The Las Vegas summer brings heat over 100 degrees for weeks at a time. Your air conditioner works hard to cool your home, and a few careful steps will help it handle the heavy load.
The Heat of a Las Vegas Summer
The Las Vegas summer is defined by its extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, the average high in July reaches 104.5 degrees at Harry Reid International Airport. Over the course of the year, about 78 days reach 100 degrees, and roughly nine days will climb to 110 degrees or more. The heat does not stop when the sun goes down, as about 47 nights stay at 80 degrees or warmer. This means summer cooling runs for months, putting heavy strain on your air conditioning equipment.
Where Your Air Conditioner Works
Your outdoor unit sits in direct sun and dust throughout this season. Inside your home, the indoor unit is often located in the attic, a garage, or a hall closet. If you live in a two-story home, you may notice uneven temperatures between floors, as cool air settles and warm air rises.
Managing Filters and Airflow
One of the most important things you can do is monitor your indoor air filter. ENERGY STAR recommends that you check the filter every month and change it at least every three months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the blower motor to work harder and reducing the amount of cool air reaching your rooms. Keeping a clean filter on hand is a simple way to help your system breathe.
The condition of your ductwork also plays a major role in how well your home cools. In a typical house, about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through the ducts is lost to leaks, holes, and poorly connected joints, according to ENERGY STAR. If your ductwork runs through a hot attic, those leaks pull in unconditioned air and let the cool air escape before it reaches your vents. Sealing those leaks helps the cooled air reach its destination.
Preparing with Spring Maintenance
Before the heavy cooling season begins, it is wise to have the equipment inspected. ENERGY STAR suggests having your cooling checked in the spring. A technician will review the major components that do the heavy lifting. A standard cooling tune-up includes these steps:
- Checking refrigerant pressures and temperatures.
- Rinsing the outdoor coil to remove dirt and dust.
- Checking and tightening electrical connections.
- Testing the capacitor and contactor.
- Clearing the condensate drain line.
A clean outdoor coil sheds the heat taken from the house more easily, and the capacitor and contactor work hardest in the hottest months.
Planning for the Future
As equipment ages, it naturally loses some efficiency and may struggle to keep up with July and August temperatures. Central air conditioners commonly last about 15 to 20 years and heat pumps about 10 to 15. ENERGY STAR suggests it may be time to consider replacement if an air conditioner or heat pump is older than 10 years. Since January 1, 2025, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps are made for lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32.
Thermostat settings can also help manage the cooling load. A smart or programmable thermostat can set temperatures around when the house is occupied. NV Energy offers the PowerShift program, which includes a free smart thermostat program called FlexResponse.
How We Help Homes Cool
When you need help with your cooling equipment, Kestrel Heating & Air offers AC repair, AC installation, and AC maintenance across the valley. Our technicians provide a written price before any repair work begins, and we show you what failed. We also offer the Kestrel Comfort Club, a maintenance plan that provides a cooling tune-up in the spring and a heating tune-up in the fall to keep your system running well year-round.
Keep Your HomeCool This Summer
Air conditioning repair and maintenance in the Las Vegas valley.
If your air conditioner stops working, call us for emergency service.
