In the sweltering summer heat of Las Vegas, central air conditioning systems work overtime to keep homes cool and comfortable. When something goes wrong, it doesn’t just make the home uncomfortable—it can become unbearable. One of our recent repair projects involved a Goodman central air conditioning system showing signs of high energy consumption, reduced cooling performance, and unusual compressor noise. Our team at Fast Affordable Air was called in to investigate and resolve the issue.
Step 1: Inspecting the Furnace and Gas Line
We began by checking the indoor unit—a Goodman gas furnace located next to a Ruud water heater. The gas supply line included a flexible yellow connector and a black steel sediment trap. These components are essential for safety and proper fuel delivery. Everything was secure, but we noted the furnace was due for a full inspection to ensure reliable heating in the cooler months.
Step 2: Refrigerant Pressure Diagnostics
We connected our Yellow Jacket gauge manifold to the outdoor condenser to measure refrigerant pressures. The system uses R-22 refrigerant. The high-side gauge read just below 400 psi, while the low side was under 75 psi. These pressure levels are significantly off from optimal ranges and typically indicate one of the following: an overcharged system, restriction in the refrigerant line, or poor airflow across the coil.
Step 3: Checking Compressor Amperage
Using a clamp meter, we measured the compressor amperage draw. It showed a reading of 18.13 amps, which is high for most residential condenser units. This indicates the compressor is working harder than it should—another clue pointing to overpressure or airflow problems.
Step 4: Inspecting the Suction Line and Filter Dryer
We observed some dark discoloration around the suction line and filter dryer area. The suction line had visible corrosion and was poorly insulated. Inadequate insulation here can cause condensation and energy loss. We also found signs of minor leaks near the Schrader valve. This area was cleaned and sealed, and new caps were installed to prevent future refrigerant loss.
Step 5: Evaluating the Indoor Evaporator Coil and Refrigerant Lines
At the indoor evaporator coil, we saw that the suction and liquid lines were taped up, but the insulation had deteriorated. Proper insulation is key to preventing condensation and maintaining cooling efficiency. We replaced the worn insulation and secured the copper lines to prevent future vibrations or stress on the soldered joints.
System Balancing and Efficiency Restoration
After diagnosing the high pressure and amp draw, we recovered some excess refrigerant to bring the system within manufacturer-specified parameters. With the correct refrigerant level restored, pressure readings normalized and amperage dropped. We verified this by re-checking both the gauges and the amp draw on the compressor.
Benefits of the Repair
- Energy Efficiency Restored: With the compressor running at the correct amp range, the homeowner will see lower power bills.
- Improved Cooling: Balanced refrigerant pressures allow the AC system to cool faster and more evenly.
- Longer Equipment Life: Reducing compressor strain extends the life of the most expensive component in the system.
- Leak Prevention: By tightening and resealing valves and connections, we’ve reduced the risk of future refrigerant leaks.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing the system was professionally serviced and is now running within safe specs gives the homeowner confidence going into the hottest months.
This service was part of our Air Conditioning Repair offerings in Las Vegas. If you’re dealing with high utility bills, uneven cooling, or loud HVAC noises, don’t wait—those could be early signs of system failure.
