Emergency
HVAC Emergency? Here's What to Do Before the Technician Arrives
December 8, 2020•5 min read
A sudden HVAC failure is stressful, especially during extreme weather. While you wait for professional help, taking the right steps can prevent additional damage and keep your household safe.
Safety First: When to Evacuate
Leave your home immediately and call 911 if you:
- Smell gas (rotten egg odor)
- See smoke or fire
- Hear your carbon monoxide detector alarm
- Notice electrical sparking
Don't try to diagnose these yourself. Get everyone out first, then call from outside.
Leave your home immediately and call 911 if you:
- Smell gas (rotten egg odor)
- See smoke or fire
- Hear your carbon monoxide detector alarm
- Notice electrical sparking
Don't try to diagnose these yourself. Get everyone out first, then call from outside.
If Your AC Stops Working
1. Turn off the system at the thermostat to prevent damage
2. Check your air filter - a completely clogged filter can shut down the system
3. Look at the outdoor unit - remove any debris blocking airflow
4. Check your breaker box - flip the HVAC breaker off and back on
5. Inspect the condensate drain - a clogged drain may trigger safety shutoff
1. Turn off the system at the thermostat to prevent damage
2. Check your air filter - a completely clogged filter can shut down the system
3. Look at the outdoor unit - remove any debris blocking airflow
4. Check your breaker box - flip the HVAC breaker off and back on
5. Inspect the condensate drain - a clogged drain may trigger safety shutoff
If Your Furnace Stops Working
1. Check your thermostat - make sure it's set to heat and temperature is set above room temp
2. Check pilot light (if applicable) - if out, the system won't run
3. Inspect the filter - replace if dirty
4. Look for error codes - modern furnaces display diagnostic codes
5. Make sure gas is on - check the shutoff valve near the furnace
For more troubleshooting tips, see our noise guide.
1. Check your thermostat - make sure it's set to heat and temperature is set above room temp
2. Check pilot light (if applicable) - if out, the system won't run
3. Inspect the filter - replace if dirty
4. Look for error codes - modern furnaces display diagnostic codes
5. Make sure gas is on - check the shutoff valve near the furnace
For more troubleshooting tips, see our noise guide.
Staying Comfortable While Waiting
For AC failures:
- Close blinds to block sunlight
- Use fans to circulate air
- Stay hydrated
- Move to the coolest room
For heating failures:
- Layer clothing and blankets
- Close off unused rooms
- Use a portable space heater safely (never unattended)
- Never use a gas stove for heat (see our CO safety guide)
For AC failures:
- Close blinds to block sunlight
- Use fans to circulate air
- Stay hydrated
- Move to the coolest room
For heating failures:
- Layer clothing and blankets
- Close off unused rooms
- Use a portable space heater safely (never unattended)
- Never use a gas stove for heat (see our CO safety guide)
When to Call for Emergency Service
Not every HVAC problem is an emergency. Call our 24/7 emergency service when:
- Temperatures are extreme and safety is at risk
- Vulnerable people (elderly, infants, ill) are affected
- You smell gas or detect CO
- Water is actively flooding from the unit
For non-urgent issues, scheduling next-day service saves emergency fees.
Not every HVAC problem is an emergency. Call our 24/7 emergency service when:
- Temperatures are extreme and safety is at risk
- Vulnerable people (elderly, infants, ill) are affected
- You smell gas or detect CO
- Water is actively flooding from the unit
For non-urgent issues, scheduling next-day service saves emergency fees.
Prevent Future Emergencies
Most HVAC emergencies are preventable with regular maintenance. See our maintenance checklist and schedule annual tune-ups.
Most HVAC emergencies are preventable with regular maintenance. See our maintenance checklist and schedule annual tune-ups.