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

Air Quality Threats That Lurk Indoors

Friday, 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.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Air Quality Threats That Lurk Indoors

Tips and Tricks for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Tuesday, 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.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Tips and Tricks for Improving Indoor Air Quality

4 Ways You Can Optimize the IAQ In Your Home Office

Thursday, 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.

Image provided by Bigstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on 4 Ways You Can Optimize the IAQ In Your Home Office

How to Boost IAQ When You Have Pets

Wednesday, 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.

Image provided by Bigstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How to Boost IAQ When You Have Pets

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Offers on Air Duct Cleaning & IAQ Services

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

Indoor air quality (IAQ) should be a big deal for homes and businesses in the Las Vegas, Nevada, region. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that indoor air is often significantly more polluted than outdoor air. Add that to dry, dusty conditions in our region and indoor air quality can be a year-round battle. Your team at Johnny On The Spot is happy to offer air duct cleaning and IAQ services and savings to protect occupants of area homes and businesses.

Managing IAQ Threats

Dust, pollen, viruses, fungi, and chemicals are among the myriad airborne pollutants found in many homes and businesses. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs, are gases that come from commonly used items like carpet, deodorant, furniture, and paint. Tobacco smoke and pet dander are also a problem for many households. Depending on the nature of the business, indoor air quality can be a real concern.

Pollutants often settle in ductwork and re-enter the indoor air in greater amounts when the HVAC unit cycles on. Excessive dust around vents or on furnishings is a sign on IAQ problems. You might also notice a prevalent musty odor. However, it is important to bear in mind that you cannot see many IAQ threats and some, like carbon monoxide, are odorless and colorless.

Professional Solutions

You also won’t be able to see animal droppings or other debris that build up in the ductwork. We have the equipment and expertise to inspect and sanitize ducts. We also install Trane systems with high-efficiency filters. Be sure to check your air filter regularly and change it when it is dirty.

Contaminants in the air can cause sneezing, headaches, and dizziness or trigger respiratory problems. However, there can be serious long-term consequences like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even cancer. Businesses and households can reduce medical costs by being vigilant about IAQ.

Free Estimates on Air Duct Cleaning & IAQ Services

Johnny On The Spot offers effective duct cleaning and IAQ services in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Don’t hesitate to find out how you can get a free estimate on air duct cleaning and IAQ services. You’ll have the opportunity to check your indoor air so you can take action. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 to ensure you don’t miss out on this limited time offer!

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in HVAC, Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Why You Shouldn’t Miss Offers on Air Duct Cleaning & IAQ Services

5 Home Upgrades That Help You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Air pollution is a global problem, but we can all do our part to reduce its effects on our communities. Reducing energy consumption or energy waste in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home does not have to involve expensive or time-consuming upgrades. Simple changes can go a long way. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint to help protect the environment and even keep a little more money in your wallet.

Weatherproof Your Home

One way to optimize air conditioning efficiency is to ensure that your home has adequate insulation. The areas that typically need a little reinforcement against loss of conditioned air are attics, walls, floors, foundations, basements, and ducts. Don’t forget to protect your home from drafts, too. Seal gaps or cracks around windows and floors, between floorboards, and around electrical fittings and pipes.

Replace Your Air Conditioner

Even if your old AC has no performance issues, it might still be wasting energy because of its age. If your AC is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading it to a new one. Modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and can significantly reduce your cooling bill. This is one effective way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Upgrading your lighting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider switching your halogen and incandescent lights to LED (light-emitting diodes) lights which are more energy-efficient and last longer. These lights also give off less heat, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to maintain the preferred temperature throughout your home at all times. You can program your thermostat according to your activities and schedule. This way, your household will enjoy ideal temperatures whether they are asleep or awake, and you won’t waste energy when you’re away. Programmable thermostats allow you to get the best performance and save energy.

You should also choose energy-efficient appliances for your home. Johnny On The Spot carries cooling systems that bear the ENERGY STAR label. We are happy to provide the systems and services that help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Give us a call at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on 5 Home Upgrades That Help You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Three Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Sunday, June 10th, 2018

Living in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area often means exposure to a fair amount of air pollution. The city frequently makes the list as one of the worst in the nation when it comes to air quality. While there’s nothing you can do about the outside air, there is plenty you can do to keep the air in your home clean. Follow these tips to improve your indoor air quality, and reduce allergies, asthma symptoms, and other health problems.

Use a Dehumidifier

High humidity levels impact indoor air quality, as air that is too moist can be a breeding ground for fungi and other allergens. Even worse, high humidity levels can increase the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gas particles that products in your home release into the surrounding air. A dehumidifier will help to keep humidity between the optimum 30 to 50 percent levels.

Ditch the Chemicals

While keeping your home clean is essential for maintaining good air quality, you have to be careful what cleaning solutions you use. Many common cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that can cause side effects. Using these solutions could expose your household to harmful vapors for prolonged periods. Make the switch to natural cleaning products that do not have toxic ingredients.

Introduce Some Plants

Nature provides abundant, natural air cleaners in the form of plants. Common houseplants do a great job of absorbing air toxins and releasing pure oxygen. Plus, they’ll add a splash of color and bring life to your home. Choose plants like the peace lily, English ivy, variegated snake plant, or chrysanthemum to get the best results.

Your Air Cleaning Experts

While you can use the above steps to help improve your indoor air quality, you get better results when you incorporate professional duct cleaning. The expert service specialists at Johnny On The Spot will remove any buildup of particles so that the air you breathe is fresh and clean. Call us at(725) 977-9461 to get started today.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Three Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

All You Need to Know About Ductless AC Units

Friday, March 16th, 2018

If you’re in the process of remodeling or adding on to your Summerlin, NV, home, then you are likely thinking of ways to make your home more comfortable without breaking the bank. A ductless AC unit could go a long way toward giving you the energy-saving and comfort benefits you seek. Ductless AC units offer many benefits that their ducted partner cannot—like greater control and improved indoor air quality.

Get in the Zone for Comfort

Flexibility is a significant advantage of ductless AC units or ductless mini-split systems. These units consist of an indoor component that connects to an outdoor compressor via a narrow tube. This design, and the fact that they do not use ducts mean you can easily install them in any room. You can choose single-zone or multi-zone systems.

Each unit comes with a remote control, so persons can set the temperature they prefer in their area or zone. You put an end to thermostat wars with this customization, and you can also activate the system only when needed, so you save energy. Occupants can customize heating and cooling without changing the temperature throughout the house.

Great for Indoor Air Quality

The absence of ductwork means you eliminate the problem of debris collecting in ducts and then circulating through rooms in your home or building. Ductless mini-splits have multi-stage filtration that removes dust, pollen and other contaminants.

Their design also makes cleaning and maintenance easy. Don’t let the IAQ advantage go to waste by neglecting to schedule seasonal tuneup for your ductless AC.

Energy and Cost Efficient

You save energy with a ductless AC. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a ductless mini-split uses 60% less energy than standard electric home heating systems. This is because they transfer rather than, generate heat. Similarly, in cooling mode, you can reduce cooling costs by 30% compared to conventional ACs. Their compressors and fans adjust speeds, so you save energy.

If you’re thinking about upgrading or adding to your home, then maybe you should give ductless AC units some serious consideration. If you would like to learn more about these systems, call Johnny On The Spot today at(725) 977-9461.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on All You Need to Know About Ductless AC Units

How To Change Your Air Filter

Friday, December 15th, 2017

Having a dirty air filter can cause lower the quality and performance causing it to overheat and worsen the air inside your households. If you start to notice your air filters getting dusty, it’s time to have it changed immediately. Air filters need to be taken care of on a regular basis for system maintenance, good air quality and prolonged lifespan. When tended to on a monthly basis, there’s a lower risk of your air filter experiencing damages that can lead to expensive repairs. To skip the headaches and having to spend more, air filters are quick to clean and change so you can easily do it on your own in the comfort of your home. Here are a few easy methods to follow when changing your air filter.

What Is the Proper Way to Replace an Air Filter?

  • Turn off your HVAC unit to avoid accidents or damage before you remove the filter.
  • Remove and clean the filter slot — wipe dust around the edges; vacuum or hose off reusable filters then let them fully dry.
  • Insert the new filter the right way — use the arrow on the frame to align airflow direction and secure it properly.
  • Replace monthly or as needed — especially during high‑dust seasons or heavy use to maintain air quality and system efficiency.
  • Schedule regular preventive inspections with a professional to catch wear‑and‑tear early. (optional expert assistance can help)

What’s An Air Filter

An air filter is installed in your HVAC system. The main purpose of an air filter is to capture large amounts of dust, pollen, mold, insects and bacteria circulating around your household. If you have family members suffering from dust allergies, asthma, colds or any kind of sickness, it’s necessary to have a fresh air filter since it provides cleaner air. It also helps avoid illnesses caused by dusts and air-borne diseases. Air filters usually come in different functions, prices and MERV ratings, all fit for your household needs.

Steps on How to Change the Air Filter

1. Clean It

When you spot gunk and piles of dust surround the filter, it’s time you change it. To replace your filter, you’ll have to turn off your unit for safety precautions then you can proceed to remove the air filter. Once the air filter is removed use a cloth to wipe the area surrounding the surfaces and be cautious of the dust that will fall out. You can also clean the frame with a cloth or a vacuum. Further clean it by watering it down with a hose. Prevent bacteria build up by scrubbing it with a water solution or vinegar, and once the cleaning process is done just dry it out.

2. Install It

When putting in the new filter, just follow the directions of how to place it which you can see on the frame.There are arrows that indicate which side should go first when installing the air filter so you can slide it in with ease. Lastly, put back the filter cap and you’re done changing your air filter.

Changing your air filter won’t take too much time and does not cost much.To avoid damages on your air filter, it’s advised to change your air filter on a monthly basis. If you need further assistance in changing your air filters, contact us to help you out with the job. For other expert HVAC advice or issues that require a properly trained and licensed HVAC professional, call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How To Change Your Air Filter

What Kind Of Air Filter Is The Best?

Friday, September 1st, 2017

Ever walked into the store to purchase an air filter only to find shelves upon shelves of them and not know which one to choose? It’s a common dilemma most homeowners face. In cases like these, it’s easy to go for the cheapest but you might not be getting the best one for you. It’s a simple task that, when done with lack of information and thought, could easily have long-term impacts on health, equipment lifespan and total expenses.

MERV Rating

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ranks air filters according to how well they do their job at preventing air particles from entering your home and spreading around. It’s a scale of 1 to 20 with 1 as the lowest and 20 as the highest. While it sounds like getting the filter with the highest rating would be the smartest thing to do, not all HVAC systems were designed to carry powerful filters. Check if your HVAC fan can handle at least a MERV 16 filter. You can easily find this information in the manual but if you no longer have it, or the manual doesn’t state it, you can do a simple experiment.

Begin with lower rated air filters and move up a rank with every filter. Observe your HVAC and how it handles the new filter and check for signs of strain. You can also ask your trusted HVAC maintenance company for recommendations.

Other Rating Scales

Since the MERV isn’t mandatory, you might notice other brands using a different ranking system for their own filters. If you decide to opt for a filter from one of these, get to know their rating scale by doing a little research. Simply ask the manufacturers or go online. The information should be readily available. Do this before you decide to make your purchase.

Kinds of Mechanical Filters

Fiberglass: It’s the thinnest and simplest in design among the four and do the poorest job when it comes to improving air quality because it wasn’t made to do that. It’s purpose is only to protect your equipment and cost roughly around a dollar each.

MERV Rating: 1-4

Pleated: The higher the number of pleats per foot, the better the airflow which means it passes through the filter more frequently, giving you cleaner air each time. It shields your home from up to 45% of air pollutants at around $10 a piece.

MERV Rating: 10-13

High-efficiency: These filters offer the best value for residential owners. They can pick up extremely small particles and some come coated with bacteria-killing chemicals so your air isn’t only clean but safer and healthier. Other filters are created similar to your car’s air filter. Because of their highly efficient nature, hence the name, expect your operating costs to drop. They can filter up to 85% of pollutants from your indoor air.

MERV Rating: 14-16

True HEPA (or High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters: It’s the most effective in improving air quality but they’re normally not used for homes. Because of the gaps for airflow are so small, in order to filter 98% of air pollutants, they need stronger air pressure which most home HVAC systems don’t have.

MERV Rating: 17-20

Still trying to determine what air filter will work for your unit? Call Johnny’s today at (725) 977-9461 and we will help you determine what is right for your home!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on What Kind Of Air Filter Is The Best?