NV Energy
Hey guys, Charlie from Nevada Residential is here. Decided to write a quick update between service calls on what's already been a crazy fall season. Honestly, I love my job, but every year around this time, my phone starts blowing up with the same preventable issues. So I figured I'd take 20 minutes to share a couple of real-world advice that could save you a headache (and save me from explaining the same thing fifteen times a day).
1. Air Filters
I can't tell you how many calls I get where someone's system isn't heating properly, and when I show up, their filter looks like it's been collecting dust since the first iPhone came out. A clogged Filter makes your system work twice as hard to push air through, which means higher bills and a furnace that's basically gasping for air.
The Filter Situation – Seriously, Check It
What you should do: Pull out your filter right now. Yes, i mean it, go on and do it right now, pull out the filter and look at it. If you can't see light through it, or if it's got more fuzz than your dryer lint trap, replace it. During fall, when you're running the heat more, check it monthly. Standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 1-3 months, and those thicker 4-5 inch filters can go 6-12 months depending on your setup.
Not sure where your filter is or don't want to deal with it? Look, I get it – not everyone wants to crawl into their basement or attic hunting for their air handler. And honestly, if you've never done it before, finding the filter slot can be confusing. We offer filter change services and can even set you up on a reminder schedule so you don't have to think about it. It's a quick, inexpensive service call that keeps your system running smoothly. Way easier than dealing with a breakdown later.
2. Clear Those Vents and Registers
I've seen people stack boxes in front of return vents, push furniture over supply registers, and then wonder why their living room feels like a meat locker while their bedroom is a sauna. Your HVAC system is designed for proper airflow throughout your home, and blocking vents throws everything out of whack.
Walk around your house and make sure nothing's covering your vents – no curtains hanging over them, no couch pushed up against them, no kid's toy bin sitting on top of them. This includes those vents in weird spots like closets that people forget about.
3. The Thermostat Isn't Lying to You
Nine times out of ten, when someone tells me their thermostat is "broken" because the temperature doesn't match what they feel, the thermostat is actually working fine. These things are pretty reliable, of course they can have thier own issues sometimes, but it's very rare.
First, check the batteries if you have a battery-powered unit. Dead or dying batteries can cause all sorts of weird behavior. Second, make sure it's level on the wall – if it's crooked, the internal sensors can give false readings. Third, is it in a bad spot? If your thermostat is near a drafty window, in direct sunlight, or next to a lamp that throws off heat, it's reading the temperature for that specific spot, not your whole house.
4. Give Your Outdoor Unit Some Space
Your heat pump or AC condenser outside needs room to breathe. I've shown up to jobs where the unit was covered with kids toys, buried under a pile of leaves, surrounded by overgrown bushes, or has someone's garden decorations piled up against it.
Take 10 minutes to clear out any leaves, branches, or debris around the unit. Give it at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. This isn't just about efficiency – restricted airflow can actually damage your system. Also, gently spray down the fins with a garden hose to remove any built-up dirt or pollen. Just don't use a pressure washer; those fins are delicate.
5. Don't Crank the Thermostat to 85° to Heat Faster
This is a myth that refuses to die. Your furnace heats at the same rate whether you set it to 72° or 85°. Setting it higher doesn't make it heat faster – it just makes it run longer until it hits that higher temperature, wasting energy and money. Set it to your desired temperature and let it do its job.
6. Stop Trying to DIY Major Repairs
I respect the DIY spirit. I really do. But your HVAC system has refrigerant lines, electrical components, gas connections (in many cases), and complex controls that can hurt you or damage your expensive equipment if you mess with them wrong. Watching a YouTube video doesn't make you qualified to replace a heat exchanger or mess with refrigerant.
Too many situations where someone tried to "save money" with a DIY fix and ended up causing $2,000 worth of damage to save $150 on a service call.
If your system is making weird noises, not heating evenly, cycling on and off constantly, running up your energy bills, or just feels "off" in any way, don't wait. We're heading into winter, and once the real cold hits, we get absolutely slammed with emergency calls from people whose systems completely died.
By the way, strange noises that is comming from your HVAC system are usually your first warning that something's not right:
- Banging or clanging
- Squealing or screeching
- Rattling
- Clicking that won't stop
Don't ignore these sounds hoping they'll go away. They won't. They'll just get worse and more expensive to fix.
P.S. Here's also something most homeowners don't ever think about: your ductwork. If you've got accessible ducts in your basement or attic, take a flashlight and look for any obvious gaps, tears, or disconnected sections. Even small leaks can waste 20-30% of your heated air. If you see issues, have a pro seal them properly with mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape, ironically).
If you're having any issues at all with your HVAC system, don't spend another day putting it off.
Give us a call at 702-935-0777, and let's get someone out there to take a look before the real cold weather hits. We'll diagnose the problem, explain your options clearly (no high-pressure sales nonsense), and get your system running reliably for the winter ahead. Let us handle the technical stuff so you can just enjoy a warm, comfortable home all season long.
