Your AC Worked Hard This Summer: 7 Things Las Vegas Homeowners Should Check Now

A Las Vegas summer can put an incredible amount of stress on your air conditioning system. After months of long run times and extreme temperatures, your AC may still be cooling your home—but that doesn't necessarily mean everything is operating as efficiently as it should.

Early fall is a great time to pay attention to how your system performed during the summer and address small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Here are seven things Las Vegas homeowners should check after a demanding cooling season.

1. Check Your Air Filter

Your air filter is one of the simplest components of your HVAC system, but it can have a major impact on performance.

A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, forcing your AC system to work harder to move air through your home. Over time, restricted airflow can contribute to poor comfort, higher energy consumption and additional strain on HVAC components.

If you can't remember the last time you changed your filter, now is a good time to check it.

2. Pay Attention to Longer Run Times

Did your air conditioner seem to run constantly this summer?

During extreme Las Vegas temperatures, longer run times aren't necessarily unusual. However, if your system is struggling to reach the thermostat setting or continues running longer than it did previously under similar conditions, it deserves attention.

Reduced cooling performance can have several causes, which is why proper system diagnostics are important rather than simply replacing a part based on symptoms.

3. Look at Your Outdoor AC Unit

Las Vegas wind, dust and debris can take a toll on outdoor equipment.

Take a visual look around your condenser and make sure there isn't debris or vegetation restricting airflow around the unit.

The outdoor coil can also accumulate dirt over time. A dirty coil can reduce the system's ability to release heat efficiently.

Cleaning HVAC equipment involves more than spraying it with a garden hose, however. If the equipment needs professional cleaning or maintenance, have it properly serviced to avoid damaging the coil or electrical components.

4. Don't Ignore Unusual Sounds or Smells

Your AC shouldn't suddenly sound dramatically different than it normally does.

Buzzing, grinding, rattling, squealing or other new noises can indicate that something in the system needs attention.

The same applies to unusual odors.

If something suddenly sounds—or smells—different, don't wait for the system to completely stop working before having it evaluated.

5. Check for Signs of Water or Drainage Problems

Your air conditioning system removes moisture from the air as it operates. That moisture needs to drain correctly.

Clogged condensate drains, damaged drain components or other drainage problems can result in water around the equipment and potentially cause additional damage.

Look around the indoor HVAC equipment for unexplained moisture, staining or standing water.

If you see water where it shouldn't be, have the source diagnosed rather than simply cleaning up the water.

6. Compare Your Energy Bills

Your electric bill will naturally increase during a Las Vegas summer, but comparing your energy use to similar periods can sometimes reveal a change in system performance.

If your AC is running significantly longer to maintain the same indoor temperature, there may be an underlying efficiency or mechanical issue.

A high electric bill doesn't automatically mean the AC is the problem, though. Your home's insulation, thermostat settings, electrical usage and even your solar system's performance can affect the total.

That's another reason diagnostics matter.

7. Think About How Your AC Actually Performed This Summer

This may be the most important question:

Were you comfortable?

Think about whether you noticed:

• Rooms that wouldn't cool properly

• Uneven temperatures

• Weak airflow

• Longer run times

• Unusual noises

• Unexpected repairs

• Higher-than-expected energy usage

• Difficulty maintaining your thermostat setting

Your AC doesn't have to completely fail before there's a reason to have it checked.

Why Fall Is a Good Time for an HVAC Check

Once Las Vegas temperatures begin to ease, homeowners aren't relying on their air conditioners quite as heavily.

That makes the transition out of peak cooling season an excellent opportunity to address performance concerns and identify potential problems before the next period of extreme demand.

Preventive maintenance can also help keep your HVAC system operating properly and give you a better understanding of its overall condition.

Need Your AC Checked After a Las Vegas Summer?

If your air conditioner struggled this summer, is making unusual noises, isn't cooling like it used to or you simply want to know how the system is performing, Paramount Services can help.

Our team can inspect and diagnose your HVAC system and explain what we find so you can make an informed decision about any recommended service or repairs.

Paramount Services
Serving Las Vegas, Henderson & Boulder City
Office: (702) 861-0036
ParamountServicesLV.com

Nothing is More Paramount Than Your Comfort.