The Basics of HVAC, Every Homeowner Should Know

If you're a homeowner in Missouri, you probably have an HVAC system that keeps your home comfortable year-round! It's an integral part of your home, but how much do you really know 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 homeowner should know about your heating and cooling system. We will cover the differences between using your HVAC system for heating as well as cooling. Keep reading to learn all about it! 

What Does HVAC Stand For?

We use the term HVAC often, 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 really 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 - possibly even daily. The thermostat is the appliance used to set the temperature for your home. You can switch the system from cool to heat or fan. Thermostats can range from simple and outdated, or they can be customizable, programmable devices that help you save on energy costs and enjoy more high-tech convenience.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! Summer is the last time you’d want a broken air conditioner, so make sure you understand how your system works properly. If you think your air conditioner is breaking down make sure to give us a call to schedule a check-in: 573-480-4313. Have a cool summer!

 

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Keep Safe From The Sun This Summer With These Tips!

 

Summer is just about here and the best way to stay safe from the sun is in the cool air conditioning! Air conditioners save us from the summer heat and keep us comfortable all season when they are working correctly. Just having it installed is not enough when prepping for summer, you should have a professional complete a few maintenance tasks to prolong the life of your AC. A professional HVAC tune-up at the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the safest ways to check whether your system is in good condition for summer. Here are a few other tips to keep you cool this summer!

Cover up!

Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin,” eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common of all cancers.

You can cloth yourself with ultraviolet protection factor labeled clothing or darker colored pieces. Don’t forget the sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats to keep your eyes protected!

Wear Your Sunscreen

Reduce your skin cancer risk by wearing sunscreen daily, especially in the summer! It is finally time for fun summer activities, but don’t let that distract you from keeping your health a priority!

Choose the correct sunscreen for your skin and apply 15 minutes before you plan on going outdoors! Broad spectrum with a SPF of 30 or higher. Find one that is also water-resistant so your time in the water won’t wash off your sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours as directed on the sunscreen. We would even suggest protecting your lips with sunscreen ChapStick.

Seek Shade

Seek shade and limit your time in direct sunlight during the sun peak hours of 10 AM and 4 PM during the summer. Use an umbrella or take a break from the sun in the air conditioning!

Use the UV Index forecast

Tune in to local radio and TV stations or check online for the UV index forecast in your area. When the UV index is 3 or higher, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.

Drink plenty of cool liquids (especially water) before you feel thirsty

If sunny days are also hot and humid, stay cool and most importantly, hydrated to avoid heat illness. Dehydration is very dangerous, and you should always carry water with you when you plan on being outdoors.

Avoid using tanning equipment

There is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan. Using tanning equipment damages your skin and increases your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Fun Fact

Did you know even animals practice sun protection?! Chimpanzees avoid the midday sun and hippos secrete pink-colored oil that acts like a sunscreen to protect their skin from sunburn.

Royal Heating and Air Wishes You a Safe and COOL Summer

Sun safety is ALWAYS in season, and it is so important to protect your skin from potential sun damage. Skin cancer is on the rise and one of the most common forms for cancer is the Unites States. 

Whether you have a whole house or one room unit air conditioner, do not make it work harder than it needs to! Schedule a maintenance check up with your HVAC professional to keep your unit working efficiently to keep your home cool all season long! If you see any leaks or signs your AC unit has been compromised, call your HVAC professional near the Lake of the Ozarks!

Family vacations to the lake are always memorable and fun! With all that our beautiful community has to offer, there is no wonder weekenders choose to take up semi-permanent residency here in the summer months, and we happily welcome them! If you are here for the weekend and looking to create some excellent memories that the whole family will cherish, Royal Heat and Air wishes you a safe summer at the lake! We hope you follow these sun safety tips for the best summer with your family and friends!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Get Out & Enjoy the Summer Weather with these 5 June Events!

 The summer weather is upon us, which means it is time to get out and enjoy June events around the lake! Royal Heating and Air is here to help you make the most of the season. We make sure your HVAC unit at the Lake of the Ozarks are running well so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather. Today, we're also bringing you some great June events going on around the lake over the next month to help you take advantage of the warmer weather. Check out these events, you won’t want to miss this June!

JACOB'S CAVE SUMMER SWAPPING DAYS

Jun 2, 2022 - Jun 5, 2022 from 7 am to 10 pm

·         Missouri's largest swap meet featuring antiques, guns, fishing tackle, crafts, small animals, fowl, flea market items, etc.

·        Set up and camp or just come browse the acres of crafts, goods, livestock, and various products at Jacobs Cave on North Hwy 5 between Gravois Mills and Versailles.

Jacob's Cave Meadowlands

23114 Hwy TT

Versailles, 65084

Phone: 573-378-4374

NONSTOP REGGAE BAND

Jun 3, 2022 from 6:00pm-10:00pm for Non Stop Reggae Band

• Join us at the largest swim-up bar in the midwest, The Hippo for this amazing group performing all the great Bob Marley hits. You will not be disappointed!

• Come earlier in the day and take advantage of the great drinks, food, and fun in the sun! 

The Regalia Hotel and Conference Center

250 Racquet Club Drive

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Phone: 5737233000

Email: admin@theregaliahotel.com

FLOAT YOUR BOAT CARDBOARD BOAT RACES

Jun 4, 2022 

• Deadline to register is June 3, 2022.

• Boats made with cardboard and duct tape only!

• Boat races start at 1:00 pm - Please arrive by 12:30 pm.

• Prize and bragging rights to 1st place!

• Lake of the Ozarks Food Bank Advisory Board Fundraiser. All money is donated locally.

• To register your team contact Jasen Jones: jjones@oldkinderhook.com or 314-401-5518.

Captain Ron's Bar & Grill

82 Aloha Lane

Sunrise Beach, MO 65079

Phone: 314.401.5518

Email: jjones@oldkinderhook.com

LAKE WEST CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Jun 12, 2022 from 11:30 am Registration, 1:00 pm Tee Time

• Lake West Chamber Golf Tournament

• 4 person scramble

• Silent Auction

• Awards Dinner

• Registration at 11:30 am - Shotgun start at 1:00 pm

Indian Rock Golf Club

100 Indian Lake Ave.

Gravois Mills, MO 65037

Phone: 5733745500

Email: info@lakewestchamber.com

2022 RUN FOR THE HORSES 5K/10K

Jun 25, 2022

• Linn Creek City Park, 102 West Valley Dr., Linn Creek, MO 65052

• Registration opens at 6:30 AM, Start Time 7:30 AM

• $20 pre-registration, $25 registration day of race, Children under 12: $10. A 5/10K Virtual Race $35 (A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track). You run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. 

• Email your time to cheryllmcg@gmail.com and your T-Shirt

will be shipped directly to you. For information call Cheryll McGuire 281-468-3508.

• All proceeds benefit the Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue in Linn Creek.

• Register online and pay with credit card or PayPal at missouriforgetmenot.org/race or find us on

Facebook.

• Medals for top 3 finishers in each category at Saturday race. Pre-register by June 12th to guarantee

T-shirt availability.

Linn Creek City Park

102 West Valley Dr.

Linn Creek, MO 65052

Phone: 281-468-3508

Email: cheryllmcg@gmail.com

Whether you live at the lake full-time or come down for the weekends, you deserve to enjoy your time at the Lake of the Ozarks without a care in the world. Royal Heating and Air can help with that! We make sure you are comfortable by providing the best HVAC service at the Lake of the Ozarks. You should be able to focus on fun, not on issues with the cooling systems at your house! Give us a call to schedule a HVAC maintenance check and plan your worry-free trip to the Lake of the Ozarks this June!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

5 Practices That Will Help Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Warm summer months are almost here! Air conditioners are susceptible to issues after being stored away all winter. Royal Heat and Air would love to come and resolve this for you! But in the meantime, there are a few other ways that can keep your home cool during the wait. It is instinctual to crank your AC or turn on the fans, but that is not always an available option. Read on to learn how to keep your home cool without increasing your electric bill! 

Keep The Blinds Closed

This may seem like such a minor deal here but 30% of unwanted heat comes through your windows! Using your shades and curtains can possibly save you money on bills while still maintaining a cool indoor temperature. 

Doors

Be cautious what doors are kept open or closed. Closed doors to rooms you do not use often. Take advantage of those cool nights allowing cool air to naturally flow through the house. 

Use The Fan Hack

Fill a mixing bowl with ice or an icepack, and position it at an angle in front of a fan so the air whips off the ice in a chilled state.

Change The Sheets

It is time for a seasonal sheet switch! Change the sheets from winter to summer is a great way to keep cool while you sleep! It also freshens up a room, and nothing is better than sleeping in a freshly made bed.

Turn On Bathrooms Fans

It is best to turn on your bathroom fan, when showering, to quickly pull the hot steamy air out of the house before it sneaks into your home. 

Window Hack

Create a cooling pressure current! You can do this if you open the top section of the windows on the downwind of your house and open the bottom section of windows on the upwind side.

You should also consider using a box fan to push hot air out of your home!

Grill

Cooking indoors will naturally crank the heat up inside! This is another reason grilling is more popular in the summer! Try to grill outdoors and all of the heat is already outside, plus you can’t beat the smell of food on the grill!

Invest In Heat Reducing Film

Like we stated before, roughly 30% of ambient heat comes into your home through the windows! Apply a reflective, heat-reducing window film that will help regulate the temperature in your home.

These are several low-cost ways to keep your home cool without cranking up that electric bill! It is nice to use your AC during the hottest times of the day, for a period of time. This not only gives your AC a break, it keep your electric bill at a more consistent rate. We also suggest using portable air conditioners is a great solution for cooling areas of your home. If you have a built-in air conditioner, you go through our blog on Preparing Your AC for Summer before you use it all summer. Keep cool and have a ROYAL summer!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Why Proactive Maintenance Will Keep You Cool All Summer Long

Air conditioners save us from the summer heat and keep us comfortable all season when they are working correctly. Just having it installed is not enough when prepping for summer, you should have a professional complete a few maintenance tasks to prolong the life of your AC. A professional HVAC tune-up at the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the safest ways to check whether your system is in good condition for summer.

Why Schedule an AC Tune-up?

During the warm seasons, there tends to be a lot of pollen and other particles in the air. All the tiny particles in the air can easily clog the air conditioner and dramatically reduce the efficiency of your AC. To prevent a clogged AC, it is important to schedule a summer tune-up for your air conditioner near Camdenton, MO. 

How Often Should the Air Conditioner Be Tuned Up?

Scheduling an HVAC Tune-Up once a year would prevent problems from arising, prolonging the life of your AC system. 

Replace the air filter as necessary, while checking it and cleaning it monthly.

What Does an HVAC Tune-Up Include? 

• General Inspection
• Cleaning & inspection of the AC filter
• Cleaning out the condenser of the outdoor unit
• Inspecting the evaporator coil, and cleaning it 
• Inspecting the drainage system
• Checking the wiring
• Evaluating cycle 
• Checking the power operation

Signs Your HVAC System Needs a Tune-Up for Summer 

• Your air conditioner makes a strange noise 
• The system is very loud when operating
• The unit gets very hot
• It smells when working 
• Water is dripping from the unit

It Saves You Money 

AC repairs tend to be costly, so proactive tune-ups are imperative. It is better not to neglect issues, so it doesn’t get so bad that you need to buy a whole new AC system. The best way to prevent serious problems and save you money on AC repairs. If you keep close attention to your AC, or call your professional HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can save money long-term!

Air conditioning maintenance can be a complex process that encompasses several steps and should be performed safely by an HVAC professional at the Lake of the Ozarks. There is nothing worse than coming home to a home that is hotter than the air outside! A check-up and test will ensure everything is working properly and prolong the life of your AC systems. Do not wait until something goes wrong to call your AC technician at Lake of the Ozarks, MO. It is best to be proactive and get a summer tune-up to give your air conditioner a head start! An air conditioning tune-up saves you money by preventing breakdowns and repairs. Your best bet is always to call your Royal Heating and Air technician.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer!

Whether you have a whole house or one room unit air conditioner, do not make it work harder than it needs to! Follow a few of these HVAC maintenance tips to keep your unit working efficiently to keep your home cool all season long! If you see any leaks or signs your AC unit has been compromised, call your HVAC professional near the Lake of the Ozarks!

Change Your Air Filter 

One of the least expensive and simple ways to keep your air conditioner going strong is changing the air filter when necessary.  Dust and debris naturally accumulates on the filter as it is filtering the air, so you should check the filter once a month to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently.

Check Your Outside Unit  

The outside unit, the condenser, is exposed to nature’s elements and can get pretty dirty if you don’t regularly clean it. You should clear off debris such as tree twigs and leaves around or on the unit. Make sure to also wipe off dirt and dust from your unit. Also ensure it has at least two feet of space, free from debris and plants that can build up around the condenser so that it is not working harder than it needs to.

You can even vacuum the fins of your outdoor unit with a soft bristle brush.

The Coolant Lines

Make sure you also check your coolant lines that run the refrigerant from your indoor handler to the outside unit, to check for any leaks. The lines should be covered with foam insulation and perfectly intact to avoid leakage. 

Drain Lines

This is one of the most overlooked components of your HVAC system that can make or break your whole unit. An AC condensate drain line regulates the humidity when working properly. It keeps your home comfortable by pulling moisture out of the air. The extra moisture drips into the condensate pan and travels through the drain line and exits the system. Sometimes this drain line gets clogged and backed up, it can potentially cause mold and mildew issues. If this gets clogged, call your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC professional! 

What Should I Check Before Calling for HVAC Service?

• If your system makes any loud noises or has any odors, turn it off and call a professional.

• If the unit doesn’t have power, check to ensure that the breaker and the disconnect are turned on. After checking the power, if any part of the system isn’t turning on, turn everything off and call a professional.

• If the unit is leaking water, it either has a clogged drain or it could have frozen up and is now thawing. This could be due to low refrigerant. Please call a professional.

Royal Heat and Air Can Help!

Always check the owner’s manual for directions specific to your HVAC system at the Lake of the Ozarks. These tips will help your AC units run efficiently this summer, so you don’t come home to a hot house from a broken air conditioner. Always know, that your HVAC professional near Lake of the Ozarks is only one call away if you run into issues with your AC unit!

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Home Energy Saving Tips

Using less energy to do the same things is called energy efficiency. This reduces your home's energy waste and saves you money at the same time! To make a difference, it is more than simply using less energy, it is being aware of how energy is used and where it may be wasted. Here are some tips to help your home save energy! 

Change to LED Lightbulbs

Not only do these last longer, this type of light bulb is more energy efficient. LED blubs use 10 to 20 percent of the power required by incandescent bulbs.

Wash Laundry with Cold Water

Cold water is safe for most items! By opting for cold water rather than warm, you can reduce your energy costs with every load! It is estimated that 75 to 90 percent of the energy your washer uses is to heat the water.

Air Seal Your Home

It is crucial to seal cracks and add in insulation where it can let in drafts. Insulating your home can save you up to 10 percent on home heating/cooling costs. Nothing is worse than using your HVAC system and wasting its efforts and your money by allowing the air to leak out of your house!

Clean or Replace Filters

This part is key in keeping your home cool or warm! A dirty filter on your air conditioner or heater makes it hard for your unit to control the temperature of the room. Check this filter once a month and replace it as needed. 

You can also save money by reducing maintenance and repair costs with regular quality checks by your HVAC professional near Lake of the Ozarks.

Close Blinds, Shades, and Drapes During Summer

On the sunny side of your home, you can keep the air temperature cooler by restricting the sun’s rays from entering through the windows and working against your AC system. Open shades during winter to allow the sun to warm your home!

Defrost The Fridge and Freezer

It is common for ice to build up, causing the appliance to work harder and waste energy. To prevent this, defrost your appliance and save your home’s energy! It is also known that a full freezer or fridge allows for the fridge or freezer to optimally work!

Use Natural Light, when possible!

Replace Windows

Consider replacing your windows if you have the single-pane windows. Replace these with energy efficient windows or add in solar shades!

Appliance Placement

Avoid placing appliances that give off heat near a thermostat.

With these energy saving tips, you can save money by simply being energy efficient around your home. Your HVAC system at the Lake of the Ozarks uses a lot of energy to control the temperature of your home’s air. It is crucial to be proactive by cleaning the filter and getting your Lake of the Ozarks HVAC system routinely checked by a professional at Royal Heating and Air to keep it running efficiently. Now that you are aware of the multiple factors that can affect your energy usage, you can choose to lower the amount of energy you use around your home by making a few adjustments. What are your favorite energy saving hacks you apply to save energy at your home?

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

Visit our website: www.RoyalHeatandAir.com

CALL TODAY! (573) 480-4313

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn