702-564-6697When you switch on your furnace for the first time each season, you might notice a strange smell filling the air. It can be alarming—but not every odor means trouble. Sometimes it’s simply the smell of accumulated dust burning off after months of disuse. However, other times, it could signal a more serious problem that requires furnace repair in Enterprise, NV. Knowing how to tell the difference can save you both stress and potential safety risks.
Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Furnace Repair’
How to Handle a Furnace That Smells Funny When You Turn It On
Monday, November 17th, 2025Safety Comes First: Furnace Edition
Monday, January 6th, 2025
We’re likely to get a couple of cold spells this winter which means we’ll need to rely heavily on our furnaces until the warmer winds come along. That being said, many customers are dealing with older or outdated furnaces that are in need of replacement, but now might not be the best financial time to make that important investment. We totally understand. While we’d heavily advise a customer with an old furnace to upgrade for safety reasons, we’d also like to reassure customers who aren’t ready to make that leap.
Here are some guidelines to help you run your furnace safely this year, with some tips that can give you peace of mind. Remember, if you detect anything out of the ordinary or that bothers you, call our team ASAP for furnace repair in Las Vegas.
A Notorious Furnace Smell That Customers Should Be Aware Of
Monday, October 7th, 2024
It’s the first day of the year that you’re finally ready to turn your furnace on. As the sun goes down, the thermostat flips on and you can feel the warmth coming from your vents. That is–until a faint burning odor comes from the same vents where your heat is. You flip the thermostat off in a panic and start furiously looking online for the source of this smell. What’s going on? Is there a safety concern with your furnace?
If this sounds familiar, then you’ve come to the right place! We’re your licensed furnace experts in Vegas, and we can happily walk you through some of the most notorious scents your furnace can give off. Is this smell a safety concern? Or is it just something that happens at the beginning of every heating season? Keep reading to find out, but make sure you schedule furnace repair in Las Vegas with our team if something is wrong.
Top 3 Financial HVAC Tips for Tax Season
Monday, February 19th, 2024
Tax season is quickly approaching, which means that many homeowners are trying to either find ways to save money, or ways to use a hefty tax refund that is coming their way. Regardless of where you sit on the spectrum, there is arguably nothing more important to invest in than a furnace repair in Las Vegas.
To give you some perspective, your heating or air conditioning system will be hard at work almost every day of the year trying to match the temperature you set on your thermostat. Whether it works via electricity (like a heat pump), or if burns gas to keep your home warm (a furnace), you’ll be paying the utility bills associated with the condition of your heating system.
If you’re looking to save money, or invest in a part of your home that can save you money in the long run, then your HVAC system is the best place to start. Let’s talk about three major tips for tax season that could end up bringing you more savings than you originally thought.
One Small Sensor, One Big Furnace Problem
Monday, January 22nd, 2024
Furnaces are still a popular home heating choice, but they have a very unpopular problem. It stems from a safety device, but even so, it can be inconvenient to deal with. This safety feature helps you sleep easy at night and protect your family–until this happens.
We’re talking about your flame sensor: a small sensor that may be preventing your furnace from starting in the first place, and requiring you to get heating repair in Las Vegas, NV. Let’s talk about what it does and why it’s a more in-depth task than it may sound.
4 Tips for Boosting Furnace Efficiency in Sloan, NV
Thursday, January 19th, 2023Keeping your home warm during the winter is an expensive undertaking. You’re likely to see significant energy consumption increases during the coldest days between December and February. Boost your furnace efficiency this winter by keeping these tips in mind in Sloan, NV.
Change Air Filter
A clean HVAC filter plays a huge role in your furnace’s ability to produce heat. Clogged filters impede the overall airflow into the system, making it work harder and use up more energy. Closely follow your filter’s recommended guidelines and replacement schedule.
You may need to switch out your filter more regularly if you have pets or children in the home. Consider upgrading your filters to pleated or reusable options to trap more pollutants as well.
Avoid Frequent Thermostat Changes
You might want to frequently change your thermostat based on your daily comfort and household needs. However, adjusting your temperature settings multiple times every day can put extra strain on your system, making it less effective. Upgrade with a programmable smart thermostat to enjoy improved energy savings all year long.
Keep Vents Unblocked
With multiple people, kids and pets in the home, it’s easy for a few vents or registers to become blocked by toys or furniture. Be sure to routinely check your home’s vents and remove any visible debris. Blocking airflow out of the vents can create excessive amounts of damaging static pressure in the ductwork.
Improve Home’s Windows
Finally, one of the most common causes of overworked furnaces is leaky windows. Consider using caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any air leaks. If your windows don’t have high energy-efficiency ratings, replacing them will have a huge impact on your monthly utility costs.
Improve your furnace efficiency by switching out your air filter often, investing in a programmable thermostat and keeping your vents uncovered. Contact Johnny On The Spot for superior heating services in Sloan, NV.
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3 Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance
Tuesday, January 4th, 2022With chilly days and cold nights in Las Vegas, Nevada, you’ll depend on your home’s heating system to maintain a
comfortable atmosphere. It’s important to keep up with regular furnace maintenance to avoid problems when you need your heating system. Annual maintenance helps to keep your furnace in good condition and comes with a number of other benefits. Although early fall is the best time to schedule annual furnace maintenance, it’s never too late to do so.
Heating System Protection
The furnace is an important component of your home’s HVAC system. It’s also an expensive investment, so taking care of it is essential. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you can protect your system and make sure it continues to deliver efficient service for years to come.
Most equipment manufacturers estimate their products will last for 10-15 years, but this estimate includes annual tuneups. Protect your investment by scheduling maintenance service every fall for your heating system. We recommend scheduling maintenance as early as possible so you will be in great shape for most of the winter.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Another benefit of regular furnace maintenance is improved indoor air quality. Over time, the coils and other components of your heating system collect dust and other debris. The contaminants then circulate in the air you breathe. As a result, health symptoms may arise, including congestion, asthma attacks, eye irritation and coughing.
Your annual maintenance service will include a thorough cleaning of the heating system. Our service specialists will remove all buildup to help minimize health risks. You will benefit from fresh, clean indoor air.
Improved Heating Efficiency
With annual preventive maintenance, we can keep an eye on any part of your furnace that might need repairs. If any component of your heater isn’t working properly, the system will use more energy to heat your home. As a result, your heating bills will increase.
Our service specialists will also perform repairs to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. This will help to reduce energy waste and eliminate the need for expensive repairs. Take advantage of these benefits and schedule annual furnace maintenance with Johnny On The Spot.
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4 Reasons Your Furnace’s Pilot Light is Going Out in Anthem, NV
Sunday, December 26th, 2021Does your furnace’s pilot light keep going out frequently? While it happens occasionally, if you have to relight it more than once, it could indicate a problem. Here are four reasons your furnace’s pilot flight keeps going out in Anthem, NV:
Drafts and Venting Issues
If your pilot light keeps going out, it could be due to a draft. For example, the flame may fail to ignite properly during stormy weather.
However, the problem could be the location of the furnace. If it’s in an enclosed area, the lack of oxygen will prevent the flame from igniting.
Additionally, improper venting may cause airflow problems. Consider consulting a furnace repair technician to avoid safety hazards.
Debris in the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a component of a pilot light mechanism that detects when the flame is on. If there is debris on the thermocouple, it’ll act as a heat insulator. Since it can’t register sufficient heat, it’ll shut the gas valve to prevent gas from escaping.
Furthermore, the thermocouple may be unable to detect the flame and may need to be replaced. Our furnace service specialists can test the system to determine if it lines up with the pilot orifice.
Dirt in the Pilot Light Opening
The flame can give you an idea if there’s an issue with your system. You should see a clear blue color with a yellow tip.
But if the flame is weak and mostly yellow, it’s a sign of debris in the pilot light opening. It implies incomplete combustion, which can release toxic fumes. Schedule a service with a professional to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas Valve or Gas Supply Problems
It’s also possible that you’re experiencing natural gas supply problems. During peak times, the supply may fluctuate, causing the pilot to keep going out. However, a faulty gas valve regulator could be responsible for an unstable pilot flame.
Sometimes your furnace needs time to heat up, especially when it’s the first time you’re switching it on. You can refer to the manufacturer’s manual to relight it. But if you suspect gas leaks or combustion issues, call Johnny On The Spot for 24/7 emergency services in Anthem.
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Why is My Furnace in Las Vegas, NV, So Noisy ?
Sunday, January 17th, 2021Furnaces aren’t entirely silent when operating. But they may produce unusual loud noises as an indication of problems. There are all kinds of reasons your furnace in Las Vegas, NV, could make loud noises. Here are four of them:
Damaged or Loose Blower Belt
Furnace belts may be loose and produce loud squealing sounds. Another cause of a squealing sound in your furnace is a dry shaft bearing. To solve such issues, a professional will lubricate all the moving parts to keep your heating system performing optimally.
In case of a loose belt, you need to adjust or replace it. While you may perform adjustments to the fan belt by yourself, never attempt to replace it on your own. Contact a service specialist for inspections of the fan belt.
Blower Motor Issue
When turning on your heating system, you may hear loud rattling and screeching noise. The noise could mean either the bearings of the blower or the blower motor itself has a problem. Your blower often needs routine specific kinds of lubrication to prevent such noises.
If you let the noise continue without professional inspections, it could lead to severe damage and expensive repairs or replacements. Contact an HVAC company for proper inspections, oiling and repairs.
Faulty Heat Exchanger
Loud, continuous rattling sounds from your furnace could mean a loose screw or panel. In case of a loose screw, you can turn off your heater at the power source and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw. However, if the noise isn’t from the loose screw, it’s likely an indication of a severe problem from a faulty heat exchanger.
The main reason for a faulty heat exchanger is the lack of enough airflow. Dirty filters, coils or blowers can restrict airflow, causing heat buildup within the heat exchanger. The heat then causes splinters and cracks to the heat exchanger, producing a loud rattling sound.
The cracks could lead to leakages of carbon monoxide, which lowers your indoor air quality. If the sound isn’t from loose screws, immediately contact a service specialist to prevent further damage and possible air poisoning.
Dirty Burners
If you hear a loud bang or boom sound when you turn on the furnace, this means its burner has dirt that needs cleaning. Dirty burners may delay ignition, causing a buildup of gas and a possible explosion. Another reason for a booms sound is an unbalanced ratio of air to fuel.
If you hear any unfamiliar sounds coming from your furnace, contact Johnny On The Spot for inspections and maintenance. Never ignore any of the above sounds, and remember to schedule annual furnace maintenance.
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Watch Out For These 3 Signs of an Inefficient Furnace
Wednesday, February 12th, 2020Over 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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