Johnny On the Spot Blog: Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

4 Ways You Can Optimize the IAQ In Your Home Office

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Working out of your Summerlin, Nevada, home office gives you convenience and flexibility. However, if you start to notice that your allergy symptoms are flaring up or you’re not feeling very well, it’s a good idea to check the quality of the air you’re breathing at home. Instead of stocking up on tissues and chicken soup, try to improve the IAQ in your home office. You will notice a difference in your overall health.

Clean Regularly

When you’re busy juggling many tasks, it’s not easy to find the time to keep your home office clean. However, dirt, dust, and other allergens can build up on your desk, in carpet fibers, and on other surfaces and cause you to feel congested. Take some time every week to vacuum or sweep the floors, dust all surfaces, and remove clutter. Regular cleaning is essential if you are to keep the allergens away.

Go Natural

If you catch a whiff of something unpleasant, you might feel tempted to reach for a can of air freshener and start spraying. However, many deodorizers contain chemicals that can lower the quality of your indoor air. Instead, switch to all-natural odor eliminators, such as those made using lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils.

Clean the Ducts

Air passes through the ductwork in a central HVAC system. If the ducts contain buildup from dust and other debris, the contaminants will also enter the air you breathe. Schedule a professional duct cleaning service to remove the pollutants so you can breathe clean, healthy air. Additionally, duct cleaning service means improved efficiency since the system won’t have to work as hard to move the air when ducts are clean.

Add a Plant

Certain plants offer natural air purification, so consider adding a few throughout your home. Spider plants, areca palms, lady palms, rubber plants, and philodendrons can all help to remove toxins from the air. For more ways to optimize the IAQ in your home office, call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. We’re happy to provide duct cleaning and other indoor air quality services.

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How to Boost IAQ When You Have Pets

Wednesday, November 28th, 2018

When you share your Henderson, Nevada, home with furry friends, you know the happiness these pets can bring into your life. However, what you may not realize is that their presence can also impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Before you think about getting rid of Fido and Fluffy, a few helpful tips can help you boost IAQ.

Understanding Pet Dander

Just about every pet has dander, which is small pieces of skin shed by animals that have fur, hair, or feathers. Pet dander is microscopic, so you won’t know it’s there until you start experiencing allergic symptoms. Reactions to dander include coughing, breathing problems, sneezing, eye irritation, and sore throat. Pet dander can also get into your home’s HVAC system and reduce the quality of the indoor air.

Good Housekeeping

The first tip to manage pet dander is to keep your home as clean as possible. Use a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter that can remove small particles from floors and carpets. Use the attachments on your vacuum to clean furniture frequently, as dander can settle on the upholstery. Wash bedding and curtains in hot water.

Bathe Your Pet

You can also manage how much dander your pet sheds by keeping up with regular baths. Dogs are easier to bathe, and cats are notoriously frisky. However, you can remove some of the dander and excess fur from your cat by brushing it often.

Clean the Ducts

As pet hair and dander move through your HVAC system, they can settle in your ducts. Over time, these pollutants accumulate in your ductwork and cause the system to work harder to move air. Additionally, this problem will lead to poor indoor air quality.

Cleaning ducts regularly is an effective way to remove the dander and hair so that you can keep your air clean and healthy. At Johnny On The Spot, we offer indoor air quality solutions for many customers with pets. Contact us at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

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3 Risks of Low Humidity for Residents of Summerlin, Nevada

Saturday, November 17th, 2018

Nevada is the driest state in the country. Therefore, when you live in Summerlin, Nevada, you are quite familiar with the effects of low indoor humidity. It’s tough to manage humidity when it’s so dry outside. Ideal humidity levels fall in the 30 to 50 percent range. If the moisture level in your home consistently falls below 30 percent, you will experience problems with dry air. However, following a few tips can help you reduce some of the problems that come with low moisture levels.

Health Effects

Low humidity can cause health problems. You might notice that members of your household get nosebleeds frequently or wake up feeling congested and uncomfortable. Cold and flu viruses will thrive in these conditions. Frequent thirst can also be a sign of low humidity since dry air removes moisture from your body. Dehydration, though rare, is a more serious consequence of this problem.

Electrostatic Discharges

Another common sign of low humidity is an increase in electrostatic discharges. You may notice an electric shock when you touch a light switch, doorknob, or even someone else. Electrostatic discharge might not seem like a big problem, but many people find it unpleasant. It can also cause significant damage to your electronic devices.

Damage to Home and Possessions

Extremely dry air can also damage your furniture, devices, and other possessions. Furniture made of wood might contract and expand based on changes in humidity levels. If wood furniture is exposed to dry air for a long period, it can start to warp or crack. Low moisture levels could also affect drywall and flooring. Wood flooring can have the same issues as wood furniture, while drywall can crack and crumble.

Protect your home, possessions, and your family’s health. At Johnny On The Spot, we’ll make sure your home is at the right humidity level. You can count on our services and indoor air quality products. We are happy to provide the indoor air quality and HVAC solutions our community needs. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

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2 Ways You Can Avoid Expensive HVAC Repairs

Friday, November 9th, 2018

You’re already worried about the costs of the upcoming holidays, and then your HVAC system suddenly starts to make strange sounds. To top it off, it is no longer delivering the expected level of performance. You’re not the first homeowner in Las Vegas, Nevada, to clench your fists in frustration at the thought of spending money on HVAC repairs. You can avoid the stress and inconvenience of costly HVAC repairs by providing your system with some much-needed TLC.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best way to avoid expensive HVAC repairs is to catch small problems before they get out of hand. During an HVAC maintenance appointment, we will inspect your system for faulty or broken components. After a careful evaluation, your Johnny On The Spot technician will clean the unit and make any necessary repairs.

While you should leave the heavy lifting to our maintenance professionals, you can take responsibility for some tasks. Change your air filter every month, and clean around your indoor air handler and outdoor compressor. These simple DIY maintenance tasks will reduce the chances of system damage.

Go Easy on Your System

Avoid expensive repairs by doing all you can to prevent problems. Strain can overwork your system and cause a lot of damage to HVAC components. One way to reduce wear and tear is to weatherize your home—starting with your windows and doors. Air leaks in the home’s envelope make it more difficult for your system to maintain comfort and energy efficiency. You can also go easy on your system by using a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures more efficiently.

When you need HVAC repairs, call the experts at Johnny On The Spot. Our service specialists also have the training to provide thorough and professional maintenance services. We’re happy to offer tips to help you protect your system and improve energy efficiency. Give us a call today at(725) 977-9461 to learn more or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

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Start Strong: How to Make Your New Home Energy Efficient

Tuesday, October 30th, 2018

You’ve finally taken the leap and purchased a new home in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area. While you’re probably in a hurry to start unpacking and settle in, there’s one important thing you should think about first: energy efficiency. Take the time to make your new home energy efficient so that you can manage comfort and keep your utility bills in check.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

You might not remember to reset your thermostat every day before you leave for work. A programmable thermostat makes this easy as you can enter preferred temperatures based on your schedule. Go a step further and try a smart thermostat. Many current versions have sensors to monitor when you’re at home and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Change the Air Filter

Chances are, the seller of your home had a lot on their mind while closing the sale and moving out. It’s likely that they neglected to change the HVAC system’s air filter before they left. You need to change it every one to three months. It’s a good idea to check the filter as soon as you move in.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor AC unit, it can collect dirt and debris over time. This is especially true in the fall when dead leaves can accumulate and completely block the coils. Give the outdoor unit a thorough inspection and remove any sticks, plants, or dirt. You may even want to clean the grille; just make sure to turn off the system so that it doesn’t cycle on during cleaning. If hosing off the debris doesn’t work, leave the maintenance to the professionals to avoid system damage.

One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is to invest in regular HVAC maintenance. Johnny On The Spot is happy to offer preventive HVAC maintenance to homes and businesses throughout the Las Vegas area. With our preventative maintenance checkups, your system will use less energy, last longer, and need fewer repairs. Don’t wait until the shock of your first utility bill—call us now at(725) 977-9461 to schedule your appointment.

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Did You Know Your AC Can Help You to Fight Allergies?

Saturday, October 20th, 2018

You’re doing everything you can to fight the allergies that plague you on a daily basis. You clean meticulously, and you stay inside when the air in Las Vegas, Nevada, is less than ideal. If you’re finding it hard to tackle indoor allergens, your air conditioner could make a difference. In addition to maintaining comfort in your home, your AC can also help you to fight allergies by removing airborne contaminants.

Keep Filters Clean

Particles in the air throughout your home can cause allergic reactions. Ideally, your HVAC system should capture these pollutants via the filter to keep them from circulating. However, while filters help to keep the air clean, they can also present problems if you do not clean or change them regularly. Check your HVAC filter at least once a month. Replace it when dirty to avoid poor indoor air quality and reduced HVAC efficiency.

Improve Air Circulation

An efficient AC improves air circulation. If the system is not moving air effectively or the filter is dirty, clean air circulation will be a problem. A dirty system can also cause contaminants to circulate throughout your home. We provide maintenance services, and our service specialists will thoroughly clean your system. We can also install a whole-home ventilator for enhanced air cleaning. This device moves stale air outside and draws in clean, fresh air.

Manage Humidity

Here in Las Vegas, we don’t need to worry about high humidity, but it’s still important to remember the effect of low humidity. Too little water content in the air can be a problem indoors as well as outdoors. We can ensure your air conditioner and thermostat manage humidity levels year-round. We also have portable and whole-home equipment to help you control humidity.

Your air conditioner does far more than keep you cool; it’s also the key to cleaner air and a healthy home. We’ll help to ensure that your AC helps you fight allergies and protects your household’s overall health. To keep your air conditioner clean and allergens at bay, call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461 and improve your indoor air quality today.

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Why You Shouldn’t Miss Offers on Air Duct Cleaning & IAQ Services

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

Indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a big deal for homes and businesses in the Las Vegas, Nevada, region. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that indoor air is often significantly more polluted than outdoor air. Add that to dry, dusty conditions in our region and indoor air quality can be a year-round battle. Your team at Johnny On The Spot is happy to offer air duct cleaning and IAQ services and savings to protect occupants of area homes and businesses.

Managing IAQ Threats

Dust, pollen, viruses, fungi, and chemicals are among the myriad airborne pollutants found in many homes and businesses. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs, are gases that come from commonly used items like carpet, deodorant, furniture, and paint. Tobacco smoke and pet dander are also a problem for many households. Depending on the nature of the business, indoor air quality can be a real concern.

Pollutants often settle in ductwork and re-enter the indoor air in greater amounts when the HVAC unit cycles on. Excessive dust around vents or on furnishings is a sign on IAQ problems. You might also notice a prevalent musty odor. However, it is important to bear in mind that you cannot see many IAQ threats and some, like carbon monoxide, are odorless and colorless.

Professional Solutions

You also won’t be able to see animal droppings or other debris that build up in the ductwork. We have the equipment and expertise to inspect and sanitize ducts. We also install Trane systems with high-efficiency filters. Be sure to check your air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty.

Contaminants in the air can cause sneezing, headaches, and dizziness or trigger respiratory problems. However, there can be serious long-term consequences like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even cancer. Businesses and households can reduce medical costs by being vigilant about IAQ.

Free Estimates on Air Duct Cleaning & IAQ Services

Johnny On The Spot offers effective duct cleaning and IAQ services in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Don’t hesitate to find out how you can get a free estimate on air duct cleaning and IAQ services. You’ll have the opportunity to check your indoor air so you can take action. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 to ensure you don’t miss out on this limited time offer!

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Professional vs. DIY HVAC Maintenance Tasks

Thursday, September 27th, 2018

Your HVAC system plays a vital role in keeping your Las Vegas, Nevada, home comfortable. Therefore, you have to make sure that it’s always in good working condition. Taking HVAC maintenance into your own hands can give you a sense of achievement and help you save money. However, you should know that some tasks may require professional expertise or equipment. Find out which HVAC maintenance tasks you can do and which you should leave to a professional.

DIY Maintenance Tasks

Air Filter Replacement

Changing the air filter in your HVAC unit is an important maintenance task. A dirty or clogged air filter can put strain on your equipment and make it less energy efficient. Extra demand on your AC increases the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions. Additionally, a dirty filter causes dust, dander, and other allergens to circulate throughout the rooms of your home. You should replace your air filter on a monthly basis or as soon as it becomes dirty.

Checking the Outdoor Condenser

This is another easy maintenance task that can have a significant impact on your HVAC system’s performance. Check your outdoor unit regularly or especially after landscaping maintenance or outdoor projects. Make sure no debris or other objects are caught in the unit. Anything embedded within the unit will need professional service to prevent damage. Trim back any trees or shrubs growing too close to the unit.

Professional HVAC Maintenance Tasks

HVAC Repairs

Your HVAC system has many components. A professional has the right tools and experience to make an accurate assessment and repairs. Don’t hesitate to call our knowledgeable service specialists for help. If you attempt repairs, you may end up worsening the initial problem or causing damage to other parts of the system.

Annual Tuneup

While you can perform some HVAC maintenance tasks, you should schedule regular tuneups with a professional HVAC technician. Besides keeping your system clean, our service specialists will also conduct a comprehensive checkup to ensure everything is in good working order.

Proper maintenance will ensure you have an energy-efficient and longer-lasting HVAC system. If you need more information about our HVAC maintenance services, call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461.

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The Importance of Properly Sized HVAC Coils

Monday, September 17th, 2018

If you want to maintain a comfortable environment in your Henderson, Nevada, home, you have to make sure that your HVAC system is always in tiptop condition. Every component must work properly. HVAC coils transfer heat and moisture from inside your home to the outdoors, and they can cause several problems if they’re not the right size. Find out why it’s essential to have correctly sized coils in your HVAC system.

How HVAC Coils Work

There are two sets of coils in your HVAC system: evaporator and condenser coils. The evaporator coil, located in the indoor air handler, absorbs heat and moisture from the indoor air. Also known as the indoor coil, this component then transfers the heat to the condenser coils via refrigerant coils. The condenser coils then release the heat and moisture into the outdoor air. When the indoor and outdoor coils are the right sizes, your AC system will perform the heat transfer efficiently.

Problems With Incorrect Sizing

If the evaporator and condenser coils aren’t the right sizes, the one that is smaller will not be able to keep up with the larger design. As a result, your AC will have to work harder to keep you comfortable. The additional strain not only makes the system more susceptible to mechanical problems, but it will also cause an increase in your energy bills.

When to Replace Your HVAC Coils

If you need to replace one set of coils, you have to ensure the replacement matches the other set. It’s a good idea to replace both coils at the same time. You’ll avoid damage to your system or a complete system failure because of mismatched coils. If you’re wondering if there’s a problem with your HVAC coils, the best way to know is to consult our service specialists.

You might not be able to tell if the problem with your system is as a result of issues with your coils. Contact the experts at Johnny On The Spot today. We will examine your system and provide an honest assessment. Give us a call at(725) 977-9461 for expert solutions.

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What a Blank Thermostat Screen Means

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

When your HVAC’s thermostat is in good working condition, you can easily adjust the indoor temperature in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home. However, your thermostat will eventually show signs of wear and may begin to malfunction over time. One common problem is nothing showing on the device. A blank thermostat display can result from several issues, many of which require only a simple fix. Find out some of the reasons your thermostat’s screen could go blank and what you can do.

Batteries Are Dead

While some HVAC thermostats run on the main power supply in homes, others use batteries that you will need to replace approximately once a year. If your thermostat runs on batteries and has a blank display, you may be able to get it working again by simply replacing old batteries.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Your HVAC thermostat may be on the same circuit breaker as other devices that use a lot of power. If the breaker trips, it may cut off power to the thermostat, resulting in a blank screen. All you need to do to fix the problem is flip the circuit breaker switch on again.

Safety Switch Was Activated

Some HVAC systems will automatically activate a safety switch when they detect problems, in turn, shutting off the thermostat. During the warmer months, this can happen when the condensate pan overflows. Regardless of what problem triggers the safety switch, you should contact our service specialists for an inspection as soon as possible.

Your Thermostat Is Too Old

Your thermostat can last a long time. However, how well you use and care for the device are important factors. On average, a thermostat can work well for up to 15 years before you start to encounter problems. If you think age is a factor, our service specialists will help you to determine if you need a replacement.

If your thermostat is showing a blank screen, you won’t be able to make adjustments to the device or your system won’t work at all. Give us a call for repairs so that we can restore comfort as quickly as possible. If you need help with any HVAC thermostat problem, contact Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461.

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