When your HVAC system suddenly stops working, it can be incredibly stressful, especially when experiencing extreme weather. Whether your furnace won’t turn on in the middle of winter or your AC is blowing warm air on a scorching summer day, knowing how to handle the situation can help prevent further damage and restore comfort to your home.
Improper action during an HVAC emergency can quickly lead to major system damage and hazards to your home and loved ones. By preparing for these emergencies ahead of time, you can keep a level head during this event and protect your home, loved ones, and HVAC system from harm.
If you want to learn more about what to do when you’re experiencing an HVAC emergency, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
What is Considered an HVAC Emergency?
Before reaching out to your trusted HVAC professional about a potential HVAC emergency, you must understand what is considered an emergency. While some problems seem like emergencies, they don’t require immediate attention. However, some issues with your HVAC system problems need immediate attention to keep your property safe, including the following:
- Heater Isn’t Heating Your Home: While this might not seem like an immediate HVAC emergency, a broken heater can pose a significant risk to your home as temperatures drop below freezing. When the temperature is at or under 32°F, the pipes in your home can freeze and burst, which may lead to significant water damage on your property.
- AC Units Blowing Hot Air: Whether your air conditioner is experiencing a refrigerant leak, compressor problems, or dirty air filters, it may be blowing hot air into your home. Failing to acknowledge this problem may result in more significant system breakdowns, so it’s essential to address this HVAC emergency as soon as it emerges.
- A Gas Leak: If you notice a rotten egg smell in your home, this may indicate a gas leak in your home. This is a serious HVAC emergency, as it can expose you and your loved ones to carbon monoxide. Ignoring the smell of gas can lead to severe physical illness and possible death, so it’s crucial you address it immediately.
- Electrical Issues: For homeowners who are experiencing sparks, burning smells, or a tripped circuit breaker, this HVAC emergency can be incredibly dangerous. If left unattended, electrical issues can quickly turn into devastating house fires. If you believe your HVAC problem is caused by electrical issues, call your HVAC team immediately.
Essential Steps to Take During an HVAC Emergency
If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, it is essential that you take the appropriate steps to keep your home and HVAC system safe. Taking the wrong steps during these emergencies can have devastating consequences. If you believe you’re experiencing an HVAC emergency, follow the steps below to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Turn Off Your HVAC System
The first step in addressing an HVAC emergency is turning off your system. If you choose to run your HVAC system when it is malfunctioning, you may end up doing more damage to the system than if you turned it off. Additionally, turning off your HVAC system while it is malfunctioning will protect your home from further hazards, like carbon monoxide leaks or fires. If you want to keep your home and family safe, turning off your HVAC system is essential.
Attempt Easy System Repairs
If you suspect the problem with your HVAC system can be remedied through quick repairs, you may want to consider making these changes. In situations where your heater won’t turn on or isn’t reaching the appropriate temperature, you can check to ensure the batteries in your thermostat are working properly. You can also verify that your air filters are clean and allowing airflow to the system. However, if these fixes don’t remedy the HVAC emergency, you shouldn’t attempt any other repairs and instead turn to the professionals for comprehensive care.
Leave Your Home If Necessary
For homeowners who are dealing with a gas leak in their home, it is essential that you evacuate as soon as possible. Choosing to stay in your home while you’re experiencing a gas leak poses a significant, life-threatening risk to your health. If you know where the gas shutoff valve is and how to operate it, you may also want to consider turning off the gas in your home. However, if you don’t know where the valve is, it is best to leave this task to the professionals who can protect themselves during this process.
Contact a Trusted HVAC Professional
The final step in addressing an HVAC emergency in your home is reaching out to your trusted HVAC team for support. Contact them as soon as your family has evacuated your home or shut off the system and let them know you’re experiencing an emergency. Make sure to provide them with as much information as possible to ensure they are equipped to handle whatever emergency you’re experiencing. While waiting for the team to arrive, it is important that you don’t attempt repairs on your own, as this can make the problem worse.
Call R&D Heating & Air for Expert Support
HVAC emergencies can be incredibly distressing, but having a reliable HVAC team to support you through this process makes it much easier to navigate. If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC team in the Roy, Utah, area, turn to R&D Heating & Air for support. With over 20 years of combined experience, we’re confident that our team can address any emergency you may face and restore comfort to your home.
If you would like to learn more about our services or need help addressing an emergency in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
