When your heating or cooling system breaks down unexpectedly, it can be stressful and uncomfortable, especially during extreme weather conditions. At Armour Home Comfort, we understand how critical it is to restore comfort to your home as quickly as possible. That’s why we offer services within 24-hours!
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do in an HVAC emergency to help you stay calm, take immediate action, and know when to call the experts.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do in any emergency is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to hasty decisions or overlooking simple solutions. Begin by assessing the situation. Is your HVAC system completely non-functional, or is it experiencing a specific issue like strange noises, a burning smell, or inadequate heating or cooling?
Common Signs of HVAC Emergencies
Understanding the common signs of HVAC emergencies can help you assess the situation more effectively:
- 1. Complete System Failure: If your HVAC system won’t turn on at all, this is a clear sign of an emergency.
- 2. Strange Noises: Banging, clanking, or screeching noises could indicate a mechanical problem or loose components.
- 3. Burning Smell: A burning odor suggests electrical issues or overheating components.
- 4. No Airflow: If the system is running but there’s no airflow, there might be a problem with the blower motor or ductwork.
- 5. Water Leaks: Water pooling around your unit may signal a blocked drain line or refrigerant leak.
- 6. Inconsistent Temperatures: If some areas of your home are much hotter or colder than others, your system may not be working correctly.
Check for Simple Solutions
Before calling in the professionals, there are a few things you can check yourself:
Thermostat Settings
Ensure your thermostat is set to the correct temperature and mode (heating or cooling). Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as an incorrect setting. If your thermostat is programmable, check if the programming is correct and hasn’t been changed inadvertently.
Power Supply
Check if the HVAC unit is receiving power. Look for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your electrical panel. Resetting a tripped breaker or replacing a fuse can sometimes solve the problem. Also, ensure that the power switch near the indoor unit is in the “on” position.
Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut down or operate inefficiently. If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, now might be a good time to do so. A clean filter can improve system performance and indoor air quality.
Vents and Registers
Make sure that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed. Blocked airflow can lead to uneven heating or cooling and put extra strain on your system. Walk through each room and ensure that furniture, drapes, or other objects are not covering the vents.
Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, the circuit breaker for your HVAC system might trip, causing it to shut down. Locate your electrical panel and check if the breaker for your HVAC system is in the “off” position. If it is, reset it to the “on” position. If the breaker trips again, contact a professional immediately.
Condensate Drain Line
HVAC systems often have a condensate drain line to remove excess moisture. If this line becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up and potentially shut down your system. Check the drain line for blockages and clear any debris you find.
Identify Urgent Issues
Certain problems require immediate professional attention. Recognizing these issues can help you act quickly to prevent further damage:
Strange Noises
Loud or unusual noises, such as banging, clanking, or screeching, can indicate mechanical issues or loose components that need urgent repair. Ignoring these noises can lead to more severe damage and costly repairs.
Burning Smell
A burning odor could mean electrical problems or overheating components. Turn off your system and contact us immediately if you notice this smell. Continuing to run the system could pose a fire hazard.
No Airflow
If your HVAC system is running but there’s no airflow, there could be a problem with the blower motor or ductwork. This requires professional diagnosis and repair. No airflow can also indicate a severe blockage or a broken component that needs immediate attention.
Water Leaks
Water pooling around your HVAC unit could indicate a blocked drain line or a refrigerant leak. Both issues need to be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. Water leaks can also lead to mold growth, which poses health risks.
Electrical Issues
If you notice sparks, flickering lights, or frequently tripped breakers when your HVAC system is running, these are signs of electrical problems. Turn off the system and contact a professional immediately to avoid the risk of electrical fire or further damage to your system.
How to Prevent Future Emergencies
While emergencies can’t always be avoided, regular maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Consider enrolling in our maintenance program, which includes scheduled inspections, tune-ups, and priority service for any issues that arise.
Key Benefits of Armour Home Comfort Club Plans
During any Armour Home Comfort Club visit, a trained expert cleans, inspects, and performs operational testing and adjustments to your HVAC system. Our team looks for early signs of concern, making minor corrections that might otherwise develop into a major repair. Depending on the age and type of your equipment, we have three levels of protection available.
The Level 1
Armour Home Comfort Club Care plan provides a comprehensive tune-up for any HVAC equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat recovery ventilators, and gas fireplaces. It reduces the possibility of breakdowns, lowers your utility bills, provides a 15% discount on repairs, enhances home comfort, and offers exclusive preferential emergency service.
The Level 2
Armour Home Comfort Club Protection plan adds greater peace of mind by covering the labour costs of the comprehensive tune-up as long as the equipment’s parts warranty is valid. This includes all Level 1 benefits, plus labour costs, service call costs, and parts costs covered by the manufacturer, with the plan extending up to 10 years for equipment purchased from us.
The Level 3
Armour Home Comfort Club Ultimate Protection plan offers the highest protection, covering parts and labour costs during comprehensive tune-ups and available for equipment up to 10 years old. It includes all Level 2 benefits, parts costs coverage, and year-round, worry-free home comfort.
Expert HVAC Team
Dealing with an HVAC emergency can be daunting, but knowing what to do can make a significant difference. By staying calm, checking for simple solutions, and recognizing urgent issues, you can take immediate action to protect your home and family. And when it’s time to call in the professionals, Armour Home Comfort is here for you within 24 hours with expert HVAC repair services in Belleville, ON, and the surrounding areas.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing future emergencies and ensuring your system runs smoothly year-round. Trust Armour Home Comfort to keep your home comfortable and safe and contact us today!
