HVAC system that keeps your home safe and comfortable year-round. It's a really important part of your home, but do you know anything about it? Royal Heating and Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are here to help! In today's blog, we are covering the basics that every home owner should know about your heating and cooling system. Keep reading to learn all about it! 

What Does HVAC Stand For?

We use the term HVAC a lot, and you know it generally means the system that keeps your house warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. But what does HVAC actually stand for? It stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. 

Most Familiar Parts of Your HVAC

Thermostat

The thermostat is the part of the HVAC system that you interact with the most - maybe even on a daily basis. The thermostat is the appliance where you set the temperature for your home. You can switch the system from cool to heat or fan. Thermostats can be fairly simple and relatively outdated, or they can be customizable, programmable devices that help you save on energy costs and enjoy more convenience. Royal Heating & Air has great programmable thermostats for you home - give us a call to learn more! 

Vents & Ductwork

The vents are another part of the HVAC system that you can easily see from inside your home. Depending on how your system is installed, the vents could be in the ceiling or in the floor. These vents are connected to the ductwork. Ductwork is what moves the air through the system and throughout your home to keep it at the temperature you set. Royal Heating & Air is set apart because we can design and create custom-fit ductwork for homes. This helps improve your system's efficiency and longevity because there are less leaks and more direct paths to the rooms they're managing. 

HVAC Parts for Heating

Furnace

Furnaces move heated air from the heat exchanger into the ductwork, which then goes into your home. 

Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is inside of the furnace, but not technically part of it. This is a really important element in keeping your home warm when it's cold outside. It adds heat to air that comes through the system. 

HVAC Parts for Cooling

Evaporator Coil

Even though this part of your system is for cooling, it's located in the furnace. Inside of the evaporator coil, there is a fluid called refrigerant. As air passes over the coil, the coil absorbs the heat from the air which cools it down. Then that cold air is blown into your home, cooling it down. 

Condensing Unit

Condensing units also exchange heat with the air that passes over it, just like the evaporator coil. However, condensing units give off heat and are for outdoor HVAC units. 

Refrigerant Tubes

These tubes connect the indoor (evaporator coil) and outdoor (condensing coil) HVAC units. 

Heat Pump

Heat pumps can work to both heat and cool your home. When it's cold outside, the heat pump takes heat from the outside and pumps it inside. When it's hot outside, it takes heat from inside and pumps it outside instead.

Best HVAC Company at the Lake 

Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we are here to help you understand your system and keep it working well so your home stays comfortable and safe for years to come. Give us a call to schedule your maintenance check: 573-480-4313

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

New Year’s Resolutions for your HVAC

New Year's is just around the corner, which means it's time to write those New Year's Resolution lists! It's a fun activity that helps start the year with purpose and goals to pursue. Usually resolutions are about health, finances, and good general habits... But what about your HVAC system? Royal Heating & Air is bringing you some great resolutions for 2022. Get ready to have the best heating and cooling at the Lake of the Ozarks! 

Do a Deep Clean

Doing a deep clean throughout your home can help give you a fresh start and make the new year feel even newer. With a clean house and a fresh outlook, you'll be unstoppable! Part of your deep clean this year should be your HVAC system. After all, the air you breathe inside your home is filtered through your HVAC system over and over again. If your ducts are full of dust, dirt, dead bugs, and even mice, then just imagine what you're actually breathing. 

It's a good idea to get your HVAC ductwork cleaned professionally at least every 5 years. If you have allergies or asthma, then it might be a good idea to get them cleaned more often - as much as necessary. One incredible way to keep your HVAC system free from bacteria and viruses is to install an HVAC UV Light System! These systems prevent pathogens from reproducing so they can't spread and get you sick. It works constantly in the background, giving you cleaner air and peace of mind. Royal Heating & Air can install one for you, just give us a call to learn more!

Another simple way to make sure the air in your home is as clean as possible is to regularly change your air filters. Air filters should be changed according to their type and amount of use, but on average filters need to be changed every 30 to 90 days. Having a clean air filter is crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality. If your air filter is dirty, then your system will have a hard time pulling clean air through it. This can negatively affect your system's efficiency as well as your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection. Check your air filter every month to make sure it hasn't accumulated too much dust and debris.

Don't forget outside! Check your outdoor unit to make sure there aren't any leaks, damage from storms or animals, bad smells, or loud noises coming from the unit. It's also important to make sure the unit is clear from any debris like dead leaves, snow, fallen branches, etc. We recommend that there should be at least a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit.

Improve Efficiency 

Efficiency isn't just a popular buzz word when it comes to your HVAC system. High efficiency saves you money in the short-term and the long-term. In the short-term, your energy bill will be lower if your system is running at it's best instead of struggling to keep up because it's having issues. In the long-term, your HVAC system will typically last longer if it has been able to operate at top efficiency for its whole life. Your units may need to be replaced earlier than expected if they haven't been well cared for during their use. 

To improve efficiency, make sure your airflow is at its best. Check to see if air is escaping through gaps and cracks in your ductwork. On average, about 20-30% of 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.” This could be a great way to save on energy and have a more comfortable home in 2022. 

If you haven't already, you should also 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 around the clock, whether you’re home or away. Smart thermostats provide energy savings by learning your unique schedule and temperature preferences and adapting to them.

Work with the Best

Instead of trying to DIY solutions to your HVAC issues or calling someone to help that isn't reliable, turn to the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks! Working with Royal Heating & Air in 2022 should definitely be on your new year's resolution list for your heating and cooling next year. Our technicians are skilled, on time, and care about you and the comfort and safety of your home. 

Give us a call to schedule a maintenance check on your HVAC system, have us come perform a Home Comfort Check, or have us install great technology to improve your home's sanitation, efficiency, and humidity. We've got what you need! 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn