702-564-6697When a Las Vegas heatwave rolls in and temperatures soar into the triple digits, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that’s not doing its job. If your AC isn’t keeping your home as cool as usual, it’s important to know what might be wrong—and what you can do about it.
What to do when your AC isn’t cooling during hot weather?
- Check the air filter – A dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces cooling performance. Replace it monthly during summer.
- Clear the outdoor unit – Remove debris and gently clean condenser coils to improve heat exchange.
- Confirm thermostat settings – Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is properly adjusted.
- Reset tripped breakers – A tripped breaker may shut down the system; resetting it can restore function.
- Call for HVAC repair service – If you notice refrigerant leaks, frozen lines, thermostat failure, or no airflow, it’s time for a professional inspection.
Sometimes the fix is simple, but other times it’s a job for the pros. Can you handle it yourself, or do you need AC repair in Henderson, NV? Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot common AC problems during extreme heat.
Start With the Basics: Simple Fixes You Can Handle
- Dirty Air Filters: One of the most common reasons your AC might not be cooling properly is a clogged air filter. When filters are full of dust and debris, airflow is restricted, and your system has to work harder to circulate cool air. In extreme heat, that strain can make a noticeable difference. Check your filter—if it’s dirty, replace it. During a Vegas summer, this should be done monthly.
- Blocked or Dirty Outdoor Unit: The condenser unit outside your home needs room to breathe. If it’s coated in dust or surrounded by yard debris, it can’t release heat efficiently. Gently rinse the coils with a hose (never use a pressure washer), and make sure there are at least two feet of clear space around the unit.
- Thermostat Settings: It sounds simple, but many homeowners accidentally misprogram their thermostat. Double-check that it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is correctly adjusted. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, make sure you haven’t scheduled higher temperatures during peak cooling times.
- Tripped Circuit Breaker: If your AC is running but not blowing cold air—or isn’t running at all—it’s worth checking your circuit breaker panel. A tripped breaker can shut down part of your HVAC system. Reset the breaker and see if the system kicks back on.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
- Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels due to leaks can drastically reduce your AC’s cooling capacity. This isn’t something you can fix yourself—a licensed technician must handle refrigerant. Signs of a refrigerant issue include hissing sounds, ice on the refrigerant line, or peculiar noises coming from your AC.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat: If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading the room temperature, it could cause your system to cycle improperly. Our team can test the thermostat and replace it if needed.
- Electrical or Mechanical Failures: Fan motor issues, capacitor problems, or compressor failures can also prevent effective cooling. These issues may indicate it’s time to consider repair vs. replacement for your AC and require diagnosis and repair from an experienced HVAC technician.
Know Your AC’s Limits in Extreme Heat
It’s important to understand that even a perfectly functioning air conditioner has limits. Most systems are designed to cool your home about 20° below the outdoor temperature. So when it’s 110°F in Las Vegas, your AC may struggle to bring your home much below 88–90°F. That’s not a system failure—it’s simply the reality of physics and system design. If your system is older and struggling in extreme heat, replacing your AC unit in the fall may be the most cost-effective long-term solution.
To help your AC during a heatwave, close blinds during the day, avoid using heat-generating appliances, and run ceiling fans to circulate air.
If you’ve tried these basic fixes and your AC still isn’t cooling like it should, give us a call for AC repairs. We’re here to keep your Las Vegas home as cool and comfortable as possible, even when the desert heat is at its peak!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the most common simple DIY fixes if an AC isn’t cooling?
Answer: Some of the easiest fixes include: replacing dirty air filters, clearing dirt or debris from the outdoor condenser unit, checking that the thermostat is set to “cool” and at the right temperature, and making sure the circuit breakers haven’t tripped. These things often restore cooling without needing a technician.
Question: Why does my outdoor AC unit need clearance and how do I clean it safely?
Answer: The outdoor “condenser” unit needs airflow to expel heat. If it’s surrounded by debris, plants, or blocked by items, its efficiency drops. Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (don’t use a pressure washer) and maintain about two feet of clear space all around.
Question: How do refrigerant leaks affect AC cooling and what are the signs?
Answer: Low refrigerant (often due to leaks) reduces the AC’s ability to absorb heat, so it blows warm or only mildly cool air. Signs include hissing noises, ice forming on refrigerant lines, or the AC gradually losing cooling power. Handling refrigerant requires a licensed technician.
Question: What does a “frozen evaporator coil” mean and what causes it?
Answer: The evaporator coil inside the AC can freeze up if airflow is restricted (due to a dirty filter, blocked vents, or low refrigerant). When it’s frozen, it can’t absorb heat properly, so cooling drops dramatically. Turning off the AC to thaw and fixing the airflow or refrigerant issue usually helps.
Question: When should I call an AC professional instead of trying DIY fixes?
Answer: You should call a pro when issues involve electrical components (fan motors, compressor, capacitors), confirmed refrigerant leaks, frozen coils that return quickly, or if after basic checks (filter, thermostat, outdoor unit) your AC still isn’t cooling. These are complex and potentially unsafe to handle without expertise.
When your HVAC system or plumbing isn’t looking so hot, it’s time to get Johnny On the Spot.