HVAC Repair: Is It an Emergency or Can the Issue Wait?

It’s easy to understand why homeowners may treat HVAC issues as an emergency. After all, HVAC systems are crucial to indoor comfort, especially during the hottest and coldest months. However, not all HVAC problems need immediate attention. Some can wait for a scheduled HVAC repair.

Being able to determine HVAC emergencies and non-emergencies is important, especially during peak season, when emergency technicians need to respond to real HVAC emergencies. By knowing the difference between an HVAC emergency and an issue that can wait, you can help your local contractor allocate their time and resources more effectively.

To help you figure out if you need an emergency HVAC repair, here are some issues to look out for.

What Is an HVAC Emergency?

No Power

An HVAC that doesn’t turn on at all will cause extreme discomfort for the entire household, especially during the hottest and coldest time of the year. But before calling heating and air conditioner maintenance companies for emergency repairs, ensure you’ve checked the following:

• The HVAC switch isn’t in the OFF position.

• If the switch is ON but your HVAC still doesn’t work, check your thermostat and make sure it’s correctly set.

• Call for HVAC emergency service if the thermostat and HVAC are turned on but the system is still not working.

Simple troubleshooting can save you time and money on emergency repairs, so try to familiarize yourself with basic troubleshooting steps.

Burning Smell

Your HVAC system can emit a burning smell when you turn it on after a long period of inactivity. In heating systems, the odor typically comes from dust and debris being burned away by the unit. This smell should disappear quickly, and it can be prevented with pre-season HVAC maintenance and thorough cleaning. If the odor goes away after a few minutes, it’s not an emergency. However, you should call an HVAC installation company to schedule an HVAC tune-up soon.

If the burning smell gets stronger, turn off the system immediately and make a repair call. The stench could be due to excessive dirt buildup, foreign objects, damaged wiring or a seized HVAC motor — which warrants a call to an emergency technician.

Whistling Sound

If your AC is producing this kind of sound, it’s likely that you have a leaking refrigerant line. Refrigerants enable your air conditioner to produce cool air, so the longer you wait to fix a refrigerant leak, the less efficient your unit will be. Long-term exposure to refrigerant can result in poisoning as well, so this qualifies for emergency HVAC repair.

If your heater is producing a whistling sound and a sulfur-like smell, turn it off immediately. These are signs of a gas leak, so call your HVAC technician right away.

No Airflow

If no air is coming out of your HVAC system, it can be due to various reasons. During the hottest or coldest months of the year, you might not be able to wait for regular business hours, so you’ll likely need to call an emergency technician. However, if the weather isn’t extreme and you can wait one or two days to contact heating and air conditioning maintenance companies, then schedule a service appointment. Just make sure to turn your HVAC system off to prevent further damage.

Any Potential Safety Hazard

Your HVAC system is complex and since it is powered by electricity, there could be potential safety hazards if it malfunctions. If your unit is leaking on a hot day, it can be considered an emergency. If smoke is coming out of your equipment, then that’s definitely an HVAC emergency and a potential fire hazard. Call an emergency repair service provider right away.

What Is Not an HVAC Emergency?

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is crucial to prolong HVAC lifespan and performance. However, it’s not an urgent matter, and it’s ideally done before the hottest and coldest months. HVAC maintenance allows professionals to check your unit’s functionality, airflow, wiring, thermostat and other components for any issues that can evolve into bigger and costlier problems later.

Filter Cleaning or Replacement

Homeowners can solve HVAC airflow issues with regular filter cleaning and replacement. This is ideally done every three months or more frequently, depending on certain variables. Filter cleaning and replacement can be included in your routine maintenance.

HVAC Replacement

If you have a contractor regularly checking your HVAC system, they will let you know how long before your HVAC needs a replacement. This lets you plan for the installation of your new equipment. However, there are instances where HVAC replacement can be an emergency too. If your HVAC system suffers an unexpected failure, you’ll need to replace it ASAP.

No Life-Threatening Situations

If your HVAC issue doesn’t cause serious or life-threatening hazards, then you don’t need emergency repair services. You can schedule an inspection in the next few days.

Contact Us for All Your HVAC Needs!

Whether you need emergency repair services or general maintenance and repairs, work with reliable HVAC installation companies like Cafco Services. With over 70 years of industry experience, we guarantee top-notch HVAC installation, repair and maintenance services for all our clients. You can also reach out to us if you’re looking for a contractor to handle your preventative maintenance program. Our crew works in homes, offices, restaurants, stores, nursing homes or other facilities. Contact us at (513) 242-3400 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.