How do I know if my AC needs repair?

Common signs your AC needs repair include: warm air blowing from vents, unusual noises like grinding or squealing, weak airflow, moisture or leaks around the unit, frequent cycling on and off, and unusually high energy bills. If you notice any of these issues, your AC system may need professional attention.

What causes an AC to stop cooling?

An AC may stop cooling due to several reasons: dirty air filters restricting airflow, low refrigerant levels indicating a leak, frozen evaporator coils, faulty compressor, thermostat issues, or blocked condenser unit. In Las Vegas extreme heat, overworked systems and clogged filters are the most common causes.

How often should AC be serviced in Las Vegas?

In Las Vegas climate, AC systems should be serviced at least twice per year - once in spring before the cooling season begins and once in fall. Due to extreme heat and heavy usage during summer months (6+ months of cooling), Las Vegas AC units require more frequent maintenance than typical climates.

What is the average cost of AC repair in Las Vegas?

AC repair costs in Las Vegas typically range from $150-$500 for common repairs like capacitor replacement or refrigerant recharge, $500-$1,500 for compressor issues, and $200-$800 for evaporator coil repairs. Emergency service and weekend calls may cost 20-50% more. Multiple quotes are recommended.

Can I fix my AC myself or do I need a professional?

Simple tasks like changing air filters, cleaning vents, and checking thermostat settings can be done yourself. However, issues involving refrigerant, electrical components, compressor, or internal parts require licensed HVAC professionals due to safety concerns and EPA regulations. DIY repairs on complex issues can void warranties.

HVAC Repair Las Vegas: Complete Guide 2025

Everything you need to know about heating, cooling, and ventilation system repairs in Las Vegas

$200-$2,500 Repairs

24/7 Emergency

Same-Day Service

What is HVAC? Understanding Your System

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning - the complete system that controls temperature, humidity, and air quality in your Las Vegas home.

Heating

Furnaces, heat pumps, boilers for winter warmth

Ventilation

Ductwork, air handlers, fresh air circulation

Air Conditioning

AC units, compressors, evaporators for summer cooling

In Las Vegas: Your HVAC system works overtime in extreme conditions - 115°F summers and 30°F winters. Both heating and cooling components need regular maintenance and occasional repairs to handle the workload.

Most Common HVAC Problems in Las Vegas

1. System Won't Turn On

Cost to Fix: $100-$600 • Common in: Both summer & winter

Usually caused by: thermostat issues, tripped breaker, blown fuse, failed capacitor, or dead batteries.

Quick Check: Verify thermostat is on "cool" or "heat", check breaker panel, replace thermostat batteries.

2. Weak Airflow or No Air

Cost to Fix: $150-$900 • Common in: Summer peak usage

Usually caused by: clogged air filter, dirty evaporator coils, ductwork leaks, failed blower motor, or blocked vents.

Quick Check: Change air filter, open all vents, check for ice on outdoor unit.

3. Uneven Temperatures Between Rooms

Cost to Fix: $200-$1,500 • Common in: Multi-story homes

Usually caused by: ductwork issues, incorrect system sizing, poor insulation, or zoning problems.

Quick Check: Close vents in cooler rooms, check attic insulation, verify all supply vents are open.

4. Strange Noises (Grinding, Squealing, Banging)

Cost to Fix: $200-$1,200 • Common in: Older systems (10+ years)

Usually caused by: loose parts, worn belts, failing motor bearings, debris in system, or refrigerant issues.

⚠️ Warning: Loud grinding or metal-on-metal sounds require immediate shutdown and professional repair to prevent major damage.

5. High Energy Bills

Cost to Fix: $300-$1,500 • Common in: Systems 8+ years old

Usually caused by: dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, aging compressor, poor insulation, or inefficient equipment.

Quick Check: Schedule tune-up, seal ductwork, upgrade to programmable thermostat, check insulation.

6. Furnace Pilot Light Issues (Gas Heating)

Cost to Fix: $150-$600 • Common in: Winter months

Usually caused by: thermocouple failure, gas valve issues, drafts blowing out pilot, or dirty pilot orifice.

⚠️ Safety: Yellow pilot light instead of blue indicates carbon monoxide risk. Turn off gas and call professional immediately.

HVAC Repair Costs in Las Vegas (2025)

Average Repair Cost Range

$200 - $2,500

Depending on component and complexity

Repair Type	Average Cost	Typical Time
Diagnostic Fee	$75-$150	30-60 min
Air Filter Replacement	$50-$100	15-30 min
Thermostat Replacement	$150-$400	1-2 hours
Capacitor Replacement	$150-$400	1 hour
Contactor Replacement	$150-$400	1-2 hours
Refrigerant Recharge	$250-$750	1-2 hours
Blower Motor Replacement	$400-$900	2-4 hours
Evaporator Coil Cleaning	$250-$500	2-3 hours
Condenser Fan Motor	$400-$800	2-3 hours
Compressor Replacement	$1,500-$2,800	4-8 hours
Heat Exchanger Replacement	$1,200-$2,500	4-6 hours
Ductwork Repair (per section)	$300-$800	2-4 hours

Factors Affecting Cost:

•Age of system: Older parts harder to find
•Brand: Premium brands cost more
•Accessibility: Attic/crawl space work costs more
•Emergency service: +$150-$300 after hours
•Warranty status: Some repairs may be covered

Ways to Save Money:

Get 3+ quotes from licensed contractors
Schedule during off-peak seasons
Maintain system regularly (prevents 80% of repairs)
Check warranty coverage before paying
Ask about service contracts for discounts

Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

The $5,000 Rule

Multiply the repair cost by the age of your system. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually smarter financially.

Example: $800 repair × 12 years old = $9,600 → Consider replacement instead

Replace If:

✗System is 15+ years old
✗Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement
✗Multiple major components failing
✗Uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out)
✗Energy bills increasing 30%+
✗3+ repairs in last 2 years
✗Cracked heat exchanger (safety issue)

Repair If:

✓System is under 10 years old
✓Repair costs under $1,000
✓Single component failure
✓Still under warranty
✓Energy efficiency still good
✓Well-maintained system
✓Minor issue (filter, thermostat, etc.)

Age Guidelines by System Type:

Central AC: 12-15 years (repair if under 10, replace if over 12)
Gas Furnace: 15-20 years (repair if under 12, replace if over 15)
Heat Pump: 10-15 years (repair if under 8, replace if over 12)
Boiler: 15-20 years (repair if under 12, replace if over 15)

When HVAC Repairs Are an Emergency

These situations require immediate professional help - don't wait:

⚠️ Safety Emergencies

Gas Smell: Evacuate immediately, call gas company
Yellow Pilot Light: Indicates carbon monoxide risk
Electrical Sparks: Shut off power at breaker
Burning Smell: Turn off system immediately

🔥 Extreme Weather Emergencies

AC Out in 110°F+: Heat stroke risk for elderly/pets
Heater Out in Freezing: Pipe burst risk, hypothermia
Major Water Leak: Prevents electrical hazards/mold
Complete System Failure: During extreme temp days

Emergency Service Costs: Expect to pay $150-$300 extra for after-hours, weekend, or holiday service. In Las Vegas extreme weather, this is worth it to prevent heat stroke or frozen pipes.

Prevent HVAC Repairs with Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance prevents 80% of HVAC repairs and extends system life by 3-5 years. In Las Vegas extreme climate, maintenance is critical.

Monthly DIY Tasks

Change air filter (every 30-60 days in Las Vegas dust)
Clear debris from outdoor unit
Check thermostat settings and batteries
Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed

Professional Service (2x/year)

Spring (March-April): AC tune-up before summer
Fall (Oct-Nov): Furnace check before winter
Clean coils, check refrigerant, test components
Cost: $80-$150 per visit (saves $500+ in repairs)

What's Included in Professional Maintenance:

✓ Clean or replace air filters
✓ Clean evaporator and condenser coils
✓ Check refrigerant levels and pressures
✓ Inspect electrical connections
✓ Test capacitors and contactors
✓ Lubricate moving parts
✓ Check thermostat calibration

✓ Inspect ductwork for leaks
✓ Test blower motor operation
✓ Clean condensate drain
✓ Measure temperature drop/rise
✓ Check gas connections (furnace)
✓ Inspect heat exchanger (furnace)
✓ Test safety controls

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does HVAC repair cost in Las Vegas?

HVAC repair costs in Las Vegas range from $200-$800 for minor repairs (capacitors, thermostats, filters), $800-$1,500 for mid-level repairs (blower motors, contactors, refrigerant recharge), and $1,500-$3,000+ for major repairs (compressors, heat exchangers). Diagnostic fees are typically $75-$150 and may be waived if you proceed with repairs.

What does HVAC stand for?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the complete system that controls temperature, humidity, and air quality in your home. This includes furnaces/boilers for heating, air conditioners/heat pumps for cooling, ductwork for air distribution, and ventilation systems for fresh air exchange.

Is HVAC repair covered by homeowners insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance typically does NOT cover HVAC repairs from normal wear and tear, age, or lack of maintenance. However, it may cover damage from covered perils like fire, lightning strikes, vandalism, or sudden mechanical breakdown if you have equipment breakdown coverage. Consider a home warranty policy (separate from insurance) for routine HVAC coverage - costs $400-$600/year with $75-$125 service call fees.

How often should HVAC systems be serviced in Las Vegas?

In Las Vegas extreme climate, service your HVAC system twice yearly: AC maintenance in spring (March-April) before 115°F summer heat, and furnace maintenance in fall (October-November) before winter. This is more frequent than cooler climates due to constant system stress. Regular maintenance costs $80-$150 per visit but prevents 80% of repairs and extends system life by 3-5 years.

What are signs my HVAC system needs repair?

Common warning signs include: weak or no airflow, uneven temperatures between rooms, strange noises (grinding, squealing, banging), foul or burning odors, unusually high energy bills, frequent on/off cycling, visible water leaks, yellow pilot light on gas furnaces, or the system won't turn on at all. Address issues promptly - small problems become expensive repairs if ignored.

Can I repair my HVAC system myself?

Simple DIY fixes include: changing air filters, cleaning vents and registers, resetting tripped breakers, clearing debris from outdoor unit, and replacing thermostat batteries. However, refrigerant work requires EPA certification, electrical repairs need licensed electricians, gas line work requires gas-certified technicians, and major component replacement needs HVAC professionals for safety, warranty protection, and code compliance.

How long do HVAC systems last in Las Vegas?

In Las Vegas extreme climate, HVAC systems last: Central AC 12-15 years (vs 15-20 in cooler areas), gas furnaces 15-20 years, heat pumps 10-15 years, and boilers 15-20 years. Systems work harder due to 115°F summers and temperature swings, reducing lifespan. Regular maintenance can extend these by 3-5 years. Replace systems nearing end of expected life rather than making expensive repairs.

Do HVAC companies offer emergency repair in Las Vegas?

Yes, most Las Vegas HVAC companies offer 24/7 emergency service due to extreme weather conditions. Emergency visits typically cost $150-$300 extra for after-hours (5pm-8am), weekends, or holidays, on top of standard diagnostic and repair fees. Summer AC failures and winter furnace issues qualify as emergencies because temperatures can be life-threatening (115°F heat or below-freezing cold).