10 Warning Signs Your AC Needs Repair in Las Vegas
Quick Answer:
Call for AC repair if you notice: weak airflow, strange noises, foul odors, frequent cycling, high energy bills, or water leaks. Catching problems early prevents $1,500+ emergency failures in Las Vegas 110°F+ heat.
10 Critical AC Warning Signs
1. Weak or No Airflow from Vents
The Sign: Little to no air coming from vents, even when AC is running.
Likely Cause: Clogged filter, failing blower motor, or ductwork problems.
Action: Check filter first. If clean, call professional same day.
2. Strange Noises (Grinding, Squealing, Banging)
The Sign: Loud grinding, squealing, banging, or rattling from indoor or outdoor unit.
Likely Cause: Loose parts, failing motor bearings, or debris in unit.
Action: Turn off AC immediately if loud banging. Call professional within 24 hours.
3. Foul Odors When AC Runs
The Sign: Musty, burning, or rotten egg smell from vents.
Likely Cause: Mold in ductwork (musty), electrical issue (burning), or gas leak (rotten egg).
Action: Burning or gas smell = turn off and call immediately. Musty = schedule cleaning.
4. AC Cycles On/Off Every 5-10 Minutes
The Sign: AC turns on and off rapidly instead of running normal 15-20 minute cycles.
Likely Cause: Dirty filter, refrigerant leak, or oversized AC unit.
Action: Change filter. If continues, call professional - wastes energy and damages equipment.
5. Energy Bills Increased 20%+ Without Usage Change
The Sign: Cooling costs jumped significantly vs. same month last year.
Likely Cause: Dirty coils, refrigerant leak, or aging components forcing AC to work harder.
Action: Compare last 2-3 years of bills. If consistent increase, schedule tune-up.
6. Water Leaking Around Indoor Unit
The Sign: Puddles or water stains near indoor AC unit.
Likely Cause: Clogged condensate drain, frozen coils thawing, or refrigerant leak.
Action: Turn off AC to prevent water damage. Call professional same day.
7. Ice Buildup on Indoor or Outdoor Unit
The Sign: Visible frost or ice on coils, refrigerant lines, or outdoor unit.
Likely Cause: Low refrigerant, dirty filter restricting airflow, or failing blower motor.
Action: Turn off AC 3-4 hours to thaw. If refreezes, call professional.
8. Thermostat Not Responding Properly
The Sign: AC doesn't turn on when thermostat calls for cooling, or runs when it shouldn't.
Likely Cause: Dead batteries, faulty thermostat, or wiring issues.
Action: Replace batteries first. If issue persists, thermostat or wiring needs repair.
9. AC Runs Constantly But House Stays Warm
The Sign: AC never shuts off but indoor temp stays 80°F+ on 110°F days.
Likely Cause: Low refrigerant, failing compressor, or undersized unit for Las Vegas heat.
Action: Call professional for refrigerant check and capacity assessment.
10. Outdoor Unit Fan Not Running
The Sign: Indoor unit runs but outdoor condenser fan doesn't spin.
Likely Cause: Failed capacitor, broken fan motor, or electrical issue.
Action: Turn off AC immediately - running without fan damages compressor. Call same day.
The Bottom Line
Don't ignore AC warning signs in Las Vegas heat. Early repair costs $150-400. Emergency replacement costs $4,000-7,000+. When you notice strange noises, weak airflow, or ice buildup, call within 24 hours. In 110°F+ summers, AC failure isn't just uncomfortable - it's dangerous.