Johnny On the Spot Blog

Spring, when one can still bear the heat in Las Vegas, NV, provides the perfect time for a heat pump tuneup. Know that experts recommend such a tuneup once a year; many manufacturers require it, too, or else their warranties become void. Don’t miss the following benefits to scheduling heat pump tuneups regularly:

Lower Energy Bills

Maintenance takes care of a host of small problems that keep a heat pump from running efficiently, such as dirty coils, out-of-balance parts and loose wiring. It can also ensure that your thermostat reads the indoor temperatures correctly. As a result, it turns the system on and off at the appropriate times.

You may see a significant decrease in your energy bill as the heat pump will waste little time and energy in doing its job. Note that one sign of a failing heat pump will be significant increases in the energy bill.

Fewer Major Repairs

You’ll save money on AC repairs because maintenance nips a number of smaller problems in the bud. Let’s take one example to illustrate. Without maintenance, a dirty coil or heat exchanger may cause the heat pump to overheat, putting wear on it and requiring you to buy a new motor before long, which is an expensive repair.

Longer Life for the System

With fewer issues to strain and wear down the heat pump, you can put off a system replacement for years to come, depending on its current age. Heat pumps should ideally last up to 20 years.

Serving Homeowners Since 2010

Johnny On The Spot can take on AC maintenance for your home in Las Vegas, so call today for an appointment. Our service specialists are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction with everything they do. We look forward to helping you stay cool this spring and summer.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Do you use a heat pump to stay warm in winter and cool in summer? It’s important to replace the heat pump compressor in your North Las Vegas, NV, home when you suspect it’s going bad. The signs of this include:

Blows Warm Air in Cooling Mode

This is one of the first signs that your heat pump compressor isn’t working properly. When your system only blows warm air when in cooling mode, it’s time to seek assistance from a certified service specialist.

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues are a key sign the compressor is on its deathbed, and these electrical issues can be difficult to track down. A professional who specializes in repairing heating and cooling equipment can troubleshoot and repair the problem.

Loud Noises

Occasionally, the noise itself may not indicate damage, but it can be a sign that parts need replacing soon. Several different issues can be the underlying cause of a loud noise, such as a frayed fan belt or loose screws. If your heat pump compressor is still working but making noise while doing so, call us to expertly assess the problem at hand.

Diminished Airflow

Depending on what you’re experiencing, a diminished airflow could be due to a host of things. But in the case of your heat pump compressor, it’s likely due to a clogged filter. Keep filters clean and clear at all times, and be sure to schedule routine maintenance with a service specialist to avoid costly breakdowns.

Compressors are the most important part to take care of when it comes to your HVAC system. If you have any doubts about whether you need a new heat pump compressor, feel free to contact one of the friendly and knowledgeable service specialists at Johnny On The Spot for more information. We can help right away.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

With chilly days and cold nights in Las Vegas, Nevada, you’ll depend on your home’s heating system to maintain a
comfortable atmosphere. It’s important to keep up with regular furnace maintenance to avoid problems when you need your heating system. Annual maintenance helps to keep your furnace in good condition and comes with a number of other benefits. Although early fall is the best time to schedule annual furnace maintenance, it’s never too late to do so.

Heating System Protection

The furnace is an important component of your home’s HVAC system. It’s also an expensive investment, so taking care of it is essential. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you can protect your system and make sure it continues to deliver efficient service for years to come.

Most equipment manufacturers estimate their products will last for 10-15 years, but this estimate includes annual tuneups. Protect your investment by scheduling maintenance service every fall for your heating system. We recommend scheduling maintenance as early as possible so you will be in great shape for most of the winter.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Another benefit of regular furnace maintenance is improved indoor air quality. Over time, the coils and other components of your heating system collect dust and other debris. The contaminants then circulate in the air you breathe. As a result, health symptoms may arise, including congestion, asthma attacks, eye irritation and coughing.

Your annual maintenance service will include a thorough cleaning of the heating system. Our service specialists will remove all buildup to help minimize health risks. You will benefit from fresh, clean indoor air.

Improved Heating Efficiency

With annual preventive maintenance, we can keep an eye on any part of your furnace that might need repairs. If any component of your heater isn’t working properly, the system will use more energy to heat your home. As a result, your heating bills will increase.

Our service specialists will also perform repairs to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. This will help to reduce energy waste and eliminate the need for expensive repairs. Take advantage of these benefits and schedule annual furnace maintenance with Johnny On The Spot.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Continue Reading

Does your furnace’s pilot light keep going out frequently? While it happens occasionally, if you have to relight it more than once, it could indicate a problem. Here are four reasons your furnace’s pilot flight keeps going out in Anthem, NV:

Drafts and Venting Issues

If your pilot light keeps going out, it could be due to a draft. For example, the flame may fail to ignite properly during stormy weather.

However, the problem could be the location of the furnace. If it’s in an enclosed area, the lack of oxygen will prevent the flame from igniting.

Additionally, improper venting may cause airflow problems. Consider consulting a furnace repair technician to avoid safety hazards.

Debris in the Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a component of a pilot light mechanism that detects when the flame is on. If there is debris on the thermocouple, it’ll act as a heat insulator. Since it can’t register sufficient heat, it’ll shut the gas valve to prevent gas from escaping.

Furthermore, the thermocouple may be unable to detect the flame and may need to be replaced. Our furnace service specialists can test the system to determine if it lines up with the pilot orifice.

Dirt in the Pilot Light Opening

The flame can give you an idea if there’s an issue with your system. You should see a clear blue color with a yellow tip.

But if the flame is weak and mostly yellow, it’s a sign of debris in the pilot light opening. It implies incomplete combustion, which can release toxic fumes. Schedule a service with a professional to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas Valve or Gas Supply Problems

It’s also possible that you’re experiencing natural gas supply problems. During peak times, the supply may fluctuate, causing the pilot to keep going out. However, a faulty gas valve regulator could be responsible for an unstable pilot flame.

Sometimes your furnace needs time to heat up, especially when it’s the first time you’re switching it on. You can refer to the manufacturer’s manual to relight it. But if you suspect gas leaks or combustion issues, call Johnny On The Spot for 24/7 emergency services in Anthem.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

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.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Sometimes, when your HVAC system breaks down, your first thought is getting hands-on to figure out the problem. That’s understandable because it can save you money if it works. But most times it doesn’t and isn’t worth the risks. The fact is most DIY HVAC repairs can pose a significant danger to you and your Anthem, NV, home.

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

HVAC repairs might involve the use of chemicals, some of which can be harmful to your body. For instance, the refrigerant in HVAC systems is highly poisonous. Without the expertise, you might not handle or dispose of it correctly, putting yourself and the environment in harm’s way.

Financial Loss

Ironically, DIY HVAC repairs often end up being more expensive than what you would have paid a professional. For instance, one wrong move could lead to irreversible damage, necessitating an expensive replacement.

Besides, in the process of the DIY repair, you could end up hurt. That could lead to some unexpected medical care expenses.

Time Waste

DIY projects could be your favorite pastime activity. However, that doesn’t mean you want to spend all day on the same job, which might be the case with DIY HVAC repairs. The reason for this is because you might lack the technical know-how to diagnose the problem quickly.

Losing the Warranty

Ideally, HVAC systems come with warranties on components and labor. However, should your attempt at DIY repair lead to damages, you lose your service warranty. That means you’ll have to pay the full price for future professional repairs.

Safety Codes and Regulations

There are regulations that govern HVAC work — usually related to safety reasons. Unless you have professional experience, you won’t know when something could be a code violation.

Knowing the dangers of DIY HVAC repairs, it would be best to seek professional repair services the next time your system runs into problems. If you’re in search of service specialists you can trust, Johnny On The Spot is here for you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

There are increasing concerns about indoor air quality recently. As such, homeowners are using equipment such as whole-home air purifiers to improve it. Air purifiers have germicidal properties that help destroy viruses and bacteria and reduce allergy triggers such as pollen, dust and pet dander. Here are three ways you could benefit from installing a whole-home air purifier in your Summerlin, NV, home:

Reduce Harmful Chemicals

If you reside in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, outdoor pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide will find their way into your home. Exposing your family members to these harmful gases will increase their chances of developing health complications.

Household cleaning agents such as bleach contain toxic volatile organic compounds such as chlorine, ammonia and phthalates. Although exposure to these chemicals in small quantities doesn’t cause major harm, routine exposure can have long-term negative effects on the body.

The great news is that it’s possible to control the circulation of these harmful chemicals by installing an air purifier. The activated carbon component removes these toxic chemicals. As a result, it prevents the occurrence of these ailments. The carbon is highly porous. It t allows carbon filtering, which traps these chemicals, allowing the recycling of fresh air in the home.

Relieve Respiratory Illnesses

Indoor pollutants such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander affect the air quality, triggering asthma and other allergies. These particles will stick to your clothes, flow in through the open windows and doors, and land on furniture and carpets. Increased moisture in the home is a breeding ground for dust mites, a common indoor allergen.

Although vacuuming the furniture and floors will remove a percentage of these particles, some contaminants will remain suspended in the air, which increases the chances of asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Therefore, you should consider investing in an air purifier to capture indoor pollutants. This improves your indoor air quality and prevents asthma and other allergy triggers among your family members.

Eliminate Odors

Different products such as aerosol sprays, paints and air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde that break down at room temperatures, thus releasing strong and irritating odors. These odors trigger symptoms such as breathlessness and nausea. An air purifier can eliminate these odors and help your home smell fresher.

If you reside in Summerlin, NV, contact our service technicians at Johnny on the Spot to install, maintain and repair whole-home air purifiers. We look forward to serving you.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

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.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

When using your air conditioner during the summer, you may notice it emanates nasty smells. It may be the typical dusty smell or some other more pungent odor. Here are three offensive AC odors that may linger in your Summerlin, NV, home and what they mean.

Dirty-Sock Smell

Your air conditioning system won’t produce this nasty odor normally. If your AC system releases a stinky sock smell, it simply means the coils need a thorough cleaning. The dirty sock odor results from bacterial growth and dirt particles accumulating in the AC system’s evaporator coils.

It’s not an odor you want to keep for long, so shut off your air conditioner and call a service specialist. AC repair and maintenance specialists know the easy way to clean evaporator coils and sanitize your AC condenser.

Garbage-Like Odor

In fear of the hot summer weather, small animals make your AC system their home. The sad reality is that not every animal that enters your air conditioner will leave alive. Some die in the process and are probably the reason behind the garbage-like odor coming from your air conditioning system.

Removing these animals may seem like an easy job until you try it. Avoid the trouble and contact a professional.

Burning Smell

In some instances, your air conditioning system may generate a burning odor. The burning smell occurs when something is actually burning inside the air conditioner. Leaving it to run longer could end up causing more damage.

Once you discover that burning smell, switch off your AC system and call a service specialist. They will inspect the motor, wires and every other part for problems and troubleshoot the issue before it gets worse.

For all your air conditioner repairs and maintenance services, contact us at at Johnny On The Spot. Our certified service specialists have years of experience servicing different models and brands of AC systems.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

When it comes to indoor air quality, it’s hard to know what will really make a difference. There are a wide variety of cleaners, filters and purifiers in an assortment of different sizes. Here are five benefits of choosing whole-home air cleaners to improve your indoor air quality in North Las Vegas, NV:

Fewer Allergens

Indoor air cleaners provide a much finer filter than your standard HVAC system’s filters. These cleaners remove much smaller particles, which are often various types of allergens. From pollen to pet dander, these cleaners help reduce the triggers for many airborne allergies.

Improves Sleep

When you suffer from an allergy, you may experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing or sneezing. All of this inhibits quality and restful sleep mainly due to shallower breathing. By removing the allergens and reducing your allergic triggers, you create an environment more conducive to good sleep.

Less Dust Buildup

Doing more cleaning than necessary is nearly universally agreed to be an undesired chore. When you improve your air quality by reducing the number of microscopic particles circulating, you reduce the sources of dust. Less source materials means less dust, which means your home stays cleaner longer.

Fewer HVAC Repairs

As air circulates through your HVAC system, it deposits those microscopic contaminants throughout your system. Once these collect over time, they impede the proper function of your system, leading to additional operation strain. This strain causes your system components to fail, requiring preventable AC repairs.

Everyone Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to use whole-house air cleaners instead of independent room models is that everyone benefits. With standalone models, they only affect the individual room, and many times only immediately around the device.

Whole-home air cleaners have a much higher circulation rate because they plug directly into your HVAC system. Due to the dynamics of the airflow around your home, a higher proportion of air gets cleaned and recirculated. This benefits everyone in the house, regardless of whether they’re in the room with the cleaner.

Don’t let poor air quality ruin your home experience. Call Johnny On The Spot to schedule an indoor air quality consultation with one of our experienced service specialists today.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading