Short answer: Common heater problems include dirty filters, faulty thermostats, pilot light issues, uneven heating, damaged heat pumps/furnaces, and refrigerant leaks. In Las Vegas, cold snaps can expose weak igniters and dirty filters that cause short cycling. Early fall tune-ups catch safety issues before overnight freezes hit.
For more information, see our guide on DIY vs professional heating repair.
For more information, see our guide on carbon monoxide safety tips.
For more information, see our guide on furnace maintenance checklist.
Local essentials and challenges for Las Vegas heating
- Quick temperature swings: Desert nights can drop 30°F+ from daytime highs, stressing ignition systems.
- Dust loading: Fine desert dust clogs filters and flame sensors faster, especially after wind storms.
- Older equipment: Many Valley homes still use aging furnaces with worn igniters and heat exchangers.
- Safety priority: Carbon monoxide risks increase when filters and vents are neglected.
What can change heater problem frequency or severity
- Filter maintenance schedule and indoor air quality (pets, dust)
- System age and maintenance history
- Thermostat type and calibration accuracy
- Ductwork condition and air leaks
- Outdoor unit exposure to debris and weather
- Refrigerant charge levels and leak history
Winter, with its frozen landscapes, is the perfect time to get your heating system checked out by a professional. The chilly conditions can cause HVAC systems to overwork, leading to problems that are hard to diagnose, such as malfunction of the ignition or condensation in the pipes. Even in Las Vegas, where winters are mild compared to northern climates, cold snaps can drop temperatures into the 30s and 40s overnight, exposing weak igniters, dirty filters, and short cycling issues that may have gone unnoticed during warmer months.
Here Are Some Common Problems You May Experience During the Winter
1. Dirty Air Filters
Clean air filters are a necessary part of any heating and cooling system. They help keep the air your system produces clean, which keeps your system running at its best and contributes to the overall safety of your household. This is particularly crucial for preventing the buildup of potentially harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
The air that enters your HVAC system is pulled through an intake duct and into the blower unit. The blower unit then pushes the air through a filter, which not only removes contaminants like dust and pollen, but also ensures a minimized risk of carbon monoxide exposure - a vital aspect in the safety of your home.
The clean air then travels through another series of filters before being delivered to your home’s ductwork. These filters are designed to remove any remaining dust or particles from the air stream, along with any harmful gases, before reaching the safety of your room’s vents.
If you have pets or smokers in your home, you may find it necessary to change your filters more frequently than usual. You may want to consider even installing a second set of filters for those rooms where pets spend most of their time, to ensure every breath is free of dust and potentially harmful gases, like carbon monoxide.
Dirty air filters are the most common cause of HVAC issues, including the potential for harmful carbon monoxide buildup. The dirty filter will impede the flow of air through the system, lead to overheating, and may even cause damage to the system's insulation.
Clean your air filter every month or two or whenever you see dirt or dust collecting on it. It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions specific to your unit. This is fundamental for maintaining good insulation and safety standards in your home.
Dirty air filters can cause the HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, leading to complications, including increased risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
In Las Vegas, desert dust and pollen can clog filters faster than in other climates. During heating season, filters should be checked monthly and replaced every 1-3 months depending on usage and indoor air quality. Homes with pets or smokers may need more frequent changes.
- Higher utility bills (dirty filters can increase heating costs by 10-15%)
- Shorter lifespan for your AC unit and furnace
- Reduced indoor air quality, especially problematic during Las Vegas dust storms
- Increased risk of system overheating and safety shutdowns
To maintain safety and health within your home, check your filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed. In Las Vegas, consider upgrading to higher-efficiency filters (MERV 8-11) to better capture desert dust and allergens.
Dirty air filters are a common cause of HVAC problems in homes. If they become clogged, including with sooty carbon deposits, this can compromise the system's safety features and lead to the HVAC unit not working properly.
If your filter is dirty, it's essential to clean it promptly for the safety and health of your home's occupants. Here are some things you can do:
- Clean it with a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment
- Replace the filter if it becomes very dirty or damaged
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat on your HVAC system is what controls how warm or cool your home will be, and any malfunction here could lead to heating or cooling issues.
Unlike a light switch, a thermostat does have more than one setting, including one for managing the fan during hot summer days, helping with humidity management and moisture buildup.
A faulty thermostat is a common problem in the winter. It can also occur if the air conditioner or furnace is damaged by water, ice, or if the ducts are improperly insulated, all of which could potentially lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.If your thermostat is not working properly, an area of concern that affects comfort in your home, you should contact HVAC professionals immediately. Specialized in the business of upgrade and replacement of faulty appliances, these professionals will help to rectify your thermostats ensuring a cozy home environment.
- heat
- cool
- off
- fan
If your pilot lights are flickering or not staying lit, it could be a sign that your furnace isn't getting enough gas. This can happen when the air filters have become clogged or when there is too much moisture in the air ducts. Similarly, a faulty flame sensor, a key component meant to detect the presence of flames when the gas valve is open, could also be the culprit. Homeowners are advised to call in an HVAC professional team to diagnose the problem and replace the gas flame sensor if required.
Faulty pilot lights are a common problem with HVAC systems during the winter. Our team of HVAC professionals is well-versed in handling these seasonal issues and is on hand to help homeowners maintain the reliability and functionality of their HVAC systems.
3. Faulty Pilot Lights
The first thing to check is how long it’s been since you last changed your pilot light. It’s recommended that you change it every year. However, if you've been putting it off for a while, now would be an ideal time for its replacement! You can change your pilot light by turning off the power to your unit, then opening up the cover where the light is located and removing the old one. Then, conveniently place in the new one and turn everything back on.
If changing your pilot light doesn’t solve the problem, try changing out any filters that may be clogged or dirty. This will help get more air flowing through your system, so it doesn't have to work as hard to heat or cool your house.
Winter is a great time to turn on the heat and cozy up with your family. There are, however, some things to watch out for when it comes to heating your home using an HVAC system. Our experienced team of professionals is ever ready to help homeowners tackle any HVAC related issues and to offer optimal comfort during cold winter months.
One thing that can happen during the winter season is that some rooms in your house will be colder than others. This occurs when the air inlet and outlet vents are not properly balanced. If this happens, make sure you have a professional HVAC company come out and check on it.
4. Some Rooms Are Colder Than Others
Another issue that can cause low temperatures is a clogged filter. When this happens, it prevents enough warm airflow from reaching your home and causes a cold spot where there is no air circulating.
We can often attribute inconsistent room temperatures to thermostat issues. However, more likely, it’s the result of a problem with the ductwork or vents in that room. If there are any air leaks or holes in these systems, they can cause significant thermostat issues.
Witnessing a sudden drop in room temperatures during winter warrants immediate action. Therefore, it's important to call our team of experts immediately so they can come out and fix your ductwork as soon as possible.
Heat pumps and furnaces, the common HVAC systems for homes, can be damaged by cold weather.
If you suspect that your heat pump or furnace has been damaged by freezing temperatures, ensure to call in HVAC professionals for an immediate fix. Leaving a damaged HVAC unit to run can cause more damage to your home.
5. Damaged Heat Pumps Systems or Furnaces
Leaking refrigerant is a common HVAC issue that can occur during the winter months. If you notice your thermostat is set for a higher temperature than usual and your home feels warmer than it should, there’s a chance you’re leaking refrigerant from your system.
Refrigerant keeps your heating and cooling system running smoothly. If there are leaks in your system, it will lose efficiency and break down over time. The first sign of a leak is usually an increase in energy bills.
6. Leaking Refrigerant
The most common places for leaks to occur are in the refrigerant lines where the gas flows. If you notice the temperature of your home is warmer than it should be, or if your system sounds like it’s running louder than usual, it could be due to a leak in the refrigerant lines. If this happens, contact our team of HVAC professionals to have your system repaired as soon as possible to avoid damage to your unit. If you notice that your heat pump or furnace isn’t running as efficiently as usual, it could be due to damage. Heat pumps and furnaces are very sensitive systems containing numerous components, including delicate heat exchangers. They can be damaged by moisture from rain or snow, which can cause rusting and corrosion. If this happens, it could lead to shorter lifespans for these units and blockages within important elements like the heat exchanger.
The best thing you can do for your heating system is to keep it clean! If you have an outdoor unit, nothing should be left to accumulate around it. Remove any leaves or debris around the unit. Just like a blockage in a window can prevent fresh air from entering your house, leaves and debris can get sucked into the system and cause damage.
Winter is coming! You know what that means: the heating season is about to begin... and with it comes the chance for your HVAC system to fail. But don’t worry! Armed with the right knowledge, you can prevent these issues from happening in the first place!
- The condenser fins (the part of the unit that pushes hot air out of the house)
- The evaporator coils (the part of the unit that pulls cold air into your home)
There are numerous reasons why winter is especially hard on your HVAC system, primarily due to how often you may need to use it. Doors and windows stay shut to keep out the drafts, placing more workload on the heating components like the heat exchangers. So, winter is a phenomenal time to get your HVAC system checked out.
The colder months not only open doors for enjoying the holidays with your family but also bring blockages and drafts that can affect your HVAC system. It’s equally as important to take care of your HVAC system as it is to take care of your home, so it doesn’t freeze up on you.
Here are some tips for making sure your HVAC unit is ready for winter:
Cost Drivers for Heater Repairs in Las Vegas
- Filter replacement: $15-50 for standard filters, $50-150 for high-efficiency models
- Thermostat repair/replacement: $150-400 for basic repairs, $200-600 for smart thermostat installation
- Pilot light/flame sensor repair: $150-350 for cleaning or replacement
- Ductwork repairs: $300-1,500 depending on extent of leaks and accessibility
- Heat pump/furnace component replacement: $400-2,000+ depending on part (heat exchanger, compressor, etc.)
- Refrigerant leak detection and repair: $200-1,500 depending on leak location and refrigerant type
- Emergency service calls: Often 20-50% higher than scheduled appointments
Decision Guide: When to Call a Professional
Call immediately if:
- You smell gas or burning odors
- Carbon monoxide detector alarms
- System won't start at all
- Strange noises (grinding, banging, squealing)
- Visible smoke or flames
Schedule service soon if:
- Heating bills have increased significantly
- Some rooms stay cold despite thermostat settings
- System cycles on and off frequently
- Pilot light won't stay lit
- Filter changes don't improve airflow
Prevention Checklist for Las Vegas Homeowners
- Monthly: Check and replace air filters if dirty (more often during dust storms)
- Quarterly: Inspect outdoor unit for debris, clear vegetation, check for visible damage
- Before heating season (October): Schedule professional tune-up to catch issues before cold snaps
- During heating season: Monitor energy bills for unexpected increases
- Year-round: Keep vents clear of furniture and rugs, test carbon monoxide detectors monthly
How to Prevent These Issues from Happening
Taking care of your air conditioner before it breaks will save you a lot of time and money. This simple act of maintenance is a worthy ingredient in the recipe to a comfortable and warm winter.
The best way to keep your AC in good shape is to keep an eye on its parts. If something looks like it’s about to fall off or break, call a professional to repair it. You’ll avoid the hassle of waiting for a service call and the cost of parts that aren’t covered by your warranty.
If you notice leaks around your unit, call The Cooling Company immediately! Water damage can cause mold and other potential problems leading to costly repairs later on, so don’t wait until it’s too late!
Additionally, if you start experiencing common HVAC problems, don’t hesitate to call The Cooling Company as soon as you notice them! We’ll ensure everything’s running smoothly again, allowing your home to remain a space for relaxing, free from the worries imposed by a malfunctioning HVAC system.
- Call in a professional to clean out the unit and check for leaks
- Make sure all air vents are clear of debris and other buildups
- Check the furnace’s filters regularly (and replace them if necessary)
Your HVAC System
Preventive maintenance is key. It's the doors and windows to keeping your heating and cooling system working properly, and adults often understand this. Regular HVAC maintenance can help avoid expensive breakdowns and keep your indoor environment comfortable.
HVAC maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about sudden outages or costly bills associated with the replacement of essential components like the heat exchanger.
Maintenance is an easy way to ensure that your home stays comfortable year-round without breaking the bank, regardless of blockages or drafts that winter might bring!
If you’re in need of HVAC service, call The Cooling Company! We provide a wide range of services to keep your systems running at peak performance. Our highly trained technicians will make sure that you have the right equipment and that it’s correctly installed. We also offer regular maintenance plans, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or replacements during the winter season!
As a precautionary measure, it is essential to have regular HVAC maintenance scheduled. HVAC maintenance is the process of keeping your heating and cooling system working properly. It can help you avoid costly breakdowns and repairs and make your home more comfortable.
HVAC maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about sudden outages or expensive repair bills. Regular maintenance also keeps your equipment in good condition when you need it most.
Maintenance is an easy way to ensure that your home stays comfortable year-round without breaking the bank!
If you’re in need of HVAC service, call The Cooling Company! We provide a wide range of services to keep your systems running at peak performance. Our highly trained technicians will make sure that you have the right equipment and that it’s installed properly. We also offer regular maintenance plans, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or replacements during the winter season!
Las Vegas Winter Tip
Even in Las Vegas, cold snaps can expose weak igniters, dirty filters, and short cycling. Schedule a furnace tune-up in early fall so you catch safety issues before the first overnight freeze.
Neighborhoods we serve for heating repair
- Summerlin and The Lakes
- Green Valley and Whitney Ranch
- Anthem and Seven Hills
- North Las Vegas and Aliante
- Spring Valley and Paradise
Why homeowners trust The Cooling Company
- Serving Las Vegas since 2011 with 55+ years combined experience
- Licensed, EPA-certified technicians and safety-first inspections
- BBB A+ rated with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Lennox Premier Dealer with local parts support
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