Are you staring at a puddle of water from your AC unit or listening to a strange clunking noise from your heater? Determining whether your HVAC system is experiencing a minor hiccup or a full-blown emergency is often daunting. This blog post from Efficient Systems, Inc. will help you understand the difference between an urgent HVAC crisis and a routine service issue. This could save you time, stress and unnecessary expenses.

When to Call for Emergency HVAC Services

There are specific situations when you should immediately contact an HVAC emergency service.

• If you detect the smell of gas or something burning from your HVAC system, this could be a sign of a serious or even life-threatening problem. Seek professional help immediately.

• In some regions, extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous. If your HVAC system stops working and leaves you without heat in freezing weather, it’s an emergency.

• If your system is constantly turning on and off, it’s likely overworking itself — a situation that can lead to an abrupt and complete breakdown if left unchecked.

• Lastly, sudden loud or strange sounds could indicate a significant problem with your system, such as a loose or broken component that could damage the rest of the system if not promptly addressed.

When to Schedule General Repairs

Some issues, despite being inconvenient or frustrating, don’t necessarily represent an HVAC emergency. These situations are better suited for a general repair appointment:

• Routine Maintenance. Standard check-ups, filter changes or cleaning are essential services but aren’t urgent and can be scheduled conveniently.

• Slow Temperature Changes. If your system is still running but not heating or cooling your home as quickly as it used to, it’s not an immediate emergency. Still, it could indicate a need for repairs or maintenance. Checking the air filters if they need cleaning or replacing and adjusting the thermostat settings are some of the troubleshooting steps you can make to help fix the issue.

• Odd Sounds. If your HVAC system is making an odd but not overly loud noise, this is a likely sign that it’s time for a maintenance check. However, it’s typically not an emergency unless the problem rapidly worsens.

Need Help With HVAC Emergencies?

Understanding when you’re facing an HVAC emergency can save you from unnecessary stress. For all your heating and cooling needs, big or small, keep Efficient Systems, Inc top-of-mind. Our team is always ready to help keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Reach us at (317) 659-9808, or fill out our contact form.