Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Furnace’

4 Tips for Boosting Furnace Efficiency in Sloan, NV

Thursday, January 19th, 2023

Keeping your home warm during the winter is an expensive undertaking. You’re likely to see significant energy consumption increases during the coldest days between December and February. Boost your furnace efficiency this winter by keeping these tips in mind in Sloan, NV.

Change Air Filter

A clean HVAC filter plays a huge role in your furnace’s ability to produce heat. Clogged filters impede the overall airflow into the system, making it work harder and use up more energy. Closely follow your filter’s recommended guidelines and replacement schedule.

You may need to switch out your filter more regularly if you have pets or children in the home. Consider upgrading your filters to pleated or reusable options to trap more pollutants as well.

Avoid Frequent Thermostat Changes

You might want to frequently change your thermostat based on your daily comfort and household needs. However, adjusting your temperature settings multiple times every day can put extra strain on your system, making it less effective. Upgrade with a programmable smart thermostat to enjoy improved energy savings all year long.

Keep Vents Unblocked

With multiple people, kids and pets in the home, it’s easy for a few vents or registers to become blocked by toys or furniture. Be sure to routinely check your home’s vents and remove any visible debris. Blocking airflow out of the vents can create excessive amounts of damaging static pressure in the ductwork.

Improve Home’s Windows

Finally, one of the most common causes of overworked furnaces is leaky windows. Consider using caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any air leaks. If your windows don’t have high energy-efficiency ratings, replacing them will have a huge impact on your monthly utility costs.

Improve your furnace efficiency by switching out your air filter often, investing in a programmable thermostat and keeping your vents uncovered. Contact Johnny On The Spot for superior heating services in Sloan, NV.

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Is My Furnace Leaking Gas in Anthem, NV?

Monday, December 19th, 2022

While many people understand that a furnace produces heat, few may know about the potential danger of it leaking gas. Gas leaks can be hazardous to your health and safety, and they should receive immediate attention if you detect it. Here are signs of a furnace that’s leaking gas in Anthem, NV.

Smell

One of the most common signs of a gas leak is an odd smell near your furnace. Natural gas, propane and other fuels have unique odors that the human nose can detect. If you detect any strong odors resembling rotten eggs or sulfur from your furnace, it’s a sign that there may be leaking gas.

Noise

Another sign of a potential gas leak is noise from the furnace or near its vicinity. If you hear loud hissing noises or any other odd sound, it’s best to get help immediately. It’s important to keep your family and pets away from the area until professionals arrive to check it out.

Discoloration

Stains, discolorations and corrosion are signs gas may leak from pipes connected to the furnace. Call a service specialist to come and inspect it if you notice any of these around it.

Dying Pilot Light

The pilot light indicates a furnace’s health. When there’s sufficient gas, it should remain lit and constant. If the pilot light dies out or goes off for no reason, a gas leak may be the culprit.

Higher Than Usual Bills

If you notice that your monthly heating bills are significantly higher than usual, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Gas leaks cause the furnace to run constantly to keep up with the demand. As a result, there’s more fuel used, leading to an increase in costs.

At Johnny On The Spot, we specialize in detecting and rectifying gas leaks from furnaces. We’re a professional, experienced team of service technicians who take safety very seriously. Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately for furnace repairs or any concerns regarding a potential gas leak.

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3 Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance

Tuesday, January 4th, 2022

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.

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4 Reasons Your Furnace’s Pilot Light is Going Out in Anthem, NV

Sunday, December 26th, 2021

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.

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Why is My Furnace in Las Vegas, NV, So Noisy ?

Sunday, January 17th, 2021

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.

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Watch Out For These 3 Signs of an Inefficient Furnace

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

Over time, furnaces become more inefficient. It’s a natural result of the wear and tear they experience through years of use. That’s why it’s vital to pay attention to your furnace and repair or replace it as soon as you notice problems. If you notice these signs of an inefficient furnace in your Anthem, Nevada, home, it may be time to take action:

Rising Bills

One nearly sure-fire way to tell if your furnace is losing efficiency is if your energy bills are increasing. If you’ve lived in your residence for over a year, compare this month’s bills with the bills you paid the same time last year. If they’re significantly higher this year and you haven’t changed your heating habits, your furnace may be losing efficiency. Scheduling regular annual maintenance visits is a good way to curb your furnace’s impending inefficiency. As a result, you’ll keep repair and energy costs under control.

Constantly Running

If your furnace is taking longer to heat your home’s air, it’s running inefficiently. This strain can increase the risk of a breakdown and drive up heating costs. Therefore, you should consider a replacement soon.

Blowing Cold Air

Perhaps this sign is more obvious, but many people live with it in hopes the problem will fix itself. If your furnace is blowing cold air, you’re throwing money away. Even if your system eventually heats up but blows cold air until it does, you should strongly consider calling an HVAC company to see if it’s time for a replacement or if your furnace just needs a repair.

Are you ready to have a professional look at your furnace to make your home’s HVAC system as efficient as possible? Give Johnny On The Spot a call today. Invest in a furnace maintenance visit today to avoid paying more on your energy bills in the future.

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3 Furnace Odors and What They Mean

Sunday, February 10th, 2019

A well-maintained heating system should operate without any odor. If there’s an unusual smell coming from the vents in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home, try to determine the cause as quickly as possible. If you notice the scent is stronger when the heater cycles on, call Johnny On The Spot right away. You should never ignore furnace odors.

Rotten Eggs

The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs is something you should never ignore. Natural gas is invisible and odorless. However, gas companies add chemicals that will give it this unpleasant odor so you can detect a leak.

If you notice a smell like rotten eggs in your home, ventilate the space and get out of the house. Contact your gas company for further instructions, but do not stay inside if there is a potential gas leak.

Mustiness

A musty odor is unpleasant and can eventually affect your health. Quite often, this smell develops because of a dirty filter or filthy ductwork. Begin by changing your air filter regularly, especially if you have pets. If this doesn’t solve the problem, we’ll determine if air duct cleaning is necessary.

Burning Odors

When you first turn on your furnace during the heating season, you might notice a smell like something burning. This is merely dust burning off in the unused system. The odor will go away after your system runs for a few cycles. If you’re dealing with a persistent burning smell, it’s time to reach out to a professional for help. Our service specialists can pinpoint the cause and take corrective action.

If there’s a metallic scent, it might be an issue of damaged wires. Odors that seem electrical in nature could also indicate a problem with the motor. In these cases, you should turn off the furnace and contact us so that our service specialists can inspect the issue.

Take action as soon as you notice unusual furnace odors. Contact the experts at Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. We offer prompt heating repairs that protect your home and system and keep you and your family safe.

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What to Know About Your Furnace Filters

Friday, March 10th, 2017

The main function of your furnace filter is to remove dirty particles from the air stream thus keeping them out of your home. However, as your furnace filter removes these particles, it begins to have a build-up on the filter itself. Therefore, it is very important to change your filters on a monthly basis in order to maintain the stability of clean airflow in your home.

Paying Attention to Your Furnace Filters

Your furnace filters keep the air inside your home clean. In addition, they also aid your HVAC system in sustaining functionality. Most of the unwanted particles in the air are trapped already in the furnace before they even enter your house and HVAC system. This provides your home a fresher and cleaner air to breathe.

But why is it important for you to pay attention to your system’s filters? Aside from what it can do to your home and HVAC system, it also plays a great role in keeping your family healthy by providing you with cleaner air to breathe.

Changing Your Filters

You need to keep a close watch for when it is time for them to be changed or replaced. Most filters need to be changed between one to three months at length, depending on their thickness. Many of them can also be cleaned on a monthly basis to help sustain clean air without having to replace them very frequently.

Hazards of Ignoring The Filters

One deadly hazard tied to dirty furnace filters is being intoxicated with carbon monoxide (CO), which is a fatal compound. It is best known as a silent killer. Without much warning, carbon monoxide poisoning can quickly cause very serious health conditions.

Aside from the hazard that it can cause to your family, unchanged and uncleaned furnace filters can cause your HVAC system to overheat. Keep in mind that the HVAC units require a certain space to allow the air flow in the system. Thus, clogged filters will force the HVAC to work harder in order to produce either the heating or cooling effect you need, overheating the system. Once it overheats and unseen through, it may start a fire.

Benefits of Changing Your Furnace Filters

Aside from giving your home a cleaner air, changing filters can also keep your family healthy and free from dust related sickness, take asthma for example. Moreover, it will keep your energy cost down. You won’t have to add extra cost for maintenance just because of some clogged dirt polluting your entire HVAC system. It will also extend the life of your HVAC units as it won’t have to work harder due to thick dust accumulated in the filters.

Improving Air Quality

Living in a house with fresh and clean air is everyone’s goal. In order to achieve it, place a few plants inside your house. Keep your house’s humidity level between 30 to 50 percent, and most of all, do not forget to have your furnace filters clean and changed often.

For more knowledge about taking care of your heating and air conditioning systems or to set up an appointment to schedule seasonal service in the Las Vegas and Henderson area, contact the trained staff at Johnny on the Spot or give us a call at (725) 977-9461 today!

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