Your AC Broke in July: Here's What to Do Right Now

An AC failure in Las Vegas summer is not an inconvenience — it's a safety situation. Here's the triage process to follow before calling for service.

Step 1: Check the Breaker (2 Minutes)

Go to your electrical panel and find the breaker labeled "AC," "HVAC," "Air Conditioner," or similar. If it's tripped (in the middle position between ON and OFF), reset it: flip it fully OFF, then back to ON.

If it trips again immediately or within minutes: stop. A repeatedly tripping breaker means the system is drawing more current than it should — possibly a locked compressor, a failing motor, or an electrical short. Do not reset a breaker more than once. This is the time to call a technician.

Step 2: Check the Thermostat (1 Minute)

Verify the thermostat is set to COOL, not HEAT or FAN only. Check the temperature setpoint — someone may have changed it. If you have a smart thermostat, check the app to see if it shows an error code or mode issue.

Thermostats can fail from heat or power surges. If the display is blank or behaving erratically, try replacing the batteries (even if it's hardwired — some thermostats have battery backup). A blank thermostat can look like a complete AC failure when it's actually just a dead thermostat.

Step 3: Check the Air Filter (2 Minutes)

A completely blocked air filter can cause your AC to overheat and shut off on its safety limit switch. Locate the filter (usually at the return air grille in a hallway or at the air handler unit) and inspect it. If it's gray, dark, or visibly clogged, replace it and give the system 15 minutes to reset before restarting.

In Las Vegas, filters clog twice as fast as national averages — 30–45 days in summer vs. the 90-day national guideline. Check your filter monthly during summer.

Step 4: Is the Outdoor Unit Running?

Go outside and check your condenser unit (the large box outside). Is the fan running? Is it making unusual noises (grinding, clanking, buzzing)? Is ice visible on the copper refrigerant lines?

• Fan not running: Could be capacitor, contactor, or motor failure. Call for service.
• Grinding or clanking: Shut the system off and call. Running a unit with bearing failure causes much larger damage.
• Ice on the lines: Restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system to FAN ONLY (no cooling) for 30–60 minutes to defrost, then call for diagnosis.

When to Call Immediately — Don't Wait

Call EGO HVAC's 24/7 emergency line if:

• There's a burning smell from vents or the unit
• The breaker trips repeatedly
• Water is actively dripping or pooling from the air handler
• You have elderly individuals, infants, or pets in the home
• Interior temperature exceeds 85–90°F and rising
• You hear unusual sounds (grinding, banging, squealing) from the unit

Staying Safe While You Wait

In Las Vegas summer, a home without AC can reach dangerous temperatures within 2–4 hours on a 115°F day. Prioritize safety over waiting for the technician:

• Move to the coolest room in the house (lowest floor, north-facing windows, shaded side of the house)
• Close all blinds and curtains to block solar gain
• Run ceiling fans to improve perceived cooling (fans cool people, not rooms — leave the room and turn the fan off)
• If elderly, very young, or medically vulnerable individuals are in the home, relocate them to a cooled space (library, casino, neighbor's home, shopping mall) while you wait
• Stay hydrated

EGO HVAC answers emergency calls 24/7. A real person picks up, not voicemail. Use the emergency form or call (702) 518-6903.