When Is an HVAC Problem an Emergency?

In today’s post, the HVAC contractors at HVAC Construction, Inc. discuss why it’s important for homeowners to make the distinction between HVAC emergencies and routine service, especially during peak times. 

Troubleshoot It First

You might be surprised at how many service calls we receive where the fix is something as simple as resetting the thermostat. While we don’t expect our customers to know everything about HVAC care and maintenance, we (and HVAC system manufacturers) provide troubleshooting guides and are always ready to answer questions. Doing your own troubleshooting not only saves you time and money that would have been spent on an appointment, but also helps save appointment times for real emergencies.

HVAC Emergencies

So what is considered an actual HVAC emergency? The following are some of the most common ones:

• No power. If your HVAC unit is not turning on at all, check the electrical connections. Is the main power cable undamaged and properly connected? Is the circuit breaker tripped? Did someone accidentally turn off the HVAC system? If you still can’t get the HVAC system to turn on, make an appointment with your HVAC technician.

• Burning smells that get worse. An HVAC motor may emit a smoky or burning smell that should dissipate quickly if it’s just burning off dust in it — you can schedule an HVAC tune-up in a few days. However, if the smell persists or gets worse, you should turn your HVAC system off and have it checked by a technician.

• Bubbling or whistling sounds. If either or both sounds are coming from your air conditioner or heat pump, you probably have a leaking refrigerant line. Refrigerants are the chemicals used by air conditioners to generate cold air. The lower the amount of refrigerant in the system, the higher the strain on the system will be, which can lead to a premature breakdown. In addition to fixing the leak, an HVAC technician will also recharge the refrigerant to its correct level.

Contact HVAC Construction for Your HVAC Needs

Find out what sets HVAC Construction apart from the rest. Give us a call at (801) 298-4822 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Salt Lake City and the surrounding suburbs.