Living in Las Vegas means relying on your air conditioning system for most of the year. With scorching summers that often hit triple digits and warm spring and fall months, your AC unit works harder here than in many other parts of the country. This heavy workload makes regular maintenance even more important. Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally make maintenance mistakes that shorten their system’s lifespan, reduce efficiency, and increase energy bills.
At Infinity Heating and Cooling, we’ve seen firsthand how these mistakes can lead to costly repairs—or even premature system replacement. The good news? Avoiding these common AC maintenance pitfalls can save you money, keep your home cooler, and extend the life of your HVAC system. Below, we break down the top mistakes Las Vegas homeowners make and explain how to avoid them.
Neglecting Regular Filter Changes
One of the simplest yet most overlooked AC maintenance tasks is replacing your air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and reducing its ability to cool your home efficiently. This not only drives up your energy bills but also allows dust and allergens to circulate, lowering indoor air quality.
In Las Vegas’s dry and dusty climate, filters get dirty quickly—especially during windy conditions or dust storms. For most homes, replacing your filter every 30 days during peak usage months is ideal. If you have pets, allergies, or live near ongoing construction, you may need to change it even more often.
For a deeper look at filter care, see our related guide: How Often Should You Replace Your AC Filter?
Skipping Annual Professional Maintenance
Your AC system needs more than occasional DIY attention. Professional HVAC maintenance involves checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, cleaning coils, testing system performance, and ensuring all parts are in good working order. Skipping these annual tune-ups means you may not catch small problems before they escalate.
In Las Vegas, we recommend scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year, ideally in spring before the heat hits. This ensures your system is ready for the heavy summer workload. Preventive checkups also help maintain manufacturer warranties.
Ignoring Strange Noises or Odors
If your AC starts making unusual noises—like rattling, grinding, buzzing—or emitting odd smells, don’t ignore them. These can be early signs of mechanical issues such as loose parts, worn belts, motor problems, or even electrical hazards.
Burning odors can signal overheating or wiring issues, while musty smells often indicate mold growth in the ductwork or drain line. Addressing these problems early can prevent bigger breakdowns and more expensive repairs. At Infinity Heating and Cooling, we offer fast AC repair in Las Vegas to resolve issues before they cause system damage.
Setting the Thermostat Too Low
It’s a common misconception that setting your thermostat to a much lower temperature will cool your home faster. In reality, your AC cools at the same rate regardless of the setting. All a lower setting does is make the system run longer, wasting energy and putting unnecessary strain on components.
For most homes, setting the thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and slightly higher when you’re away balances comfort and efficiency. Programmable or smart thermostats make it easy to automate these settings for energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Blocking Air Vents
Furniture, curtains, rugs, and even large decorative items placed in front of air supply or return vents can significantly disrupt airflow. Blocked vents make it harder for your AC to distribute cooled air evenly throughout your home, which can lead to hot spots and higher energy bills.
Keep at least 12 inches of space clear around every vent. This small change improves system efficiency and helps your AC maintain even cooling in every room.
Not Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit plays a critical role in releasing heat from your home. When dirt, leaves, or debris accumulate around the unit, airflow is restricted, forcing the system to work harder. Over time, this can cause overheating and reduced cooling performance.
In Las Vegas, where dust and desert debris are common, we recommend checking the outdoor unit at least once a month. Clear away leaves, trim plants back at least two feet, and gently hose off dust from the fins. For deeper cleaning, our HVAC maintenance team can safely clean the unit during service visits.
Attempting DIY Repairs Without Experience
While changing a filter or cleaning around your condenser is safe for most homeowners, more complex repairs—like handling refrigerant leaks, electrical components, or compressor issues—should be left to licensed technicians. Attempting these repairs without the proper training and tools can cause serious damage, void your warranty, or even pose safety hazards.
At Infinity Heating and Cooling, our certified technicians have the experience and equipment needed to handle any repair efficiently and safely.
Why Proper AC Maintenance Matters
Neglecting AC maintenance in Las Vegas can quickly lead to costly consequences. Well-maintained systems offer lower energy bills, as they operate efficiently without wasted energy. They also provide improved comfort, delivering even cooling and better humidity control. Proper maintenance extends your system’s lifespan, preventing premature wear and tear. Clean systems also improve air quality, reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants circulating in your home.
For year-round comfort and peace of mind, we recommend enrolling in our Preventive HVAC Maintenance Plan, which includes regular tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs.
Real-World Las Vegas Scenarios
To understand just how important maintenance is, consider these examples we’ve seen locally:
- Case 1: The Overworked Summer AC – A homeowner skipped spring maintenance, and by mid-July, their system froze over due to a clogged filter and dirty coils. A simple tune-up could have prevented a $700 repair bill.
- Case 2: The Blocked Vent Problem – Another family had furniture blocking two major vents, leading to uneven cooling and higher bills. After rearranging the layout, their comfort improved, and monthly energy costs dropped.
- Case 3: The Ignored Rattle – A small loose screw inside an AC fan motor turned into a broken blade that damaged the condenser. Addressing the noise early would have avoided a full motor replacement.
FAQs
- How often should I schedule AC maintenance in Las Vegas?
At least once a year, ideally before the summer season starts. - Can a dirty filter really damage my AC?
Yes—clogged filters cause strain, higher energy use, and potential system failure. - Is it worth getting a maintenance plan?
Absolutely. A maintenance plan ensures regular checkups and priority service. - What’s the most common AC problem in Vegas?
Dust-related airflow issues and overworked systems during summer. - Can Infinity Heating and Cooling handle emergency AC repairs?
Yes—we provide fast emergency AC repair to keep your home cool.
Final Thoughts
In Las Vegas, your AC is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Avoiding common maintenance mistakes like neglecting filter changes, skipping professional tune-ups, blocking vents, or ignoring strange noises can keep your system running efficiently for years. A little proactive care goes a long way in reducing energy bills, preventing costly repairs, and maintaining indoor comfort even in the hottest months.
At Infinity Heating and Cooling, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your HVAC investment. Whether you need preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete system upgrade, our team is here to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all year long.
Don’t let small maintenance mistakes turn into costly AC repairs. Keep your cooling system running at peak efficiency with help from the experts at Infinity Heating and Cooling. Call us today or book your HVAC maintenance service online and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home all year round.
