HVAC repair: the symptoms that need a same-day call

Most HVAC problems can wait a day or two for a service visit. A few cannot, and ignoring them turns a small repair into an expensive one. Here’s the short list of symptoms to call about today.

Stop and call now if you see

These are the situations where you should turn the system off and call for service before running it again:

• Burning smell from any vent or the air handler (could be a motor or electrical issue)
• Water dripping or pooling around the indoor unit (drain pan overflow or leak)
• Ice on any refrigerant line or coil
• Loud bang at startup followed by the system running rough
• Hissing sound near refrigerant lines (refrigerant leak)
• Sparks or scorch marks at any electrical connection
• Carbon monoxide alarm activating near furnace area

Running through any of these usually doesn’t immediately destroy equipment, but it makes the eventual repair more expensive and in some cases unsafe.

Symptoms that can wait

By contrast, these can usually wait until business hours:

• Reduced cooling capacity that’s been gradual
• Slightly elevated electric bills
• One room not as cool as others
• Minor noises that have been there for a while
• Programmable thermostat acting up

If you’re not sure which category your problem falls in, call and describe what you’re seeing. We’ll tell you whether it can wait or needs same-day attention. We don’t push emergency rates unless something is actually an emergency. More on HVAC repair and related AC repair coverage.