When Should I Call for HVAC Emergency Service?
When you hear a strange noise coming from your HVAC unit, what do you do? How do you know if it is a serious issue that you can’t ignore, or if you can continue to use your HVAC system and not worry about it? What defines an HVAC emergency?
You rely on your energy system to keep you warm and comfortable in the winter and cool and comfortable during the summer. The last thing you want to have to do is shut down your HVAC unit and be left unsure what to do next if you hear a troubling sound coming from your HVAC.
So, are there certain signs that indicate an HVAC emergency? Maybe you could take a chance and wait if you hear strange sounds, but could that pose a danger to your HVAC system and even your house?
Here we will provide you with a reference guide that informs you when it is a good idea to immediately call your HVAC technicians if you hear certain sounds emanating from your HVAC unit.
Guide to HVAC Emergencies
Screeching Noises
If you hear screeching sounds coming from your HVAC unit it is a sure bet that something with your HVAC unit is not right. You will hear screeching noises if there is a dangerously high level of pressure in your compressor. When this happens, you need to turn off the system right away and call your HVAC company to have them tend to this maintenance issue as soon as possible. Consider this an HVAC emergency.
Although it is possible that a screeching sound could mean something minor, such as a loose fan belt, you don’t want to take a chance. Instead, immediately reach out to your HVAC company and have a certified technician diagnose the problem.
So, if you hear a screeching sound coming from your HVAC unit, turn off the system and call your HVAC contractor right away.
Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell after you switch on your air conditioner, that is not a good sign. When you detect a burning smell coming from your air conditioner, it typically means there is an electrical problem.
It is possible that a portion of the equipment has melted. You don’t want to ignore a burning smell. Be sure to immediately call your HVAC company and have them look into the matter.
Insufficient Air Flow
Determining if this is an HVAC emergency depends on the time of year it occurs. There could be quite a few reasons that there is little or no airflow in your HVAC unit. However, during the summer or winter – with extreme temperatures – you may not be able to wait for regular business hours to get your energy system operating again. That is when you need to make an emergency call to your HVAC company.
In general, if there is an issue with the airflow, it is best to act promptly and call your HVAC company and treat it as an HVAC emergency. The smart move is to turn off the system and call the experts.
Buzzing or Popping Noises
As is the case with a burning smell, if you hear popping or buzzing noises, that can indicate a problem with the electrical parts of the equipment. More likely than not, it is probably not simply a loose component, but rather a serious electrical issue that constitutes an HVAC emergency.
That is why you want to immediately contact your local HVAC company and make sure the issue is resolved in time and the necessary repairs are made.
Thwapping Sound
When you hear thwapping sounds coming from your HVAC unit, that usually means something is stuck to the blower’s fan blade. Although this may not necessarily be an HVAC emergency, the obstructing object may lead to unnecessary wear and tear of the unit, and that can significantly reduce its life expectancy.
So, while you don’t need to treat this case as an HVAC emergency, it is best to contact your HVAC company sooner than later and have them resolve the issue with the blower’s fan blade.
Clicking Sound
If you detect a frequent clicking sound emanating from your HVAC unit, it is probably either in the inside air handler or the outside compressor. There are several possible culprits that are causing this noise. A certified HVAC technician is the best person to accurately diagnose this problem.
If you notice that the clicking sound is coming from your air conditioner after first turning it on – and you have not used it in months – that tells you your system is operating fine. However, if the clicking sound continues and is coming directly from the air conditioner, it could mean there are internal problems with the air conditioner. That is when you should act as if it is an HVAC emergency and call your HVAC company right away.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
