Maintenance
Complete AC Maintenance Schedule for Las Vegas Climate
November 8, 2024
8 min read
Quick Answer:
Las Vegas AC maintenance schedule: Professional tune-up in March/April, change filters every 30 days May-October, monthly outdoor unit cleaning in summer. 6+ month cooling season requires more maintenance than typical climates.
Month-by-Month AC Maintenance Calendar
March-April: Spring Preparation
- Professional tune-up: Schedule before May heat arrives ($89-150)
- Replace filter: Start fresh for cooling season
- Test system: Run AC for 30 minutes on cool day
- Clean outdoor unit: Remove winter debris and dust
- Check thermostat: Replace batteries, test programming
May-June: Early Summer Maintenance
- Monthly filter changes: Las Vegas dust requires 30-day schedule
- Monitor performance: Watch for weak cooling or strange noises
- Clean outdoor coils: Rinse with hose monthly during dust season
- Check condensate drain: Ensure proper drainage, no clogs
July-August: Peak Heat Maintenance
- Weekly filter checks: 115°F+ heat clogs filters faster
- Daily outdoor unit inspection: Ensure fan running, no debris
- Monitor energy bills: Sudden increase = potential problem
- Listen for problems: Strange noises = call professional immediately
- Keep backup plan: Know where to go if AC fails (hotel, friend, etc.)
September-October: Late Summer Care
- Continue monthly filter changes: Still 90-100°F days require AC
- Schedule any needed repairs: Fix issues before next summer
- Clean outdoor unit thoroughly: Remove 6 months of dust buildup
November-February: Winter Maintenance
- Change filter every 45-60 days: Less AC usage but still circulate air
- Cover outdoor unit: Only if not using AC at all (rare in Vegas)
- Plan for spring tune-up: Book March/April appointment early
- Budget for maintenance: Set aside $300-500 for annual costs
Annual Professional Maintenance Checklist
During your spring tune-up (March/April), professional technicians should:
- ✓ Clean condenser coils
- ✓ Check refrigerant levels
- ✓ Lubricate moving parts
- ✓ Test capacitors
- ✓ Inspect electrical connections
- ✓ Calibrate thermostat
- ✓ Clear condensate drain
- ✓ Check airflow and pressure
- ✓ Inspect ductwork for leaks
- ✓ Test safety controls
Cost: $89-150 | Time: 60-90 minutes | ROI: Prevents 80% of major repairs
The Bottom Line
Proper AC maintenance in Las Vegas requires more attention than typical climates. Budget $300-500 annually: $89-150 for professional spring tune-up, $150-250 for filters, $50-100 for miscellaneous DIY maintenance. This investment prevents $1,500+ emergency failures and extends AC lifespan by 3-5 years.