Johnny On the Spot Blog

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

Clear the Buildup in the Drain Line

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

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

Clean or Change the Dirty Filter

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

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

Investigate Unpleasant Odors

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

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

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

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Everyone knows how hot summers are in Las Vegas, NV. When the temperature outside starts climbing, you trust your home’s air conditioning system to keep you and your family cool. There are several reasons spring is the ideal time to invest in air conditioner maintenance before the scorching summer temperatures arrive.

Prevent Costly Problems

Your air conditioner will work harder in the summer than it does during any other season. Having a springtime tune-up performed on your air conditioner will ensure that your system is ready to combat the high temperatures. Our service specialists know how to identify parts that are starting to show wear. They can help resolve the problem before it turns into something more expensive.

Improve AC Efficiency

Since your air conditioner has to run more during the summer to keep your home cool, you probably assume that your utility bills will increase. While that may be true to a certain degree, spring air conditioner tune-ups can help ensure that your system is running efficiently. An efficiently running AC system helps ensure that your utility bills don’t go up too much, even when combating summer’s rising temperatures.

Extend Your System’s Lifespan

No one looks forward to the prospect of having a new central air conditioning system installed. There will be a day when you have to install a new cooling system. But having annual spring tune-ups helps to extend your existing system’s lifespan. A properly maintained air conditioning system can last for anywhere between 15 and 20 years.

Investing in a spring tune-up for your air conditioner is an investment in the long-term efficiency and comfort of your home. Call Johnny On The Spot today to schedule your spring AC maintenance. Also, be sure to inquire about all of our other HVAC services. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Homeowners living in Henderson, NV, may not know that their ducts can become magnets for strange items. If you haven’t scheduled a professional duct cleaning for a long time, your indoor air could be circulating around some disturbing things without your knowledge. The following is a brief description of some of the strangest things you may find in your ductwork.

Food Wrappers

The construction workers responsible for building your home ate lunch and drank beverages at the job site. Inspectors may not have checked the air ducts before you took over ownership of your home. Food wrappers left behind by workers will obstruct the flow of air through your HVAC system if they enter your ductwork.

Dead Animals

It’s not uncommon for insects and small animals to hide in your vents to avoid detection. The best-case scenario is that you become conscious of the critters in your ductwork and have them removed. Many times, the end of life will come for animals living in your ductwork without you ever knowing they took up residence there.

Toys

Children possess endless amounts of creativity. At times, they demonstrate this creativity by discovering strange things to do with their toys. If you have children living with you, don’t become too surprised if your next duct cleaning ends with you finding a lost toy or two.

Particle Pollutants

Operating your HVAC system for years without duct cleaning will result in accumulated dust, dirt and debris in the ductwork. This will eventually lead to a thick layer of particle pollutants, which can inhibit airflow and contribute to poor IAQ.

Your HVAC system is more likely to work as you desire when your ductwork is free from obstructions. Call Johnny On The Spot when your HVAC system needs professional duct cleaning. We’ll make sure you’re maximizing heating and cooling efficiency all year.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Are you looking for ways to improve the air quality for your Summerlin, NV, home? If so, consider an air scrubber. Air scrubbers are a great solution to keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Below are some ways an air scrubber can help you improve the quality of the air you breathe.

What are Air Scrubbers?

An air scrubber is a filtration system that removes air pollutants such as chemicals, particles and gases. While it’s mostly associated with large industrial renovation jobs, it can equally apply in homes. Air contaminants such as dirt and pet dander will always find a way into your home and often get trapped in your furniture and carpets despite your cleaning efforts.

The contaminants are responsible for the low indoor air quality that leads to health complications like allergies and asthma. The air scrubbers work by drawing in the air and filtering all hazardous materials.

Benefits of Air Scrubbers

An air scrubber with ActivePure® technology can help reduce certain illnesses. The illnesses may include:

• Allergies.
• Coughs.
• Sinuses.
• Eye, throat and nose irritations.
• Headaches.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.

Air scrubbers can also reduce dander and dust in your living space. They also reduce other contaminants, which include:

• Tobacco smoke.
• Food odor.
• Pet odor.
• Volatile organic compounds.

Cleaning Your Indoor Air Supply

While air filters work by capturing large particles, air scrubbers with ActivePure® technology work by attracting positive ions. The majority of contaminant particles are positively charged, so the scrubbers use negative charges to attract them. They not only filter the air but also deodorize, purify and clean it.

Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Apart from cleaning your indoor air and enhancing your comfort, air scrubbers also help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. Instead of dirtying and damaging your unit, the indoor air pollutants get broken and eliminated. By doing so, your HVAC system experiences fewer repairs and increases its efficiency, which leads to a longer service life.

For more information about system maintenance, contact the team at Johnny On The Spot. We offer a free service call with repair and professional service specialists.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Furnaces aren’t entirely silent when operating. But they may produce unusual loud noises as an indication of problems. There are all kinds of reasons your furnace in Las Vegas, NV, could make loud noises. Here are four of them:

Damaged or Loose Blower Belt

Furnace belts may be loose and produce loud squealing sounds. Another cause of a squealing sound in your furnace is a dry shaft bearing. To solve such issues, a professional will lubricate all the moving parts to keep your heating system performing optimally.

In case of a loose belt, you need to adjust or replace it. While you may perform adjustments to the fan belt by yourself, never attempt to replace it on your own. Contact a service specialist for inspections of the fan belt.

Blower Motor Issue

When turning on your heating system, you may hear loud rattling and screeching noise. The noise could mean either the bearings of the blower or the blower motor itself has a problem. Your blower often needs routine specific kinds of lubrication to prevent such noises.

If you let the noise continue without professional inspections, it could lead to severe damage and expensive repairs or replacements. Contact an HVAC company for proper inspections, oiling and repairs.

Faulty Heat Exchanger

Loud, continuous rattling sounds from your furnace could mean a loose screw or panel. In case of a loose screw, you can turn off your heater at the power source and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw. However, if the noise isn’t from the loose screw, it’s likely an indication of a severe problem from a faulty heat exchanger.

The main reason for a faulty heat exchanger is the lack of enough airflow. Dirty filters, coils or blowers can restrict airflow, causing heat buildup within the heat exchanger. The heat then causes splinters and cracks to the heat exchanger, producing a loud rattling sound.

The cracks could lead to leakages of carbon monoxide, which lowers your indoor air quality. If the sound isn’t from loose screws, immediately contact a service specialist to prevent further damage and possible air poisoning.

Dirty Burners

If you hear a loud bang or boom sound when you turn on the furnace, this means its burner has dirt that needs cleaning. Dirty burners may delay ignition, causing a buildup of gas and a possible explosion. Another reason for a booms sound is an unbalanced ratio of air to fuel.

If you hear any unfamiliar sounds coming from your furnace, contact Johnny On The Spot for inspections and maintenance. Never ignore any of the above sounds, and remember to schedule annual furnace maintenance.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

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

Locate Leaks and Seal Them

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

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

Don’t Waste Heat From the Sun

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

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

Have Your Heating System Maintained

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

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

Avoid Blocking Heat Flow

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

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

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Much like their human owners in Anthem, NV, poor indoor air has a negative impact on your pets. Our animals can suffer from human symptoms like allergies, irritated eyes and sinus problems. Let’s look at some of the common issues that tell how pets suffer while inhaling indoor air pollution.

Why and How They Suffer

As dogs and cats are smaller animals and spend more time indoors than you likely do, they’re susceptible to health problems produced by indoor air pollution. There are skin reactions, nausea, fatigue, headaches, colds and more. In severe cases, you might see organ damage, weakened immune systems and respiratory illnesses.

Cats are more likely to develop asthma. Dogs have shown everything from Alzheimer’s to canine malignant lymphoma. And since these animals have a greater sense of smell, it’s likely they have greater exposure to bad air.

Careful With Clearing the Air

Use diffusers and warmers that release oils with caution. Birds are particularly sensitive to these aromas. Cats have lower metabolic enzymes, and their livers are negatively impacted by tea tree oil.

What You Can Do

It’s as important to not smoke around pets as it is other humans. In fact, eliminate indoor smoking altogether. Nicotine residue gets in clothes, carpets, furniture and in the air.

Choose non-toxic cleaning products, vacuum often and keep areas ventilated. Humidifiers help balance humidity to improve indoor air quality.

The best way to protect pets is with a high efficiency HVAC system. These devices manage climate and reduce air contaminants. As a result, they can improve comfort and IAQ.

Johnny On The Spot is a leading HVAC company that offers the heating and air conditioning service you need. Call us to improve your indoor air quality and to protect your pets and family members. We’ll make sure you’re breathing the cleanest air possible throughout the year.

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

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

Easy Installation and Low Maintenance

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

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

Virtually Noiseless Operation

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

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

Increased Energy Efficiency

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

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

Enhanced Flexibility

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

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

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

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

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

You Can Regulate Temperatures Remotely

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

A Smart Thermostat Saves on Energy Costs

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

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

Smart Thermostats Are Aesthetically Appealing

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

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

Automatic Temperature Regulation Schedules

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

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

Image provided by iStock

Continue Reading

Your HVAC system is critical for your home comfort, especially with the changing weather in Las Vegas, NV. Not only does it guarantee comfortable temperature all year. It also plays a vital purpose in maintaining good indoor air quality However, it;s not easy to decide whether to purchase a new system or repair the one you currently have. Read on to learn when you should upgrade your HVAC system and the benefits that you’ll enjoy by doing so.

Signs Your HVAC Unit Is Inefficient

• Increased electric bills: If you notice an unexpected increase in your electric bill, it might be an indication that your unit isn’t performing efficiently.
• Insufficient cooling: A faulty unit has low levels of refrigerant, which often prevents the system from sufficiently cooling your house.
• Dirty filters: The inefficient unit often has a clogged filter, which cannot sufficiently filter dust and dirt particles, thus, coating the coils.

How You Can Benefit From a New HVAC System

• Enhanced indoor air quality: The new higher efficiency HVAC system has variable speed motors and a modern filtration system that not only improves the airflow but also results in the removal of air impurities and microbial growth prevention.
• Additional comfort: We’re sure that you want a comfortable temperature for both you and your family in your house. The variable speeds in these new and advanced systems regulate the movement of air and improve consistency.
• Energy savings: New HVAC systems are approved to be more energy-efficient than the old ones. Therefore, investing in this energy-efficient system will save you some utility costs over time.

A new HVAC system makes your home more comfortable and pleasant. Call Johnny On The Spot today to find out how we can help you save energy. We offer and install a wide range of new HVAC systems for every home and budget.

Continue Reading