Johnny On the Spot Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

4 Mistakes You Are Making With A/C Maintenance

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

During summer an air conditioning system is sort of a necessity to some residents for a cooler environment. It does help in so many ways from the struggles of the burning heat, which affects the state of persona in the household. However, there are a lot of considerations in owning an air conditioning system and most especially in the maintenance of it. Although their function is pretty simple, air conditioners are fairly complex machines that rely on several components to work properly. As such, even a small mistake can have huge ramifications for the whole AC unit and thus your home comfort. Here are 4 of the most common AC mistakes in the A/C maintenance.

What mistakes should I avoid with heating and cooling maintenance service?

Avoid these common mistakes to get the most out of your heating and cooling maintenance service:

  • Skipping seasonal maintenance before peak heating or cooling periods
  • Setting your thermostat too low or making frequent drastic changes
  • Not replacing or cleaning air filters regularly
  • Closing air vents or unused rooms, which strains your system

Consistent professional maintenance helps prevent these issues, keeping your HVAC system efficient and extending its lifespan.

Skipping Regular AC Maintenance

Maintenance is extremely important for appliances, especially for air conditioners. Failure to maintain your unit will cause it break down more often or wear out easily. It is advisable that you have a seasonal AC maintenance schedule and routinely check your air conditioner. When you’re switching from heating to cooling or the other way around, it is best to have it checked by a professional technician to ensure that all is well.

Thermostat Mistakes That Harm Your AC

If you still use the traditional thermostat, do not set it to a very low temperature at once. If your unit will skip temperatures, you will be wasting more energy and you’ll only make yourself uncomfortable due to rapid shifts in the temperature. Sudden changes like that could even lead to an AC emergency repair visit when you least expect it.

Forgetting to Replace AC Filters

Your HVAC system has an air filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced every so often, and this is one of the reasons seasonal AC maintenance matters. Depending on the type of unit and its amount of usage, you might need to change the filter as often as every three months or as little as once a year. Failing to change the filter will not only allow dirt and debris to build up, but will also reduce the efficiency of your overall system.

Why Closing Vents Can Hurt Your AC

You’ve probably heard people say that you can save money on heating and cooling costs by closing off rooms you don’t use. That may have worked in the days of wall-mounted air conditioners and fireplace heating, but with modern central air and heat systems, it actually has the opposite effect. Closing off rooms makes your system work harder, which makes your heating and cooling costs rise.

If you need a new air conditioner, make sure your contractor does a complete load calculation to determine exactly how much cooling capacity your home needs. By taking square footage, layout, insulation, and load-generating appliances into account, your HVAC professional can find your home’s cooling load and recommend an air conditioner that is perfectly sized to meet that cooling need. If you require professional help but don’t know where to start looking, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals over at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What happens if I neglect regular A/C maintenance?
Answer: Neglecting regular maintenance causes your air conditioner to break down more often, wear out faster, and work inefficiently. It’s best to follow a seasonal maintenance schedule and have a professional check your system when switching between heating and cooling.

Question: How can incorrect thermostat use affect my A/C?
Answer: Setting a traditional thermostat to a very low temperature too fast wastes energy and may make your home uncomfortable due to rapid temperature swings. Gradual adjustments save energy and improve comfort.

Question: Why is changing the air filter important?
Answer: Your HVAC system’s air filter traps dirt and debris. If not cleaned or replaced regularly, typically every 3 months or as needed, it reduces airflow and system efficiency, which can increase energy use and wear on components.

Question: Does closing vents or rooms save on cooling costs?
Answer: No. With modern central HVAC systems, closing vents makes the system work harder, raising energy costs rather than lowering them. It’s better to keep vents open for balanced airflow.

Question: What is a good maintenance tip beyond these common mistakes?
Answer: In addition to avoiding mistakes like filter neglect, consider regular professional tuneups. Pro technicians can spot issues early and help extend your system’s lifespan, reduce costly repairs, and keep it running efficiently.

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Why Isn’t My Home Cooling Down?

Monday, July 31st, 2017

Do you wonder why your home isn’t cooling down despite the fact that you have switched on your air conditioner to its maximum cooling level? When a problem like this arises, you should not ignore it. There could be a problem with your HVAC system, and you must pay close attention to it. Otherwise the problem could worsen if you disregard it.

Your Ductwork Could be Leaking

Ductwork is an important component of your HVAC system. It delivers the heated or cooled air throughout your home. If your ductwork has leaks, the distribution of air won’t be efficient. The heated or cooled air will escape from the system before it even reaches your home. Have a professional check your ductwork for any suspicious leaks. They will repair or seal it right away.

Something’s Wrong with Your Thermostat

You should also check your thermostat if your AC is running but not cooling your house down. Sometimes the issue is that your thermostat is outdated or needs new batteries. Check your thermostat settings first to confirm that nothing is wrong with it. Set it to the cooling position and confirm that the setpoint temperature is cooler than the outside temperature. However, if the mentioned solutions fail to work, it can be an indication that you should get yourself a brand new thermostat.

Your Condenser Coils are Dirty

Condenser coils are part of the AC unit which is responsible for cool air production. If they are obstructed by grime, oil, or dust, then they won’t be able to produce cool air efficiently. You can get rid of these obstructions by cleaning your condenser coils. Once you are done cleaning and it still won’t function properly, have it checked by a professional HVAC technician.

You Need to Change Your Filters

If you are using disposable filters, you should change it frequently, definitely as often as the manufacturer recommends. If it is not indicated, changing it monthly can be good. It will help your AC unit work efficiently. However, if you are using permanent filters, cleaning it once every three months is also necessary. Clean filters allow the air to circulate freely from the AC unit into the house.

There’s a Problem with Your Refrigerant

The refrigerant in an AC unit is responsible for converting liquids into vapors as air passes through it. If there is a lack of refrigerant due to an existing leak, it won’t be able to cool down the AC unit. Instead of refilling your refrigerant reservoir, let an HVAC expert replace it. In order to avoid future problems, an annual HVAC service will help prevent unexpected damages from occurring.

Outdoor Debris is Obstructing the Airflow

If you live in a house where there are plants, leaves or trees, there is a high chance that leaves coming from the trees or even dry sand will obstruct the airflow of your AC unit from the outside. Make sure to check your AC unit for outdoor obstructions and get rid of it. If you have a garden or vegetation, keep it at least 2 feet away from your AC unit. If your condenser coils or evaporator are dirty, clean them periodically.

Once you are done evaluating every aspect of your AC unit and still can’t figure out why your house is still not cooling down, check your insulations or add curtains or drapes to prevent heat from coming in or stopping cold air from escaping. If this won’t still work, it’s time for you to call a professional HVAC technician to run a thorough evaluation of your system.

If you need more helpful tips in checking your AC unit, Call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461 and discuss your HVAC problems with our experts. Cooling problems? No worries, we’ve got your back!

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5 Ways To Keep Your Las Vegas Home Cool For Less

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Summer tends to get really hot especially in Las Vegas. It is the time that you make use of your cooling system to get rid of the heat. However, cooling your house doesn’t have to be expensive. There are smart yet efficient ways to save yourself from high energy bill while enjoying the comfort of a cool air surrounding your house.

Want to find out how? Check out below.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can help you save on your energy bills a lot. The greatest advantage of a programmable thermostat is that it only functions when you are home. If you are gone to work, for example, it will automatically shut the AC down thus, saving you from the worry that you have forgotten to turn your AC off upon leaving home.

Control Humidity

Another important thing you should consider is regulating the humidity inside your house. Whenever you are running your conditioner, make sure that you are not using any appliances that emit too much heat. For example, avoid using the oven, flat iron, washer or dryer. The presence of additional heat within your home will make it harder for your AC to cool the air. The harder it works the more energy it consumes.

Keep the Air Circulating

If you think ceiling fans are a substitute for air conditioners, then you are wrong. In fact, you should run it together with your AC unit. The presence of the ceiling fan will help circulate the air inside your home. This will make cooling your home faster over a shorter period of time. The faster your inside temperature cools down, the less hard work it is for your AC to cool your home’s atmosphere.

Insulate Your House

When we say insulate, we refer to heat-proofing your house. Not allowing heat to enter your house or letting cool air escape from your house will be easier for your air conditioner to reach its desired temperature. Make sure to cover any unnecessary holes. Use shades or draperies to cover your windows to block off heat especially during summer.

Don’t Forget the Maintenance

Maintenance is vital to our AC units in order for it to run efficiently for a long time. A well-maintained air conditioner can last up to a maximum of fifteen years! Do regular monthly maintenance like changing or cleaning your filters, cleaning your coils, making sure your outdoor unit is free from debris, and have your trusted technician conduct seasonal maintenance.

Try applying these smart yet effective tips in your home and observe the changes in your monthly energy bills. You’d be surprised at how these simple steps can drop the price of your utility bills. If you need more professional help and tips, visit Johnny On The Spot or contact us right away at (725) 977-9461! Our HVAC experts will always be willing to assist you.

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Does The Size Of Your AC Matter?

Monday, May 15th, 2017

The common notion that the bigger the size of an air conditioner the better is not entirely true. Purchasing a small unit may be insufficient if you have a large area to cool. Likewise, opting for something larger than what is necessary might cause harmful molds due to suspended moist in your house.

Picking the right size of air conditioner for your need or use does matter. Below are a few helpful guidelines to help you choose the appropriate AC size.

Match The AC Size To Your Room’s Area

Small rooms only require an AC with a capacity of 5,000 to 6,500 BTU/hr. On the other hand, larger rooms will need an AC with a capacity of 7,000 to 8,500 BTU/hr. BTU means British Thermal Units. But if you’re planning to install an AC for your business establishment, have a professional technician estimate the size and quantity of air conditioners to be used.

However, if you have an air conditioner already installed in your home, how are you to know if it is the appropriate AC size for your room? First look for the manufacturer’s label which has a Model Number (MN). The first three digit determines the SEER ratings while the number that follows determines the BTU. Of course a greater BTU means a bigger AC size.

The British Thermal Unit

BTU is the amount of heat required to raise a certain temperature. In air conditioners, BTU refers to the amount of energy used to remove the heat from the air. You’ll need a higher BTU if you have a large home. The heating or cooling unit will be able to produce more heated or cooled air.

In regards to efficiency, BTU is a good way to compare the capacity of similarly priced units. And if you live in warmer climates, you’ll need 10 – 20% additional BTUs per room over the normal amount.

Equation for Finding the Right AC Size

The equation for finding the correct AC size is very generic. First figure out the square footage that needs cooled and the climate you live in. These will give you a better rough estimate for the air conditioning capacity needed. You can also include the number of windows in your home, ceiling height, typical number of occupants, your ideal temperature and humidity settings in your calculation if you want to be more specific.

Finding the right AC size for your home is like finding the right size of shoes that fits you perfectly. If you need more advice regarding the best AC size for you, visit Johnny On The Spot or call at(725) 977-9461 and we’ll be more than willing to assist you.

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Five Easy Ways To Prepare Your AC For Summer

Saturday, April 15th, 2017

Summer is almost here, but you shouldn’t wait for it to come before you get your AC checked. You need to make sure that your air conditioner is in good working condition, ready for the stressful season ahead.

You definitely do not want to simply assume your HVAC systems are fine to have a serious problem occur the first week the temperatures reach triple digits. Below are five simple ways you can prepare your home and your air conditioner for the summer.

Have your system maintained and repaired

During springtime, and before the heat really cranks up, it would be smart to call on the professionals at Johnny on the Spot to check your system. They will thoroughly check and inspect every part of your heating and cooling systems to ensure that your system is ready for the months ahead. And if your units need parts replaced or adjusted, we will make sure this is discovered now.

The goal is to keep you comfortable and to avoid breakdowns and issues that can occur when a system is constantly in use. Scheduling your seasonal maintenance now also allows you more flexibility rather than waiting until the summer months when many people call once they are faced with problems and emergency situations.

Block out direct sunlight

The summer months can be really brutal. Obstructing the sunlight from coming directly into your home can really help out in cooling your residence. While natural sunlight can be nice, allowing direct sunlight into your home can add a lot of heat. You should also make sure that your windows are all sealed to keep the cool air inside. You can also opt for solar window films to help with sunlight control.

Make sure that the condensation lines are clog free

Moisture gets deposited in evaporator coils of central air conditioning units. Make sure that the condensation pipe is free of any blockage or any debris. Make sure that you have a plumbing snake or an industrial vacuum. For most homeowners, it makes sense to leave this to HVAC professionals if they lines are seriously clogged.

Invest in tools that will help with the cooling costs

There are a growing number of programmable digital thermostats that you can use instead of using the old mercury switch ones. These can actually help you save up to $100 on energy costs annually. The update will also make your system more efficient.

You may also want to install or use fans in the popular rooms as they can help circulate the air inside your home. Looking into the latest indoor air quality equipment is also smart, as there are many different units that can help make your home more enjoyable for your unique health and comfort preferences.

Do a quick check on the rest of your home

This is especially true if you have a central AC system. Do a quick tour of your entire house and make sure that everything is in good working condition. Spot check for any breakages and air leaks. Seal them when necessary or call for assistance if they are major. You also need to make sure that you have proper insulation around your home and seals around all of your windows and doors.

However, if you should run into any problems during your air conditioning inspection, you should call Johnny on the Spot for servicing. Do it in advance and do not wait for the summer season to arrive.

Consulting a trained HVAC technician from Johnny on the Spot will save you time and money. We will help pinpoint problems and areas of concern, then help you with quick and professional repairs if needed. To set up an appointment to schedule a visit in the Las Vegas and Henderson area, contact the trained staff at Johnny on the Spot online or give us a call today at (725) 977-9461.

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Why Seasonal AC Maintenance Is Important

Monday, March 20th, 2017

Annual HVAC system maintenance is often overlooked by home and proprietary owners. Because if your units are still working and your air conditioning unit is still blowing cool air, everything is okay, right? And if something happens or if it starts to struggle, you can just call a guy, right?

We have all procrastinated and brushed off things before. But when it comes to your air conditioning system and staying comfortable year-round in the Las Vegas area, it can be dangerous to ignore regular maintenance and check-ups. So why is seasonal air conditioning maintenance important?

HVAC & AC Maintenance

The purpose of yearly maintenance is to ensure that your HVAC systems are functioning properly and running any time that you need your air conditioning or heating units. And let’s face it, heating and cooling are a need in Las Vegas homes and businesses.

The closest comparison that many professionals will make to help you understand is comparing your HVAC systems with your car’s engine. While most people know that an engine needs regular fluid changes, check-ups, and occasional repairs…most people now have no clue how to do much more than a couple of basic steps. And without regular oil changes, tune-ups, and repairs any engine will quickly breakdown and need substantial repairs.

Your heating and cooling systems function the same way. Even though we may not think about them daily, they need regular maintenance and tune-ups to prevent breakdowns.

The Benefits of Seasonal Maintenance

  • Fewer Major Repairs: Over time, eventually everyone will experience breakdowns and the need for repairs. But scheduling and keeping up with regular maintenance will substantially lower the chances that your air conditioner experiences a serious problem that will leave you without a comfortable residence and an expensive repair bill.
  • Cheaper Energy Bills: As is often the case with many machines, often your heating and cooling systems can continue to work even as they lose efficiency. HVAC units can use quite a bit of energy. So seasonal air conditioning and HVAC maintenance keep your unit running efficiently, resulting in less stress put on your systems and energy being used.
  • Equipment Lasts Longer: Air conditioners, heating units, and all HVAC units have a life expectancy. Some equipment may last 10-12 years, while other parts may need to be replaced every 2-3 years. But dirty and neglected systems quickly lead to parts and units that malfunction. Wouldn’t you rather pay for a seasonal tune-up instead of replacing major parts and units?

Call Johnny On The Spot Today!

While most are more than capable of changing air filters and learning some basics to save energy, maintenance and tune-ups should be done by professionals. Whether your goal is to save money, improve efficiency, or prevent a mid-summer breakdown, annual maintenance is a must.

Above everything else, calling an established HVAC professional should be your first action when looking for help with your heating and cooling systems. To set up an appointment for seasonal maintenance in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas, contact the experienced and friendly staff at Johnny on the Spot or give us a call today at (725) 977-9461!

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