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

3 Signs It’s Time to Buy a New Boiler in Las Vegas, NV

Wednesday, November 17th, 2021

Boilers tend to be rather expensive, so thinking of replacing yours can understandably be stressful. However, with good maintenance, a boiler can serve you for close to 15 years. Below are some of the signs indicating that it may be time to buy a new boiler in Las Vegas, NV.

Regular Breakdowns

If you carry out regular maintenance as required but your boiler continues to breaks down often, it may be time to address the issue for good. Every time your boiler breaks down, you need to call upon a service technician to check it, which of course costs money. Paying for repairs regularly is expensive, and the cost might outweigh that of buying a new boiler.

Increased Heating Bills

When your boiler works efficiently, your energy bills tend to be consistent. If you notice an inexplicable significant increase in heating bills, though, your boiler might be the cause. Check your boiler, and consider investing in a new, more efficient model to help you save more on your monthly heating bills.

Leakages in the Boiler

A leakage in the boiler can lead to damages to your home. When your boiler starts leaking, it might indicate that the valve or the seal has broken, which will cost quite a bit to repair. A leaking boiler is dangerous, and it might be best to begin shopping for a new boiler before things get out of hand. We can help you select and install the best boiler for your home.

A properly functioning boiler helps keep your home warm, comfortable and cozy. However, when your boiler starts becoming a liability, it’s a good idea to contact a professional who can help you address the issue. Call Johnny On The Spot today for any boiler installation and maintenance services you need in Las Vegas, NV.

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4 Reasons to Install a New Smart Thermostat in Las Vegas, NV

Thursday, August 19th, 2021

Your air conditioner plays an integral role in regulating indoor temperatures, especially during summertime in Las Vegas, NV, when temperatures can reach a sweltering 100 degrees. But for your AC system to function properly, it must receive the correct temperature readings from the thermostat controlling it. If your air conditioner has been acting suspiciously as of late, you may need a new smart thermostat.

Inaccurate Thermostat Reading

Your air conditioner cools your home based on the temperature reading the thermostat provides. If the reading is incorrect, your AC system ends up working too much or too little. Use a portable indoor thermometer to get the correct temperature and compare it with the reading that your thermostat sends back.

Higher Utility Costs

If your recent monthly utility bills are spiking, it could be due to your old thermostat. A faulty thermostat will result in longer running cycles for your air conditioner, which means more energy used over time. It may even cause your AC system to switch on randomly while you’re away.

Inconsistent Temperatures

A faulty thermostat will have difficulty maintaining your preset range and may unexpectedly change temperatures on its own. Test this out by lowering your settings and seeing if your AC system adjusts to meet that new temperature range.

AC System Not Shutting Off

In some cases, a faulty thermostat prevents your AC system from shutting off, and it runs for a longer cycle than needed. That said, you might also want to check other parts of the system before pinning the problem on the thermostat. Have a certified service specialist perform a maintenance check to assess your air filters, vents and condensate lines.

If you notice any of these signs but aren’t sure about the need to replace your thermostat, we’re here to help. Contact Johnny On The Spot to have us install your new smart thermostat. We also provide a full lineup of HVAC products and services.

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3 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Ductless Mini-Split in Summerlin, NV

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Ductless mini-splits can cool and heat your home or business. Although durable and reliable, they can experience issues, especially if you neglect them. Here are tips for troubleshooting your ductless mini-split in Summerlin, NV:

Clear the Buildup in the Drain Line

Buildup in the drain line can force your HVAC system to shut down from water damage. Our service specialists recommend you pour vinegar in the line a few times a year to keep it clear. Vinegar helps flush the line by breaking through the buildup.

If your ductless system is leaking or isn’t draining properly, it’s time to call our HVAC service specialists. Common leaks come from the indoor air handler. A more serious issue is a damaged or kinked drain line that causes buildup and water damage.

Clean or Change the Dirty Filter

Your air conditioner brings in dirt and dust every time it turns on, and this dirt will build up inside the filter. Our service specialists will clean your entire HVAC unit including areas only reached by opening the system. The air filter cleans the indoor air and helps your HVAC system perform better.

You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and change your filters every two or three months. If you have allergies, pets or children, change the filter monthly. Our experts can give you a timetable to change the filter, which will keep your system running longer.

Investigate Unpleasant Odors

If you notice a foul odor coming from your HVAC system, it means there’s a buildup of debris and dirt in the unit. Smelling the odor means there’s significant contaminant growth within the grime. The odor means that every time your system runs, it’s contaminating the indoor air.

When condensate water mixes with dirt, it creates more contaminants, which prevents the system from draining. Flushing the condensate drain line and cleaning the pan can help clear the issue. Most ductless mini-split systems have a washable air filter, and you can use soap and water to clean them.

The two sections that run a ductless mini-split system are the indoor handler and outdoor unit. The outdoor unit has many parts that need to stay clean and lubricated to keep your system running longer. If you need any HVAC services in Summerlin, NV, call Johnny On The Spot to schedule an appointment.

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Why is My Furnace in Las Vegas, NV, So Noisy ?

Sunday, January 17th, 2021

Furnaces 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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4 Winter Heating Tips for Efficiency and Comfort in Summerlin, NV

Friday, December 11th, 2020

In Summerlin, NV, energy consumption spikes in winter. With shorter days and colder weather, people spend more time indoors. Rather than idly accepting higher energy bills, try these four tips that could help you boost comfort and efficiency this winter:

Locate Leaks and Seal Them

Houses separate people from the elements, but all homes have leaks. Windows and doors are common culprits for developing unwanted air leaks.

Light an incense stick or candle and carefully wave it around the edges of windows and doors. This will help you visualize air leaks. Try sealing openings with weather strips or caulk to reduce energy consumption.

Don’t Waste Heat From the Sun

Although it’s often neglected as a viable heat source, the sun’s energy is a powerful home heating tool. While curtains can help you conserve energy, they also block out sunlight.

Always remember to open your curtains after the sun rises to let in light. Close them at dusk to reap their airflow-blocking benefits.

Have Your Heating System Maintained

Heaters work hard to keep your family warm in winter. With year-round exposure to the elements, heaters withstand tons of wear and tear that can shorten their expected 10-year lifespan. Routine maintenance is essential to protect your heater.

HVAC service specialists can keep your heater in tip-top shape this winter. They will identify frayed wires, find corroded electrical fittings and remove unwanted particle buildups. Collectively, these measures will keep your heater healthy.

Avoid Blocking Heat Flow

A cost-free way to conserve energy this winter is rearranging your home’s contents to boost airflow. Keep grilles and air registers clear of furniture and other objects. Try to keep furnishings positioned against walls as much as possible.

Call us at Johnny On The Spot to get reliable heating maintenance services in Summerlin, NV. Let us help you save energy this winter with a full-service heater tuneup.

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What are Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating?

Tuesday, September 15th, 2020

Are you looking for a new HVAC system for your Las Vegas, NV, home? A ductless mini-split could be the perfect solution for you. Here are some reasons to choose a ductless air conditioning and heating system:

Easy Installation and Low Maintenance

The installation process of this system is fast and requires little effort. Your installation service specialist won’t have to deal with large ducts and opening your walls. A process that would otherwise take several days or weeks take a single day.

Also, a ductless mini-split system only requires minimal maintenance. For example, you won’t have to worry about paying to clean and seal the ducts.

Virtually Noiseless Operation

The quiet operation of the ductless air conditioning and heating system makes it appealing. Some of these systems operate at 20- and 30-decibel noise levels — no louder than a whisper.

These systems are ideal for schools, offices and homes where you don’t want noise. The systems have inverter-controlled speed compressors to make them quieter.

Increased Energy Efficiency

A ductless air conditioning and heating system allows you to save more since it’s energy efficient. You’ll be able to switch off any unit in a room that’s not in use.

It also won’t develop any leaks that can affect its efficiency. Due to these enhanced functional abilities, the system effectively reduces your energy bill.

Enhanced Flexibility

Ductless air conditioning and heating allows you to manage the temperature in every area of the house. Since the system doesn’t use ducts, you can install it in previously inaccessible areas.

This zoning feature allows you to customize temperatures for every room. Each individual in your family can set the units to their preferred temperature, enhancing individual comfort.

If you’re looking for an efficient and effective climate control option, try a ductless air conditioning and heating system. We can answer all your questions about the benefits of ductless HVAC. If you need expert installation or maintenance, give Johnny On The Spot a call.

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What’s a Smart Thermostat, and How Does it Work?

Monday, August 10th, 2020

A smart thermostat is a device that you can control remotely with your smartphone, tablet or computer. This and other features enable you to streamline the use of your cooling system. We’ll take you through why a smart thermostat is beneficial and what it does for your Las Vegas, NV, home.

You Can Regulate Temperatures Remotely

Most smart thermostats are compatible with voice assistants in your smart speakers and smartphone. This means you can give a command to your smart thermostat without moving an arm. But the best way to control your smart thermostat remotely is via an app on your smartphone. You can do this whether you’re on the couch or on a beach thousands of miles away.

A Smart Thermostat Saves on Energy Costs

Smart thermostats help you precisely regulate your home’s temperature and have a low-power standby feature, unlike most conventional thermostats. You can create an automatic cooling schedule so that when you leave the house or you’re asleep, it adjusts on its own and reduces energy use.

Some models are capable of learning your schedule and turning the system on and off automatically without per-programmed settings. It’ll also know the season and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Smart Thermostats Are Aesthetically Appealing

Smart thermostats have come a long way in terms of their appearance. They now feature color touch screens, are more visually appealing and don’t detract from the decoration of your living space.

Most smart thermostats are relatively small compared to their conventional counterparts. This enables you to easily hide them from everybody’s eyes and still efficiently regulate temperature.

Automatic Temperature Regulation Schedules

Some smart thermostats record your temperature regulation data. Subsequently, they regulate temperature based on your historical data and room temperature preferences. What’s more exciting is that some smart thermostats can learn your commuting patterns, which means they set your home’s temperature at your preferred level just before you arrive.

Call Johnny On The Spot for all your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. We specialize in keeping your indoor air comfortable and will be happy to answer your questions and let you know options for smart thermostats.

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Heat Pumps 101: Efficient Heating and Cooling in One System

Tuesday, 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

Wednesday, 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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How to Cultivate Efficient Comfort With a Smart Thermostat

Monday, 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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