What Should You Do in an HVAC Emergency?

Have you lost heat on a freezing winter night? Or been without AC on a blistering summer day? 

HVAC breakdowns tend to happen at the worst possible times, such as a heatwave, snowstorm, or even on a holiday. If your system fails during extreme temperatures, it’s important to act fast. 

But what steps need to be taken? It can sometimes be hard to tell if you should call a professional right away, or if there are steps you can take on your own to restore your home’s HVAC. 

We at Mattioni have helped countless homeowners in this situation, so we know exactly what it can feel like. When disaster strikes, time is vital.  

That’s why we laid out this guide, for any homeowner experiencing or preparing for an HVAC emergency to reference. 

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what you can do on your own to restore heating and cooling in your home. We’ll also cover when to call a professional, and how best to prevent an emergency from happening in the future. 

After reading this, you’ll have a clear path to getting your home’s comfort back. 

Recognizing an HVAC Emergency & Immediate Steps to Take 

What Qualifies as an Emergency? 

An HVAC emergency could be one of a few things: a complete loss of heating during freezing weather, an AC failure during extreme heat, or a dangerous gas leak.

If you’re in one of these situations, follow the next steps to evaluate the severity of the problem. 

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation 

It’s important to take a breath and calmly assess what’s going on. Spend a few minutes to see if the problem can be solved quickly on your own.  

Verify that your thermostat is set to the right temperature and mode (heat or cool). In some cases, replacing your thermostat’s batteries can solve your HVAC problem. If that doesn’t solve the problem, here are some basic troubleshooting tips. 

Basic Troubleshooting Tips 

There are some slightly more involved troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional technician: 

• Look at Your Circuit Breaker: The HVAC system may have tripped your breaker. If so, try resetting it. 

• Change Your Air Filter: If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter, it’s likely restricting airflow and your system may have shut down to protect itself. Replace your air filter and see if the system begins to run again. 

• Inspect the Outdoor Unit: Ensure your outdoor AC or heat pump unit is clear of debris like leaves or branches, which can block airflow. 

Signs of a Potentially Serious Problem 

Many HVAC issues are minor, but certain signs can indicate impending trouble. These include: 

• Your heating or AC system stops working entirely, with no heating or cooling 

• Unusually loud or very strange noises like banging, grinding, or hissing 

• Strong odors, like the smell of gas or a burning smell 

• Electrical issues such as the HVAC system tripping your circuit breaker 

When to Call for Help 

Once you’ve identified a major issue with your heating or AC system and have tried the above troubleshooting steps, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician for an emergency repair. 

How to Choose the Right Emergency HVAC Service Company 

Even though time is of the essence, it’s still wise to make a few calls to be confident in the company you entrust with repairing your HVAC system. 

Don’t overpay for the repair simply because you’re in a pinch, especially during emergency hours. It’s common for contractors to charge a higher dispatch fee, but some contractors may try to exploit your situation and charge a much higher price for the repair itself as well. Don’t fall into this trap. 

Also, make sure your repair company is experienced and has a good reputation with handling emergencies. Taking a few minutes to speak with them on the phone before finalizing an appointment can allow you to get a sense of their professionalism and customer service, potentially making the entire process smoother. 

When Safety is a Concern 

If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide alarm is going off, safety is your number one priority.  

Immediately turn off your HVAC system and evacuate everyone from the house. Once you’re in a safe location, call emergency services and your gas company for help. Don’t attempt to restart the system until it’s been cleared by professionals. 

Similarly, if the problem is electrical (your HVAC system is causing flickering lights or repeatedly trips the circuit breaker), shut off the system at the breaker and avoid touching any electrical components. An electrician or HVAC technician should handle restoring your system. 

What to Expect When Calling for Emergency HVAC Services 

Questions to Ask When You Call 

When calling an HVAC company about an emergency, be prepared to get some answers about their services and what to do next: 

• How quickly can they arrive? 

• Do they charge extra fees for after-hours or emergency service calls? 

• What can you do in the meantime? 

While on the phone, make sure to become as informed as possible about steps you can take, and the details of their services.  

Again, it may be worth it to call a few different companies to find one that offers quick service at no extra cost to you. 

What Happens During an Emergency Service Appointment 

When the HVAC technician arrives, they’ll first assess the system and officially diagnose the problem.  

They will do what they can to provide a quick solution. If the job is more involved or the situation calls for system replacement, they’ll work with you to find a solution for heating or cooling to be restored in your home.

What Not to Do in an HVAC Emergency 

Avoid Attempting a Complex DIY Fix 

While it may be tempting to repair the problem yourself, many HVAC issues are complex and require specialized knowledge to resolve. Attempting DIY repairs can void warranties or lead to more costly damage down the road, especially if electrical components or refrigerant are involved. 

Don’t Ignore the Problem 

If your HVAC system is showing signs of trouble, don’t ignore them in the hope they’ll work themselves out on their own. Small problems can quickly turn into full-blown emergencies, leading to more expensive repairs or even system replacement. 

Don’t Overpay for Emergency Services 

While emergencies can cause some panic, it’s important not to overpay for services. Some companies may charge more for emergency services, especially after hours, but you shouldn’t feel pressured into accepting overpriced repairs. 

Take a moment to verify the company’s rates and ask for an upfront estimate before agreeing to services. 

Preventing Future HVAC Emergencies 

Regular Maintenance is Crucial 

One of the best (and simplest) ways to avoid an HVAC emergency is by scheduling regular maintenance appointments. An annual inspection and tune-up can catch small issues before they turn into larger, more expensive problems.  

Preventative maintenance ensures your system runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the years. 

Consider a Maintenance Plan 

Many HVAC companies offer service plans that are designed to keep your system healthy and efficient for years to come. These plans often provide priority service, discounted repairs, and (most importantly) regular system checks. 

At Mattioni, our VIP membership includes the following benefits all for one low monthly fee: 

• 2 Annual HVAC Tune-Ups 

• 1 Annual Plumbing Inspection 

• 1 Annual Water Quality Test 

• 15% Off All Flat Rate Tasks 

• 30% Off Select HVAC Repairs During Tune-Ups 

• Priority Service 

You can see how a maintenance plan supports your HVAC system’s long-term health and can reduce repair costs when they arise. 

Basic DIY Maintenance Tips 

There are a few simple things you can do as a homeowner to keep your system’s condition from deteriorating. 

• Replace air filters regularly (every 3-6 months) to ensure proper airflow. 

• Keep the outdoor unit free of debris like leaves and grass clippings 

• Check your thermostat settings when the seasons change to ensure your system is set to run efficiently 

These are basic maintenance steps that help maintain your system’s health and minimize the risk of future emergencies. 

Preparing for Future HVAC Emergencies 

Have a Plan in Place 

It’s always a good idea to have a plan, should an HVAC emergency happen in the future. Having the contact information of a trusted HVAC company handy can prevent panic and save precious time during an emergency. 

Also, having backup heating or cooling options, like portable AC units and space heaters, can also help you stay comfortable while waiting for repairs. Making financial plans for your next heating or AC system will also make it much less of a burden on your household budgeting when it comes time to install the new system.

Emergency Contacts 

In addition to having an HVAC company’s number on hand, keep the contact information for your local utility company and emergency services ready in a convenient place for the quickest response time to a safety emergency. 

Key Action Items to Remember During an HVAC Emergency 

HVAC emergencies can be stressful, and they frequently happen at the worst possible times. However, knowing what to do in the moment can make a huge difference in minimizing the problem and finding a timely solution. 

By staying calm and following the basic troubleshooting steps covered in this article, you’ll be able to determine just how severe the emergency is. 

If the problem is major (you’ve completely lost heating or cooling) or there is a safety hazard (like a gas leak or electrical issues) then you should call an HVAC professional right away.  

Depending on the details of your specific emergency, you may also need to contact your local gas company or emergency services. If there’s a gas leak, leave your home immediately and wait for professionals to arrive. 

Remember that regular maintenance is your best defense against future emergencies, so schedule annual tune-ups or invest in a service plan to keep your system running smoothly year-round. 

Have a plan set in place by keeping the contact information of your trusted HVAC service provider handy, so that you can respond quickly should something unforeseen happen. 

Mattioni’s HVAC team is available for emergency, same-day services, and also offer VIP maintenance memberships for only $13.64/month. No matter your situation, we can help keep your home comfortable and prevent your heating and cooling systems from becoming a source of stress. 

Reach out with any questions by calling our friendly staff at (610) 400-8510 or by scheduling a free in-home consultation online today.  

Don’t ignore a minor HVAC problem – get it professionally fixed before it turns into a full-blown emergency.