Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Maintenance or Repairs: Which Should You Choose Now?

Monday, March 4th, 2024
HVAC maintenance service technician using a drill to repair an outdoor air conditioning unit.

Ideally, we’d say that everyone should purchase repairs when they’re needed, and maintenance every single year in the springtime. But unfortunately, life doesn’t always go exactly as planned and many customers need to choose between one or the other. Maybe customers also need a bit of an introduction on what each service is and what the main differences are between them.

When should you choose repairs vs. maintenance for your AC system?

  • If your system is already broken or malfunctioning, repairs come first so it can run properly.
  • If everything seems working but you haven’t had service in a while, maintenance gives you inspection, cleaning, and can catch issues early. 
  • If you can’t afford both now, prioritize urgent repairs now and schedule maintenance later in the season.

Maintenance is a yearly tune-up that helps to keep your air conditioner efficient and effective year after year. It’s best scheduled during the spring, when technicians can prepare your system for the hotter months ahead—making it smart to add AC maintenance to your spring checklist.

Air conditioning repair is a service we provide when there’s something wrong with your AC technology and it needs to be fixed.

Now that we’ve gotten this bit of information out, we can get into the more comprehensive part of this blog. Which service, if you had to choose one, would give you the most benefits? And which service should you choose now and why?

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Welcome to Our New Site, a Hub for Homeowner Education on All Things HVAC and Plumbing

Wednesday, December 27th, 2023

Johnny On The Spot is all about helping you take care of your home’s HVAC and plumbing problems, but where many companies simply provide a service, we’re also providing education to homeowners. It’s terrible when you’re not only nervous about a broken-down air conditioner or stuck garbage disposal, but not knowing why your specific problem is happening? That just makes it worse.

The inconvenience of a broken air conditioner or faulty heater in your home is a lot less worrisome when you know what’s happened and what it takes to fix it. That’s where this new website’s blog comes in.

This not only serves as a place for you to learn all about the services we offer and how we provide you with fantastic value, but you’ll also be able to learn about your home systems. What to expect, how they work, and a bunch of little gems of information that help you master your home, one blog post at a time.

Call us today if you have any air conditioning, plumbing, or heating concerns that you need help with. We’ll be there as quickly as possible to help you out.

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Why Does My AC System Make My Home Smell Bad in Sloan, NV?

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

A foul smell from your air conditioning system can make your home uncomfortable and unpleasant. There are several reasons your AC system may emit unpleasant odors. Let’s explore common causes of bad smells from AC systems in Sloan, NV, and provide insights on how to address them.

Biological Growth

Biological growth within the AC system, particularly in the evaporator coil or air ducts, can cause musty odors. The presence of moisture and organic matter provides an ideal environment for contaminants to thrive. Regular AC maintenance, which includes cleaning and disinfecting the system, can help prevent this problem and eliminate the associated odors.

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters can create a stale smell in your home. When air filters become saturated with dust, dirt and other particles, they can harbor unpleasant odors and circulate them throughout your living space. It’s important to clean or replace your air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and prevent odors caused by trapped contaminants. Ideally, you should check your filter every month and clean or change it when needed.

Decomposing Organic Matter

If organic matter, such as dead insects or small animals, is in your AC system, it can lead to unpleasant smells as the matter decomposes. Insects or animals may enter the system through openings or ductwork. Regular inspection and cleaning of the AC components can help remove debris or organic matter and eliminate associated odors.

Stagnant Water Accumulation

Stagnant water within the AC system can produce a foul odor, often caused by a clogged condensate drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump. The accumulated water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, algae and other microorganisms that emit unpleasant smells. Clearing clogs and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent stagnant water and associated odors.

A bad smell emanating from your AC system can detract from the comfort of your home. If you’re unsure about the cause of the odor or need assistance in resolving the issue, seek professional help from a service specialist. Contact us at Johnny On The Spot for indoor air quality services.

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4 Common AC Repairs That You Can Easily Avoid in Anthem, NV

Tuesday, July 12th, 2022

Ignoring routine air conditioner maintenance can result in emergency calls to service specialists in Anthem, NV. Air conditioner issues often occur due to negligence. They’re costly to repair and frustrating, especially during the summer. You can easily avoid the following AC repairs by hiring a service specialist regularly for preventative air conditioner maintenance.

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant is responsible for kick-starting your air conditioner. A refrigerant leak prevents the AC system from attaining the set temperatures and cooling your home effectively. Annual AC tuneups ensure the refrigerant levels are adequate and prevent leaks.

Faulty Thermostat

Thermostats are a vital AC component because they determine the temperatures in your home and prompt the system to cool the space effectively. A faulty thermostat is a common AC repair that, besides affecting the performance, it can increase utility bills and reduce comfort levels. Regular air conditioning maintenance ensures that the thermostat remains clean and functional to detect temperatures accurately.

Dirty Air Conditioner

Air conditioner components require regular cleaning to keep the AC system functioning effectively and cooling your home to the set temperatures. During an annual tuneup, service specialists maintain and clean the evaporator coils, air filter, outer unit casing and outdoor condenser. Regular cleaning prevents condensate drain clogs and other issues that arise from a dirty air conditioner.

Electric Problems

Air conditioners comprise several electrical components that require regular maintenance to keep them functioning optimally. Breakers, fuses and wiring in the main electrical panel are prone to wear and tear, affecting the AC system’s functionality. Hiring service specialists to inspect and maintain electrical components helps detect and fix issues early enough before they escalate.

You can prevent these air conditioner issues by conducting professional annual tuneups. You should call for professional help if your AC system develops these repairs. Call Johnny On The Spot to schedule preventative maintenance today and avoid these AC repairs.

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What’s That Noise Coming From My AC System Mean?

Wednesday, June 15th, 2022

Advanced technology lets air conditioners operate quietly. Therefore, any weird sound coming from your AC system is an obvious sign of a problem. Here are five AC noises that you might experience in Blue Diamond, NV, and what they mean:

Popping

Multiple pops could mean that you have a faulty compressor or liquid refrigerant (instead of warm vapor) is entering its intake system. The best thing to do is to shut down the air conditioner immediately to protect it from extensive damage. Hire a service specialist to inspect the air conditioner and repair or replace the faulty part.

Vibrating

While the air conditioner makes a continuous noise during its operation, it shouldn’t produce a constant vibration. The vibrating noise may signify a thermal overload, a faulty start capacitor or a thermostatic expansion valve issue. It’s advisable to hire a certified air conditioning repair expert for prompt repairs or replacements. As a result, you’ll prevent the vibrating from causing other issues in the AC system.

Rumbling

A loose component, such as a blower mount, will likely produce a rumbling noise in your AC system. A loose motor mount or loose part in the blower fan assembly or ductwork can also cause your air conditioner to rumble. Routine AC maintenance assists in detecting and fixing the loose components that force the unit to rumble, preventing costly repairs.

Screaming

Turn off your air conditioner immediately and call for help after hearing a screeching or screaming noise. Common causes of a screeching AC system include high internal pressure and refrigerant leaks that can cause extensive damage. Never attempt to handle refrigerant yourself; it can pose a health hazard.

Clicking

When first starting or stopping the air conditioner, a clicking sound isn’t a cause for concern. The problem arises when the noise comes from a running air conditioner. An issue with the electric system or the thermostat can cause a clicking sound, which can cause more significant problems if you ignore it.

If any of these noises sound familiar, prompt repairs can save your air conditioner from a premature breakdown. Call Johnny On The Spot to talk to our friendly HVAC service specialists and book an appointment for maintenance or repairs.

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3 Reasons to Schedule Duct Cleaning Services This Spring in Sloan, NV

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022

Your HVAC system in Sloan, NV, has worked hard all winter. Now that spring is here, it may need some attention to keep you cool this summer. Read on to learn why scheduling duct cleaning services is one of the best things you can do for your air conditioning system.

Contributes to More Efficient Air Conditioning

Excessive buildup of dust and grime in ductwork can block airflow through your HVAC system. These bottlenecks make your air conditioner work harder to cool your home, causing inefficiency. On the other hand, unrestricted airflow will allow your system to operate more effectively, reducing your energy bills.

Reduces Wear and Tear on Your AC System

Dirty ducts not only diminish an air conditioner’s efficiency but can also result in significant wear and tear on your system. Similar to how it takes more effort to breathe through a straw than taking regular breaths, your HVAC system must work harder to keep you comfortable when stymied by dirty ductwork. Reducing the burden on your air conditioner by improving airflow can help you avoid expensive repairs.

Enhances Indoor Air Quality

Pollutants in dirty ductwork degrade indoor air quality by recirculating through your home every time your HVAC system runs. In addition to household members inhaling pollutants, debris settles on your carpets, curtains and other furnishings. A professional duct cleaning will help keep your family healthy by removing harmful particles from your HVAC system and helping you maintain a clean home.

Why a Professional Should Handle Your Duct Cleaning

Specialized brushes and vacuums allow a professional to thoroughly clean your ductwork without causing damage to your HVAC system. Additionally, service technicians have the training to safely remove harmful contaminants from your home. Finally, after the cleaning process is complete, a professional has the know-how to test your air conditioning system and ensure that it’s operating correctly.

Clean ductwork is essential to an air conditioning system’s efficiency and longevity. Debris-free ducts also contribute to healthier indoor air quality for your family to breathe. Play your cards right; call Johnny On The Spot today to schedule duct cleaning services for your home.

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3 AC Odors and What They Mean for Your System

Sunday, July 11th, 2021

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.

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What are Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning and Heating?

Tuesday, September 15th, 2020

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.

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Did You Know Your AC Can Help You to Fight Allergies?

Saturday, October 20th, 2018

You’re doing everything you can to fight the allergies that plague you on a daily basis. You clean meticulously, and you stay inside when the air in Las Vegas, Nevada, is less than ideal. If you’re finding it hard to tackle indoor allergens, your air conditioner could make a difference. In addition to maintaining comfort in your home, your AC can also help you to fight allergies by removing airborne contaminants.

Keep Filters Clean

Particles in the air throughout your home can cause allergic reactions. Ideally, your HVAC system should capture these pollutants via the filter to keep them from circulating. However, while filters help to keep the air clean, they can also present problems if you do not clean or change them regularly. Check your HVAC filter at least once a month. Replace it when dirty to avoid poor indoor air quality and reduced HVAC efficiency.

Improve Air Circulation

An efficient AC improves air circulation. If the system is not moving air effectively or the filter is dirty, clean air circulation will be a problem. A dirty system can also cause contaminants to circulate throughout your home. We provide maintenance services, and our service specialists will thoroughly clean your system. We can also install a whole-home ventilator for enhanced air cleaning. This device moves stale air outside and draws in clean, fresh air.

Manage Humidity

Here in Las Vegas, we don’t need to worry about high humidity, but it’s still important to remember the effect of low humidity. Too little water content in the air can be a problem indoors as well as outdoors. We can ensure your air conditioner and thermostat manage humidity levels year-round. We also have portable and whole-home equipment to help you control humidity.

Your air conditioner does far more than keep you cool; it’s also the key to cleaner air and a healthy home. We’ll help to ensure that your AC helps you fight allergies and protects your household’s overall health. To keep your air conditioner clean and allergens at bay, call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461 and improve your indoor air quality today.

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5 Home Upgrades That Help You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Air pollution is a global problem, but we can all do our part to reduce its effects on our communities. Reducing energy consumption or energy waste in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home does not have to involve expensive or time-consuming upgrades. Simple changes can go a long way. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint to help protect the environment and even keep a little more money in your wallet.

Weatherproof Your Home

One way to optimize air conditioning efficiency is to ensure that your home has adequate insulation. The areas that typically need a little reinforcement against loss of conditioned air are attics, walls, floors, foundations, basements, and ducts. Don’t forget to protect your home from drafts, too. Seal gaps or cracks around windows and floors, between floorboards, and around electrical fittings and pipes.

Replace Your Air Conditioner

Even if your old AC has no performance issues, it might still be wasting energy because of its age. If your AC is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading it to a new one. Modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and can significantly reduce your cooling bill. This is one effective way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Upgrading your lighting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider switching your halogen and incandescent lights to LED (light-emitting diodes) lights which are more energy-efficient and last longer. These lights also give off less heat, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to maintain the preferred temperature throughout your home at all times. You can program your thermostat according to your activities and schedule. This way, your household will enjoy ideal temperatures whether they are asleep or awake, and you won’t waste energy when you’re away. Programmable thermostats allow you to get the best performance and save energy.

You should also choose energy-efficient appliances for your home. Johnny On The Spot carries cooling systems that bear the ENERGY STAR label. We are happy to provide the systems and services that help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Give us a call at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

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