What Is an HVAC Emergency?

When you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC system, you want help fast. You know that your local Aire Serv^® professionals provide emergency HVAC services 24/7 at no extra charge, even on weekends and holidays! But what is considered an HVAC emergency? Is the AC not working an HVAC emergency? How about dirty air filters? Or a bad smell or weird clanking sounds? Let’s take a look at various issues as we determine what is an HVAC emergency.

What Are Considered HVAC Emergencies?

An HVAC emergency is anything that threatens your health or safety or risks damaging your HVAC equipment, necessitating costly repairs. Keep this simple test in mind whenever you need HVAC services. And when your HVAC troubles qualify, call us immediately. Aire Serv will be there any time of the day or night to handle your HVAC emergency.

Let’s review some examples.

Loss of heat or cooling: A loss of heat or cooling is considered an HVAC emergency. First, extreme heat or cold can quickly threaten the health of infants, older family members, and anyone who is ill. Even young and healthy adults can suffer from excessive heat or cold. Further, the cause of the lost heat or cooling may indicate equipment damage in progress.

Strange noises or smells: Strange noises may indicate a refrigerant leak, which requires immediate attention. A foul odor, like rotten eggs, suggests a gas leak. Leave the premises immediately, then call your local Aire Serv.

Refrigerant leaks: When pondering “what is an HVAC emergency,” you might not think refrigerant leaks are all that scary. But refrigerant can be highly toxic if it leaks as a gas and is inhaled. Further, leaks compromise the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, risking damage that requires costly repairs.

Electrical issues: If you find your circuit breaker tripping repeatedly, the HVAC system stops unexpectedly, or you see sparks, smoke, or flames, you have electrical issues that should be immediately addressed to prevent a fire.

Carbon monoxide leaks: A carbon monoxide leak is certainly a serious emergency. This gas is colorless and odorless, so having a working carbon monoxide detector is critical. However, there are other signs to watch for, like a buildup of soot or rust on your vents or around the furnace. Also, the flame on a gas furnace should be blue. If it is yellow, it signals that it is producing carbon monoxide. Leave the premises, then call your local Aire Serv for emergency service.

What's Not Considered an HVAC Emergency?

To better understand what is considered an HVAC emergency, let’s take a look at other common calls for HVAC service that do not require attention at 3 a.m. While the following issues do not constitute emergencies, they still require follow-up during regular service hours.

Routine Maintenance

Regular HVAC system maintenance provides many benefits for your workplace or household. It ensures your equipment works at peak efficiency, delivering optimal heating and cooling without driving up your utility bills. Furthermore, it keeps your indoor air quality clean and free from dust and other allergens. And it prevents costly repairs and postpones replacement costs. However, as vital as routine HVAC maintenance is, it is not something that is an HVAC emergency.

Issues Related to Power Outages

If your HVAC system stops working and there is no power outage in your area, that is certainly an emergency. However, if the power is out in your area, there is nothing we can do to get it working for you until the power is reestablished by the utility company.

Scheduled Replacements or Installations

We do all we can to schedule your repairs, replacements, and installations at a time most convenient for you. If your schedule is tight, just let us know, and we’ll work around it — no need for an emergency call.

Seasonal Discomfort

As the seasons change and the weather fluctuates, you may need to adjust your thermometer more often than usual. A well-maintained HVAC system will help. If you find your system is not able to keep up with your changing needs, give us a call.

Minor Airflow Problems

If you notice a decrease in your system’s airflow, please schedule a routine maintenance appointment. We’ll be happy to clean the vents and tune up your system so it works at peak efficiency.

What To Do When Your HVAC System Goes Out

If your HVAC system goes out, request an appointment with your local Aire Serv. We will treat your outage as an HVAC emergency. Our service professionals will accurately diagnose the issue and discuss the needed repairs with you. We will come out day or night, rain, snow, or shine. There’s no need for concern over our HVAC emergency service cost. We respond to HVAC emergencies around the clock, any day of the year, without an extra charge!

How To Avoid an HVAC Emergency

The following simple steps will help you to prevent an HVAC emergency:

• Clear away debris from equipment and vents periodically.
• Change your air filters regularly.
• Address minor issues promptly.
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance.
• Upgrade the insulation in your structure.

The HVAC Pros at Aire Serv Are Ready Anytime, Day or Night!

Entrust your family’s comfort to the HVAC experts at your local Aire Serv. We provide top-quality HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair for residences and businesses. If you experience what is considered an HVAC emergency, rest assured that we will be there — any time of the day or night, every day of the year — with the help you need.

As proud members of the Neighborly community of home service brands, the Neighborly Done Right Promise^™ backs all our work. So, you know you’ll be pleased.

Breathe easy with Aire Serv.