AC Care After a Long Las Vegas Summer

Las Vegas averages a July high of 104.5°F and a July low of 82.0°F (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). With warm nights like that, an AC can run for long stretches with little rest for months. Fall is a good time to look at what that summer did to your system, while you aren't depending on it.

This applies to any Las Vegas home, including the older and newer systems we see in Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch and 89148.

What to check yourself

1. Filter. Replace it. Summer loads filters fast, and the same filter serves the furnace in winter.
2. Outdoor unit. Clear leaves, trash and weeds around it. Gently rinse the coil fins from the outside with a garden hose (power off at the disconnect first). No pressure washers.
3. Condensate drain. Look for water around the indoor unit or a full drain pan.
4. Refrigerant lines. The insulation on the larger copper line often cracks in desert sun. Note any bare spots.
5. Thermostat. Replace batteries if it uses them.

Wear to look for

• The AC struggled to keep up on the hottest days. See AC not keeping up.
• The outdoor unit hummed or was slow to start. Often a weak capacitor. See AC capacitor failure.
• Ice on the indoor coil or lines at any point in the summer.
• The breaker tripped.
• New noises from the outdoor fan or compressor.

These rarely fix themselves over the winter. Fall is when you have time to fix them without the pressure of a 105°F afternoon.

Next steps

If any of those showed up, see our AC repair in Las Vegas page or the signs your AC needs repair. Then, before the first cool morning, run the first-heat furnace check. Regular maintenance for both is part of the Comfort Club, with Gold, Platinum and Diamond tiers.

When to call

Colton Air Conditioning is open Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, and is 5.0 on Google. Call (702) 738-6976 to schedule. NV license 0092120.

FAQ

Should I have my AC checked in the fall?

Fall is a good time. Problems that showed up during the summer, like slow starts, weak cooling or a tripping breaker, are easier to schedule and fix before next summer's heat arrives.

Is it OK to rinse my outdoor AC unit?

Yes, with the power off at the outdoor disconnect. Use a gentle garden hose spray from the outside. Don't use a pressure washer, which can bend the fins.

Why does my AC wear out faster in Las Vegas?

July highs average 104.5°F and July lows 82.0°F, so the system runs long hours day and night for months. Heat is hard on capacitors, fan motors and contactors.

Do I need to cover my AC in winter?

Usually not. Covers can trap moisture. If your system is a heat pump, it runs in winter for heating and must not be covered.

What hours is Colton open?

Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.