HVAC problems vary in terms of severity. Some require immediate attention, while others can be scheduled at your convenience. Climate Home Systems Heating and Cooling explains what qualifies as an HVAC emergency.
What Counts as an HVAC Emergency
You might want to call in a local HVAC technician for an emergency repair right away if you notice any of these signs:
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No power at all. Complete AC breakdowns are when your AC won’t turn on or blow cool air through your home. If your AC isn’t working, check your circuit breaker and thermostat. If your AC system has power and your thermostat is set to a lower temperature than your home’s ambient temperature, it should turn on. If your AC won’t cool, call an emergency AC repair service. The longer your home’s air conditioner is off, the hotter your interior will get.
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Bubbling or whistling sounds. If your AC makes these noises, it may have a refrigerant leak. Air conditioners use refrigerants to cool the air. So, the longer you let yours leak, the less efficient your unit will be. Plus, long-term refrigerant exposure can be toxic. If your heater whistles and smells sulfuric, turn it off. These are indicators of a gas leak, which requires immediate attention.
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Electrical issues. Electrical issues shouldn’t be postponed until normal business hours. Contact your technician for an emergency AC repair if your air conditioner repeatedly trips your breaker, produces a burning electrical odor or dims the lights in your home. For your home’s air conditioning to be restored and the risk of a blackout or fire to be reduced, you need a specialist with the training and expertise to quickly locate the root cause.
What’s Not Considered an HVAC Emergency
The following HVAC services can wait for a day or two and can be scheduled via a phone call with a local contractor:
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Routine filter cleaning or changing. This is one HVAC maintenance task that you can do on your own. Do this every three months or more, depending on your HVAC usage.
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HVAC maintenance. This should be scheduled with a technician at least once per year. This leaves technicians free during peak season to respond to emergency situations.
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HVAC installation. Replacing your existing HVAC system doesn’t count as an emergency unless it has completely broken down or the technician recommended it after a thorough inspection.
A family-run business, Climate Systems provides professional installation, maintenance and repair services for homeowners and businesses in the North Pittsburgh area. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service, and are experts in both residential and commercial applications. Give us a call at (724) 935-3900 for emergency response or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment with one of our certified technicians.
