Do I Have An HVAC Emergency?

There’s one thing every homeowner dreads – a furnace or air conditioner that doesn’t turn on record-setting days.

When you turn your furnace on early in the morning, and it doesn’t, is that considered an emergency?

Or how about a furnace that isn’t blowing heated air, and it happens to be a holiday? Is that an emergency?

Heating and cooling problems don’t always stick to a schedule. They don’t always wait for a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday window.

Should you wait until normal business hours to call in your problem? Or is it considered an HVAC emergency?

HVAC services are considered essential because, in some cases, your heating and cooling system can cause life-threatening problems.

You know it’s an emergency if:

The weather is bad. When we have record-breaking temperatures across the Front Range, with the heat creeping into triple digits, it can be an emergency. Especially if you have elderly, small children, or others with compromised immune systems at home. The same applies in the winter months, where the temperatures fall well below freezing. In extreme weather conditions, it can pose a health risk. It’s time to call in an HVAC technician no matter what the time.

The severity of the problem. If your furnace suddenly isn’t producing air as warm as it once was, it might be time for an inspection to locate the problem. It isn’t life-threatening. It can probably wait until regular business hours. But not all HVAC problems can wait.

Loud screeching noises – pressure can build to dangerous levels within the system. If you hear a loud noise and you can’t pinpoint it to a belt or other minor issue, it’s best to turn the system completely off and call in a professional.

Burning smell – a burning smell could be an electrical problem. If you hear a popping noise with it, it could be a problem with your electrical system, possibly behind the walls. Turn off the system and call in a technician.

A rotten egg smell – the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs is a sign of leaking natural gas. Don’t try and determine where the problem is coming from, leave your house and get to safety. Then call in a professional who will determine where the problem lies.

HVAC systems can be dangerous in a variety of situations. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to assume it’s an emergency and give us a call. It’s better to be safe.