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

3 Ways Your Pets Impact Home Air Quality in Anthem, NV

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

No matter how much you love them, your furry friends greatly impact the air quality in your home. As an Anthem, NV, resident, you should know the following impacts and how to address them:

Pet Dander and Allergy Symptoms

Pet dander contains tiny particles of skin and fur that become airborne when disturbed. These particles can be inhaled, causing allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes or difficulty breathing in sensitive individuals. To reduce the amount of pet dander floating through your house, vacuum regularly, and use air purifiers to filter the particles.

Smells and Odors

Pets also produce odors that can linger in your home, making it feel stuffy. This is especially true for cats or dogs with long hair, which can easily trap odors.

Bacteria from pet waste can also circulate, causing health issues and foul odors. To reduce pet smells in your home, scoop out litter boxes at least once daily, dispose of the waste in an outdoor trash can and bathe your pets regularly. Vacuuming up fur or using a lint roller on furniture can also help to reduce odors.

Pet Germs and Infections

Pets also spread germs that can contaminate the air in your home. From saliva to fur, these germs easily spread through the air and onto furniture or other surfaces before being inhaled by humans.

To prevent this from occurring, wash your pet’s food dishes regularly, disinfect their living spaces with bleach-free wipes and always wash your hands after handling them.

Though pets bring much joy and love to your home, it’s crucial to be aware of their negative impacts on air quality. You can contact Johnny On The Spot for all our indoor air quality services. We’ll help you breathe cleaner and fresher in no time, even if you have pets in your household.

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5 Ways to Boost Airflow and HVAC Efficiency in Blue Diamond, NV

Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

Ensuring you have good airflow is critical for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Without adequate airflow, indoor air can become stagnant and stale, leading to various health problems. Here are ways you can boost airflow in your Blue Diamond, NV, home:

Keep Doors and Windows Open

One way to improve airflow in your home is to ensure that all doorways and windows are clear of any obstructions. This will allow fresh air to circulate and help to eliminate any stagnant air that may be present. In addition, opening doors and windows can help regulate temperature levels, preventing the buildup of pollutants.

Ensure Airflow Vents are Clear

Vents help to improve airflow and prevent your home from feeling stuffy. If you block the vents, this can reduce the air quality in your home and make breathing more difficult. In addition, blocked vents can cause your heating and cooling system to work less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills.

Schedule Duct Cleaning Service

Your ductwork is essential to your HVAC system and must be in good working order. One of the essential steps you can take to maintain the efficient operation of your ductwork is to have service specialists inspect it regularly for leaks or blockages. A blocked duct can lead to poor indoor air quality and decreased comfort levels.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to improve airflow in your home. Ceiling fans create a gentle breeze that circulates the air in a room, helping to distribute heat evenly. In addition, ceiling fans help to reduce energy costs by making it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance

The best way to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to have our service specialists inspect it annually. During a maintenance visit, our service specialists will check for any issues causing decreased airflow, such as the buildup of dirt and debris in the ductwork. They’ll also clean and lubricate all of the system’s moving parts, which can help to improve its overall efficiency.

The key to a comfortable home is a well-functioning HVAC system. Unfortunately, many homes have HVAC systems that aren’t operating at peak efficiency. Contact us at Johnny On The Spot today for all your HVAC needs, including installation, repair and maintenance services.

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Why is Whole-Home Ventilation Important?

Friday, August 19th, 2022

Whole-home ventilation in Henderson, NV, helps homeowners reduce energy usage and maintain healthier environments. These systems are available in four basic types: exhaust ventilation, supply ventilation, energy recovery ventilation and balanced ventilation. Keep reading to learn how whole-home ventilation systems work and tips for choosing the best one for your home.

What’s Whole-Home Ventilation?

A whole-house ventilation system removes stale air and replaces it with fresh air. The ongoing removal and replacement of air results in improved indoor air quality. As the system constantly uses several fans and ducts to replace stale air with fresh air, this helps avoid the buildup of pollutants, which translates into health advantages, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.

Choosing the Right Ventilation System

Understanding characteristics of each type of ventilation system can help when choosing which system is best for your Henderson, NV, home. There are a few options:

  • Exhaust ventilation system: An exhaust ventilation system works well in cold climates but is not appropriate for hot and humid climates. It’s also worth noting that exhaust systems can cause backdrafting.
  • Supply ventilation system: Supply ventilation systems provide greater control when compared to exhaust ventilation but can also cause moisture concerns in cold climates. Although supply ventilation systems prevent backdrafting, they don’t remove moisture from the air they pull into the home.
  • Balanced ventilation system: Balanced systems are appropriate for all climates. However, they typically have a higher installation and purchase price than exhaust and supply systems.
  • Energy recovery ventilation system: Energy recovery systems, on the other hand, do have high maintenance and care costs but are available in both wall- and window-mounted versions and even come in central ventilation models.

Indoor air quality is often two to five times more harmful than outdoor air quality. A simple way to address this issue is with a whole-home ventilation system. Contact Johnny On The Spot today to learn more about improving your home’s air quality with duct cleaning and a new ventilation system.

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Ways an Air Scrubber Can Improve Indoor Air Quality in Summerlin, NV

Friday, February 26th, 2021

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.

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5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality During a Las Vegas Winter

Tuesday, January 21st, 2020

Healthy indoor air quality in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home during the winter is important. There are a number of ways you can improve it. Create the most comfortable living space by utilizing these tips for improving your indoor air quality:

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Your HVAC system’s air filter works to remove particles, dust, dander and more from your home’s air. Making a habit of replacing them regularly can do wonders for your home’s air. Aim to do so every one to three months.

Replace Your Cleaning Products

The more we seal our homes against the winter air, the more we trap contaminants in it. Ensuring your home is clean during the winter can help improve its indoor air quality. But if you’re using toxic cleaning supplies that introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to your home’s air, you’re replacing one problem with another. Opt for natural cleaning supplies or ones that market themselves as low- or no-VOC products.

Buy an Air Purifier

Talk to an HVAC contractor about your home’s air purifier options. Air purifiers work to catch and kill airborne contaminants that are floating around your home. Think of them as more effective and active versions of your HVAC system’s air filter.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

If your home has ducts, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned every year or two. If you notice an increase of dust when you turn your heating system on, it’s possible that your ducts may be picking up dirt from leaks. Call us to give your home’s ducts a good cleaning to improve your indoor air quality.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Scheduling an annual check-up can help you ensure you’re getting the most comfortable indoor air quality levels for you and your family. Service technicians know what to look for to make your system run efficiently and cleanly. They can make adjustments that maximize your HVAC system’s lifespan.

Are you ready to give your home better indoor air quality? Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. Let us help you make a cozy home for your family.

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Air Quality Threats That Lurk Indoors

Friday, April 19th, 2019

You already know that outdoor pollution and environmental toxins can impact your family’s health in a big way. But did you know that the air quality issues lingering inside your Summerlin, Nevada, home can contribute to serious health problems, too? Read on to discover three major air quality threats that lurk indoors.

Dust Mites

If your family members are constantly sneezing indoors, it’s easy to pin the blame on dust. In most cases, however, dust mites are the real culprits. These microscopic critters thrive in dusty environments and leave behind waste that easily becomes airborne and triggers sneezes. At Johnny On The Spot, we’ve found that vacuuming carpet and cleaning surfaces can help keep dust mites under control. Changing the HVAC filter regularly can also improve air quality in every room of your home. As a result, you’ll breathe cleaner and fresher air.

Cleaning Products

Before you break out the big guns, it’s important to know that harsh cleaning products can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Rather than using commercial-grade sprays and scrubs in your home, we recommend using more natural products. You might be surprised at how well natural cleaners can work in your home. If you’re sick of poor air quality, you’ll love the clean, fresh air you can create by switching to these natural products, too.

Air Fresheners

When your home’s air seems stale, it’s easy to cover up bad odors with a quick spritz of air freshener. These sprays might smell great. But in most cases, using air freshener can make your indoor air quality worse. Many air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate your family’s respiratory system over time. Instead, our team often suggests installing a whole-home air purifier. This device connects to your HVAC system.

Want to keep your family safe from these common air quality threats? Call the indoor air quality experts at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

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Professional vs. DIY HVAC Maintenance Tasks

Thursday, September 27th, 2018

Your HVAC system plays a vital role in keeping your Las Vegas, Nevada, home comfortable. Therefore, you have to make sure that it’s always in good working condition. Taking HVAC maintenance into your own hands can give you a sense of achievement and help you save money. However, you should know that some tasks may require professional expertise or equipment. Find out which HVAC maintenance tasks you can do and which you should leave to a professional. For year-round efficiency, it also helps to understand how to enjoy HVAC comfort in Las Vegas.

What HVAC maintenance you can do vs what requires professionals?

  • DIY HVAC maintenance tasks you can do safely:
    • Replace air filters monthly or whenever dirty.
    • Clear debris and plants away from the outdoor condenser.
  • HVAC maintenance tasks better handled by a pro:
    • Conducting major repairs of motors, compressors, or electrical components.
    • Scheduling an annual tune‑up for a comprehensive check‑up and cleaning.

DIY Maintenance Tasks

Air Filter Replacement

Changing the air filter in your HVAC unit is an important maintenance task. A dirty or clogged air filter can put strain on your equipment and make it less energy efficient. Extra demand on your AC increases the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions. Additionally, a dirty filter causes dust, dander, and other allergens to circulate throughout the rooms of your home. You should replace your air filter on a monthly basis or as soon as it becomes dirty.

Checking the Outdoor Condenser

This is another easy maintenance task that can have a significant impact on your HVAC system’s performance. Check your outdoor unit regularly or especially after landscaping maintenance or outdoor projects. Make sure no debris or other objects are caught in the unit. Anything embedded within the unit will need professional service to prevent damage. Trim back any trees or shrubs growing too close to the unit.

Professional HVAC Maintenance Tasks

HVAC Repairs

Your HVAC system has many components. A professional has the right tools and experience to make an accurate assessment and repairs. Don’t hesitate to call our knowledgeable service specialists for help. If you attempt repairs, you may end up worsening the initial problem or causing damage to other parts of the system. Taking shortcuts may save money upfront but can cost more later, which is why it’s smart to consider financial HVAC tips for homeowners before making repair decisions.

Annual Tuneup

While you can perform some HVAC maintenance tasks, you should schedule regular tuneups with a professional HVAC technician. Besides keeping your system clean, our service specialists will also conduct a comprehensive checkup to ensure everything is in good working order. Regular tuneups are also highlighted in our HVAC spotlight on comfort, which shows how consistent care improves long-term performance.

Proper maintenance will ensure you have an energy-efficient and longer-lasting HVAC system. If you need more information about our HVAC maintenance services, call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461.

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Three Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Sunday, 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. 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. Follow these tips to improve your indoor air quality, and reduce allergies, asthma symptoms, and other health problems.

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. 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. A dehumidifier will help to keep humidity between the optimum 30 to 50 percent levels.

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. 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. Choose plants like the peace lily, English ivy, variegated snake plant, or chrysanthemum to get the best results.

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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How To Change Your Air Filter

Friday, 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?

Friday, 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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