Tips & Tricks

Emergency HVAC: What to Do When Your System Fails

October 14, 20245 min readBy Peninsula HVAC Team

True HVAC Emergencies

Call immediately for:

  • Gas smell - Turn off gas, evacuate, call gas company first
  • Carbon monoxide alarm - Evacuate, call 911
  • Electrical burning smell - Turn off power, evacuate
  • Water flooding from unit - Turn off system to prevent damage

Urgent But Not Emergency

Same-day service appropriate:

  • AC fails during heat wave
  • Heating fails with vulnerable occupants (elderly, infants)
  • System making dangerous sounds

Can Wait for Normal Hours

  • AC not as cold as usual
  • Furnace not quite reaching temperature
  • Strange but not dangerous sounds
  • Gradual performance decline

While Waiting for Help

No AC in Heat:

  • Close blinds on sunny side
  • Use fans
  • Stay hydrated
  • Open windows at night
  • Go to air-conditioned location if necessary

No Heat in Cold:

  • Use space heaters safely (keep away from combustibles)
  • Close off unused rooms
  • Seal drafts with towels
  • Dress warmly, use blankets
  • NEVER use oven or stovetop for heating

Preventing Emergencies

Most HVAC emergencies are preventable with:

  • Annual professional maintenance
  • Regular filter changes
  • Addressing small issues before they grow
  • Knowing your system's age and condition

When to Call Us

We're available 24/7 by phone. Our technicians can assess your situation and advise whether you need immediate service or can safely wait.

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