How to Boost Your AC Efficiency

June 17th, 2019

Your home’s energy efficiency is easy to overlook. But it’s something that you’re paying for on a regular basis. If your air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it can, it’s costing you. If you’re looking for easy ways to increase efficiency in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home, try these tactics to trim your utility bills so that you spend less on comfort:

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

Booking annual maintenance visits for your heating and cooling systems is one of the best things you can do for your energy efficiency. You should schedule air conditioner maintenance in spring or even summer. As a result, your AC system will operate efficiently.

We carefully inspect the system for any signs of trouble and handle essential tasks like:

  • Lubricating moving parts
  • Tightening electrical connections
  • Cleaning the AC system

If your air conditioner hasn’t seen one of our maintenance service technicians in the last year, you’re overdue for this visit.

Evaluate Your Thermostat Settings

You should adjust your thermostat for maximum efficiency during the cooling season. In the warm weather months, keep the home slightly warmer than you do in winter. Adjust the temperature to be higher during the day while you’re away and at night when you’re sleeping. You’ll enjoy the best efficiency if you can maintain set temperatures for long periods of time — ideally eight hours or more. A programmable thermostat can handle all the work for you and help you trim your utility bills with smart adjustments.

Change the AC System’s Filter

You should change the filter in your AC system at least every 90 days. Inspect it once a month for visible dirt and dust. Change the filter as needed when you can see it’s dirty. If you have asthma or allergy sufferers in the home, increase the frequency of your filter changes, even if you can’t see a significant amount of dust. As a result, you’ll help ease symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers living in the household.

Do you need AC maintenance or other services to increase the efficiency of your system? Contact Johnny On the Spot today at (725) 977-9461.

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3 Signs of an Impending HVAC Breakdown

May 24th, 2019

Dealing with the summer heat in Las Vegas, Nevada, requires a functional air conditioning system. The last thing you want to worry about is your HVAC system breaking down on the hottest day of the year. Keep an eye out for these warning signs of an impending HVAC breakdown.

Airflow Problems

If the air isn’t flowing properly through the vents, or you feel warm air when the system is set to cool, it’s important to get this issue checked out. A sudden airflow change is often an indicator of problems in the compressor, which is one of the most vital components in your system.

Warm air could be caused by a refrigerant leak, which one of our HVAC service technicians should also inspect. We can determine the cause and help you decide whether a repair or replacing the unit altogether will provide a better result. As a result, you’ll reduce the risk of future problems.

Unpleasant Odors

A number of odors can come from an HVAC system. If you catch a whiff of a burning smell, this can indicate that the system is overheating. A burning odor is normal when the system is new or has just been turned on for the first time after the winter. But it should dissipate quickly.

An ongoing burning smell often indicates a serious issue. A musty odor might mean your ducts have moisture in them, which can impact your indoor air quality.

Strange Sounds

An HVAC system always makes some noise when it operates, especially when it’s cycling on and off. However, you should have any grinding, squealing, banging or other abnormal sounds inspected further. These noises could mean a component has slipped out of place or become damaged. As a result, the system won’t operate properly until a service technician finds and fixes the issue.

Are you experiencing any of these concerning signs with your HVAC system? If so, and need AC Repair in Las Vegas or any other HVAC or AC related issue including installation, contact Johnny On The Spot by calling (725) 977-9461.

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Air Quality Threats That Lurk Indoors

April 19th, 2019

You already know that outdoor pollution and environmental toxins can impact your family’s health in a big way. But did you know that the air quality issues lingering inside your Summerlin, Nevada, home can contribute to serious health problems, too? Read on to discover three major air quality threats that lurk indoors.

Dust Mites

If your family members are constantly sneezing indoors, it’s easy to pin the blame on dust. In most cases, however, dust mites are the real culprits. These microscopic critters thrive in dusty environments and leave behind waste that easily becomes airborne and triggers sneezes. At Johnny On The Spot, we’ve found that vacuuming carpet and cleaning surfaces can help keep dust mites under control. Changing the HVAC filter regularly can also improve air quality in every room of your home. As a result, you’ll breathe cleaner and fresher air.

Cleaning Products

Before you break out the big guns, it’s important to know that harsh cleaning products can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Rather than using commercial-grade sprays and scrubs in your home, we recommend using more natural products. You might be surprised at how well natural cleaners can work in your home. If you’re sick of poor air quality, you’ll love the clean, fresh air you can create by switching to these natural products, too.

Air Fresheners

When your home’s air seems stale, it’s easy to cover up bad odors with a quick spritz of air freshener. These sprays might smell great. But in most cases, using air freshener can make your indoor air quality worse. Many air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate your family’s respiratory system over time. Instead, our team often suggests installing a whole-home air purifier. This device connects to your HVAC system.

Want to keep your family safe from these common air quality threats? Call the indoor air quality experts at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

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Tips and Tricks for Improving Indoor Air Quality

March 19th, 2019

Airborne allergens are infiltrating the air as springtime gets closer and ushers beautiful weather across Anthem, Nevada. Prepping your home for better indoor air quality this spring should be a top priority. There are lots of simple tips and tricks for improving indoor air quality, like changing the HVAC filter and using an air purification system.

Change the HVAC Filter

One of the most common reasons heating and cooling units quit working is because of a dirty filter. Once the filter clogs, it impedes airflow to the point that the system will overheat. This can result in expensive repair and replacement costs. It also worsens allergy and asthma symptoms by deteriorating the air quality in your home.

Change or clean the HVAC filter at least once a month. If you have indoor pets, check it once every 15 days to see if it has clogged with pet dander. Also check the positioning of the air filter. It should be secured tightly to the filter frame. If there are gaps, this allows unfiltered air to make its way into your heating and cooling system. As a result, it worsens indoor air quality.

Install an Air Purification System

Installing an air purification system is one of the smartest moves you can make to improve your home’s air quality. Give careful consideration to the purification system you install as many of them only capture particulate matter. To remove gas and chemicals from the air, you’ll need an air purifier that uses an activated carbon filter. Many of today’s newer air purifiers can kill even the smallest of pathogens, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Animal dander
  • Pollen
  • Other pollutants

You have two basic options to choose from when installing an air purification system. You can install a portable version or a built-in air purifier. A built-in air purifier connects directly to the HVAC systems and provides whole-home air filtration. Only certain air purifiers will be compatible with your HVAC system. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a professional before proceeding with an installation.

Do you want to have your home assessed for various indoor air quality solutions? Contact Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

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3 Furnace Odors and What They Mean

February 10th, 2019

A well-maintained heating system should operate without any odor. If there’s an unusual smell coming from the vents in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home, try to determine the cause as quickly as possible. If you notice the scent is stronger when the heater cycles on, call Johnny On The Spot right away. You should never ignore furnace odors.

Rotten Eggs

The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs is something you should never ignore. Natural gas is invisible and odorless. However, gas companies add chemicals that will give it this unpleasant odor so you can detect a leak.

If you notice a smell like rotten eggs in your home, ventilate the space and get out of the house. Contact your gas company for further instructions, but do not stay inside if there is a potential gas leak.

Mustiness

A musty odor is unpleasant and can eventually affect your health. Quite often, this smell develops because of a dirty filter or filthy ductwork. Begin by changing your air filter regularly, especially if you have pets. If this doesn’t solve the problem, we’ll determine if air duct cleaning is necessary.

Burning Odors

When you first turn on your furnace during the heating season, you might notice a smell like something burning. This is merely dust burning off in the unused system. The odor will go away after your system runs for a few cycles. If you’re dealing with a persistent burning smell, it’s time to reach out to a professional for help. Our service specialists can pinpoint the cause and take corrective action.

If there’s a metallic scent, it might be an issue of damaged wires. Odors that seem electrical in nature could also indicate a problem with the motor. In these cases, you should turn off the furnace and contact us so that our service specialists can inspect the issue.

Take action as soon as you notice unusual furnace odors. Contact the experts at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. We offer prompt heating repairs that protect your home and system and keep you and your family safe.

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3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Improve HVAC Efficiency

December 26th, 2018

North Las Vegas, Nevada, can see a wide range of temperatures throughout the four seasons. Therefore, you’ll need an HVAC system that works properly to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. If your system isn’t making the grade, it’s time to consider a replacement. There are several budget-friendly ways that you can improve HVAC efficiency.

Clean the Ducts

Duct cleaning can have a big payoff. When air moves through your HVAC system, it can pick up debris that builds up in the ductwork. Contaminants in the ducts affect your indoor air quality and can make you sick. Additionally, the buildup also causes energy waste because the system has to work harder to deliver air. Clean ductwork allows for efficient airflow, so you benefit from improved efficiency and lower energy bills and repair costs. Of course, you’ll also appreciate the improved indoor air quality.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat offers more control over your HVAC system no matter where you are. Many homeowners miss out on this innovation because they think the advanced features mean the devices are expensive. However, there are many options today, so smart thermostats are quite affordable. Some thermostats can automatically raise or lower the temperature based on activities at home or whether anyone is present. Others can provide energy usage reports along with energy-saving tips.

Check Your Insulation

The insulation in your home will also impact how well your HVAC system operates. Insulation is essential for preventing heat transfer. If there’s not enough of the material, or there is none in the most important areas, you will have a harder time regulating indoor temperatures. As a result, the HVAC system will use more energy as it tries to maintain the right temperature. Our service specialists will provide advice regarding all the factors in your home that can affect HVAC efficiency. Call Johnny On The Spot today at (725) 977-9461. We are happy to provide services that help you improve HVAC efficiency in every season.

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4 Ways You Can Optimize the IAQ In Your Home Office

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

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

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

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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