Are you ready for another Centennial Hills summer where triple-digit heat and surprise monsoon storms test every part of your home? If you own a house in northwest Las Vegas, you already know the desert is tough on HVAC systems, roofs, stucco, windows, and irrigation. With a clear plan, you can prevent breakdowns, cut energy waste, and avoid water damage when summer storms roll through. This guide lays out a simple, reusable maintenance calendar built for our climate, plus quick checklists you can put to work today. Let’s dive in.
Centennial Hills climate basics
Centennial Hills sits in a hot desert climate with very hot summers, mild winters, and little annual rainfall that tends to arrive in short bursts. The area also sees dust events and a summer monsoon period that can bring fast, intense thunderstorms and localized flash flooding.
Most homes in the area use tile roofs, stucco exteriors, concrete slab foundations, and HVAC for nearly all heating and cooling. Hard water is common, so plumbing and water-using equipment collect mineral scale faster. These factors shape what you should check and when.
Your year-round calendar
Below is a seasonal plan you can reuse each year. Timing is approximate, so adjust for your home’s age, equipment, and occupancy.
Spring: pre-summer prep (March–May)
- HVAC service: Schedule professional service before peak heat. Have refrigerant checked, condenser coils cleaned, electrical connections tightened, thermostat tested, and filters replaced or inspected. Replace filters every 1 to 3 months.
- Irrigation tune-up: Inspect for leaks, broken heads, and clogged drip lines. Adjust timers for warmer weather and follow local watering restrictions.
- Roof and exterior: Walk the perimeter with binoculars to spot cracked or slipped tiles, loose ridge caps, and deteriorated flashing. Check roof vents and seals.
- Windows and doors: Examine caulking and weather stripping. Test operation and locks. Fogging between panes can indicate a failed seal.
- Stucco and paint: Look for hairline cracks and gaps at openings. Seal small cracks to prevent water intrusion during summer storms.
- Pools: Inspect the pump, filter, and timers. Balance water chemistry and confirm good circulation.
- Gutters and drains: If you have gutters or yard drains, clear debris now so runoff has a path when storms arrive.
- Pest prevention: Seal gaps at doors and foundations, add door sweeps, and remove debris piles that can shelter pests.
Summer: heat and monsoon (June–September)
- HVAC vigilance: Check filters more often. Consider a mid-season service if the system runs nonstop. Watch for rising energy bills or uneven cooling.
- Shade and solar control: Use solar screens, exterior awnings, window film, and shade structures to reduce heat gain. Inspect and re-tension patio covers.
- Smart watering: Water in early morning or evening and avoid overwatering near the foundation. Keep grading sloped away from the home.
- Pools: Expect longer run times. Stay on top of filtration and sanitizer levels.
- Dust control: Keep door sweeps intact and consider higher MERV filters that match your system’s specs.
- Monsoon prep: Before storms, clear gutters and yard drains, secure lightweight items, and check roof tiles and flashing. Avoid low spots if flash flood alerts are issued.
Late summer and early fall: post-storm checks (September–October)
- Roof and attic: Look for fresh water stains, damp insulation, or signs of leaks after storms. Address damaged underlayment promptly.
- Drains and grading: Reinspect yard drains and channels carved by runoff. Restore positive slope away from the slab.
- Irrigation audit: Check emitters for mineral buildup and breakage. Adjust schedules for cooler temps.
- Pest control: If you notice increased activity, consider a professional inspection and treatment plan.
Fall: efficiency focus (October–November)
- HVAC heating prep: Test the furnace or heat pump. Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down. Inspect ducts for leaks.
- Attic and insulation: Confirm insulation levels and clear, screened ventilation. This helps lower energy use year-round.
- Exterior sealing: Recaulk around windows and doors if gaps are visible.
- Water heater: Flush sediment to reduce scale from hard water.
Winter: light but useful (December–February)
- Heating function: Test early in the season and replace filters on schedule.
- Plumbing: Inspect exterior faucets and irrigation valves for leaks. Insulate exposed lines where needed.
- Roof and gutters: Check for damage after winter storms and plan repairs before spring heat.
- Safety systems: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check fire extinguishers and review your emergency kit.
Monthly quick-check rhythm
Use this simple monthly cadence to catch small issues early.
- Air filters: Inspect monthly, replace every 1 to 3 months based on type and usage.
- Irrigation: In summer, check monthly for leaks and clogs. Adjust run times with temperature changes.
- Exterior walkaround: Each month, scan the roofline, stucco, paint, and grade. Note any cracks, gaps, or pooling water.
- Interior: Look for window condensation, unusual HVAC cycling, or new stains on ceilings and walls.
- Safety: Test detectors monthly and confirm fire extinguishers are charged and accessible.
Systems to watch in the desert
HVAC and indoor air
- Service schedule: At least one professional tune-up each year, with many local homeowners choosing two visits, pre-summer and pre-winter.
- Red flags: Reduced airflow, higher bills, frequent cycling, ice on coils, or water near the indoor unit.
- Efficiency moves: Consider high-efficiency equipment, duct sealing, and smart thermostats. Check current local utility programs for possible rebates before upgrading.
- Hard water: If you use humidifiers or evaporative equipment, watch for scale and follow descaling schedules.
Roof, flashing, and attic
- Tile roof checks: Look for cracked, slipped, or missing tiles. Pay special attention to flashing around vents and transitions.
- Ventilation and insulation: Good attic airflow reduces heat buildup and helps HVAC performance.
- Water intrusion: New ceiling stains or attic mildew are signs to call a licensed roofer.
Windows, doors, and envelope
- Seal integrity: Desert sun degrades caulk and weather stripping. Check annually and reseal as needed.
- Low-e and solar screens: These reduce heat and UV exposure. Fogging between panes usually means the unit needs replacement.
Irrigation, landscaping, and grading
- Overwatering: Too much water near the slab can shift soil and affect the foundation. Maintain slope away from the home.
- Conservation: Follow local watering schedules and consider desert-friendly landscaping to reduce maintenance.
Plumbing and water quality
- Hard water care: Flush water heaters periodically and maintain softeners or descalers if installed.
- Drains: Ensure yard drains and any sump or channel drains work before monsoon season.
Pests and safety
- Common pests: Scorpions, spiders, ants, rodents, and subterranean termites are present in Clark County. Seal gaps, maintain door thresholds, and reduce clutter.
- Inspections: Annual professional pest inspections can catch issues early, especially after the monsoon period.
Pre-monsoon readiness checklist (June–July)
Mark these as critical tasks each year.
- Clear gutters, scuppers, and yard drains so water has a path away from the slab.
- Inspect the roof for loose tiles and damaged flashing. Secure what you can and schedule repairs if needed.
- Walk the yard after a hose test and confirm water flows away from the house.
- Tie down or store lightweight patio items. Check pergolas and shade structures for secure connections.
- Review emergency alerts and keep a basic kit ready for dust storms and flash flood advisories.
Seller and buyer priorities
If you plan to sell or buy in the next 6 to 12 months, focus here.
For sellers:
- Service the HVAC and keep receipts. Buyers ask for documentation.
- Address obvious roof tile damage and repair stucco cracks.
- Fix failed window seals and visible caulking gaps.
- Confirm drainage slopes away from the home and tidy irrigation.
- Provide any pest control or termite inspection records.
For buyers:
- Request recent HVAC service records and ask about filter schedule.
- Ask for a roof condition summary and note any storm-related repairs.
- Review irrigation setup and watering compliance.
- Ask about pest treatments and termite inspections.
Permit checks and licensed pros
Major exterior repairs, re-roofing, and mechanical changes may require permits. When in doubt, consult the local building department. For refrigerant work, roof repairs, electrical, plumbing, and pest treatment, use licensed, insured professionals and keep all records.
Build your checklist
Use this simple structure to track tasks year after year. Print it or save it to a spreadsheet.
- Task name and note
- Recommended month and frequency
- Critical marker for must-do items
- Checkbox and last service date
- Vendor contact and warranty info
- Cost estimate and actual cost
- “If you see this symptom, call this specialist” reminder
Example entries to get you started:
- Pre-summer HVAC tune, March–May, annual, critical
- Pre-monsoon drain clearing, June, annual, critical
- Filter replacement, monthly check, 1 to 3 months
- Roof tile and flashing scan, spring and after major storms
- Irrigation audit, spring and fall
- Water heater flush, fall, annual
- Pest inspection, fall or after monsoon, annual
Need a hand with the list?
If you prefer a single point of accountability, you can lean on a local team that understands Las Vegas homes. With integrated brokerage, property management, and in-house contracting, you get faster scheduling, consistent reporting, and clear records you can share with buyers, tenants, or insurers. When the heat rises or a storm hits, having one team coordinate HVAC, roofing, irrigation, and pest pros can save time and money.
Ready to set up your maintenance plan or prep for a sale? Contact VICE Realty Group to schedule a quick consult and get your property dialed in for every season. Get Your Instant Home Valuation.
FAQs
How often should I service AC in Centennial Hills?
- Have a professional tune-up at least once a year before summer. Many local homeowners choose two checkups, pre-summer and pre-winter, and replace filters every 1 to 3 months.
When should I prepare for the monsoon season?
- Start in late June to early July by clearing gutters and yard drains, checking roof tiles and flashing, and securing outdoor items before storms.
Do I need gutters in a desert climate like Las Vegas?
- Not every home has them, but if you do, keep them clear before monsoon. In all cases, proper grading and yard drains are essential to direct water away from the foundation.
How can I lower cooling costs in extreme heat?
- Seal ducts, improve attic insulation and ventilation, use smart thermostats and solar screens, add shading, and keep your HVAC maintained on schedule.
What are signs my windows need attention?
- Look for failed seals that show as fogging between panes, brittle weather stripping, or gaps in caulking around frames that let heat and dust in.
Are termites a concern in Clark County?
- Subterranean termites are present. An annual inspection can catch early activity, and sealing gaps and managing moisture helps reduce risk.
