At Fast Affordable Air, we recently completed a full-service HVAC project in a Las Vegas home involving attic repairs and component replacements that significantly improved the system’s performance. This job centered around a horizontal Bryant gas furnace system with a newly installed evaporator coil, refrigerant line service, and reconnection to an outdoor condensing unit. Here’s a closer look at the process.
Step 1: Diagnosing the Indoor System
The attic housed a horizontal Bryant central air furnace, responsible for both heating and pushing cooled air through the home. During our inspection, we found that the attached evaporator coil—the part that absorbs heat from the indoor air—had issues that were limiting cooling performance.
We also checked the furnace’s control board and all electrical connections to ensure everything was communicating properly. There were no visible fault codes, but we identified low refrigerant flow, which often points to a damaged or clogged coil.
Step 2: Evaporator Coil Replacement
The next step was replacing the evaporator coil inside the plenum box. The coil’s job is to chill the warm air pulled from the home before it’s sent back through the ductwork. Over time, coils can corrode or develop leaks that affect cooling.
The new coil was set in place, carefully brazed to the copper refrigerant lines, and sealed into the insulated plenum. Brazing is a process that uses a torch and filler metal to connect copper lines securely, forming an airtight seal that can handle the pressure of refrigerant gas.
Step 3: Refrigerant Line Work and Outdoor Condenser Check
Once the indoor work was completed, we focused on the refrigerant lines—the copper tubes that carry refrigerant between the indoor coil and the outdoor condenser. The suction line (the larger one) was reinsulated with black rubber Armaflex to protect against temperature loss and condensation in the attic.
Outside, we serviced the existing condenser unit. After making sure the pressure levels were balanced and checking for any refrigerant leaks, we charged the system with the proper amount of R-410A refrigerant—a standard in modern cooling systems due to its energy efficiency.
Step 4: Sealing and Airflow Testing
Back in the attic, all duct connections were sealed with UL-181 HVAC tape and mastic to prevent air leakage. We tested the airflow with a temperature probe, and the supply temperature came out significantly lower than the return—showing that the new coil and refrigerant charge were working perfectly.
What This Means for the Homeowner
- Improved Cooling: With a fresh coil and proper refrigerant charge, the home now cools faster and more evenly.
- Energy Efficiency: The system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the home, which can lead to lower utility bills.
- Better Air Quality: A clean and sealed system prevents dust and insulation particles from entering the ducts.
- Reliability: With quality parts and expert workmanship, this system is ready for the Las Vegas summer heat.
If you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or surrounding Clark County areas and need your air conditioner serviced, Fast Affordable Air is your trusted licensed HVAC contractor. You can explore our air conditioning repair services here.