At Fast Affordable Air, our team was called to inspect and repair a commercial HVAC rooftop package unit that was struggling to cool the building. Rooftop systems like this one handle both the air conditioning and the heating and cooling needs for many businesses in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and the nearby areas. Because these units sit outside on the roof, they take on years of strong sun, dust, and weather. Over time, they need detailed service to stay safe and efficient.
When we arrived, the central air conditioner was showing signs of age, airflow problems, and possible electrical issues. The duct connection boxes around the unit also showed cracking and worn-out sealant. These issues can let hot air leak in or cooled air leak out, making the cooling system work extra hard. This can cause higher energy bills and shorten the life of the unit.
Step 1: Inspecting the Rooftop Package Unit
The first step was a full inspection. We checked the outdoor cabinet panels, the duct transitions, the wiring, and the insulation around the refrigerant lines. The duct chases looked worn and had areas where water and heat could enter. We also saw rust along the base and sealant that had cracked from years of sun exposure.
Inside the unit, we opened the blower compartment. The blower assembly includes a part called the ECM motor (also called an X13 motor). This motor controls how fast the blower wheel spins. It helps deliver air throughout the building. The wires leading into the motor were dry, brittle, and covered in dirt and oxidation. When blower motor wires begin to break down like this, the air conditioner can struggle to move enough air to keep the building cool.
Step 2: Checking the Indoor Coil
Behind the blower wheel sits the indoor evaporator coil. This coil cools down the air by absorbing heat from the building. In this system, the coil had a buildup of dust and debris between the fins. If fins are blocked, air cannot pass through properly. This makes the central cooling system work harder, and can even cause icing. We carefully inspected the fins to make sure none were crushed and cleaned the surface to help restore proper airflow.
A clean evaporator coil is important for any central AC system. According to Energy.gov, dirty coils can increase energy use by up to 30 percent because the system has to work longer to reach the temperature set on the thermostat.
Step 3: Inspecting Electrical Components
After examining the blower system, we moved on to the electrical box. Many rooftop units face issues with loose wiring because of heat expansion, vibration, and age. We inspected each wire connection and checked the capacitors and safety switches. Electrical parts work together to help the HVAC system start properly and run smoothly. If one component begins to fail, it can cause the entire air conditioner to shut down or run poorly.
We also checked the disconnect switch located beside the unit. A disconnect allows a technician to safely work on the system by cutting power. The one shown in the images was worn and needed attention to ensure safe operation.
Step 4: Airflow and Ductwork Review
The duct transitions attached to this rooftop unit were showing signs of leak points and old mastic. Mastic is a thick sealant used to keep air from escaping. When it cracks, cooled air escapes onto the roof which forces the HVAC unit to run longer to keep the business comfortable. We inspected the joints, re-evaluated the insulation, and checked the return-air side for proper sealing.
Good duct sealing is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort inside the building. It also helps reduce the load on the central air conditioning system, helping it last longer.
Step 5: Inspecting Outdoor Components
The condenser fan at the top of the unit helps remove heat from the system. We checked the fan blade for balance and the motor for proper operation. We also inspected the coils on the outside of the system. These coils need to be clean for the cooling cycle to work correctly. Dirt on the coils can trap heat and reduce the air conditioner’s ability to cool.
Benefits of the Repair
By completing this full inspection and repair process, the business will notice several improvements. Airflow is restored, allowing the blower to move cool air through all parts of the building. The evaporator coil now works more efficiently with better heat transfer. The sealed ducts help reduce energy waste. Clean wiring and inspected electrical parts reduce the chance of the AC shutting off during hot days. These steps also help lower the power bill because the HVAC system does not have to work as hard or as long.
Working with Fast Affordable Air gives commercial customers peace of mind because we follow local Clark County HVAC standards. We also provide detailed explanations so building owners understand the work performed. If you would like to learn more about commercial cooling, energy saving tips, or rooftop system care, visit fastaffordableair.com and their helpful service pages such as Air Conditioning Repair or Heating Service.
