Surviving the intense North Carolina heat in the summer and the bitter Virginia cold in January is doable when you have a good HVAC system, but what if your heating or cooling suddenly goes out?
An HVAC emergency is a stressful situation, made even worse when you’re not sure what to do next. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these steps for securing emergency HVAC services so you can protect your family from extreme weather and your system from further damage.
Assess the Situation
The key to handling an HVAC emergency is to remain calm. Sudden changes in your home’s temperature, strange noises or smells, leaks, etc., can be surprising and concerning, but it’s important to keep a level head.
Do your best to investigate the situation and gather as much information as possible. Did your heating go out? Has cool air stopped coming out of the vents? Can you see any leaks? Are there out-of-the-ordinary noises or strong odors? This will help you provide sufficient detail for your emergency HVAC services provider.
Turn Off Your HVAC System
The next step is to turn off your HVAC system ASAP, especially if you are experiencing leaks or electrical/burning smells. Leaving your unit on during emergencies can increase the damage to your system and home or lead to safety hazards like fires or flooding.
Call an Emergency HVAC Services Provider
Once you have an idea of the situation, it’s time to call a technician that offers emergency HVAC services. Here are our top tips for finding a reliable provider:
- Get recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors
- Read online reviews from various sources/platforms
- Confirm that the technicians are licensed and insured
- Choose a company with experience and a reputation for quick, effective, and honest service
Going through this process when you’re already flustered from dealing with an unplanned HVAC emergency isn’t practical, so we recommend doing some research ahead of time. Find a trustworthy provider that offers emergency services and save their contact info so you’ll have it handy when the time comes.
What to Expect During the Visit
When you request an emergency HVAC services visit, a technician should arrive at your home promptly to address the issue. Give them as much information and detail as possible, and be ready to show them where they can access different parts of your system.
After looking over your unit, your tech will give you a diagnosis and suggest repairs. This might involve a quick fix to keep things stable until normal business hours, with plans for more intense solutions later, or they may be able to take care of repairs immediately.
Don’t be afraid to ask your HVAC technician questions and request explanations of the damage and recommended action. Make sure you fully understand what’s going on with your system before agreeing to repairs or making any payments.
Be Proactive: Preventing Future HVAC Emergencies
Even better than knowing how to respond to HVAC emergencies is knowing how to avoid them in the first place. The best way to prevent future serious damage to your heating and cooling system is to give it regular TLC:
- Schedule annual maintenance checks with your HVAC company
- Replace air filters often (about every 3 months, depending on your system and use)
- Keep the area around your unit clean and remove leaves, branches, etc., that could obstruct airflow or create hazards
This proactive care will extend the lifespan of your system, reduce the chances of breakdowns and the need for emergency HVAC services, and save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
When You Need Help, Bell Cow Is There
There’s never a good time for an HVAC emergency, but you can rest easy knowing that Bell Cow has your back—count on a speedy arrival, a thorough solution from an experienced technician, and a clear explanation of your system. We want you and your family to stay safe and comfortable, so let us be your go-to for emergency HVAC services. Bookmark our contact form today so you can get a hold of us quickly when you’re facing an HVAC malfunction.