Guides for Las Vegas homeowners
Straight answers to the questions that come up when something big breaks or someone's trying to sell you something. Every claim links to where it came from.
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When it breaks
3 guides
When it breaksHeater not working? Check these 8 things before you pay for a service callThermostat, breaker, furnace switch, filter and gas valve checks, what's normal (first-run smell, heat pump steam), and when to stop and call.Read it
When it breaksRepair or replace your AC? The $5,000 rule and when it's time to let it goHow long AC lasts in Vegas heat, the $5,000 rule, and the repairs that usually tip it.Read it
When it breaksYour AC died in a Vegas summer. Here's what to do in the first 24 hoursWhat to check before you call, staying safe, what a service call costs, and what renters can make a landlord do.Read it
Before you sign
5 guides
Before you signThe best AC for Las Vegas heat (hint: it's not the highest SEER2)Why EER2 beats SEER2 here, how much cooling an AC loses at 105°F, Nevada's minimums, and the install details that matter.Read it
Before you signWhat's actually in an AC replacement quote (and what costs extra)What the price usually covers, what's often extra (ducts, crane, thermostat), and what to get in writing.Read it
Before you signBefore you hire an AC contractor in Nevada: the 2-minute license check and the red flagsThe C-21 license lookup, quote red flags, warranty registration, and what to do if a job goes bad.Read it
Before you signTons, SEER2 and the new refrigerants: what Vegas homeowners actually need to knowWhat a ton is, why a load calculation matters, Nevada's SEER2 minimums, and the R-454B and R-32 switch.Read it
Before you signThe HVAC terms your contractor uses, in plain EnglishCapacitor, drain line, tons, SEER2, AFUE, PRV, slab leak and more, with what each costs in Las Vegas.Read it
Living in Vegas
2 guides
Living in VegasJust moved to Vegas? Who to call for power, gas, water and trash, and what it costsWho to call for power, gas, water, sewer and trash in each area, deposits and fees, and the first-week checklist.Read it
Living in VegasThe Las Vegas home calendar: what to do each month so nothing sneaks up on youWatering switch dates, AC and furnace tune-up timing, heat protections, rebate resets and bill changes, month by month.Read it
Bills, rebates and power
3 guides
Bills, rebates and powerAC rebates and tax credits in Southern Nevada: money you might be leaving on the tableThe end of the federal credit, NV Energy PowerShift, Boulder City's rebates, and the heat pump program that hasn't launched.Read it
Bills, rebates and powerSolar and batteries in Las Vegas: what they cost, NV Energy's rules, and whether they'll run your ACWhat solar and a Powerwall cost, how NV Energy pays you, the new demand charge, and whether a battery can run your AC.Read it
Bills, rebates and powerNV Energy explained: who owns it, how your rate gets set, and the scams to watch forWho owns it (Berkshire Hathaway), how your rate gets set, the money, Greenlink and data centers, scams, and bill help.Read it
Water and yard
1 guide
