Three Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

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. Outdoor air quality is a critical factor that impacts the air inside your home, as pollutants like pollen, smoke, and vehicle emissions can enter indoor spaces and degrade indoor air quality. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a commonly used term to describe the condition of the air inside buildings, and maintaining good IAQ is crucial for comfort and health. 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. In fact, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside, making it essential to understand what affects indoor air and how to improve it. Indoor air in U.S. homes can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in arid urban areas. Follow these tips to improve your indoor air quality, and reduce allergies, asthma symptoms, and other health problems.

Introduction to Indoor Air

Indoor air is the air that fills our homes, offices, and other indoor spaces, and its quality has a direct impact on our health and comfort. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality—also known as indoor air pollution or indoor pollution—can lead to a variety of health problems, from minor irritations to serious diseases. Since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, the quality of indoor air is often more important than outdoor air. In fact, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside, making it essential to understand what affects indoor air and how to improve it. By learning about the sources and effects of indoor air pollution, you can take steps to create a healthier indoor environment for yourself and your family. Indoor air quality is part of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which also includes factors like lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort.

Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants

Many factors contribute to poor indoor air quality, and understanding these indoor air sources is the first step toward cleaner air. It is important to identify indoor air sources in your home, as this allows you to control pollution at its origin and reduce both immediate and long-term health risks. Indoor air pollutants can come from a variety of indoor sources, including building materials like paint, flooring, and insulation, as well as furnishings and everyday household products. Sources of indoor air pollution include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products. Common sources of indoor air pollution include secondhand tobacco smoke, air pollutants from indoor combustion, radon, molds, and other allergens. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by thousands of indoor products, including paints, varnishes, and cleaning products. Carbon monoxide and other common indoor air pollutants are often released during activities such as cooking, cleaning, or using air fresheners. Even outdoor air pollution can make its way inside, carrying pollutants indoors through open windows, doors, or ventilation systems. Tobacco smoke, an improperly adjusted gas stove—which can emit significantly more carbon monoxide than a properly adjusted one—and attached garages can also introduce harmful air pollutants into your living space. By identifying these indoor air sources and taking steps to control them, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality and create a safer, more comfortable home.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Breathing in indoor air pollutants can have a wide range of health effects. The impact of exposure to indoor air pollutants depends on factors such as the type of pollutant, exposure level, duration, individual sensitivity, age, and preexisting medical conditions. When assessing long-term health risks, it is important to consider exposure to average pollutant concentrations and the average pollutant concentrations found in homes, as the health impacts of these levels are not always immediately clear and can vary between individuals.

Immediate effects from indoor air pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Some of these immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases, making it difficult to determine if symptoms are due to indoor air pollution. Poor indoor air quality can also lead to sick building syndrome, which includes symptoms like burning eyes, scratchy throat, blocked nose, and headaches.

Over time, exposure to indoor air pollution—such as volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide—can lead to more serious health problems. Long-term health effects from indoor air pollutants can include respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, which can be severely debilitating or fatal. Some of these effects may only become apparent after long or repeated periods of exposure.

Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollutants. The World Health Organization estimates that poor indoor air quality results in the loss of millions of healthy life years each year. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to harmful air pollutants in your home.

Building Materials and Air Quality

The materials used to build and furnish your home can have a big impact on indoor air quality. Many common building materials, such as plywood, particleboard, and certain types of insulation, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the indoor air. These VOCs often come from adhesives, resins, and chemicals used during manufacturing, and they can linger in your indoor environment long after construction or remodeling is complete. Even everyday items like carpeting, upholstery, and paint can emit VOCs, contributing to poor indoor air quality and increasing the risk of indoor air pollution.

To improve indoor air quality, it’s important to choose building materials that are low in VOCs. Look for products labeled as low-VOC or made from natural materials like solid wood, bamboo, or cork. These options can help reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into your indoor air. Additionally, regular ventilation and the use of air cleaners can help remove VOCs and other indoor air pollutants, keeping your home’s air quality at its best. By being mindful of the building materials you bring into your home, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

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, making humidity control essential for maintaining healthy air. Mold growth is associated with high moisture levels and can be triggered by conditions such as plumbing leaks or condensation due to improper ventilation. 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. Proper maintenance of cooling systems is important for controlling humidity and preventing mold growth. A dehumidifier will help to keep humidity between the optimum 30 to 50 percent levels, ensuring that relative humidity levels remain within the recommended range for better indoor air quality.

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, as these chemical pollutants contribute to poor indoor air quality and pose health risks. 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. In addition to filtering out fungi and other allergens, houseplants can help reduce the impact of animal dander, a common indoor allergen originating from household pets that can become airborne and trigger allergies or asthma. Choose plants like the peace lily, English ivy, variegated snake plant, or chrysanthemum to get the best results.

Role of the Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a vital role in helping Americans address indoor air quality problems. The EPA provides valuable guidance and resources to help homeowners, schools, and businesses identify and reduce exposure to common indoor air pollutants, such as radon, secondhand smoke, and volatile organic compounds. By setting standards and offering recommendations for improving indoor air quality, the EPA helps people take practical steps to reduce indoor air pollution and protect their health.

The EPA’s initiatives, like the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools program, support schools in identifying and solving indoor air quality issues, while the National Radon Action Plan focuses on reducing radon exposure in homes and buildings. The agency also conducts research to better understand how indoor air pollutants affect human health and develops strategies to minimize these risks. Thanks to the EPA’s ongoing efforts, more people are aware of the importance of good indoor air quality and have access to the tools they need to create healthier indoor environments. By following EPA guidelines and staying informed about indoor air quality, you can help protect your family from the dangers of indoor air pollution.

Ventilation and Air Quality

Proper ventilation is key to maintaining good indoor air quality. Ventilation helps remove indoor air pollutants and brings in fresh outdoor air, diluting contaminants and improving the overall air quality in your home. Outdoor air enters and outdoor air flows into a building through infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation devices such as outdoor-vented fans and air handling systems. Air movement, driven by air temperature differences and wind, plays a crucial role in these processes. Mechanical systems can supply conditioned outdoor air—filtered, heated, cooled, or dehumidified—to maintain comfort and air quality.

There are two main types of ventilation: natural ventilation, which relies on opening windows and doors to let outdoor air flow in, and mechanical ventilation, which uses fans, ducts, and air handling systems to circulate air. Some systems, like bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen exhaust fans, intermittently remove air from specific rooms to reduce moisture and airborne contaminants; it is essential to vent these fans outdoors to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Other systems continuously remove indoor air and replace it with fresh air to maintain healthy conditions. Smart ventilation systems can bring fresh air in and stale air out without losing cool air, which is especially beneficial in hot climates like Las Vegas.

The effectiveness of ventilation depends on factors like the outdoor ventilation rate, air exchange rate, the use of air cleaners, and the quality of outdoor air coming indoors. Standards such as ASHRAE 62.1 help determine adequate outdoor ventilation rates for different settings. Too little outdoor air or low infiltration and ventilation rates can lead to increased indoor pollutant levels and low and pollutant levels, resulting in poor air quality and health risks. Carbon dioxide indoors is often used as an indicator of ventilation adequacy.

Central heating and air conditioners are also part of HVAC systems that impact indoor air quality. Poorly maintained units can harbor biological contaminants like mold and bacteria, which can be carried throughout the home. Regularly changing or cleaning air filters is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality, especially in Las Vegas, where high dust levels require changing HVAC filters every 1-3 months. High-efficiency air filters (MERV 13 or higher) are recommended for HVAC systems in Las Vegas to capture small particles including pollen, smoke, and bacteria.

Whole-home air purifiers can be installed in-line with HVAC systems to zap or eliminate mold, bacteria, and viruses using UV-C light or ionization. Using portable HEPA filters can also improve indoor air quality by removing airborne particles. Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in Las Vegas requires managing dry, dusty conditions and extreme heat, and local providers offer specialized air quality services tailored to these desert-specific challenges.

Inadequate ventilation and poor maintenance can increase indoor pollutant levels, carrying indoor air pollutants throughout the home and resulting in poor ventilation. Common indoor air pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and mold. Testing emissions from building materials used indoors has become increasingly common for floor coverings, paints, and other finishes. It is also important to test for radon and other pollutants periodically to ensure indoor air safety.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is evaluated through collection of air samples, monitoring human exposure to pollutants, analysis of building surfaces, and computer modeling of air flow inside buildings. By prioritizing proper ventilation, using high-efficiency filters, and maintaining HVAC systems, you can significantly improve air quality indoors and protect your health.

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.

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Don’t Miss Out On These Features of Modern Thermostats

May 22nd, 2018

So many tasks in our daily lives involve the use of modern technology, and the way we heat and cool our Summerlin, Nevada, homes is no exception. Unlike designs from the past, today’s thermostats are more than simple, basic devices. Available options now offer numerous benefits that help to increase comfort and energy savings. Learn how modern thermostats can make a significant difference in the way you manage HVAC comfort from season to season.

Easy Programming

The first wave of programmable thermostats weren’t all that easy to use. In fact, many consumers opted not to use the programming features in them altogether. But what’s the point of having a smart thermostat if you can’t take advantage of its features? Current models are user-friendly and some even come with accompanying smartphone apps to help streamline the setup process.

Remote Access

Imagine you’re on vacation when, suddenly, you’re struck by a thought: did I adjust the thermostat’s setting? Maintaining preferred temperatures when no one’s home is a waste of money. With an older thermostat, you’d have no choice but to cross your fingers and hope your energy bill isn’t too high when you get home. Fortunately, modern thermostats offer remote access features, allowing you to use a smartphone or another internet-enabled device to control your home’s temperature—even if you’re far away.

Attractive Features

Easy programming and remote access are only two of the features that allow you to keep more money in your pocket. There are other capabilities that help you to save energy and improve comfort. Some newer thermostats can also gather usage data and provide reports, so you can analyze usage over time and identify areas of energy waste. Some models are so smart that they can even learn your preferences and then set the temperature automatically based on previous programming habits. It’s just another way modern thermostats are a huge upgrade over thermostats of the past.

If you’re ready to make temperature control easier, contact Johnny On The Spot today at(725) 977-9461. Our installation experts will help you to understand your options and set up your new thermostat so you can start enjoying easy air conditioning comfort right away.

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Did You Know You Can Use a Heat Pump During the Cooling Season?

May 10th, 2018

A heat pump is an energy-efficient HVAC system and an alternative to a furnace. However, did you know that these units also cool your home? Along with heating your home or business, a heat pump can provide the cooling you need to get through a Las Vegas, Nevada, summer. Learn more about how a heat pump works and the options and features available in today’s designs.

How a Heat Pump Works

Heat energy is present in the air, the ground and water. A heat pump works by moving heat from one area to another. In the winter, it extracts heat from the energy source and releases warm air indoors. In the summer, it reverses this action to remove heat from your property and release it outside. Heat pumps accomplish this process via a reversing valve which allows you to switch the unit between heating and cooling modes.

Types of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are either geothermal (ground-source or water-source) or air source. We carry air-source heat pumps that offer benefits like:

  • Two-stage Cooling
  • Efficient Performance
  • Energy Savings
  • Durability
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality
  • High Efficiency Ratings
  • Quiet Operation

Geothermal systems transfer heat energy between the ground or a nearby source of water and your property. They’re more costly to install but cheaper to operate, more durable, and suitable for extreme climates. An absorption system uses gas or another heat source to heat and cool your property. Air-source heat pumps are the most common option. They transfer air between the outdoors and your property. Heat pumps are a worthwhile option for indoor comfort since you get year-long comfort from just one unit.

Choosing Your Heat Pump

Your team at Johnny On The Spot is proud to partner with Trane in bringing you innovative HVAC systems. If you need an upgrade, contact us today at(725) 977-9461 to learn more about heat pumps. You can trust our expert team for accurate installation services. We’ll make sure you choose the system that is right for your home or business. Call now to get started.

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Never Cleaned Your Ducts? Learn Why Duct Cleaning Is Important

April 22nd, 2018

Your HVAC system’s ductwork distributes heated and cooled air throughout your Las Vegas, NV, home or business. However, because ducts are hidden behind walls, under crawl spaces and in attics, they’re easy to forget. Ducts need maintenance as much your visible HVAC equipment. Here’s why it’s a good idea to invest in duct cleaning for your residential or commercial property.

It Improves Indoor Air Quality for Better Health

Over time, ducts can become infested with allergens and contaminants that cause short and long-term illnesses. Pet dander, dust mites, pollen, bacteria, viruses, spores, and pests can take up residence in the dark and humid environment of the ductwork. Whenever your HVAC system cycles on, these particles can blow into your Las Vegas home and pollute your indoor air. Duct cleaning removes these pollutants from your ducts so that the air you breathe is clean and not detrimental to your health.

Duct Cleaning Increases HVAC Efficiency

Dirt, dust, debris and other obstructions can also impede airflow through the ducts and overwork your system. Overworked HVAC components break down easily, and this wear and tear can also shorten your system’s lifespan because of the damage to the equipment over time. If the units have to work harder to maintain even basic performance levels, energy usage and utility bills will likely increase. Getting rid of ductwork gunk that obstructs airflow helps to keep indoor comfort high and energy bills low.

You Save Money by Preventing Duct Leaks

The buildup of particles can damage your ducts. Ductwork will develop cracks and leaks through which heated and cooled air escapes. The US Department of Energy estimates that the average home loses 20 to 30 percent of treated air through leaky and poorly-connected ducts. During duct cleaning, our technicians will identify any problems and provide honest recommendations. Sealing duct leaks will also prevent energy loss, increase HVAC efficiency and decrease utility bills.

Learn more about how duct cleaning and preventive maintenance protect your equipment, maximize indoor comfort, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor air quality to support good health. Contact your service specialists at Johnny On The Spot by calling(725) 977-9461.

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How Spring AC Maintenance Helps You Beat the Summer Heat

April 10th, 2018

With an average annual high of 80 degrees and sweltering summer weather that routinely brings triple-digit temperatures, it’s not easy to keep your cool in the Las Vegas, NV, area. It also isn’t cheap. Effective air conditioning is virtually mandatory to live comfortably in the region, and that can often mean high energy costs. While devices like smart thermostats can offer some energy savings, one of the best energy efficiency boosters is also the simplest: routine maintenance. To learn more, let’s take a look at how spring AC maintenance can help you keep your cool – and your cash.

Prepare Your System for Battle

You wouldn’t embark on a cross-country trip without ensuring your car is tuned up and well-maintained, so why head into the scorching heat of summer without making sure your HVAC system is up to the task? Dirty air filters alone can sap up to 15 percent of your system’s energy. Leaky ducts, worn-out mechanical components, and other potential issues could be preventing your HVAC system from operating properly. Professional inspection and a routine maintenance program can identify and correct these problems during spring. We’ll ensure that you benefit from optimal energy efficiency and real savings on your utility bills when the time comes for you to crank up the air conditioning.

Routine Maintenance Can Boost Reliability

While installing a high-quality air conditioning system is certainly a worthwhile investment, having to replace an existing system that has failed is a surprise that no one wants. HVAC system failures are especially problematic in the summer when an unexpected breakdown can mean having to suffer through the heat until you arrange for a new installation. Regular AC maintenance is a great way to boost the service life and reliability of your system, so you save money on repairs and safeguard your home against a system failure at the worst possible time.

An effective and efficient HVAC system is a must-have when you live in the Las Vegas area. To find out what you can do to keep your system working at its best for years to come, check out Johnny On The Spot’s comprehensive maintenance services or call(725) 977-9461 to speak with a helpful representative today.

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How to Enjoy HVAC Comfort Year-Round in Las Vegas

March 28th, 2018

Residents of Las Vegas, NV, experience record high temperatures during the summer months. Consistently high temperatures can make it hard to stay cool on a budget. Then, winter in our area can bring temperatures near freezing point. At Johnny On The Spot, we offer HVAC maintenance, repairs, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that make temperature management a breeze. Choose us for commercial or residential HVAC, and we’ll make it easy for you to enjoy HVAC comfort year-round.

The High-Performance Upgrades You Need

If you’re only able to keep comfortable when the weather is mild, you need to take action now. Winter and summer temperatures in our area can be unforgiving. At either extreme, unless you have reliable heating and cooling, you could be risking occupants’ health and safety. When you get rid of your inefficient system and make that upgrade:

Check out our specials page for offers that could help you save on your upgrade. Our service specialists will help you understand what you need to do to keep your system in peak condition.

Taking Care of Your HVAC System

Caring for your HVAC system ensures its longevity. Regular filter changes and seasonal maintenance can make a big difference in comfort and system performance. Schedule heater maintenance in fall and AC maintenance in spring. By doing so, you ensure your systems will be in good condition to take on the temperatures ahead. For a simple DIY step, learn how to change your air filter properly.

You can avoid frequent repairs or even stave off early replacement when you take care of your heating and cooling systems. You can’t go wrong with “The Johnny’s Touch” maintenance program. We check every component and make necessary repairs. Additional benefits include priority scheduling and discounts and free diagnostics on repairs. With ongoing care, your system can perform efficiently year-round, much like a smart thermostat improves AC efficiency.

We’re All About Your Comfort—365

Make an appointment for a consultation as soon as you notice any problem with your system. A delay could cost you more. Johnny On The Spot is ready with the tools, products, services, and expertise to guarantee year-round in your office or business. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 for installation, repairs, or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What upgrades are recommended for reliable year‑round HVAC comfort in Las Vegas?
Answer: Upgrading from an inefficient heating or cooling system helps ensure comfort during both summer’s extreme heat and colder winter nights. Key benefits include better energy efficiency, lower utility costs, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced comfort and safety.

Question: When should I schedule HVAC maintenance to get the most benefit in Las Vegas?
Answer: It’s best to schedule heater maintenance in fall and air conditioner maintenance in spring. That timing ensures your system is ready for harsh summer heat or cold winter nights.

Question: What are the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance?
Answer: Regular maintenance (filter changes, inspections, cleaning, checking components) prolongs system lifespan, improves efficiency, lowers repair costs, helps avoid emergency breakdowns, and keeps indoor air quality better.

Question: What is “The Johnny’s Touch” maintenance program?
Answer: It’s a maintenance plan offered by Johnny On The Spot that includes checking all components, making needed repairs, priority service scheduling, discounts, and free diagnostics for repair work.

Question: Why is indoor air quality mentioned in relation to HVAC upgrades?
Answer: Upgrading to a high‑performance HVAC system helps control temperature extremes and also improves indoor air quality. Better seals, efficient filtration, and properly functioning systems reduce drafts, dust, and pollutants.

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All You Need to Know About Ductless AC Units

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.

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How a Smart Thermostat Improves AC Efficiency

March 5th, 2018

There was a time when persons would jokingly say that, “one day, computers will run everything.” Today, that sentiment is no longer far-fetched. It is in fact, much closer to reality. Thanks to advancements in home automation technology, you can operate nearly every device in your Henderson, NV, home by remote control. Your HVAC system is no different, and a smart thermostat adds more than convenience, it can optimize air conditioning efficiency and energy savings, too.

Get Detailed Energy Reports

Smart thermostats can generate reports that show how much energy you are using, and how you may be wasting energy. The in-depth information helps you to understand how you can make adjustments to reduce your energy bills. You’ll be able to make comparative analyses and review your energy consumption patterns over time. Programming options help you save energy without compromising comfort.

Programmable Schedules

Usually, your thermostat is set to one temperature, or you rarely change the setting. You could be wasting a lot of energy! Smart thermostats bring ease, convenience, and flexibility to heating and air conditioning. These devices allow you to program temperatures based on your schedule. That is, you can set specific and energy-saving temperatures based on whether or not you are at home, awake or sleeping.

You save energy because, for example, if a 75-degree setting is ideal when you’re home, there’s no need to keep the thermostat at the same temperature when you’re away. With a smart thermostat, you won’t have to worry about making these adjustments. The Wi-Fi option means you can also make changes from any location. Many of these thermostats are so smart that they can study your behavior and make automatic temperature changes!

We’re Your Heating and Cooling Experts

As your HVAC pros, we offer the products and services that help you save. Improving AC efficiency is easy with Johnny On The Spot. We have a selection of smart thermostats to suit your style and budget. Thanks to technology, now there is a smart way to make your home more comfortable for less. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 to find out how you can upgrade your device

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How To Change Your Air Filter

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.

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Why Isn’t My Home Heating Up?

December 1st, 2017

Ice, snow, and possibly blizzards, are a few of the frustrating things to deal with during the long cold months. And a heating system not quite doing its job of keeping your house warm is just unbelievable. This is quite an annoying situation, though very common. There may be problems with the evaporator coils, wiring, pipes or ducts, filters, or the motors. Any of these problems would need a professional repair assistance. Do not attempt to fix it by yourself as it may cause further damage and may cost you more than just a few hundred dollars.

Before you slam and scream at your thermostats for being useless, there are a few typical reasons why your system is not working.

A Faulty Thermostat

There are many reasons why the thermostat may not be working properly. The freezing temperatures outside may have strained your furnace. Older thermostats may need to be leveled. Check if the breaker is working and check if the door is properly closed. Check for burnt fuses.

You could determine what part is not working by running a few checkpoints. If your system has coilers, check if you can feel any heat from the furnace when it is on. If there is barely any to no heat, your boilers may need replacement.

Clogged Ducts

Another checkpoint is your ducts or pipes. A lack of airflow from the ducts means that it is clogged with dirt or other debris.

Blower Motors

Blower motors may need replacement if it is frayed, cracked, or lost its tension.

Ignition

An electronic igniter or pilot light is responsible for lighting the gas or propane central heating. If the igniter doesn’t light or the pilot light has no flame, call a professional to replace the igniter.

Dirty Filters

Filters need to be cleaned at least twice a year like a dental cleaning. Remove your screens and check if your filters require cleaning. Dust and other dirt may accumulate in your filters and sometimes be the root of your system not functioning well. Ideal time to clean or replace filters will be in spring or fall just right before the season wherein your air conditioning system works the hardest.

Lack Of Maintenance

All of the abovementioned faulty parts of your system may be traced back to poor maintenance. Over the year, household chores are often put off especially when it comes to maintenance if the furnace seems to be working fine prior to the incident. Even if your systems seem to have no problems, it is in your best interest if regular maintenance is done to avoid damages that will hinder the system working properly and will cause you to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars for repair and utility bills.

It is not pleasant to suffer the cold of the bitter winter. If your heating system is not working, determine the source of the problem, but do not attempt resolving it by yourself. Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 so we can provide the support you need!

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