HVAC problems can crop up at any time. However, some issues tend to be more prevalent due to specific climatic conditions in certain areas. Here we will look at problems that often recur among Las Vegas residents and how you can seek to address them to enjoy more reliable use of your HVAC system.
5 Most Reported Residential HVAC Problems in the Las Vegas Area and Their Possible Solutions
- The AC Is Emitting an Unpleasant Odor
Many Las Vegas homeowners have reported a variety of unpleasant smells that their ACs are pushing throughout their homes. The smell could be similar to burnt plastic or smokiness. The odors may be from within the system, inside the house, or even from outside sources. There could be many reasons for the problem and its origin.
When you have a smell indicating burning, heat, or smoke, it is a good idea to call in a technician, and if possible, turn off your AC until they arrive. A burning smell could indicate bad wiring or broken-down parts. You can inspect exposed areas of your system, indoors and outdoors, to see if any frayed wiring or components are not moving as they should.
Another possible reason for bad smells could be mold and mildew. This problem typically takes hold in cool and damp areas. Check your system for leaks or clogging, especially around the evaporator coil. Cleaning a dirty evaporator coil will often eliminate foul odors and improve the efficiency of your AC.
- Dirty Air Filters
The desert air carries a lot of dust which can cause air filters to become dirty quickly. When the air passes through these filters, it penetrates the home, reducing the air quality, and making the house dustier. If you have residents that have allergies, dirty air filters may worsen their condition as they are less efficient at cleaning the air being channeled.
Most homeowners can make do with changing their air filters every 90 days. However, for optimal AC performance and to ensure better air quality, do consider changing them every 45-60 days. The more frequently you do this, the less dirt will get into the HVAC system and your home, resulting in fewer breakdowns and more efficiency. It can also improve odor control.
- Thermostat and Room Temperature Differing
Thermostats are supposed to enable homeowners to control the temperature at which their AC operates. Some can also be programmed to change the temperature at certain times of the day and by how much. They gauge the temperature in the home from their immediate surroundings. However, sometimes the readings can be inaccurate due to interference from other heat sources like sunlight and fireplaces. This can cause the thermostat to read differently from what the AC is putting out.
You may want to change the thermostat’s location so it can get a better reading of the air originating from the HVAC system. It should be away from anything that will throw off its readings and be correctly leveled and installed on a properly insulated wall. If it is malfunctioning, you can fix the problem by installing a new thermostat.
- Unusual Noises
Just as with any electronic device, chances are your AC does emit some sound. Typically, this should be a humming sound when it is running. If you, however, start hearing new, unusual sounds, it could indicate a problem. It could be a broken or loosened part clanging, or the fan could be blocked. Strange sounds could also indicate a belt or bearings problem.
There are many parts to an HVAC system, which can make it difficult to pinpoint the location from which the sound is coming or may be coming from an area that is not easily accessible. It is a good idea to call in an HVAC technician to figure out where the noise is coming from and fix it before it becomes more costly to repair.
- Poor Air Flow
You may find that despite having the AC on, there appears to be poor airflow traveling through the vents, making it difficult to regulate the temperature. This could mean that your compressor or air ducts have become clogged and damaged. It could also indicate that your filters have become too dirty. The combination of wind and dust in Las Vegas can easily cause such problems.
If the problem is air filters, changing them out more frequently could solve the problem. Cleaning up more often around the compressor could also help. However, damage to the air ducts and other parts will require professional servicing and repair to restore proper air circulation.
Most of these problems can be avoided by having your HVAC system serviced regularly. Also, when you notice new problems, calling in a technician early on will limit the required repairs and better preserve your unit and help it function properly. Call us at 32 Degrees to book an appointment with one of our technicians, who will inspect, service, and carry out whatever repairs are needed to keep your AC running efficiently and comfortably.
