Summertime means that more pieces in your system break down. And dealing with an HVAC system is like learning a foreign language—if something goes wrong, do you know when it’s time for an emergency HVAC repair and when to call for help?
When it comes to your HVAC unit, some situations qualify as emergencies and require immediate attention from a certified technician. Here’s a list of what is considered an HVAC emergency repair so you know when it’s time to make that call:
What is Classified as an HVAC Emergency?
An emergency for you doesn’t always mean an emergency for your HVAC unit. If you notice any of the following, you should call a technician right away:
- Cooling mode blowing hot air – When your air conditioner is blowing hot air instead of cold, this could indicate a refrigerant leak and should be addressed immediately before your summer becomes miserable.
- Leaking refrigerant – Any leaks need to be attended to as soon as possible—leaking refrigerant can not only damage the environment but also cause performance issues within your system.
- The smell of gas – If you smell gas coming from your HVAC unit, turn it off and call a technician immediately. This could be a sign of a gas leak, which can be fatal.
- Sparks or smoke – If you see sparks or smoke coming from the unit, this could be an indication of electrical problems. Turn the system off immediately and contact a professional before it turns into a bigger problem.
What is NOT Considered an HVAC Emergency?
There are some things you don’t wanna waste your time calling about. Here are a few common HVAC issues that should not be considered an emergency:
- General repairs – If you notice something that needs to be repaired, such as a broken fan belt or worn bearings, this is not an emergency and can wait until regular business hours to get as good as new again.
- Routine filter changes – While it’s important to change your filters regularly, this does not require immediate attention.
- Regular maintenance – Routine maintenance should be done regularly to ensure your system is running efficiently. However, if you notice any problems while performing maintenance, contact a technician immediately to find out if it requires emergency services.
Steps to Take Before Calling
To avoid any unnecessary costs, it’s important to take a few steps before calling for emergency HVAC repair to see if you can handle the issue for yourself:
- Check your circuit breaker – If the circuit breaker has been tripped, reset it and see if that resolves the issue.
- Turn off the unit – This will help you avoid further damage to the system.
- Check the service switch – Make sure that nothing is unplugged or turned on that shouldn’t be
- Make sure nothing is blocking the vents – This can cause the system to overheat and should be cleared away
If after performing these steps, the problem persists, then it’s time to call a technician for emergency HVAC repair so your summer is full of fun—not problems.
Don’t Wait When You Have an HVAC Emergency—Trust Shriver Mechanical
If you need emergency HVAC repair services, the experienced technicians at Shriver Mechanical are available to help. We offer prompt and reliable service 24/7 so you can get your system up and running as quickly as possible, without the worry of costly repairs.
Contact our team today and we’ll be sure to get your home cool and comfortable again in no time!