Packaged heating and air conditioning systems sit on the roof exposed to blowing dust and high temperatures. Regular maintenance addresses the wear these machines experience in our climate.
Cooling Commercial Spaces in the Desert
Operating a small business in the Las Vegas valley requires a functioning heating and cooling system. Local restaurants, retail stores, medical offices and small hotel properties depend on packaged rooftop units and split systems to keep their doors open. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas reports that our average July high is 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and we experience about 78 days a year that hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. The all-time record reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit on July 7, 2024.
For a packaged rooftop unit, those air temperatures are only part of the story. The equipment sits on a commercial roof that absorbs direct sunlight, pushing the temperature immediately around the machinery even higher. During July and August, the monsoon brings strong winds and blowing dust that can pack into the outdoor coils. Maintaining these units is a matter of protecting your business operations.
What Commercial Maintenance Involves
A commercial maintenance visit addresses the specific wear these units take. ENERGY STAR suggests checking cooling equipment in the spring and heating equipment in the fall. For a rooftop unit, this means a technician must access the roof to inspect the enclosed components.
- The technician checks refrigerant pressures and temperatures.
- They rinse the outdoor coil to remove the monsoon dust and urban dirt that restricts heat transfer.
- They clear the condensate drain line, which helps keep water from backing up onto the roof or the ceiling below.
- They check and tighten electrical connections, which can work loose over a long season.
- They test the capacitor and contactor.
Airflow is also a major focus. The technician checks the blower assembly and tests the thermostat. ENERGY STAR advises checking the filter every month and changing it at least every three months, which helps keep the indoor coil clean and from freezing.
Heating Checks for Rooftop Units
Many rooftop units handle both cooling and heating. During the winter, the Las Vegas valley sees about 10 nights a year that fall to freezing, meaning the gas heating components must function safely. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that fuel-burning heating equipment should be inspected every year.
During the fall heating check, the technician inspects the burners and the ignition system inside the rooftop unit. They clean the flame sensor and visually inspect the heat exchanger where it can be seen. They test the safety limits and check the flue and venting.
If you ever smell gas inside your commercial space, you must act immediately. Southwest Gas advises that you leave the building right away and call 911 and Southwest Gas from a safe place outside. Do not touch light switches, thermostats or anything that could spark.
Regulatory Changes Affecting Your Equipment
Commercial property owners must navigate changing federal regulations. Since January 1, 2025, new residential air conditioners and heat pumps are made for lower-impact refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, part of the EPA’s shift away from R-410A.
Furthermore, EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for anyone who maintains, services or repairs equipment containing refrigerant.
Whether you manage a small multifamily building, a light industrial flex space, or a busy restaurant, equipment breakdowns cost you money. Setting up a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement with Kestrel Heating & Air keeps your rooftop units and split systems on a steady schedule. We provide flat-rate pricing and give a written price before any repair work begins.
Keep Your BusinessCooled and Heated
Kestrel Heating & Air repairs systems in the Las Vegas area.
If your restaurant or office has no cooling, call us to schedule an emergency service visit.
