What an HVAC MaintenancePlan Includes

Preparing for the Desert Climate

Heating and air conditioning equipment in the Las Vegas valley operates under extreme conditions. The National Weather Service data for Las Vegas shows an average July high of 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with about 78 days a year reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. While our summers are notoriously intense, winters also require functional equipment. We see about 10 nights a year that fall to freezing temperatures, meaning both heat pumps and gas furnaces do real work in our community.

Because these systems run for months at a time, mechanical wear is unavoidable. ENERGY STAR recommends having your cooling system checked in the spring and your heating system checked in the fall. A maintenance plan puts both visits on the calendar before the hardest weather.

The Spring Cooling Tune-Up

A cooling tune-up prepares the air conditioner or heat pump for the long summer. The outdoor unit sits in direct sun and accumulates dirt from monsoon dust storms, while the indoor unit works to move air through the house. The technician performs a specific set of checks during this visit.

• The technician checks the refrigerant pressures and temperatures to confirm the system is moving heat correctly.
• They rinse the outdoor coil to remove dust, which helps the unit release heat into the outside air.
• They check and tighten all electrical connections.
• They test the capacitor and the contactor, which are electrical parts that start and run the compressor.
• They clear the condensate drain line so water can exit the indoor unit without backing up into the house.

The technician also checks the blower and airflow, tests the thermostat’s cooling cycle and checks the air filter. If you have a clean filter on hand, the technician will replace the old one for you. Finally, you receive a written report noting any components that are showing signs of wear.

The Fall Heating Tune-Up

Before winter arrives, the focus shifts to the heating equipment. For homes with a gas furnace, safety is a primary concern. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that fuel-burning heating equipment should be inspected every year. The CPSC also notes that carbon monoxide symptoms resemble the flu, and homes should have carbon monoxide alarms on every level.

During a gas furnace tune-up, the technician inspects the burners and the ignition system. 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. Like the cooling visit, they also check the blower, the filter, and the thermostat.

If your home uses a heat pump instead of a gas furnace, the technician performs heating-mode and defrost checks instead of the gas-specific steps. A heat pump acts as both an air conditioner and a heater, so it requires careful attention twice a year.

Coils, Filters and Ducts

The spring and fall checks look at the parts that work hardest. The US Department of Energy sets strict efficiency rules for our area. Nevada is in the Southwest region, which requires new split central air conditioners to meet a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 as of January 1, 2023.

Airflow matters too. ENERGY STAR states that checking your filter every month and changing it at least every three months is vital. They also note that 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.

A maintenance plan keeps your system on a regular schedule. The Kestrel Comfort Club includes your two seasonal tune-ups, priority scheduling when you call for an appointment, and a discount on repairs. Whether you need AC maintenance or furnace repairs, staying proactive helps manage the demands of the desert climate.