Johnny On the Spot Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Thermostats’

Thermostat Locations to Boost HVAC Performance

Sunday, May 21st, 2023

The location of the thermostat plays an important role in optimizing the performance of HVAC systems in Blue Diamond, NV. Installing a thermostat in the right place can help accurately measure temperatures to ensure your HVAC system works efficiently and effectively. Here are some suggestions for optimal thermostat placements:

Interior Walls

Interior walls are free from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. To ensure accurate readings, choose a spot away from heating and cooling vents or any other sources of airflow. Avoid placing the thermostat near windows, doors and other drafty spots. Also, keep it away from appliances that generate heat like televisions, computers and lamps.

Away From Air Vents

Air vents can cause fluctuations in temperature that may result in inaccurate readings. It’s best to place the thermostat at least 6 feet away from any air vents. This way, the warm or cool air passing through the vents won’t affect thermostat accuracy and will provide more accurate temperature readings.

Central Locations

Central locations ensure that the temperature readings in that area accurately reflect the rest of the house and allow your HVAC system to provide even temperatures throughout all rooms. Your service specialist should choose a spot in an interior hallway or a central living area on an inside wall.

Sunlight Avoidance

Direct sunlight can cause inaccurate temperature readings, so avoid placing the thermostat in any area that receives direct light. Such areas are usually hotter than the rest of the house and may cause false readings. An area on the north-facing wall of your home or an interior space away from windows is the best location for your thermostat.

Whether you’re looking to install a new thermostat or upgrade your existing one, the location of the thermostat is vital for optimal performance. Contact Johnny On The Spot to help you choose the best spot for your thermostat and get the most out of your HVAC system.

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3 Thermostat Mistakes to Avoid for Better Efficiency in Las Vegas, NV

Sunday, May 8th, 2022

A thermostat helps regulate your home temperature and reduce your cooling bills. However, improper use of the thermostat can lead to energy wastage and high utility bills. Here are three common thermostat mistakes to avoid in Las Vegas, NV:

Cranking the Thermostat to Cool Faster

Turning your thermostat all the way down won’t make your air conditioner cool your home faster. The temperature setting in your thermostat sets the goal for your cooling. Dialing your thermostat too low can lead to over-cooling. It’s advisable to set your temperature to your normal settings to increase efficiency and lower your energy bills. For every degree higher than 78, you can save as much as 3% on your cooling bills.

Turning Off Your AC System When You Leave the House

Turning your AC system off when you leave the house will make it work harder to cool your home when you return. It’s better to maintain an even temperature when no one is at home. Alternatively, you can set your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature to save money on energy bills. A smart thermostat can perform this function for you automatically.

Installing the Thermostat in the Wrong Place

The location of your thermostat is crucial since it uses sensors to get accurate temperature readings. Installing the thermostat in the wrong place can lead to incorrect readings, resulting in over-cooling. If you install the thermostat in an area that’s colder or warmer than the rest of the house, it can increase your energy bills and lower your comfort.

You should avoid installing your thermostat in an area that receives direct sunlight and near doors, windows and heat sources. The sensors can detect a warmer temperature than the rest of your home and overwork your AC unit leading to increased wear and tear.

Johnny On The Spot provides professional AC repair and installation services. We offer flat-rate pricing, discounts for veterans, accurate estimates and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Contact us today for all your HVAC maintenance and installation service needs.

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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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5 Signs That You Need a New Thermostat

Monday, October 14th, 2019

When your air conditioning system breaks down, it can seem like a nightmare. Often, the problem can simply be a bad thermostat. Read on to learn five signs that you need a new thermostat in your Summerlin, Nevada, home.

Unexpected On/Off

If your AC system is turning on and off at strange times, you might have a bad thermostat. The thermostat’s primary job is to let the air conditioner know when it’s time to kick on to cool the home. If the wiring goes bad, it can fail to function correctly.

Thermostat Reads the Wrong Temperature

If you have a thermometer in the room next to your thermostat and they’re reading different temperatures, that’s one of the biggest signs you need a new thermostat. First, be sure that your thermometer is reliable. If it isn’t, call a service technician for help.

Sudden Increase in Utility Costs

If your energy costs are suddenly higher than your monthly norm, it could be because of a bad thermostat. When the thermostat isn’t reading temperatures properly, it’ll cause the system to work harder and more often than it should. As a result, it’ll drive your energy costs up.

Your Thermostat is Old

Another of the surest signs you need a new thermostat is that yours is simply old and outdated. Like any piece of technology, thermostats wear out over time. If your current thermostat is 10 years old, it’s likely time to have it replaced. Consider replacing it with a smart thermostat.

It’s Manual

If your thermostat is manual, it’s time to change it to a programmable model. This will save you money and keep things more efficient by allowing you to program your temperature settings for when you’re away or asleep. As a result, you’ll gain more control over your cooling and heating.

If you experience these symptoms or any other signs you need a new thermostat, turn to Johnny On The Spot. Call (725) 977-9461 to schedule an appointment today.

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What a Blank Thermostat Screen Means

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

When your HVAC’s thermostat is in good working condition, you can easily adjust the indoor temperature in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home. However, your thermostat will eventually show signs of wear and may begin to malfunction over time. One common problem is nothing showing on the device. A blank thermostat display can result from several issues, many of which require only a simple fix. Find out some of the reasons your thermostat’s screen could go blank and what you can do.

Batteries Are Dead

While some HVAC thermostats run on the main power supply in homes, others use batteries that you will need to replace approximately once a year. If your thermostat runs on batteries and has a blank display, you may be able to get it working again by simply replacing old batteries.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Your HVAC thermostat may be on the same circuit breaker as other devices that use a lot of power. If the breaker trips, it may cut off power to the thermostat, resulting in a blank screen. All you need to do to fix the problem is flip the circuit breaker switch on again.

Safety Switch Was Activated

Some HVAC systems will automatically activate a safety switch when they detect problems, in turn, shutting off the thermostat. During the warmer months, this can happen when the condensate pan overflows. Regardless of what problem triggers the safety switch, you should contact our service specialists for an inspection as soon as possible.

Your Thermostat Is Too Old

Your thermostat can last a long time. However, how well you use and care for the device are important factors. On average, a thermostat can work well for up to 15 years before you start to encounter problems. If you think age is a factor, our service specialists will help you to determine if you need a replacement.

If your thermostat is showing a blank screen, you won’t be able to make adjustments to the device or your system won’t work at all. Give us a call for repairs so that we can restore comfort as quickly as possible. If you need help with any HVAC thermostat problem, contact Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461.

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5 Home Upgrades That Help You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Air pollution is a global problem, but we can all do our part to reduce its effects on our communities. Reducing energy consumption or energy waste in your Las Vegas, Nevada, home does not have to involve expensive or time-consuming upgrades. Simple changes can go a long way. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint to help protect the environment and even keep a little more money in your wallet.

Weatherproof Your Home

One way to optimize air conditioning efficiency is to ensure that your home has adequate insulation. The areas that typically need a little reinforcement against loss of conditioned air are attics, walls, floors, foundations, basements, and ducts. Don’t forget to protect your home from drafts, too. Seal gaps or cracks around windows and floors, between floorboards, and around electrical fittings and pipes.

Replace Your Air Conditioner

Even if your old AC has no performance issues, it might still be wasting energy because of its age. If your AC is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading it to a new one. Modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient and can significantly reduce your cooling bill. This is one effective way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Upgrading your lighting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider switching your halogen and incandescent lights to LED (light-emitting diodes) lights which are more energy-efficient and last longer. These lights also give off less heat, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats allow you to maintain the preferred temperature throughout your home at all times. You can program your thermostat according to your activities and schedule. This way, your household will enjoy ideal temperatures whether they are asleep or awake, and you won’t waste energy when you’re away. Programmable thermostats allow you to get the best performance and save energy.

You should also choose energy-efficient appliances for your home. Johnny On The Spot carries cooling systems that bear the ENERGY STAR label. We are happy to provide the systems and services that help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Give us a call at(725) 977-9461 for more information.

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Setting Your Thermostat to Keep Your House Cool All Summer Long

Monday, July 2nd, 2018

Keeping your Las Vegas, Nevada, residence cool during the hot summer months is vital for maintaining comfort. One way to sustain optimal temperatures is to properly program your thermostat. Correct programming will keep your home cool and help your AC to work more efficiently. Follow the tips below and keep your house cooler simply by using your thermostat correctly.

How should you set your thermostat to keep your house cool all summer?

  • At home: Set the thermostat around 78°F (25‑26°C) to balance comfort and energy savings.
  • Away from home: Raise the temperature when you’re out, and cool it down gradually before you return.
  • Use ceiling fans only when you’re in the room, cover windows and limit heat‑generating appliances.
  • Avoid frequently changing the thermostat by several degrees—it can waste energy.

When You Are Home

Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees can keep you comfortable without increasing your energy bill. If you can tolerate a warmer interior temperature, feel free to set your thermostat higher. It is estimated that for every degree you increase the thermostat’s setting, you save more on your energy bill.

Keep cool air in your home by covering windows with blinds or other window treatments. You should also limit the use of appliances that generate a lot of heat. Ceiling fans help to circulate the cool air from the AC, but you only need to keep them on when you are in the room. If humidity is a problem indoors, a dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture and keep you cool.

When You Are Away

Program your thermostat to raise the temperature during the times that you will be away from home. Today’s smart thermostats have features like vacation mode and scheduling. When setting your thermostat, adjust it so that it will gradually increase to a tolerable setting while you’re away. You can also program it to slowly reduce the temperature just before you return so that your home will be comfortable upon your arrival. Avoid cranking the temperature up or down frequently or by several degrees as this can increase energy usage. If you need to adjust the temperature quickly, try using a fan to help with cooling.

If you would like more tips on how to effectively program your thermostat contact Johnny On The Spot at(725) 977-9461 today. We can help you to select the ideal smart or programmable thermostat for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What thermostat temperature is recommended while at home during summer?
Answer: Setting your thermostat to about 78°F helps keep you comfortable while avoiding high energy bills. You can set it higher if that’s still acceptable to you.

Question: How should I adjust the thermostat when I’m away from home?
Answer: Raise the temperature when you’re away, then program it to start cooling back before you return. Smart or programmable thermostats can automate this with scheduling or “vacation mode.”

Question: Why should I avoid frequently changing the thermostat settings by several degrees?
Answer: Large or rapid temperature swings make the HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy. Using fans or other cooling methods can help moderate temperature without overworking the AC.

Question: How else can I keep my house cooler besides setting the thermostat?
Answer: Use window treatments like blinds or curtains to block sunlight, limit use of heat-generating appliances, and use ceiling fans when you’re in a room. If humidity is high, a dehumidifier helps.

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Don’t Miss Out On These Features of Modern Thermostats

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

So many tasks in our daily lives involve the use of modern technology, and the way we heat and cool our Summerlin, Nevada, homes is no exception. Unlike designs from the past, today’s thermostats are more than simple, basic devices. Available options now offer numerous benefits that help to increase comfort and energy savings. Learn how modern thermostats can make a significant difference in the way you manage HVAC comfort from season to season.

Easy Programming

The first wave of programmable thermostats weren’t all that easy to use. In fact, many consumers opted not to use the programming features in them altogether. But what’s the point of having a smart thermostat if you can’t take advantage of its features? Current models are user-friendly and some even come with accompanying smartphone apps to help streamline the setup process.

Remote Access

Imagine you’re on vacation when, suddenly, you’re struck by a thought: did I adjust the thermostat’s setting? Maintaining preferred temperatures when no one’s home is a waste of money. With an older thermostat, you’d have no choice but to cross your fingers and hope your energy bill isn’t too high when you get home. Fortunately, modern thermostats offer remote access features, allowing you to use a smartphone or another internet-enabled device to control your home’s temperature—even if you’re far away.

Attractive Features

Easy programming and remote access are only two of the features that allow you to keep more money in your pocket. There are other capabilities that help you to save energy and improve comfort. Some newer thermostats can also gather usage data and provide reports, so you can analyze usage over time and identify areas of energy waste. Some models are so smart that they can even learn your preferences and then set the temperature automatically based on previous programming habits. It’s just another way modern thermostats are a huge upgrade over thermostats of the past.

If you’re ready to make temperature control easier, contact Johnny On The Spot today at(725) 977-9461. Our installation experts will help you to understand your options and set up your new thermostat so you can start enjoying easy air conditioning comfort right away.

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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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Why Should I Upgrade My Thermostat?

Friday, June 30th, 2017

A programmable thermostat is a valuable investment although you may not realize it. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to control your home’s temperature at any hour on a certain day of your choice. Apart from that, it also has a great impact on your home energy efficiency. In order for you attain energy efficiency, you should update or upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Here are some reasons why:

How Programmable Thermostats Work

A programmable thermostat will obviously allow you to program a more definite heating and cooling schedule. Once you set the program, the programmable thermostat will do the rest of the operation that it is programmed to do. It will eventually turn your system on or off at the time it is scheduled to do so. Some of them even come with remote settings where you are able to access the unit’s settings using your mobile device or desktop.

How Do These Thermostats Help Save Money?

The amount you save on your energy bill each month will depend on what thermostat model you are using. The basic models can help you save about 15 percent of your energy bill while the most advanced ones can help save you up to 20 percent or more. This, of course, is true if your HVAC system is also under in a good condition.

Features Made for Your Convenience

The different designs of modern thermostats come in plenty of excellent features. There are models with filter replacement reminders, intelligent system management, and energy-use tracking capabilities. They also manage your system’s airflow, ventilation, and indoor air quality and so much more. Many models are Wi-Fi capable so you can access your thermostat’s setting on the go. Now that’s awesome, right?

Improve Your Home’s Comfort

Helping you save money is not the only thing that your new thermostat can do. Modern thermostats have the ability optimize your home comfort as well. If you program your thermostat to a certain temperature prior to your family’s arrival, the temperature you desire will already be circulating your home. You will always return to a comfortable atmosphere in your home.

True enough, modern thermostats, specifically the programmable thermostats, may be expensive. However, your benefits from it far outweigh the cost. Investing in it won’t cause you any regrets because the return on your savings is long term and bigger than how much you spent for it.

Do you have questions regarding programmable thermostats? Would you like to know more about their function and efficiency? Or perhaps you need more advice on how to use your thermostats to their full potential? Don’t hesitate to talk to one of our professional technicians. Call Johnny On The Spot now at (725) 977-9461 or visit our website for more useful information.

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