Common HVAC Emergencies We Resolve

An HVAC emergency can manifest in several ways. If you experience any of the following issues, it’s critical to seek professional assistance immediately to prevent further damage to your system or potential safety hazards. Our technicians are expertly trained to handle all urgent heating and cooling problems.

No Conditioned Air

The most obvious sign of an emergency is a complete lack of cool air from your AC or warm air from your furnace. If your system is running but the air coming from the vents is room temperature or, worse, the opposite of what you need, it points to a significant issue like a refrigerant leak, a failed compressor, or a broken furnace ignitor.

Complete System Failure

If your HVAC unit will not turn on at all, it can be a jarring experience. While the cause could be as simple as a tripped breaker, it can also indicate a serious electrical problem, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a critical failure within the unit itself that requires immediate professional attention.

Strange and Loud Noises

Your HVAC system should operate with a consistent, low-level hum. Sudden, loud noises are a clear warning sign of mechanical trouble.

• Grinding or Scraping: This often signals a problem with the motor bearings or a broken component inside the air handler.
• Squealing or Screeching: High-pitched sounds can indicate a failing belt or a motor that needs lubrication.
• Banging or Clanking: This could mean a loose or broken part, such as a piston pin, connecting rod, or crankshaft, especially within the compressor.

Unpleasant Odors

Your nose is a powerful tool for detecting HVAC emergencies. Never ignore unusual smells coming from your system or vents.

• Burning Smell: A dusty smell is common when you first turn on the heat, but a persistent electrical or metallic burning odor could signal an overheating motor or wiring issue, which is a fire hazard.
• Rotten Egg Smell: The distinct smell of sulfur or rotten eggs is a major red flag for a natural gas leak from your furnace. If you smell this, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company, then an HVAC professional.

Water Leaks or Frozen Coils

Water pooling around your indoor or outdoor unit is a sign of trouble. It could be a clogged condensate drain line, which can lead to water damage and mold growth. Similarly, if you notice ice or frost buildup on your air conditioner's evaporator coils, it indicates an airflow problem or low refrigerant that can cause the entire system to freeze up and fail.

What to Do in an HVAC Emergency: A Safety Checklist

While you wait for our technician to arrive, there are a few safe steps you can take to assess the situation and ensure your safety.

• Check Your Thermostat: First, ensure the thermostat is set to the correct mode (heat or cool) and the desired temperature. A dead thermostat screen may simply indicate a need for new batteries.
• Inspect Your Circuit Breaker: Check your home's electrical panel. Your HVAC system is connected to one or more breakers. If a breaker has been tripped, you can try resetting it once. If it trips again immediately, do not touch it further and wait for a professional.
• Check Your Air Filters: A severely clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to overheat or freeze up. If your filter is visibly dirty, turn the system off and replace it.
• Turn the System Off: If you hear loud grinding or banging noises, or if you smell burning odors, turn your HVAC system off at the thermostat and the circuit breaker to prevent further damage and ensure safety.
• For Gas Odors, Evacuate: If you smell gas, do not attempt any troubleshooting. Do not turn lights or appliances on or off. Leave your home immediately, call your gas utility's emergency line from a safe distance, and then contact us for the furnace repair.

Our Emergency Repair Process for Winchester Homes

We’ve streamlined our emergency service to be as simple and stress-free as possible.

• You Call, We Answer: Our phone lines are open 24/7/365. When you call, you’ll speak with a person ready to understand your situation and dispatch help.
• Rapid Dispatch: We immediately dispatch a qualified, equipped technician to your Winchester-area home. Our goal is to arrive promptly to diagnose the problem.
• Expert Diagnosis and Transparent Communication: Upon arrival, our technician will perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the exact cause of the failure. They will then explain the issue clearly, outline all available repair options, and provide upfront, honest pricing before any work begins.
• Professional Repair: With your approval, our technician will perform the necessary repairs using high-quality parts and industry-leading techniques to restore your system to safe and efficient operation. We work diligently to complete the job right the first time.

Serving All HVAC Systems

Since 1946, Southern Air has been a cornerstone of the community, providing exceptional service built on trust and expertise. Our technicians have the skill and experience to perform emergency repairs on all types and brands of heating and cooling equipment, including central air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems. When your comfort is on the line, you can depend on the deep knowledge and unwavering commitment of the Southern Air team to resolve the issue and bring comfort back to your home.