Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘HVAC System’

4 Things You Don’t Expect to Find in Your Ductwork in Henderson, NV

Thursday, March 25th, 2021

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.

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Are Pets Suffering While Inhaling Indoor Air Pollution?

Monday, October 5th, 2020

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.

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Why a Right-Sized HVAC Unit is Important for Your Las Vegas Business

Thursday, June 4th, 2020

When it comes to heating and cooling units, size matters. Here are some reasons it’s essential to have a correctly sized HVAC system for your business in Las Vegas, NV:

Control Monthly Energy Expenses

Did you know a wrongly sized HVAC system can increase your energy bills? Keeping your utility bills in check is one of the ways of sustaining a profitable business. If your system is too large, it’ll cycle on and off several times as it tries to maintain a constant temperature.

On the other hand, a lower-capacity unit has to run all the time instead of cycling, leading to high energy consumption. A correctly sized HVAC system will function as required to provide the right temperatures. This really helps you to save on energy costs.

Long Lifespan

When your HVAC system constantly cycles throughout the day, this creates wear and tear that leads to major mechanical breakdowns and malfunctions. If you’ve had your system sized properly, it’ll last longer and save you the time and cost of frequent repairs.

Once you get your HVAC system correctly sized, take good care of it to ensure consistency and efficiency. Invest in regular preventive maintenance to avoid future problems.

Keeping Your Customers Comfortable

A wrongly sized system will most likely not cool or heat evenly. Having the right-sized HVAC system in place provides proper temperatures spread throughout the room to keep your clients comfortable. It also extracts excess humidity from the air, making it comfortable to breathe.

At Johnny On The Spot, we offer exceptional and affordable heating and cooling solutions in Las Vegas, NV. Contact us today to enjoy the best in HVAC services. We’re available to help you find the perfect heating and cooling system to meet your business’s needs.

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Why You’re Dealing With Low Airflow

Saturday, September 21st, 2019

The hot days we experience in and around Las Vegas, Nevada, can strain your air conditioning system. A low airflow issue can make your life unnecessarily miserable. Low airflow through your HVAC system can be an easy fix or symptomatic of a larger problem. Let’s look at some of the potential causes.

Clogged Filters

Dirty system filters can greatly reduce airflow because they’ve become clogged with dust, pet dander, smoke, hair and other household debris. Clogged filters can also impair your home’s indoor air quality and respiratory health. Filters have a limited lifespan, depending on the conditions in your home. Change your air filters every one to three months to keep air flowing effortlessly. As a result, you’ll reduce the strain on your system and prevent higher energy bills.

Dirty or Leaking Ducts

Dirty ducts reduce system airflow, and you should have them cleaned regularly. Air leaking from your ducts can take a toll on your system’s efficiency. Causes might include broken seals, damage from renovations, or inadequate planning and installation.

Blower Problems

The electrical motors in HVAC system fans and blowers drive the air through your system at calculated rates. They operate under harsh conditions and require regular inspection and maintenance to run at peak efficiency. If neglected, bearings and motors can fail. Older blowers and those that have not been maintained might need replacement or repair. A good maintenance plan can prevent many of these problems. As a result, you’ll avoid breakdowns and high repair costs.

Other Causes

Finally, sometimes system controls such as thermostats and circuit boards can fail or require adjustments. Underpowered systems often have shorter service lifetimes, eventually incurring costly add-ons, repairs or replacements. Air conditioning units that haven’t been balanced, installed or maintained properly can have cascading problems.

Low airflow in your home’s HVAC system can waste money, time and reduce comfort. Johnny On The Spot can quickly determine the cause of your low airflow problem and give you cost-effective and affordable options. Call us at (725) 977-9461 for an evaluation today.

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3 Signs of an Impending HVAC Breakdown

Friday, May 24th, 2019

Dealing with the summer heat in Las Vegas, Nevada, requires a functional air conditioning system. The last thing you want to worry about is your HVAC system breaking down on the hottest day of the year. Keep an eye out for these warning signs of an impending HVAC breakdown.

Airflow Problems

If the air isn’t flowing properly through the vents, or you feel warm air when the system is set to cool, it’s important to get this issue checked out. A sudden airflow change is often an indicator of problems in the compressor, which is one of the most vital components in your system.

Warm air could be caused by a refrigerant leak, which one of our HVAC service technicians should also inspect. We can determine the cause and help you decide whether a repair or replacing the unit altogether will provide a better result. As a result, you’ll reduce the risk of future problems.

Unpleasant Odors

A number of odors can come from an HVAC system. If you catch a whiff of a burning smell, this can indicate that the system is overheating. A burning odor is normal when the system is new or has just been turned on for the first time after the winter. But it should dissipate quickly.

An ongoing burning smell often indicates a serious issue. A musty odor might mean your ducts have moisture in them, which can impact your indoor air quality.

Strange Sounds

An HVAC system always makes some noise when it operates, especially when it’s cycling on and off. However, you should have any grinding, squealing, banging or other abnormal sounds inspected further. These noises could mean a component has slipped out of place or become damaged. As a result, the system won’t operate properly until a service technician finds and fixes the issue.

Are you experiencing any of these concerning signs with your HVAC system? If so, and need AC Repair in Las Vegas or any other HVAC or AC related issue including installation, contact Johnny On The Spot by calling (725) 977-9461.

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3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Improve HVAC Efficiency

Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

North Las Vegas, Nevada, can see a wide range of temperatures throughout the four seasons. Therefore, you’ll need an HVAC system that works properly to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. If your system isn’t making the grade, it’s time to consider a replacement. There are several budget-friendly ways that you can improve HVAC efficiency.

Clean the Ducts

Duct cleaning can have a big payoff. When air moves through your HVAC system, it can pick up debris that builds up in the ductwork. Contaminants in the ducts affect your indoor air quality and can make you sick. Additionally, the buildup also causes energy waste because the system has to work harder to deliver air. Clean ductwork allows for efficient airflow, so you benefit from improved efficiency and lower energy bills and repair costs. Of course, you’ll also appreciate the improved indoor air quality.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat offers more control over your HVAC system no matter where you are. Many homeowners miss out on this innovation because they think the advanced features mean the devices are expensive. However, there are many options today, so smart thermostats are quite affordable. Some thermostats can automatically raise or lower the temperature based on activities at home or whether anyone is present. Others can provide energy usage reports along with energy-saving tips.

Check Your Insulation

The insulation in your home will also impact how well your HVAC system operates. Insulation is essential for preventing heat transfer. If there’s not enough of the material, or there is none in the most important areas, you will have a harder time regulating indoor temperatures. As a result, the HVAC system will use more energy as it tries to maintain the right temperature. Our service specialists will provide advice regarding all the factors in your home that can affect HVAC efficiency. Call Johnny On The Spot today at (725) 977-9461. We are happy to provide services that help you improve HVAC efficiency in every season.

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2 Ways You Can Avoid Expensive HVAC Repairs

Friday, November 9th, 2018

You’re already worried about the costs of the upcoming holidays, and then your HVAC system suddenly starts to make strange sounds. To top it off, it is no longer delivering the expected level of performance. You’re not the first homeowner in Las Vegas, Nevada, to clench your fists in frustration at the thought of spending money on HVAC repairs. You can avoid the stress and inconvenience of costly HVAC repairs by providing your system with some much-needed TLC.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best way to avoid expensive HVAC repairs is to catch small problems before they get out of hand. During an HVAC maintenance appointment, we will inspect your system for faulty or broken components. After a careful evaluation, your Johnny On The Spot technician will clean the unit and make any necessary repairs.

While you should leave the heavy lifting to our maintenance professionals, you can take responsibility for some tasks. Change your air filter every month, and clean around your indoor air handler and outdoor compressor. These simple DIY maintenance tasks will reduce the chances of system damage.

Go Easy on Your System

Avoid expensive repairs by doing all you can to prevent problems. Strain can overwork your system and cause a lot of damage to HVAC components. One way to reduce wear and tear is to weatherize your home—starting with your windows and doors. Air leaks in the home’s envelope make it more difficult for your system to maintain comfort and energy efficiency. You can also go easy on your system by using a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures more efficiently.

When you need HVAC repairs, call the experts at Johnny On The Spot. Our service specialists also have the training to provide thorough and professional maintenance services. We’re happy to offer tips to help you protect your system and improve energy efficiency. Give us a call today at(725) 977-9461 to learn more or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

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Start Strong: How to Make Your New Home Energy Efficient

Tuesday, October 30th, 2018

You’ve finally taken the leap and purchased a new home in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area. While you’re probably in a hurry to start unpacking and settle in, there’s one important thing you should think about first: energy efficiency. Take the time to make your new home energy efficient so that you can manage comfort and keep your utility bills in check.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

You might not remember to reset your thermostat every day before you leave for work. A programmable thermostat makes this easy as you can enter preferred temperatures based on your schedule. Go a step further and try a smart thermostat. Many current versions have sensors to monitor when you’re at home and adjust the temperature accordingly.

Change the Air Filter

Chances are, the seller of your home had a lot on their mind while closing the sale and moving out. It’s likely that they neglected to change the HVAC system’s air filter before they left. You need to change it every one to three months. It’s a good idea to check the filter as soon as you move in.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor AC unit, it can collect dirt and debris over time. This is especially true in the fall when dead leaves can accumulate and completely block the coils. Give the outdoor unit a thorough inspection and remove any sticks, plants, or dirt. You may even want to clean the grille; just make sure to turn off the system so that it doesn’t cycle on during cleaning. If hosing off the debris doesn’t work, leave the maintenance to the professionals to avoid system damage.

One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is to invest in regular HVAC maintenance. Johnny On The Spot is happy to offer preventive HVAC maintenance to homes and businesses throughout the Las Vegas area. With our preventative maintenance checkups, your system will use less energy, last longer, and need fewer repairs. Don’t wait until the shock of your first utility bill—call us now at(725) 977-9461 to schedule your appointment.

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Four Sounds Your HVAC System Should Not Be Making

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Scorching highs and frigid lows make having a functioning HVAC system a must in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area. That’s why you need to pay close attention to the sounds your HVAC system is making. New and unusual sounds are signs of trouble. Keep an ear out for new HVAC system sounds so that you can take prompt action and avoid facing the heat or dealing with an expensive breakdown.

Thumping or Banging

Thumping or banging could mean that there’s an issue with the blower or motor. Typically, the sound you’re hearing is a component that has come loose and is rattling around inside the unit. This could be the motor mount, motor bearings, or some other part, and it is best to turn off the unit to prevent further damage.

Screeching or Squealing

These HVAC system sounds typically indicate a problem with the compressor belt or the motor bearing. If you hear screeching or squealing, it could be due to the pistons of the compressor wearing down—which is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to replace these parts. If you ignore these noises, your blower could stop functioning completely.

Humming or Buzzing

It’s normal for your HVAC unit to make a little humming noise when it’s starting up. However, if you still hear this sound as the unit continues to operate, it could be a sign of a problem with the compressor or isolation feet (small pieces of rubber upon which the compressor sits). In some cases, the inside of the unit might even be freezing up.

Clicking

You might hear a soft click when your HVAC unit turns on or off. However, if you still hear a clicking sound while the unit is operating, it could be a problem with the control panel, outside compressor, or the interior electrical controls.

Local HVAC Service Experts

Want to know the best way to avoid hearing these HVAC system sounds and experiencing other HVAC problems? You should schedule preventive HVAC maintenance with Johnny On The Spot. We will thoroughly check your system and handle any problems before they turn into bigger issues. Call us today at(725) 977-9461 for all your HVAC needs.

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4 Questions To Ask Your HVAC Pro

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Are you finding yourself in need of HVAC maintenance or repairs this holiday season? If you need to go ahead and hire an expert, there are a few questions you want to make sure you ask before you allow any HVAC company to work on your system. Keep these in mind when you are calling to hire a pro.

Do You Have Insurance?

Because HVAC systems require some heavy lifting, as well as costly repairs if something doesn’t go right, an HVAC pro will be equipped with insurance to cover any mistakes or accidents that can occur while on the job. HVAC experts are trained to safely work on your system, but unforeseen accidents may still occur, so be sure to ask if the company has insurance and what it covers when they’re working on your unit. That way you are aware of the liability should anything happen.

Are You Licensed And Accredited?

HVAC professionals are highly trained because of the intricacies of HVAC systems’ designs. In order to safely repair, install, and replace units, HVAC pros are working with extensive knowledge to make sound decisions. Your HVAC expert should have proper licensing and accreditation. The North American Technician Excellence, or NATE, provides this accreditation so be sure to hire a pro who has this. It’s also favorable for the company to be under Energy Star, which approves energy-efficient appliances.

Can I Have A Written Estimate?

Most HVAC companies provide a free consultation to check out your unit before they start any work. Prior to them beginning, you should receive a detailed cost breakdown of what needs repairing. They should not begin any tasks until you receive this quote. A real pro will make sure you completely understand what the issues are with your unit and what the cost will be for their services.

What Maintenance Tasks Can I Do Myself?

When maintaining an HVAC unit, there are several things you can do yourself. Make sure you stay on top of cleaning and replacing your filters and keeping debris away from your outdoor unit. If you aren’t sure how to maintain your HVAC unit, call in an expert to show you some things you can do yourself before you call them in for repairs. Taking care of your investment will help save you money down the road should any issues with your system arise. A willing HVAC expert showing you what you can do is a good indicator they are honest and forthcoming with information, making them someone you want to hire for a repair or replacement in the future.

Having any repairman come into your home when you’re not fully informed can be stressful. By asking these questions, you will be able to weed out the unfavorable HVAC pros. For trusted experts who meet these expectations and more, contact Johnny On The Spot for a free consultation at (725) 977-9461.

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