Replace or repair a 20-year-old HVAC system? What one North Las Vegas inspection found
North Las Vegas · By Buddy
Need heating help in Las Vegas? Quick answers
- What is your diagnostic fee?
- $79, and it's credited toward your repair if you go ahead.
- When can you come out?
- Same-day service when you book early in the day.
- Will I get a written estimate first?
- Yes. You get a written, upfront price before any repair work starts. No surprises.
- Location
- North Las Vegas, NV
- System age
- About 20 years (installed 2005)
- Visit type
- Maintenance and inspection
- Recommendation
- Full system replacement
The situation
This homeowner booked routine maintenance on a system installed in 2005. It was still running, but the inspection showed it was running under compromised conditions with several critical issues.
What our technician found
- Air filters heavily clogged and restricting airflow
- Compressor amp draw below normal operating range; electrical testing showed failing compressor windings
- Common wire showing signs of melting, a sign of overheating and excessive amp draw at startup
- System age around 20 years, well beyond typical service life
Options we gave the homeowner
Immediate fix
Replace all air filters with MERV 8 filters to restore airflow.
Full system replacement (strongly recommended)
Failing compressor parts, electrical concerns and system age make replacement the safer, more cost-effective choice.
Duct cleaning
Recommended to improve indoor air quality and system performance.
The result
During the visit we washed the condenser coil, tightened all electrical connections, measured amp draws on the major components and inspected the ductwork. We gave the homeowner a written summary of every finding and option so they could plan a replacement instead of waiting for a breakdown.
Buddy's takeaway: When a 20-year-old system shows failing compressor windings and melted wiring, repairs only buy time. Continued operation can cause more damage or a total failure, so replacing it ahead of time avoids an emergency.
Common questions
Should I repair or replace a 20-year-old HVAC system?
If the compressor or major electrical parts are failing, replacement is usually the better value. Most Las Vegas systems last 12–15 years in our heat.
Is melted wiring in my HVAC unit dangerous?
It means parts are overheating. Have it inspected right away and limit use until a technician checks it.
What MERV filter should I use?
MERV 8 is the standard we recommend for most homes. It filters well without choking airflow.
Book your heating visit
$79 diagnostic, credited to your repair. Written price before we start. NSCB #88349.
Related: Furnace installation and replacement · Financing options