Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Smart Thermostat’

Avoid the Worst Spots to Install a Smart Thermostat in Your Home

Friday, April 14th, 2023

A thermostat is an essential component of any HVAC system. It controls your home’s temperature by communicating with your air conditioner or heat pump. However, not all locations in your home are ideal for installing a smart thermostat. Here are the five worst places to install a thermostat in Blue Diamond, NV:

In Direct Sunlight

The heat from the sun can make the smart thermostat think that your home is warmer than it is, causing your HVAC system to work harder than needed. This can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system.

Near Doors and Windows

These areas experience more drafts and temperature fluctuations than the rest of the room, which leads to inaccurate temperature readings. Depending on that reading, the thermostat will read the temperature near the door or window and turn the heating or cooling system on or off. This can result in higher energy costs and less comfortable temperatures in the room.

Near a Heat Source

Installing a thermostat near a heat source, such as a lamp or appliance, isn’t recommended. This is because the thermostat will sense the heat from the source rather than the room’s temperature. This can lead to incorrect temperature readings and inefficient heating or cooling.

Near a Vent

The thermostat will detect the temperature of the air that comes out of the vent rather than the home’s temperature. This can result in your HVAC system turning on and off frequently, causing unnecessary wear and tear.

Behind Furniture

Furniture can block airflow, preventing the smart thermostat from accurately reading the home’s temperature. As a result, the HVAC system may cycle on and off needlessly. This leads to higher energy consumption and perhaps uncomfortable indoor conditions.

Contact us at Johnny On The Spot to consult with our service specialists. They will help you ensure that your smart thermostat installation is in the most optimal location for your home. Also, this will help you ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently and you’re saving money on your energy.

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4 Reasons to Install a New Smart Thermostat in Las Vegas, NV

Thursday, August 19th, 2021

Your air conditioner plays an integral role in regulating indoor temperatures, especially during summertime in Las Vegas, NV, when temperatures can reach a sweltering 100 degrees. But for your AC system to function properly, it must receive the correct temperature readings from the thermostat controlling it. If your air conditioner has been acting suspiciously as of late, you may need a new smart thermostat.

Inaccurate Thermostat Reading

Your air conditioner cools your home based on the temperature reading the thermostat provides. If the reading is incorrect, your AC system ends up working too much or too little. Use a portable indoor thermometer to get the correct temperature and compare it with the reading that your thermostat sends back.

Higher Utility Costs

If your recent monthly utility bills are spiking, it could be due to your old thermostat. A faulty thermostat will result in longer running cycles for your air conditioner, which means more energy used over time. It may even cause your AC system to switch on randomly while you’re away.

Inconsistent Temperatures

A faulty thermostat will have difficulty maintaining your preset range and may unexpectedly change temperatures on its own. Test this out by lowering your settings and seeing if your AC system adjusts to meet that new temperature range.

AC System Not Shutting Off

In some cases, a faulty thermostat prevents your AC system from shutting off, and it runs for a longer cycle than needed. That said, you might also want to check other parts of the system before pinning the problem on the thermostat. Have a certified service specialist perform a maintenance check to assess your air filters, vents and condensate lines.

If you notice any of these signs but aren’t sure about the need to replace your thermostat, we’re here to help. Contact Johnny On The Spot to have us install your new smart thermostat. We also provide a full lineup of HVAC products and services.

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What’s a Smart Thermostat, and How Does it Work?

Monday, August 10th, 2020

A smart thermostat is a device that you can control remotely with your smartphone, tablet or computer. This and other features enable you to streamline the use of your cooling system. We’ll take you through why a smart thermostat is beneficial and what it does for your Las Vegas, NV, home.

You Can Regulate Temperatures Remotely

Most smart thermostats are compatible with voice assistants in your smart speakers and smartphone. This means you can give a command to your smart thermostat without moving an arm. But the best way to control your smart thermostat remotely is via an app on your smartphone. You can do this whether you’re on the couch or on a beach thousands of miles away.

A Smart Thermostat Saves on Energy Costs

Smart thermostats help you precisely regulate your home’s temperature and have a low-power standby feature, unlike most conventional thermostats. You can create an automatic cooling schedule so that when you leave the house or you’re asleep, it adjusts on its own and reduces energy use.

Some models are capable of learning your schedule and turning the system on and off automatically without per-programmed settings. It’ll also know the season and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Smart Thermostats Are Aesthetically Appealing

Smart thermostats have come a long way in terms of their appearance. They now feature color touch screens, are more visually appealing and don’t detract from the decoration of your living space.

Most smart thermostats are relatively small compared to their conventional counterparts. This enables you to easily hide them from everybody’s eyes and still efficiently regulate temperature.

Automatic Temperature Regulation Schedules

Some smart thermostats record your temperature regulation data. Subsequently, they regulate temperature based on your historical data and room temperature preferences. What’s more exciting is that some smart thermostats can learn your commuting patterns, which means they set your home’s temperature at your preferred level just before you arrive.

Call Johnny On The Spot for all your heating, cooling, and ventilation needs. We specialize in keeping your indoor air comfortable and will be happy to answer your questions and let you know options for smart thermostats.

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Heat Pumps 101: Efficient Heating and Cooling in One System

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling functions in just one system. The outdoor compressor is similar to a central air conditioning system, and the indoor condenser and air handler also look and function in a similar way. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering having a heat pump installed at your Las Vegas, Nevada, home:

Deliver Year-Round Comfort

In the summertime, heat pumps use a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors. The removal of heat also results in humidity being condensed into liquid water. The result is lower indoor temperature and humidity levels, which feels more comfortable on your skin. Although Las Vegas has mild winters, there will be a few nights when you’ll need heat. The system basically runs in reverse to transfer warmth from the outdoors into your home when you need heat.

Use Less Energy

Today’s heat pumps are highly energy-efficient. They don’t depend on burning propane or natural gas for heat, so they’re cleaner. These systems are up to 35 percent more efficient at heating compared to furnaces and electrical resistance heating systems.

Work With Smart Thermostats

You can save even more on heating and cooling in your Las Vegas home by pairing a new heat pump with a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your schedule and use high-tech algorithms to reduce the energy used for heating and cooling. You can make temperature adjustments with the app on your phone. When you’re traveling or at work, the system makes automatic adjustments to lower energy usage.

Heat pumps offer energy efficiency and year-round comfort in one system. They cost less to install compared to separate heating and cooling systems, and their maintenance needs are simple. For more information about heat pumps and how they work, contact Johnny On The Spot today.

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How to Cultivate Efficient Comfort With a Smart Thermostat

Monday, December 16th, 2019

Cooler temperatures have arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada. You’ll want to stay cozy without causing your utility costs to spike, and your thermostat may be the key. A smart thermostat can provide efficient comfort by giving you personalized control over your temperature and monitoring your energy efficiency.

What’s a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat takes the convenience and efficiency of a programmable thermostat and kicks things up a notch. While a programmable thermostat allows you to manually input different temperature settings for different times of day, a smart thermostat allows you to set a programed schedule. In addition, it can connect to Wi-Fi. As a result, you can adjust your thermostat from your phone, tablet or even a smart speaker.

Smart thermostats also frequently have more advanced features. Their diagnostic features can inform you of problems with your HVAC system and measure your energy efficiency down to how your heating and cooling habits affect your energy use. Our ComfortLink smart thermostats will even provide you with a live weather report so you can adjust your programming accordingly.

How Do Smart Thermostats Provide Efficient Comfort?

Smart thermostats are designed to provide comfort to your living space while also improving your energy efficiency. Since you can adjust your thermostat programming from anywhere you have internet access, you can personalize your temperature control, which ultimately improves energy efficiency. Let’s say that you’re on a family vacation and going to be away longer than anticipated. You can use your phone to adjust your thermostat’s programming to keep your home cooler while you’re away.

A smart thermostat’s diagnostic features can also help you cultivate efficient comfort. By learning your heating and cooling habits, your thermostat can help you adjust your habits to heat and cool more efficiently. And by informing you when your HVAC system needs maintenance, you can take strain off your unit and ensure it runs efficiently.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat to enjoy greater comfort without higher utility costs. To have a smart thermostat installed, call Johnny On The Spot at (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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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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4 Must-Have Features You’ll Find in Today’s Air Conditioners

Saturday, August 4th, 2018

An energy-efficient air conditioner is essential if you’re to beat the Las Vegas, Nevada, heat. If you haven’t upgraded your cooling system in a decade or more, you’re missing out on many innovative features. From variable-speed technology to smart thermostat compatibility, check out four must-have features you’ll appreciate in today’s air conditioners.

Two-Stage Compressor

When your cooling system switches off, keeping cool isn’t always easy. With a two-stage compressor, however, your air conditioner can switch from high speed to low speed. This capability minimizes temperature swings. At Johnny On The Spot, we carry systems like the two-speed Trane XL18i air conditioner. You can be assured of superior comfort even on summer’s hottest days. This is a must-have feature you’ll love when a heat wave hits our area.

Variable-Speed Technology

Variable-speed technology takes cooling to the next level. This feature allows your cooling system to adjust between several settings. The compressor will change the speed by as little as one-tenth of one percent increments at a time. Trane’s XV20i TruComfort variable speed air conditioner, for example, is an excellent choice. This system keeps you cool no matter how high the outdoor temperature climbs without consuming excess energy.

High SEER Rating

Concerned about decreasing your carbon footprint or reducing your utility bills? You need an air conditioner with a high SEER rating. SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the system’s energy usage over the cooling season. Cooling systems with at least 15 SEER can earn an ENERGY STAR certification. For even higher efficiency, look for an air conditioner like the Trane XV20i which has up to 22 SEER.

Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Your cooling system won’t go very far without an efficient thermostat. We’ll make sure your thermostat and air conditioner are compatible. Smart thermostats can help you manage indoor temperature and humidity, and save energy. Today’s devices with must-have features like Wi-Fi capability and energy reports give your system even more of a high-tech edge.

Ready to upgrade your air conditioner? Call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461. We have a range of modern, energy-efficient units. We’ll help you to select the right system for your home or business.

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Why a Smart Thermostat Is the Ideal Option for Busy Professionals

Saturday, July 28th, 2018

You’re busy trying to strike the right balance between work and your personal life. You will, therefore, appreciate any solution that can help you save time and effort. When it comes to keeping your Las Vegas, Nevada, home comfortable, you can rely on a smart thermostat. These devices make home comfort a lot easier and more efficient. Find out why a smart thermostat is the ideal temperature-regulating device for busy professionals.

Automatic Adjustments

A smart thermostat can adapt to weather changes and automatically adjust to maintain comfortable temperature levels. In addition, these high-tech devices can help you manage temperatures to control indoor humidity levels. Regardless of weather conditions, you can use a smart thermostat to program settings according to your schedule. You also save time and minimize energy waste.

Monitor Energy Usage

A smart thermostat’s energy-tracking function is perhaps the most appealing feature for busy professionals. It can monitor your energy usage patterns and provide suggestions on how you can reduce your energy costs. Some smart thermostats have learning capability that enables them to study your usage patterns. The devices then adapt to automatically control the temperature to suit your schedule and preferences. Since you don’t need to program these thermostats manually, they are excellent time-saving devices.

Remote Access

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting temperatures based on whether you are awake, sleeping, at home, or away. When you are constantly on the move, you may sometimes forget to adjust the temperature. A smart thermostat enables you to check the temperature in your home from anywhere via your smartphone or tablet. No matter where you are, you can make changes to start cooling your home, so temperatures are ideal upon your return.

A smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment because of the convenience factor. These thermostats make temperature and humidity control easier and help you lower your energy bills. If you wish to replace your old thermostat with a smart thermostat, do not hesitate to call Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461.

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How Spring AC Maintenance Helps You Beat the Summer Heat

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

With an average annual high of 80 degrees and sweltering summer weather that routinely brings triple-digit temperatures, it’s not easy to keep your cool in the Las Vegas, NV, area. It also isn’t cheap. Effective air conditioning is virtually mandatory to live comfortably in the region, and that can often mean high energy costs. While devices like smart thermostats can offer some energy savings, one of the best energy efficiency boosters is also the simplest: routine maintenance. To learn more, let’s take a look at how spring AC maintenance can help you keep your cool – and your cash.

Prepare Your System for Battle

You wouldn’t embark on a cross-country trip without ensuring your car is tuned up and well-maintained, so why head into the scorching heat of summer without making sure your HVAC system is up to the task? Dirty air filters alone can sap up to 15 percent of your system’s energy. Leaky ducts, worn-out mechanical components, and other potential issues could be preventing your HVAC system from operating properly. Professional inspection and a routine maintenance program can identify and correct these problems during spring. We’ll ensure that you benefit from optimal energy efficiency and real savings on your utility bills when the time comes for you to crank up the air conditioning.

Routine Maintenance Can Boost Reliability

While installing a high-quality air conditioning system is certainly a worthwhile investment, having to replace an existing system that has failed is a surprise that no one wants. HVAC system failures are especially problematic in the summer when an unexpected breakdown can mean having to suffer through the heat until you arrange for a new installation. Regular AC maintenance is a great way to boost the service life and reliability of your system, so you save money on repairs and safeguard your home against a system failure at the worst possible time.

An effective and efficient HVAC system is a must-have when you live in the Las Vegas area. To find out what you can do to keep your system working at its best for years to come, check out Johnny On The Spot’s comprehensive maintenance services or call(725) 977-9461 to speak with a helpful representative today.

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