Watch Out For These 3 Signs of an Inefficient Furnace

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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5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality During a Las Vegas Winter

January 21st, 2020

Healthy indoor air quality in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home during the winter is important. There are a number of ways you can improve it. Create the most comfortable living space by utilizing these tips for improving your indoor air quality:

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system’s air filter works to remove particles, dust, dander and more from your home’s air. Making a habit of replacing them regularly can do wonders for your home’s air. Aim to do so every one to three months.

Replace Your Cleaning Products

The more we seal our homes against the winter air, the more we trap contaminants in it. Ensuring your home is clean during the winter can help improve its indoor air quality. But if you’re using toxic cleaning supplies that introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to your home’s air, you’re replacing one problem with another. Opt for natural cleaning supplies or ones that market themselves as low- or no-VOC products.

Buy an Air Purifier

Talk to an HVAC contractor about your home’s air purifier options. Air purifiers work to catch and kill airborne contaminants that are floating around your home. Think of them as more effective and active versions of your HVAC system’s air filter.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

If your home has ducts, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned every year or two. If you notice an increase of dust when you turn your heating system on, it’s possible that your ducts may be picking up dirt from leaks. Call us to give your home’s ducts a good cleaning to improve your indoor air quality.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Scheduling an annual check-up can help you ensure you’re getting the most comfortable indoor air quality levels for you and your family. Service technicians know what to look for to make your system run efficiently and cleanly. They can make adjustments that maximize your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Are you ready to give your home better indoor air quality? Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. Let us help you make a cozy home for your family.

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How to Cultivate Efficient Comfort With a Smart Thermostat

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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3 Benefits of HVAC Zoning in a Home

November 14th, 2019

Zoning lets you choose different temperatures for each zone or room in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home. Some heating and air conditioning systems with zoning use dampers inside ducts to direct conditioned air. Others have more than one indoor air handler. With HVAC zoning, you can save energy, increase your comfort and improve your house’s indoor air quality.

Energy Savings

Zoning allows you to you stop conditioning vacant rooms. That way, you can lower your power bills, extend your HVAC system’s life by reducing wear and increase the value of your home. With some zoning systems, you’ll need to program your family’s usual weekend, weekday and vacation routines. Others can connect with motion sensors or cameras to learn your routine over time and let you avoid extensive programming. When it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you should be able to stay comfortable with a smaller, less expensive model.

More Comfort

With zoning, everyone can choose the temperatures they prefer for their bedrooms without making others uncomfortable. It also makes eliminating drafts or temperature variations in different parts of your home easy. With many HVAC zoning systems, you can use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to make changes and get updates anywhere. Many thermostats with zoning have a variety of background colors as well.

Better Indoor Air Quality

A zoning system that has more than one indoor air handler uses a separate air filter for each device, keeping contaminants such as dust, pollen, dirt and pet dander from spreading easily through your home. A system with dampers doesn’t need to move as much air through your system’s ducts. As a result, you won’t have to get your ductwork cleaned or change your air filter as often to keep your indoor air quality high.

Johnny On The Spot is a Trane Comfort Specialist and an A-plus member of the Better Business Bureau. We can help you choose the best smart or programmable thermostat for your zoning system. For outstanding assistance, call us anytime at (725) 977-9461.

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5 Signs That You Need a New Thermostat

October 14th, 2019

When your air conditioning system breaks down, it can seem like a nightmare. Often, the problem can simply be a bad thermostat. Read on to learn five signs that you need a new thermostat in your Summerlin, Nevada, home.

Unexpected On/Off

If your AC system is turning on and off at strange times, you might have a bad thermostat. The thermostat’s primary job is to let the air conditioner know when it’s time to kick on to cool the home. If the wiring goes bad, it can fail to function correctly.

Thermostat Reads the Wrong Temperature

If you have a thermometer in the room next to your thermostat and they’re reading different temperatures, that’s one of the biggest signs you need a new thermostat. First, be sure that your thermometer is reliable. If it isn’t, call a service technician for help.

Sudden Increase in Utility Costs

If your energy costs are suddenly higher than your monthly norm, it could be because of a bad thermostat. When the thermostat isn’t reading temperatures properly, it’ll cause the system to work harder and more often than it should. As a result, it’ll drive your energy costs up.

Your Thermostat is Old

Another of the surest signs you need a new thermostat is that yours is simply old and outdated. Like any piece of technology, thermostats wear out over time. If your current thermostat is 10 years old, it’s likely time to have it replaced. Consider replacing it with a smart thermostat.

It’s Manual

If your thermostat is manual, it’s time to change it to a programmable model. This will save you money and keep things more efficient by allowing you to program your temperature settings for when you’re away or asleep. As a result, you’ll gain more control over your cooling and heating.

If you experience these symptoms or any other signs you need a new thermostat, turn to Johnny On The Spot. Call (725) 977-9461 to schedule an appointment today.

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Why You’re Dealing With Low Airflow

September 21st, 2019

The hot days we experience in and around Las Vegas, Nevada, can strain your air conditioning system. A low airflow issue can make your life unnecessarily miserable. Low airflow through your HVAC system can be an easy fix or symptomatic of a larger problem. Let’s look at some of the potential causes.

Clogged Filters

Dirty system filters can greatly reduce airflow because they’ve become clogged with dust, pet dander, smoke, hair and other household debris. Clogged filters can also impair your home’s indoor air quality and respiratory health. Filters have a limited lifespan, depending on the conditions in your home. Change your air filters every one to three months to keep air flowing effortlessly. As a result, you’ll reduce the strain on your system and prevent higher energy bills.

Dirty or Leaking Ducts

Dirty ducts reduce system airflow, and you should have them cleaned regularly. Air leaking from your ducts can take a toll on your system’s efficiency. Causes might include broken seals, damage from renovations, or inadequate planning and installation.

Blower Problems

The electrical motors in HVAC system fans and blowers drive the air through your system at calculated rates. They operate under harsh conditions and require regular inspection and maintenance to run at peak efficiency. If neglected, bearings and motors can fail. Older blowers and those that have not been maintained might need replacement or repair. A good maintenance plan can prevent many of these problems. As a result, you’ll avoid breakdowns and high repair costs.

Other Causes

Finally, sometimes system controls such as thermostats and circuit boards can fail or require adjustments. Underpowered systems often have shorter service lifetimes, eventually incurring costly add-ons, repairs or replacements. Air conditioning units that haven’t been balanced, installed or maintained properly can have cascading problems.

Low airflow in your home’s HVAC system can waste money, time and reduce comfort. Johnny On The Spot can quickly determine the cause of your low airflow problem and give you cost-effective and affordable options. Call us at (725) 977-9461 for an evaluation today.

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Why is My Air Conditioner Cycling On and Off Frequently?

August 18th, 2019

Air conditioning is essential when you live in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the more common issues that can cause an air conditioner to malfunction is short cycling. This is when an air conditioner switches off and on repeatedly before completing its cooling cycle. Fortunately, this issue is repairable. Here’s everything you need to know about short cycling, including what to do when it happens. And if your system is older and struggling with frequent breakdowns, you may want to consider why fall is the best time to replace your AC unit.

Why your AC is short‑cycling?

  • Check the air filter — If it’s clogged or dirty, airflow drops and the unit may overheat and shut off prematurely.
  • Inspect the thermostat — A faulty or miscalibrated thermostat can trigger frequent on/off cycles.
  • Verify refrigerant levels — Low refrigerant causes overheating and automatic shutdowns to protect the system.
  • Electrical issues — Problems with the electrical board or control wiring can cause erratic cycling. 
  • Call HVAC repair service — If basic checks don’t fix the issue, a technician should diagnose more complex problems to prevent damage and prolong system life.

Why is My Air Conditioner Short Cycling?

Short cycling is generally caused by common issues a professional service technician can repair easily. The thermostat, which regulates temperature and tells your air conditioner when to turn on and off, might need replacing. Or, the air filter has clogged. This prevents the filter from drawing in enough air, causing it to overheat and switch off. If your AC unit’s refrigerant levels are low, it might turn itself off to avoid overheating, as well. Further, a malfunctioning electrical board can cause an air conditioner to turn on and off at improper times. In some cases, these warning signs are just another example of how an AC repair can sneak up on you.

Why Short Cycling is Bad

An air conditioner that short cycles requires professional repair or maintenance. If you choose to ignore the problem, it’ll get worse. As a result, it’ll reduce your air conditioner’s lifespan in the process. This is due to the excessive strain short cycling puts on the unit’s fans, bearings and other components.

What to Do About Short Cycling

First, check your air filter and replace it if it’s excessively dirty. If this doesn’t fix the problem, a clogged filter isn’t to blame. In this case, the resolution is probably not going to be a quick, do-it-yourself fix. You’ll need to have your unit repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage. We can diagnose and repair the problem quickly, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your air conditioning again. To reduce the chances of this happening next season, it’s a good idea to add AC maintenance to your spring checklist.

Don’t put up with an air conditioner that isn’t working properly. Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 for help solving your short cycling problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What causes an AC to short cycle (turn on and off too frequently)?
Answer: Common causes include a thermostat that’s failing or miscalibrated, a clogged air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning electrical control board. Any of these can make the AC cycle irregularly.

Question: Why is short cycling bad for my air conditioner?
Answer: It puts excessive strain on the system’s components—fans, bearings, compressor—and can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and shorter lifespan of the unit.

Question: What should I check first if my AC is short cycling?
Answer: Inspect and replace a dirty air filter if needed. That’s a common and easy fix. If that doesn’t solve it, the problem is likely more complex and may require professional diagnosis.

Question: When is professional help required for short cycling?
Answer: If replacing the filter doesn’t help, or if issues involve thermostat problems, electrical controls, refrigerant handling, or repeated cycle failures, you should call a certified HVAC technician to prevent damage.

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Dirty Ductwork is Dangerous! 3 Reasons to Schedule Duct Cleaning

July 16th, 2019

Homeowners in Las Vegas, Nevada, expose themselves to dust every time they walk outside. Dust isn’t only an outdoor problem, though. You might think your home is free from it because you regularly vacuum and wipe clean all your furnishings. But what you can’t see can harm you. One of the most hidden places where dust can collect in your home for years without notice is in your HVAC system’s ductwork. Here are three reasons to schedule professional duct cleaning:

Increase HVAC Efficiency

Your HVAC system’s filter does a decent job of trapping particle pollutants that circulate in your home’s air supply. But the smallest contaminants can still sneak through and collect in your ductwork. As a result, they can decrease HVAC efficiency and strain your system. Regularly changing the filter and scheduling duct cleaning are vital tasks.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

You spend most of your life indoors, and poor indoor air quality is one of the most significant threats to public health. Therefore, it’s imperative that you maintain good air quality in your home. Duct cleaning helps prevent poor IAQ by cleaning your ductwork of all the contaminants that can collect, including droppings from a pest infestation.

Ease Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? Dirt ductwork can exacerbate your symptoms. Just think of all the dirt, dust, and pollen circulating in your home’s air and collecting in the ducts. If you have pets, you also have to worry about pet dander. By regularly scheduling duct cleaning, you’ll take an important step toward easing your symptoms.

Adding an air purifier is another way to improve your indoor air quality and breathe easier. For more information about increasing HVAC efficiency and maintaining healthy indoor air, contact Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 today. We specialize in performing everything from professional air conditioner repairs to duct cleaning services.

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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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