First Heat of the Season: A Furnace Check for Southwest Las Vegas Homes

Most Las Vegas furnaces sit unused from spring through fall. By the time the first cool mornings arrive, the system has gone months without running. Las Vegas January normals are a low of 40.5°F and a high of 58.5°F (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Harry Reid International Airport), so heat matters here even if the afternoons are mild.

This check is written for homes in the southwest valley, including Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch and the 89148 area, but it works for any Las Vegas home.

Before you switch to Heat

1. Replace or check the filter. A filter that loaded up during a long cooling season restricts airflow in heating mode too.
2. Clear the area around the furnace. Garage and closet furnaces often end up with boxes or storage stacked against them over the summer. Keep the space clear.
3. Check the vents. Make sure supply registers and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture.
4. Test the CO alarm. Press the test button on each carbon monoxide alarm. Replace batteries if needed.
5. Confirm the furnace switch is on. The service switch near the furnace looks like a light switch. It sometimes gets bumped off during summer.

First run: what's normal

• A burning dust smell. Dust settles on the heat exchanger and burners over the off-season. When the furnace first runs, it burns off. This smell is normal and can linger a couple of days. More in our furnace burning smell guide.
• A short delay before warm air. Many furnaces wait for the heat exchanger to warm up before the blower starts.
• Heat pumps steaming on cold mornings. If your home has a heat pump, a cloud of steam from the outdoor unit is usually defrost mode. See heat pump defrost mode.

Smells that are not normal

• Gas or rotten-egg smell: leave the house, then call 911 or Southwest Gas from outside.
• CO alarm sounds: leave the house and call 911 from outside.
• Hot plastic or electrical smell: turn the system off at the thermostat and schedule a visit.

Signs to book a visit

• The thermostat calls for heat but nothing happens, or only cool air comes out (see heater not working).
• The furnace starts and stops every few minutes. An overheating limit switch from a dusty filter is a common cause; see furnace limit switch.
• The breaker trips more than once.
• Loud banging, grinding or squealing.
• Water around the furnace.

Tune-up or repair?

If the furnace runs and heats, a furnace tune-up is the right step: an annual check before heavy use. If it won't heat, see our furnace repair in Las Vegas and heating repair pages. Annual maintenance is part of the Comfort Club, which comes in Gold, Platinum and Diamond tiers.

In Rhodes Ranch, homes on the same street can come from different builders and years, so the first heat of the season is a good time to learn what kind of furnace or heat pump you actually have.

When to call

Colton Air Conditioning is open Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, and is 5.0 on Google. Call (702) 738-6976 to book a visit in Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch or anywhere in Las Vegas. NV license 0092120.

FAQ

Is a burning smell normal the first time I turn on the heat?

Yes. A burning dust smell on the first run of the season is normal and can linger a couple of days. A gas smell, an electrical or hot plastic smell, or a CO alarm is different. Follow the steps above for those.

Do Las Vegas homes really need a furnace check?

Yes. January lows average 40.5°F in Las Vegas, and most furnaces sit unused for months before the first cool morning. A quick check helps catch problems before you rely on the heat.

When should I turn the heat on for the first time?

Run it once on a mild day before you really need it. That way the dust smell happens early, and any problem shows up while you have time to book a visit.

What should I do if the furnace won't start on the first try?

Check that the thermostat is on Heat and set above room temperature, the filter is clean, the furnace switch is on, and the breaker hasn't tripped. Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again or the furnace still won't start, schedule a visit.

Does Colton service Spring Valley and Rhodes Ranch?

Yes. Colton services homes across Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch and the 89148 area. See our Spring Valley page for details.

What hours is Colton open?

Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.