HVAC Emergency? What to Do Before the Technician Arrives

# HVAC Emergency? What to Do Before the Technician Arrives

Your furnace just stopped in the middle of a cold night. Or your AC died during a Bay Area heat wave. Or worse—you smell gas.

HVAC emergencies are stressful, but the actions you take in the first 30 minutes can mean the difference between a simple repair and a costly disaster. Here's exactly what to do for every common scenario.

## Scenario 1: You Smell Gas

**Severity: CRITICAL — Act immediately**

Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add mercaptan (a sulfur compound) that smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this:

### Do This NOW: 1. **Do NOT flip any switches** — no lights, no appliances, no garage doors. Electrical sparks can ignite gas. 2. **Do NOT use your phone inside the house** — go outside first 3. **Open doors and windows** on your way out (only if easily accessible) 4. **Leave the house immediately** — take everyone including pets 5. **Call PG&E's gas emergency line: 1-800-743-5000** from outside or a neighbor's phone 6. **Call 911** if the smell is strong or anyone feels dizzy/nauseous 7. **Stay at least 100 feet away** from the house until responders arrive 8. **Do NOT re-enter** until cleared by PG&E or fire department

### What PG&E Will Do: They dispatch a technician within 60 minutes (usually faster). They'll locate the leak, make it safe, and advise on next steps. This service is free.

### After the All-Clear: Call us to inspect and repair your furnace or gas line. Common causes: cracked heat exchanger, loose gas fitting, failed gas valve.

## Scenario 2: No Heat (Furnace Won't Start)

**Severity: Moderate to High** (depending on outside temperature and household)

### Before You Call: Work through this checklist—these solve about 40% of "emergency" no-heat calls:

1. **Check the thermostat** - Is it set to HEAT? - Is the temperature set above current room temperature? - Are the batteries dead? (Replace them — many thermostats lose settings with dead batteries) - Try turning it off completely, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on

2. **Check the furnace switch** - There's usually a light switch on or near the furnace. Make sure it's ON. - Someone may have accidentally switched it off.

3. **Check the circuit breaker** - Find your electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker (one in the middle position) - Flip it fully OFF, then ON - If it trips again immediately, do NOT reset it — call a professional

4. **Check the air filter** - A severely clogged filter can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down - If it's filthy, replace it and wait 30 minutes for the furnace to reset

5. **Check the condensate drain** (high-efficiency furnaces) - If the drain line is clogged, the furnace won't run - Look for water pooled around the base of the furnace

### If None of That Works: Your furnace needs professional attention. While waiting for us:

- **Use space heaters safely**: Keep 3 feet from anything flammable, never leave unattended, and use a heater with tip-over protection - **Never use your oven for heat**: Gas ovens produce carbon monoxide. This is dangerous. - **Close off unused rooms**: Concentrate heat where you need it - **Bundle up**: Layers, blankets, and warm beverages help while waiting

### For vulnerable household members: If you have infants, elderly family members, or anyone with health conditions, and your home temperature drops below 60°F, consider going to a warm location until the repair is complete.

## Scenario 3: No Cooling (AC Won't Start or Blows Warm Air)

**Severity: Moderate** (can be high during heat waves for elderly or health-compromised individuals)

### Before You Call: 1. **Check the thermostat** - Set to COOL - Fan set to AUTO - Temperature set 3-5° below current room temp

2. **Check both breakers** - Indoor air handler/furnace breaker - Outdoor condenser breaker (often a separate breaker) - Check the disconnect switch near the outdoor unit (a small box on the wall)

3. **Check the outdoor unit** - Is it running? (Fan should be spinning) - Is it blocked by debris, plants, or covers? - Clear at least 2 feet around all sides

4. **Check the air filter** - A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze - If the filter is dirty AND you see ice on the copper lines, turn the system to FAN ONLY for 2-4 hours to thaw

5. **Check the condensate drain** - A full drain pan triggers a safety float switch that shuts down the AC - If you see standing water in the drain pan, the drain line is clogged

### While Waiting for Service: - **Close blinds and curtains** on sun-facing windows - **Use fans** to circulate air - **Stay hydrated** - **Avoid cooking** or running heat-generating appliances - **Go to a cooled space** (library, mall, community center) if indoor temps exceed 90°F, especially for elderly or young children

## Scenario 4: Water Leak from HVAC System

**Severity: Moderate** — but can cause significant property damage if ignored

### Immediate Steps: 1. **Turn off the system** at the thermostat (set to OFF) 2. **Contain the water** with towels, buckets, or a wet-dry vacuum 3. **Protect belongings** — move electronics, documents, and valuables away from the leak 4. **Do NOT turn the system back on** until the leak is fixed

### Common Causes: - **Clogged condensate drain line** (most common — 70% of cases) - **Cracked condensate drain pan** (common in systems 10+ years old) - **Frozen evaporator coil** (restricted airflow from dirty filter) - **Refrigerant leak** (causes the coil to freeze, then thaw and overflow)

### Water Damage Warning: Water from HVAC leaks can damage drywall, ceilings, flooring, and insulation within hours. If the leak has been ongoing, check for: - Ceiling stains or sagging - Wet insulation in attic - Mold or musty smells - Warped flooring

Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes.

## Scenario 5: Strange or Alarming Noises

### Banging or Booming (Furnace) **What it sounds like**: Metal banging when the furnace starts **Likely cause**: Delayed ignition — gas builds up before igniting, causing a small explosion **What to do**: Turn off the furnace and call for service. This can crack the heat exchanger.

### Screeching or Squealing **What it sounds like**: High-pitched metal-on-metal sound **Likely cause**: Failed blower motor bearing or slipped belt **What to do**: Turn off the system. Running it can damage the motor beyond repair.

### Buzzing or Humming (Outdoor Unit) **What it sounds like**: Loud buzzing from the condenser **Likely cause**: Failing contactor, compressor issue, or debris in the fan **What to do**: Turn off at the disconnect switch. Check for visible debris through the fan grill.

### Clicking (Repeated) **What it sounds like**: Click-click-click without the system starting **Likely cause**: Igniter failure (furnace) or contactor failure (AC) **What to do**: Safe to leave alone temporarily, but system won't run. Schedule service.

### Hissing **What it sounds like**: Steady hiss from refrigerant lines or indoor unit **Likely cause**: Refrigerant leak **What to do**: Turn off the system. Refrigerant leaks worsen over time and reduce efficiency.

## Scenario 6: Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off

**Severity: CRITICAL**

### Do This NOW: 1. **Do NOT try to find the source** — get out immediately 2. **Evacuate everyone** — family and pets 3. **Call 911** from outside 4. **Do NOT re-enter** until emergency responders clear the home 5. **Open windows** only if you can do so without significant delay in getting out 6. **Account for all family members**

### Symptoms of CO Exposure: - Headache - Dizziness - Nausea - Confusion - Fatigue - Chest pain

CO exposure can be fatal. If anyone shows symptoms, inform the 911 operator.

### After Clearance: Common HVAC sources of carbon monoxide: - Cracked heat exchanger (most dangerous) - Blocked flue or venting - Back-drafting from improper venting - Malfunctioning gas appliances

We perform combustion analysis testing on all furnace repairs to verify safe CO levels.

## Our Emergency Response

We provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service throughout the Bay Area:

- **Response time**: Most emergencies served within 2-4 hours - **Coverage area**: San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, San Francisco, and Alameda County - **No hidden fees**: The price we quote is the price you pay - **After-hours availability**: Evenings, weekends, and holidays

### What to Have Ready When You Call: - Your address - Type of system (AC, furnace, heat pump) - Brand name (usually on the unit's label) - What's happening (no heat, water leak, etc.) - Any steps you've already tried

Save our number in your phone so you have it when you need it. HVAC emergencies rarely happen at convenient times—but we're here when they do.