The first step when facing an HVAC emergency is don’t panic. Your system, however reliable and however new, can still fail. When that happens, emergency HVAC repair is a phone call away.
Unfortunately, even the quickest emergency HVAC repair services can’t teleport to your house, so you’ll have some tasks to do until they arrive. Don’t worry, you won’t have to do intensive HVAC emergency repair. Most of what you should do involves preventing further damage and keeping yourself cool.
What Is an HVAC Emergency?
When your air conditioner will not work without repair, has stopped working, or has a problem that will cause it to break within a few days, that’s an HVAC emergency. Call for emergency repair if you experience the following issues:
- Leaking refrigerant or gas
- Strange loud noises
- Odd smells
- Electrical problems, such as random shutdowns or settings that don’t work
- AC unit won’t turn on
- Extremely restricted airflow
Note that airflow restrictions could be due to a clogged air filter. Replace the filter and see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists, it warrants an emergency call. If you smell gas, call for service, then exit the house immediately.
Step 1: Don’t Wait Until the Storm to Cover Yourself
Your preparation for an HVAC emergency begins now. If your central AC unit or heat pump quits on you, have some self-cooling supplies ready, such as:
- A window unit air conditioner (or several)
- Portable fans
- Cold packs kept in the fridge or freezer
- Screens in your windows
Screens are important because you can get airflow through your home without inviting pests inside. Depending on the cause of your emergency, you may be without AC for days, so get supplies you can rely on long-term. Also, make sure you identify and mark which circuit breaker leads to your AC unit. This will be important in the next step.
Step 2: Cut Off Power to the AC
If your air conditioner keeps running while it has emergency-level damage or malfunctions, the problems could become catastrophic. Turn off the breaker that leads to your AC unit while you wait for the emergency tech to arrive.
Step 3: Call an Emergency HVAC Tech
Most HVAC service providers can handle emergency repairs at odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
Will a tech be getting out of bed or leaving a get-together with friends to handle your emergency? It’s possible, but remember that emergency techs know when they’re on call and get paid accordingly! You’re not bothering someone when you call — the important thing is that your air conditioner gets fixed.
Step 4: Schedule Regular Maintenance
To avoid future emergencies, talk to your service provider about a maintenance schedule. Routine inspections can identify slow leaks, worn parts, dried-up lubricant, and other issues that can lead to failure.
In an HVAC Emergency, Contact Complete Climate Services
When your AC quits on you, rely on Complete Climate Services to show up and get the cold air flowing again! Day or night, weekday or weekend, holiday or workday, we’re here to solve your HVAC emergencies. Don’t hesitate — call Complete Climate Services right away!
