Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Indoor Air Quality’

Improve Indoor Air Quality With Duct Cleaning and Other IAQ Solutions

Monday, May 18th, 2020

Most people spend more of their time indoors than outdoors, especially during the long, hot summers in Las Vegas, NV. You might be dismayed to learn that your home’s air could be up to 100 times more polluted than the city’s outdoor air. Fortunately, duct cleaning and other indoor air quality solutions clean and freshen your air, making your home a healthier place to live.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

With each cycle of your air conditioning system, air passes through the ducts. Little gaps or damaged seals allow dust, dirt and other debris to get inside. These particles then enter your living spaces. Professional duct cleaning removes the buildup, helping you breathe more easily. Schedule duct cleaning every two to five years.

Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers use UV-C, electrostatic or ozone technology to deactivate microbial, bacteria and viruses. They also help neutralize odors. For the best results, use a whole-home air purifier. These products work with your air conditioning system. They sanitize your home’s air 24/7 and reduce the amount of allergens and germs in it. As a result, they help you feel better and lower your chance of getting sick.

Upgrade Air Filters

Finally, consider upgrading your HVAC filter to a high-efficiency filter. Air filters use a rating system called MERV, or minimum efficiency reported value. Choose the highest-rated MERV filter that works with your air conditioning system. The higher the MERV rating, the more tiny particles the filter traps. These filters trap dust, pet dander, pollen, bacteria and viruses. Replace the filter every one to two months. If your home has carpeting, upgrade your vacuum to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Cleaner and fresher indoor air makes your home more comfortable and pleasant. By removing more of the particles from your home’s air, you’ll breathe easier and get sick less often. To learn more about duct cleaning and other indoor air quality solutions for your home, call Johnny On The Spot today.

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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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3 Benefits of HVAC Zoning in a Home

Thursday, November 14th, 2019

Zoning lets you choose different temperatures for each zone or room in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home. Some heating and air conditioning systems with zoning use dampers inside ducts to direct conditioned air. Others have more than one indoor air handler. With HVAC zoning, you can save energy, increase your comfort and improve your house’s indoor air quality.

Energy Savings

Zoning allows you to you stop conditioning vacant rooms. That way, you can lower your power bills, extend your HVAC system’s life by reducing wear and increase the value of your home. With some zoning systems, you’ll need to program your family’s usual weekend, weekday and vacation routines. Others can connect with motion sensors or cameras to learn your routine over time and let you avoid extensive programming. When it’s time to replace your HVAC system, you should be able to stay comfortable with a smaller, less expensive model.

More Comfort

With zoning, everyone can choose the temperatures they prefer for their bedrooms without making others uncomfortable. It also makes eliminating drafts or temperature variations in different parts of your home easy. With many HVAC zoning systems, you can use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to make changes and get updates anywhere. Many thermostats with zoning have a variety of background colors as well.

Better Indoor Air Quality

A zoning system that has more than one indoor air handler uses a separate air filter for each device, keeping contaminants such as dust, pollen, dirt and pet dander from spreading easily through your home. A system with dampers doesn’t need to move as much air through your system’s ducts. As a result, you won’t have to get your ductwork cleaned or change your air filter as often to keep your indoor air quality high.

Johnny On The Spot is a Trane Comfort Specialist and an A-plus member of the Better Business Bureau. We can help you choose the best smart or programmable thermostat for your zoning system. For outstanding assistance, call us anytime at (725) 977-9461.

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Dirty Ductwork is Dangerous! 3 Reasons to Schedule Duct Cleaning

Tuesday, July 16th, 2019

Homeowners in Las Vegas, Nevada, expose themselves to dust every time they walk outside. Dust isn’t only an outdoor problem, though. You might think your home is free from it because you regularly vacuum and wipe clean all your furnishings. But what you can’t see can harm you. One of the most hidden places where dust can collect in your home for years without notice is in your HVAC system’s ductwork. Here are three reasons to schedule professional duct cleaning:

Increase HVAC Efficiency

Your HVAC system’s filter does a decent job of trapping particle pollutants that circulate in your home’s air supply. But the smallest contaminants can still sneak through and collect in your ductwork. As a result, they can decrease HVAC efficiency and strain your system. Regularly changing the filter and scheduling duct cleaning are vital tasks.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

You spend most of your life indoors, and poor indoor air quality is one of the most significant threats to public health. Therefore, it’s imperative that you maintain good air quality in your home. Duct cleaning helps prevent poor IAQ by cleaning your ductwork of all the contaminants that can collect, including droppings from a pest infestation.

Ease Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? Dirt ductwork can exacerbate your symptoms. Just think of all the dirt, dust, and pollen circulating in your home’s air and collecting in the ducts. If you have pets, you also have to worry about pet dander. By regularly scheduling duct cleaning, you’ll take an important step toward easing your symptoms.

Adding an air purifier is another way to improve your indoor air quality and breathe easier. For more information about increasing HVAC efficiency and maintaining healthy indoor air, contact Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 today. We specialize in performing everything from professional air conditioner repairs to duct cleaning services.

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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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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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Tips and Tricks for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Tuesday, March 19th, 2019

Airborne allergens are infiltrating the air as springtime gets closer and ushers beautiful weather across Anthem, Nevada. Prepping your home for better indoor air quality this spring should be a top priority. There are lots of simple tips and tricks for improving indoor air quality, like changing the HVAC filter and using an air purification system.

Change the HVAC Filter

One of the most common reasons heating and cooling units quit working is because of a dirty filter. Once the filter clogs, it impedes airflow to the point that the system will overheat. This can result in expensive repair and replacement costs. It also worsens allergy and asthma symptoms by deteriorating the air quality in your home.

Change or clean the HVAC filter at least once a month. If you have indoor pets, check it once every 15 days to see if it has clogged with pet dander. Also check the positioning of the air filter. It should be secured tightly to the filter frame. If there are gaps, this allows unfiltered air to make its way into your heating and cooling system. As a result, it worsens indoor air quality.

Install an Air Purification System

Installing an air purification system is one of the smartest moves you can make to improve your home’s air quality. Give careful consideration to the purification system you install as many of them only capture particulate matter. To remove gas and chemicals from the air, you’ll need an air purifier that uses an activated carbon filter. Many of today’s newer air purifiers can kill even the smallest of pathogens, including:

  • Bacteria
  • Animal dander
  • Pollen
  • Other pollutants

You have two basic options to choose from when installing an air purification system. You can install a portable version or a built-in air purifier. A built-in air purifier connects directly to the HVAC systems and provides whole-home air filtration. Only certain air purifiers will be compatible with your HVAC system. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a professional before proceeding with an installation.

Do you want to have your home assessed for various indoor air quality solutions? Contact Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461.

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4 Ways You Can Optimize the IAQ In Your Home Office

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Working out of your Summerlin, Nevada, home office gives you convenience and flexibility. However, if you start to notice that your allergy symptoms are flaring up or you’re not feeling very well, it’s a good idea to check the quality of the air you’re breathing at home. Instead of stocking up on tissues and chicken soup, try to improve the IAQ in your home office. You will notice a difference in your overall health.

Clean Regularly

When you’re busy juggling many tasks, it’s not easy to find the time to keep your home office clean. However, dirt, dust, and other allergens can build up on your desk, in carpet fibers, and on other surfaces and cause you to feel congested. Take some time every week to vacuum or sweep the floors, dust all surfaces, and remove clutter. Regular cleaning is essential if you are to keep the allergens away.

Go Natural

If you catch a whiff of something unpleasant, you might feel tempted to reach for a can of air freshener and start spraying. However, many deodorizers contain chemicals that can lower the quality of your indoor air. Instead, switch to all-natural odor eliminators, such as those made using lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils.

Clean the Ducts

Air passes through the ductwork in a central HVAC system. If the ducts contain buildup from dust and other debris, the contaminants will also enter the air you breathe. Schedule a professional duct cleaning service to remove the pollutants so you can breathe clean, healthy air. Additionally, duct cleaning service means improved efficiency since the system won’t have to work as hard to move the air when ducts are clean.

Add a Plant

Certain plants offer natural air purification, so consider adding a few throughout your home. Spider plants, areca palms, lady palms, rubber plants, and philodendrons can all help to remove toxins from the air. For more ways to optimize the IAQ in your home office, call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461. We’re happy to provide duct cleaning and other indoor air quality services.

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How to Boost IAQ When You Have Pets

Wednesday, November 28th, 2018

When you share your Henderson, Nevada, home with furry friends, you know the happiness these pets can bring into your life. However, what you may not realize is that their presence can also impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Before you think about getting rid of Fido and Fluffy, a few helpful tips can help you boost IAQ.

Understanding Pet Dander

Just about every pet has dander, which is small pieces of skin shed by animals that have fur, hair, or feathers. Pet dander is microscopic, so you won’t know it’s there until you start experiencing allergic symptoms. Reactions to dander include coughing, breathing problems, sneezing, eye irritation, and sore throat. Pet dander can also get into your home’s HVAC system and reduce the quality of the indoor air.

Good Housekeeping

The first tip to manage pet dander is to keep your home as clean as possible. Use a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter that can remove small particles from floors and carpets. Use the attachments on your vacuum to clean furniture frequently, as dander can settle on the upholstery. Wash bedding and curtains in hot water.

Bathe Your Pet

You can also manage how much dander your pet sheds by keeping up with regular baths. Dogs are easier to bathe, and cats are notoriously frisky. However, you can remove some of the dander and excess fur from your cat by brushing it often.

Clean the Ducts

As pet hair and dander move through your HVAC system, they can settle in your ducts. Over time, these pollutants accumulate in your ductwork and cause the system to work harder to move air. Additionally, this problem will lead to poor indoor air quality.

Cleaning ducts regularly is an effective way to remove the dander and hair so that you can keep your air clean and healthy. At Johnny On The Spot, we offer indoor air quality solutions for many customers with pets. Contact us at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

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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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