Signs Your HVAC System Is Failing

Heating and cooling systems rarely die without warning. Most give months of hints first: a new noise, a bill that’s higher than last year, a bedroom that never quite cools down. In Las Vegas, where the AC works harder than almost anywhere in the country, catching those hints early can be the difference between a planned replacement on your schedule and a 115°F afternoon with no air. Here are the signs we see most often at 32 Degrees AC & Furnace Repair, and what each one usually means.

1. It’s blowing warm air, or not enough air

If the AC runs but the air from the vents isn’t cold, the cause could be simple (a dirty filter, a tripped breaker, a failed capacitor) or serious (low refrigerant from a leak, or a failing compressor). Weak airflow can point to a blower motor problem or a clogged coil. One episode isn’t a death sentence, but warm air on an older system is worth a professional look before it gets worse.

2. It runs constantly and still can’t keep up

On a 112°F day it’s normal for an AC to run for long stretches. It isn’t normal for it to run all evening and never reach the setting once the sun goes down. A system that can’t keep up may be low on refrigerant, losing efficiency with age, or simply too small for the home.

3. It turns on and off every few minutes

Short cycling wears out parts fast and wastes power. Common causes include a system that’s too big for the house, a frozen coil, a thermostat problem or an overheating furnace shutting itself off for safety. If it keeps happening, have it checked.

4. Your power or gas bills keep climbing

Compare this summer’s NV Energy bills with the same months last year. If usage is up and your habits haven’t changed, the system is likely working harder to do the same job. Gradual efficiency loss is one of the quietest signs an older system is near the end.

5. Repairs every season

One repair in a few years is normal. A capacitor this summer, a fan motor next summer and a refrigerant leak after that is a pattern. When repair bills start stacking up, it’s time to compare them with what a new system costs.

6. It uses R-22 refrigerant

Older systems often use R-22, which is no longer produced. Every recharge costs more than the last, and a leak on an R-22 system is often the moment replacement makes more sense than repair. The refrigerant type is usually printed on the outdoor unit’s data plate.

7. New noises or smells

Grinding, squealing, banging or loud buzzing usually means a mechanical or electrical part is wearing out. A burning smell when the furnace first runs in the fall is often dust burning off and should fade quickly. A smell that doesn’t fade, an electrical burning smell, or any smell of gas is different: for a gas smell, leave the home and call the gas company right away, then call us.

8. Water leaks or ice

Water around the indoor unit can be a clogged condensate drain, a simple fix. Ice on the refrigerant lines or the coil usually means an airflow or refrigerant problem. Either way, turn the system off and call before water damages the ceiling or the compressor is harmed.

9. Uneven temperatures and dust

Rooms that are always hotter or colder than the rest of the house, or a home that’s dusty no matter how often you clean, can point to duct leaks, a system that’s the wrong size or equipment that’s losing capacity.

10. The furnace struggles to light or keeps shutting off

Clicking without lighting, lighting and then shutting off, or a furnace that only works sometimes often comes down to an igniter, flame sensor or safety switch, all routine repairs. A cracked heat exchanger on an older furnace is a different story and is usually a replacement. Furnaces in Las Vegas are typically in the attic, so please don’t climb up to look; that’s our job.

What age means in Las Vegas

There’s no exact expiration date, but heavy summer use means Las Vegas air conditioners often wear out sooner than the national averages you see online. Furnaces, which run far less here, can last longer. Age alone isn’t a reason to replace a system that’s working well, but an older system showing several of the signs above deserves a real evaluation.

What to do next

One sign, otherwise healthy system: book a repair visit. We’ll find the cause and give you an upfront price before any work.
Several signs, or an older system: it’s worth knowing your options before the next breakdown forces a rushed decision. Read Repair or Replace Your AC or Furnace in Las Vegas? and check starting prices with our replacement pricing tool.
Already told you need a new system? Get a free second opinion. Second opinions from 32 Degrees AC & Furnace Repair are always free, and we’ll tell you honestly if a repair will do.

Replacing on your own schedule, instead of in an emergency, gives you time to compare options. Our free in-home replacement estimate gives you written Good, Better and Best prices with no pressure, and financing is available through our financing partners Synchrony, Acorn Finance, JB Finance and RTO National (rent-to-own), subject to credit approval (see our financing page).

Call 702-635-9505 or schedule your free in-home replacement estimate. You pick the day and time.