You depend on your HVAC system to heat and cool your home year-round. Unfortunately, an HVAC system, like any other appliance, can malfunction or stop working. Under certain circumstances, you may even have an HVAC emergency. This is especially true if temperatures outside are extremely hot or cold. Recognizing the signs of an HVAC emergency is important to any homeowner. You may find the following information about HVAC emergencies helpful one day.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
Some emergencies are more pressing than others. If you notice any of the following signs, you may have an HVAC emergency.
No Heat or Cooling
It is an emergency if your HVAC system suddenly stops heating or cooling your home. This is especially true during the warm months of summer and the colder months of winter. Suddenly losing heat during the winter or air during the summer can be hazardous to the occupants of your home. If your system simply doesn’t do its job, it is time to call a professional.
Unusual Noises
Strange noises coming from your HVAC system can signify a problem with its furnace or a gas leak. A gas leak is a major emergency, primarily because it can be hazardous to your health. If you notice unusual noises coming from your HVAC system, it may be an emergency.
Leaking Water
Water leaking from your HVAC system is never a good sign. It could be the sign of a malfunctioning pump or a clogged condensate drain. Excessive water can easily damage your home’s structures and your belongings. For this reason, you shouldn’t leave HVAC system leaks unattended for too long. Water leaks can also cause mold and mildew to form.
Poor Airflow
Your HVAC system should adequately cool and/or heat your home. If it can’t do this, it is probably time to call an emergency technician. Poor airflow can be caused by a damaged blower motor, clogged filter, or ductwork issues. These issues can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, increasing your energy bills and placing extra strain on your system.
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is an important component of your HVAC system. Without it, your system wouldn’t be able to produce cold air. Refrigerant leaks, however, can pose a threat to your household. The substance is not only harmful to the environment, but it can be harmful to your health if you are exposed to it for an extended period. Refrigerant poisoning often manifests in symptoms such as fluid buildup in the lungs, difficulty breathing, organ damage, and in the most extreme cases, death. The second you suspect a refrigerant leak, you should reach out to an HVAC professional.
Gas and Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and should always be considered emergencies. If you notice the scent of gas around your boiler or furnace or you even just suspect a leak, you should leave your home at once. After you leave, you should reach out to your gas company. A serious gas leak can pose severe health risks and result in a fire. Avoid reentering your home until a professional tells you your furnace is safe to use.
Faulty HVAC systems can produce an odorless, colorless gas known as carbon monoxide. HVAC systems that burn fuel, such as boilers and furnaces are capable of producing carbon monoxide. Extended exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, you should evacuate your home immediately. You should also make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.
Steps to Take During an HVAC Emergency
If there is an emergency with your HVAC system, the first thing you should do is turn it completely off. This will prevent your system from sustaining any more damage, and it could be necessary for your safety. This is especially true if your HVAC system is leaking gas, produces smoke, or makes strange noises. You can use the thermostat or switch the circuit breaker to turn your HVAC system off.
You will definitely want to examine your thermostat during an HVAC emergency. It’s possible for your system to not work the way it is supposed to due to an inaccurate thermostat. Make sure the thermostat works and is set to a reasonable temperature.
If your HVAC system is totally off, you may need to check out your circuit breaker. It’s possible for your circuit breaker to trip and turn off your appliances. You can turn your breaker back on and see if it fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, you should probably keep it turned off and contact a technician.
When an HVAC system emergency occurs, reaching out to a professional can help solve your problem. Professional HVAC technicians have the tools, knowledge, and skills to help you get your HVAC system back on track. They can adequately diagnose any problem and advise you on whether to repair or replace your system.
Avoiding HVAC Emergencies With Routine Maintenance
There are no foolproof ways to avoid HVAC emergencies. They can happen to anyone at any time. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your system breaking down at an inconvenient time. Scheduling regular maintenance is one of those steps. By scheduling routine maintenance for your HVAC system, you can ensure it remains operational and you don’t have to spend a ton of money on costly repairs.
Maintenance is also necessary to keep your system running optimally. It ensures your air is healthier, you are able to enjoy a pleasant indoor temperature, and you are safe. There are many components of an HVAC system, and they must all work together. Over time, these components can wear down and cause your system to malfunction. By scheduling maintenance, you can prevent this from occurring and keep your system operating efficiently and effectively.
The Importance of Getting Help Fast
Many HVAC system emergencies are time-sensitive. This means you should get them attended to as soon as possible. Some emergencies even occur at night or during the weekend. For this reason, you will want to schedule service with a professional who can quickly diagnose and remedy the issue you are facing. Don’t wait until your system sustains more damage or it becomes too cold or hot in your home to call. Extreme temperatures can be deadly to the humans and pets inside your home. Always take HVAC emergencies seriously.
We Can Handle Your HVAC Emergency
Cozy Home Services offers a variety of HVAC services to Vacaville, CA, and the surrounding area. We have a 24/7 answering system, so you can be sure we answer when your HVAC emergency happens. Our company’s HVAC repair and replacement services are prompt, reliable, and professional, and we are fully committed to pleasing our customers. You can also look to us for plumbing repairs, ductwork services, and indoor air quality solutions. Contact us today if you are experiencing an HVAC emergency or if you simply need to schedule service.
