What are AC Refrigerant Tubes and Why Do They Matter?

April 26th, 2020

If you live in Las Vegas, NV, you’ll want to know more about your central air conditioner and its refrigerant tubes. Keeping your family cool is a priority in the summer desert heat while you spend a lot of your time indoors. Read on to learn what AC refrigerant tubes are and why they matter to your comfort.

AC Refrigerant Tubes

AC refrigerant system piping or tubing is often made from copper. Movement and the change of state (evaporation and condensation) of refrigerants between an outdoor condenser coil and an indoor evaporator coil are what make the system work. In some cases, the pipes are flexible and can bend. AC tubing is charged with nitrogen and then sealed. The tubing provides a path for the refrigerant to flow between components of the system.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Knowing how to troubleshoot any problems with cooling is essential for comfort during hot Las Vegas summers. An AC repair visit by a service specialist can ensure the best working condition of your AC system, avoiding troublesome breakdowns during the summer. A service specialist will do the following:

  • Check the connections.
  • Clean the coils.
  • Look for worn parts and repair them.

Is It Time for a New Air Conditioner?

Even with maintenance, you should know when it’s time to replace your air conditioning system with a newer and more efficient model. This will save you money on future repairs and keep you, your family and pets comfortable during the hottest parts of the Las Vegas summer.

Johnny On the Spot has the information you need on the importance of refrigerant tubes in your AC system. To schedule maintenance before the summer, call our team today. We are standing by to help make sure your cooling system is ready to beat the heat and keep your family feeling comfortable.

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Heat Pumps 101: Efficient Heating and Cooling in One System

March 24th, 2020

Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling functions in just one system. The outdoor compressor is similar to a central air conditioning system, and the indoor condenser and air handler also look and function in a similar way. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering having a heat pump installed at your Las Vegas, Nevada, home:

Deliver Year-Round Comfort

In the summertime, heat pumps use a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors. The removal of heat also results in humidity being condensed into liquid water. The result is lower indoor temperature and humidity levels, which feels more comfortable on your skin. Although Las Vegas has mild winters, there will be a few nights when you’ll need heat. The system basically runs in reverse to transfer warmth from the outdoors into your home when you need heat.

Use Less Energy

Today’s heat pumps are highly energy-efficient. They don’t depend on burning propane or natural gas for heat, so they’re cleaner. These systems are up to 35 percent more efficient at heating compared to furnaces and electrical resistance heating systems.

Work With Smart Thermostats

You can save even more on heating and cooling in your Las Vegas home by pairing a new heat pump with a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your schedule and use high-tech algorithms to reduce the energy used for heating and cooling. You can make temperature adjustments with the app on your phone. When you’re traveling or at work, the system makes automatic adjustments to lower energy usage.

Heat pumps offer energy efficiency and year-round comfort in one system. They cost less to install compared to separate heating and cooling systems, and their maintenance needs are simple. For more information about heat pumps and how they work, contact Johnny On The Spot today.

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Watch Out For These 3 Signs of an Inefficient Furnace

February 12th, 2020

Over time, furnaces become more inefficient. It’s a natural result of the wear and tear they experience through years of use. That’s why it’s vital to pay attention to your furnace and repair or replace it as soon as you notice problems. If you notice these signs of an inefficient furnace in your Anthem, Nevada, home, it may be time to take action:

Rising Bills

One nearly sure-fire way to tell if your furnace is losing efficiency is if your energy bills are increasing. If you’ve lived in your residence for over a year, compare this month’s bills with the bills you paid the same time last year. If they’re significantly higher this year and you haven’t changed your heating habits, your furnace may be losing efficiency. Scheduling regular annual maintenance visits is a good way to curb your furnace’s impending inefficiency. As a result, you’ll keep repair and energy costs under control.

Constantly Running

If your furnace is taking longer to heat your home’s air, it’s running inefficiently. This strain can increase the risk of a breakdown and drive up heating costs. Therefore, you should consider a replacement soon.

Blowing Cold Air

Perhaps this sign is more obvious, but many people live with it in hopes the problem will fix itself. If your furnace is blowing cold air, you’re throwing money away. Even if your system eventually heats up but blows cold air until it does, you should strongly consider calling an HVAC company to see if it’s time for a replacement or if your furnace just needs a repair.

Are you ready to have a professional look at your furnace to make your home’s HVAC system as efficient as possible? Give Johnny On The Spot a call today. Invest in a furnace maintenance visit today to avoid paying more on your energy bills in the future.

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5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality During a Las Vegas Winter

January 21st, 2020

Healthy indoor air quality in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home during the winter is important. There are a number of ways you can improve it. Create the most comfortable living space by utilizing these tips for improving your indoor air quality:

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system’s air filter works to remove particles, dust, dander and more from your home’s air. Making a habit of replacing them regularly can do wonders for your home’s air. Aim to do so every one to three months.

Replace Your Cleaning Products

The more we seal our homes against the winter air, the more we trap contaminants in it. Ensuring your home is clean during the winter can help improve its indoor air quality. But if you’re using toxic cleaning supplies that introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to your home’s air, you’re replacing one problem with another. Opt for natural cleaning supplies or ones that market themselves as low- or no-VOC products.

Buy an Air Purifier

Talk to an HVAC contractor about your home’s air purifier options. Air purifiers work to catch and kill airborne contaminants that are floating around your home. Think of them as more effective and active versions of your HVAC system’s air filter.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

If your home has ducts, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned every year or two. If you notice an increase of dust when you turn your heating system on, it’s possible that your ducts may be picking up dirt from leaks. Call us to give your home’s ducts a good cleaning to improve your indoor air quality.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Scheduling an annual check-up can help you ensure you’re getting the most comfortable indoor air quality levels for you and your family. Service technicians know what to look for to make your system run efficiently and cleanly. They can make adjustments that maximize your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Are you ready to give your home better indoor air quality? Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. Let us help you make a cozy home for your family.

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How to Cultivate Efficient Comfort With a Smart Thermostat

December 16th, 2019

Cooler temperatures have arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada. You’ll want to stay cozy without causing your utility costs to spike, and your thermostat may be the key. A smart thermostat can provide efficient comfort by giving you personalized control over your temperature and monitoring your energy efficiency.

What’s a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat takes the convenience and efficiency of a programmable thermostat and kicks things up a notch. While a programmable thermostat allows you to manually input different temperature settings for different times of day, a smart thermostat allows you to set a programed schedule. In addition, it can connect to Wi-Fi. As a result, you can adjust your thermostat from your phone, tablet or even a smart speaker.

Smart thermostats also frequently have more advanced features. Their diagnostic features can inform you of problems with your HVAC system and measure your energy efficiency down to how your heating and cooling habits affect your energy use. Our ComfortLink smart thermostats will even provide you with a live weather report so you can adjust your programming accordingly.

How Do Smart Thermostats Provide Efficient Comfort?

Smart thermostats are designed to provide comfort to your living space while also improving your energy efficiency. Since you can adjust your thermostat programming from anywhere you have internet access, you can personalize your temperature control, which ultimately improves energy efficiency. Let’s say that you’re on a family vacation and going to be away longer than anticipated. You can use your phone to adjust your thermostat’s programming to keep your home cooler while you’re away.

A smart thermostat’s diagnostic features can also help you cultivate efficient comfort. By learning your heating and cooling habits, your thermostat can help you adjust your habits to heat and cool more efficiently. And by informing you when your HVAC system needs maintenance, you can take strain off your unit and ensure it runs efficiently.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat to enjoy greater comfort without higher utility costs. To have a smart thermostat installed, call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

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3 Benefits of HVAC Zoning in a Home

November 14th, 2019

Zoning lets you choose different temperatures for each zone or room in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home. Some heating and air conditioning systems with zoning use dampers inside ducts to direct conditioned air. Others have more than one indoor air handler. With HVAC zoning, you can save energy, increase your comfort and improve your house’s indoor air quality.

Energy Savings

Zoning allows you to you stop conditioning vacant rooms. That way, you can lower your power bills, extend your HVAC system’s life by reducing wear and increase the value of your home. With some zoning systems, you’ll need to program your family’s usual weekend, weekday and vacation routines. Others can connect with motion sensors or cameras to learn your routine over time and let you avoid extensive programming. When it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you should be able to stay comfortable with a smaller, less expensive model.

More Comfort

With zoning, everyone can choose the temperatures they prefer for their bedrooms without making others uncomfortable. It also makes eliminating drafts or temperature variations in different parts of your home easy. With many HVAC zoning systems, you can use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to make changes and get updates anywhere. Many thermostats with zoning have a variety of background colors as well.

Better Indoor Air Quality

A zoning system that has more than one indoor air handler uses a separate air filter for each device, keeping contaminants such as dust, pollen, dirt and pet dander from spreading easily through your home. A system with dampers doesn’t need to move as much air through your system’s ducts. As a result, you won’t have to get your ductwork cleaned or change your air filter as often to keep your indoor air quality high.

Johnny On The Spot is a Trane Comfort Specialist and an A-plus member of the Better Business Bureau. We can help you choose the best smart or programmable thermostat for your zoning system. For outstanding assistance, call us anytime at (725) 977-9461.

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5 Signs That You Need a New Thermostat

October 14th, 2019

When your air conditioning system breaks down, it can seem like a nightmare. Often, the problem can simply be a bad thermostat. Read on to learn five signs that you need a new thermostat in your Summerlin, Nevada, home.

Unexpected On/Off

If your AC system is turning on and off at strange times, you might have a bad thermostat. The thermostat’s primary job is to let the air conditioner know when it’s time to kick on to cool the home. If the wiring goes bad, it can fail to function correctly.

Thermostat Reads the Wrong Temperature

If you have a thermometer in the room next to your thermostat and they’re reading different temperatures, that’s one of the biggest signs you need a new thermostat. First, be sure that your thermometer is reliable. If it isn’t, call a service technician for help.

Sudden Increase in Utility Costs

If your energy costs are suddenly higher than your monthly norm, it could be because of a bad thermostat. When the thermostat isn’t reading temperatures properly, it’ll cause the system to work harder and more often than it should. As a result, it’ll drive your energy costs up.

Your Thermostat is Old

Another of the surest signs you need a new thermostat is that yours is simply old and outdated. Like any piece of technology, thermostats wear out over time. If your current thermostat is 10 years old, it’s likely time to have it replaced. Consider replacing it with a smart thermostat.

It’s Manual

If your thermostat is manual, it’s time to change it to a programmable model. This will save you money and keep things more efficient by allowing you to program your temperature settings for when you’re away or asleep. As a result, you’ll gain more control over your cooling and heating.

If you experience these symptoms or any other signs you need a new thermostat, turn to Johnny On The Spot. Call (725) 977-9461 to schedule an appointment today.

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Why You’re Dealing With Low Airflow

September 21st, 2019

The hot days we experience in and around Las Vegas, Nevada, can strain your air conditioning system. A low airflow issue can make your life unnecessarily miserable. Low airflow through your HVAC system can be an easy fix or symptomatic of a larger problem. Let’s look at some of the potential causes.

Clogged Filters

Dirty system filters can greatly reduce airflow because they’ve become clogged with dust, pet dander, smoke, hair and other household debris. Clogged filters can also impair your home’s indoor air quality and respiratory health. Filters have a limited lifespan, depending on the conditions in your home. Change your air filters every one to three months to keep air flowing effortlessly. As a result, you’ll reduce the strain on your system and prevent higher energy bills.

Dirty or Leaking Ducts

Dirty ducts reduce system airflow, and you should have them cleaned regularly. Air leaking from your ducts can take a toll on your system’s efficiency. Causes might include broken seals, damage from renovations, or inadequate planning and installation.

Blower Problems

The electrical motors in HVAC system fans and blowers drive the air through your system at calculated rates. They operate under harsh conditions and require regular inspection and maintenance to run at peak efficiency. If neglected, bearings and motors can fail. Older blowers and those that have not been maintained might need replacement or repair. A good maintenance plan can prevent many of these problems. As a result, you’ll avoid breakdowns and high repair costs.

Other Causes

Finally, sometimes system controls such as thermostats and circuit boards can fail or require adjustments. Underpowered systems often have shorter service lifetimes, eventually incurring costly add-ons, repairs or replacements. Air conditioning units that haven’t been balanced, installed or maintained properly can have cascading problems.

Low airflow in your home’s HVAC system can waste money, time and reduce comfort. Johnny On The Spot can quickly determine the cause of your low airflow problem and give you cost-effective and affordable options. Call us at (725) 977-9461 for an evaluation today.

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Why is My Air Conditioner Cycling On and Off Frequently?

August 18th, 2019

Air conditioning is essential when you live in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the more common issues that can cause an air conditioner to malfunction is short cycling. This is when an air conditioner switches off and on repeatedly before completing its cooling cycle. Fortunately, this issue is repairable. Here’s everything you need to know about short cycling, including what to do when it happens:

Why is My Air Conditioner Short Cycling?

Short cycling is generally caused by common issues a professional service technician can repair easily. The thermostat, which regulates temperature and tells your air conditioner when to turn on and off, might need replacing. Or, the air filter has clogged. This prevents the filter from drawing in enough air, causing it to overheat and switch off. If your AC unit’s refrigerant levels are low, it might turn itself off to avoid overheating, as well. Further, a malfunctioning electrical board can cause an air conditioner to turn on and off at improper times.

Why Short Cycling is Bad

An air conditioner that short cycles requires professional repair or maintenance. If you choose to ignore the problem, it’ll get worse. As a result, it’ll reduce your air conditioner’s lifespan in the process. This is due to the excessive strain short cycling puts on the unit’s fans, bearings and other components.

What to Do About Short Cycling

First, check your air filter and replace it if it’s excessively dirty. If this doesn’t fix the problem, a clogged filter isn’t to blame. In this case, the resolution is probably not going to be a quick, do-it-yourself fix. You’ll need to have your unit repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage. We can diagnose and repair the problem quickly, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your air conditioning again.

Don’t put up with an air conditioner that isn’t working properly. Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 for help solving your short cycling problems.

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Dirty Ductwork is Dangerous! 3 Reasons to Schedule Duct Cleaning

July 16th, 2019

Homeowners in Las Vegas, Nevada, expose themselves to dust every time they walk outside. Dust isn’t only an outdoor problem, though. You might think your home is free from it because you regularly vacuum and wipe clean all your furnishings. But what you can’t see can harm you. One of the most hidden places where dust can collect in your home for years without notice is in your HVAC system’s ductwork. Here are three reasons to schedule professional duct cleaning:

Increase HVAC Efficiency

Your HVAC system’s filter does a decent job of trapping particle pollutants that circulate in your home’s air supply. But the smallest contaminants can still sneak through and collect in your ductwork. As a result, they can decrease HVAC efficiency and strain your system. Regularly changing the filter and scheduling duct cleaning are vital tasks.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

You spend most of your life indoors, and poor indoor air quality is one of the most significant threats to public health. Therefore, it’s imperative that you maintain good air quality in your home. Duct cleaning helps prevent poor IAQ by cleaning your ductwork of all the contaminants that can collect, including droppings from a pest infestation.

Ease Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? Dirt ductwork can exacerbate your symptoms. Just think of all the dirt, dust, and pollen circulating in your home’s air and collecting in the ducts. If you have pets, you also have to worry about pet dander. By regularly scheduling duct cleaning, you’ll take an important step toward easing your symptoms.

Adding an air purifier is another way to improve your indoor air quality and breathe easier. For more information about increasing HVAC efficiency and maintaining healthy indoor air, contact Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 today. We specialize in performing everything from professional air conditioner repairs to duct cleaning services.

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