We recently responded to a home in Las Vegas where the air conditioning wasn’t keeping up with the summer heat. The homeowner noticed weak airflow and warm air coming out of the vents, so they called in the pros at Fast Affordable Air to take a look.
Step 1: Checking Return Air Temperature
We started the job by measuring the temperature at the return grille. As seen in the first photo, the temperature read 77.0°F. This gives us a baseline for how warm the indoor air is before it passes through the AC system.
Step 2: Inspecting the Indoor Unit – Bryant Plus 90i Furnace
The heart of this home’s HVAC system is a Bryant Plus 90i Evolution® furnace, a high-efficiency unit that also works with central cooling. We removed the access panel to perform a visual inspection of the blower motor, gas valve, flame sensor, and internal wiring.
Inside, all components appeared functional, but we noticed airflow restriction that could point to dirty filters or return duct issues.
Step 3: Dirty Filters Identified and Replaced
When we checked the return grille filter (14x30x1), it was clogged with visible dust and contaminants. Even worse, the return frame had a makeshift patch with foil tape, reducing proper airflow. Clogged filters force the system to work harder, which raises energy bills and reduces cooling power.
We removed the old filters and installed brand-new Honeywell 14x30x1 and 20x30x1 pleated filters. These higher-quality filters help improve airflow and trap finer particles for better indoor air quality.
Step 4: Supply Air Temperature Check
After replacing the filters and re-securing the return grille, we rechecked the system’s performance. The supply vent now measured a much-improved 49.2°F, meaning the system is cooling properly again. A 20°F temperature drop from return to supply is an ideal result and indicates healthy performance.
Step 5: Inspecting Ductwork and Seals
In the attic, we inspected the main plenum and duct transitions. The flexible ducts were secured and properly sealed with foil insulation. No air leaks were found at the plenum connections, and the duct straps were intact. Proper sealing prevents cold air from escaping into the attic, helping to maintain comfort indoors.
Why This Matters
- Energy Efficiency: Clean filters and sealed ducts mean your AC runs less often to maintain the temperature.
- Better Cooling: A return-to-supply temperature drop of 27.8°F (from 77.0°F to 49.2°F) is a sign of an efficient system.
- Longer Equipment Life: Removing strain from the blower motor and compressor reduces wear and tear.
- Cleaner Air: Pleated filters like Honeywell’s improve dust and allergen capture compared to basic fiberglass filters.
Serving the Greater Las Vegas Area
This is just one of the many AC repair services we perform for homeowners across Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a simple filter replacement or a full system overhaul, Fast Affordable Air gets the job done right the first time.
