At Fast Affordable Air, our mission is to make sure every home in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and nearby areas stays cool and comfortable. Recently, we were called out to work on a central air conditioning system installed in an attic, a common setup in many homes around Clark County. Here’s a detailed walk-through of the project based on what we found and repaired.
Inspection and Diagnosis
Upon arrival, we inspected the attic HVAC unit. You can see in the first photo that the main air handler and flexible insulated ductwork were intact, but some airflow concerns had been reported. Our team started by checking the system labels to confirm the specifications and safety notices on the equipment, an essential first step to ensure that all work stays compliant with manufacturer guidelines and building codes.
Blower Wheel Inspection
In the second image, we opened the air handler and inspected the blower wheel. The blower wheel is like a big hamster wheel for air — it spins and pushes air through your ducts. This component needs to be clean and properly balanced to make sure the AC works efficiently. Our inspection revealed that the blower wheel was clean and spinning freely, meaning no excessive dirt or damage that could reduce airflow.
Refrigerant Pressure Check
Using our Yellow Jacket manifold gauges, shown in the third image, we tested the refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is the special fluid that helps your AC system pull heat out of your house. If it’s too low or too high, your air conditioner won’t cool properly. We measured the pressures for the low side (blue gauge) and high side (red gauge). The readings indicated that the system was charged correctly, meaning the refrigerant amount was at a healthy level. For those curious, R-410A is the type of refrigerant used, which is common in modern systems because it’s more eco-friendly compared to older types like R-22.
Electrical Testing
Next, using a Fieldpiece SC260 multimeter, seen in the fourth image, we tested the electrical current to the outdoor condenser unit. Electrical testing makes sure that the unit is getting the right amount of power and that the motors are not being overworked. Our readings showed 11.38 amps, which was within the normal operating range for the compressor motor. If the amperage had been too high, it would have pointed to a problem like a failing motor or bad capacitor.
System Setup and Airflow Verification
In the final image, you can see the full attic setup: flexible ductwork wrapped in shiny insulation, secured properly to ensure good airflow without leaks. Sealed joints and proper insulation prevent cooled air from escaping before it reaches your rooms. Good ductwork is crucial because even the best air conditioning equipment can’t perform well if the ducts leak or are poorly insulated. You can learn more about why ductwork matters from Energy.gov.
Summary of Benefits
- Better Cooling Efficiency: By checking the blower wheel and refrigerant, we ensured that cold air moves through the house easily.
- Lower Energy Bills: Proper electrical readings mean the motors are working efficiently, helping to keep utility bills low.
- Longer System Life: A properly charged and maintained system prevents costly breakdowns later.
- Improved Indoor Comfort: With ducts properly sealed and insulated, cooled air reaches every room better, keeping families comfortable all summer long.
For more examples of our detailed HVAC services, visit Fast Affordable Air’s website.
