Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘AC Unit’

Why is My Air Conditioner Cycling On and Off Frequently?

Sunday, 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.

Image provided by iStock

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All You Need to Know About Ductless AC Units

Friday, March 16th, 2018

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

Get in the Zone for Comfort

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

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

Great for Indoor Air Quality

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

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

Energy and Cost Efficient

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

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

Image provided by Shutterstock

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5 Questions To Consider When Buying An HVAC System

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

Before purchasing a new HVAC system, what are the important things that you should consider? What questions should you ask your HVAC contractor so you can get the most efficient HVAC system for your home?

What Size Is Best For My Home?

The first thing that you should consider is the compatibility of your air conditioner size with the area of your house where it will be installed. Inappropriate size can cause your HVAC unit to function inefficiently or produce trouble instead of comfort. If you have a small room, a small air conditioner will suffice. Likewise, larger rooms require larger HVAC unit.

When a small air conditioner is installed in a large room, the system will work hard to meet your desired room temperature. The double effort causes the system to consume more energy which can result in higher monthly utility bills. And if you install a large HVAC in a small room, it won’t run as often as it should, resulting in high humidity levels. High humidity in the air produces mold and mildew which are hazardous to our health and a threat to our home’s interior.

What Type Of Air Conditioning Unit Do You Recommend?

This question is something you should ask your HVAC contractor. The type of unit will vary depending on the design or style and size of your home. Discuss with your contractor whether a split type or packaged HVAC unit is advisable. Tackle your options with them and ask for their recommendations.

Aside from the unit, considering the efficiency rating of the HVAC is also important. Make sure that the efficiency rating is enough and not too much or less for your home’s size. The cooling system’s efficiency rating is referred to as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The heating system’s efficiency is expressed in Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). Lastly, the furnace efficiency rating is called Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).

How Long Is The Installation Process?

Your HVAC contractor will provide you a contract. Within that contract, there should be a specified date for the beginning of the installation project and when it is supposed to be finished. Make sure you are knowledgeable about the length of days it will take for the installation’s completion. It will help you avoid any unnecessary extra charges for the service.

For every specific unit, there is a relevant timetable for the project completion of each phase. Your selected model will influence the costs and time period for the installation.

Does The Model Have Incentives?

A lot of energy-efficient models come with manufacturer rebates. These rebates will help you save money. You can ask your HVAC contractor about mail-in rebates. You can also do some research if you are qualified for any tax credits.

Do They Offer A Maintenance Program?

Investing in a preventive maintenance program not only helps you save money but also keeps your HVAC system efficiently working throughout its lifespan. It only makes practical and financial sense to apply for an HVAC maintenance plan with the HVAC contractor who will perform the installation process. It will help you build a positive working relationship with the company and its technicians since they will be familiar with your home’s structure and history better than anyone else.

When you apply for a maintenance program, an HVAC technician will come into your house at least twice a year to evaluate your system’s efficiency and conduct any minor repairs when necessary.

Your HVAC system is a lifetime investment. Therefore, you should make careful decisions, rough estimates and conduct some researchers before you engage in purchases. Knowledge from HVAC contractors can also help you make the right decisions in buying an HVAC unit since they will provide you with helpful tips and suggestions.

For your Las Vegas HVAC concerns, visit us at Johnny On The Spot or call us at (725) 977-9461. Our experts will guide you all the way for your pre-purchasing concerns to after installation.

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5 Ways To Keep Your Las Vegas Home Cool For Less

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Summer tends to get really hot especially in Las Vegas. It is the time that you make use of your cooling system to get rid of the heat. However, cooling your house doesn’t have to be expensive. There are smart yet efficient ways to save yourself from high energy bill while enjoying the comfort of a cool air surrounding your house.

Want to find out how? Check out below.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can help you save on your energy bills a lot. The greatest advantage of a programmable thermostat is that it only functions when you are home. If you are gone to work, for example, it will automatically shut the AC down thus, saving you from the worry that you have forgotten to turn your AC off upon leaving home.

Control Humidity

Another important thing you should consider is regulating the humidity inside your house. Whenever you are running your conditioner, make sure that you are not using any appliances that emit too much heat. For example, avoid using the oven, flat iron, washer or dryer. The presence of additional heat within your home will make it harder for your AC to cool the air. The harder it works the more energy it consumes.

Keep the Air Circulating

If you think ceiling fans are a substitute for air conditioners, then you are wrong. In fact, you should run it together with your AC unit. The presence of the ceiling fan will help circulate the air inside your home. This will make cooling your home faster over a shorter period of time. The faster your inside temperature cools down, the less hard work it is for your AC to cool your home’s atmosphere.

Insulate Your House

When we say insulate, we refer to heat-proofing your house. Not allowing heat to enter your house or letting cool air escape from your house will be easier for your air conditioner to reach its desired temperature. Make sure to cover any unnecessary holes. Use shades or draperies to cover your windows to block off heat especially during summer.

Don’t Forget the Maintenance

Maintenance is vital to our AC units in order for it to run efficiently for a long time. A well-maintained air conditioner can last up to a maximum of fifteen years! Do regular monthly maintenance like changing or cleaning your filters, cleaning your coils, making sure your outdoor unit is free from debris, and have your trusted technician conduct seasonal maintenance.

Try applying these smart yet effective tips in your home and observe the changes in your monthly energy bills. You’d be surprised at how these simple steps can drop the price of your utility bills. If you need more professional help and tips, visit Johnny On The Spot or contact us right away at (725) 977-9461! Our HVAC experts will always be willing to assist you.

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