Why does it always seem that an HVAC system goes out when it’s freezing cold or blazing hot outside? This seemingly inconvenient problem can quickly become a major issue, but have no fear! Today, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on who to call for emergency HVAC service in the Tri-Cities area, detailing problems to look out for, the importance of timely HVAC repairs, and what to look for in service providers.
What Qualifies as an HVAC Emergency?
When it comes to your HVAC system, you never want it to become so problematic that it could stop working or become a hazard, but people often find it hard to tell the difference between a concern and an HVAC unit making HVAC unit sounds. Here are six signs of an issue to ensure you don’t miss a critical red flag.
#1: Screeching Noises
Screeching noises coming from your HVAC system are never a good thing. While it could be as minor as a loose fan belt, it could also be as severe as a dangerously high level of pressure in your compressor. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know the problem without a diagnosis, so a screeching noise should always be considered an HVAC emergency.
#2: Burning Smell
The second sign of a severe issue is a burning smell. However, we want to caution you that there is one time when a burning smell is okay. If you have just lived through the summer, you likely didn’t use the heating setting for your HVAC system. Therefore, it could have collected some dust. When you turn the HVAC system on for the first time in months, you get that burning smell; it is just dust burning off. It should go away in a few minutes!
If the burning smell does not go away in a few minutes, that could indicate a more severe concern, such as an overheating motor, a bad capacitor, a broken fan belt, a clogged air filter, an electrical issue, or a melted component of your system.
#3: Clicking Sounds
Similarly to a burning smell, if you hear a clicking sound when you first turn on your HVAC system after not using it for months, that means your operating system is getting back into running again.
However, if the clicking sound persists and comes directly from the air conditioner, it could be a sign of an internal problem. This issue has several possible reasons, so a technician must diagnose it promptly. Therefore, this problem would constitute an HVAC emergency as it must be turned off until fixed.
#4: Poor Airflow
If your HVAC sounds like it is working away, but insufficient airflow is distributed throughout the house, you have a problem. We recommend quickly checking your air filters to make sure they are clean and double-checking that your vents, indoor unit, and outdoor unit are not blocked before assuming the worst.
If both are not an issue, you may have an air duct leak. If the weather is fair outside, you may be able to get by turning off your HVAC system and waiting until regular working hours to call for HVAC repair. However, if it is during the winter or summer months when your HVAC system is what is keeping your home and family safe from the elements, this constitutes an emergency HVAC service.
#5: Buzzing or Popping Noises
Buzzing or popping sounds are never good to hear from your HVAC system. They can often indicate problems with your system’s electrical components, which is a serious issue. If you hear this noise for more than a few minutes, immediately turn off your system and call for emergency HVAC service.
#6: Thwapping Sounds
Thwapping sounds, on the other hand, often mean you could have something stuck in the blower’s fan blades. While it doesn’t require an emergency HVAC repair, it can harm your HVAC system over time and reduce the life expectancy of your unit. Therefore, getting it looked at as soon as possible is advised, but you can likely wait until regular working hours.
4 Steps for Emergency HVAC Service
In the event of any serious issue that requires emergency HVAC service, here are the steps to follow.
1. Remove your family from danger:
If there is an immediate safety concern, such as a fire or gas leak, you should call 911 and remove your family from your home until it has been resolved.
2. Turn off your system:
If it is not dangerous to remain in your home, you should turn your HVAC system off completely.
3. Protect against severe weather:
If you are experiencing an HVAC emergency during a cold snap or heat wave, it is vital to protect your family against the elements until your system can be repaired.
When battling heat, it is vital to stay cool. Open windows, use fans, stay in the shade, limit physical activity, and stay hydrated.
When confronted with cold, never use heating sources that are not designed for indoor use. Instead, use indoor-appropriate alternative heating sources, bundle up in warm clothing, and stay together in one room to conserve heat.
If neither action is enough to protect your family, consider moving your family to a hotel or friend’s house until your home is safe again.
4. Call for emergency HVAC repair:
Once your family is safe, call for emergency HVAC repair from a trusted local company. You will want to pick a reliable service that you can count on to respond quickly, day or night.
Qualities of a Reliable Emergency HVAC Service Provider
When your HVAC system stops working in the middle of a freezing winter night or during the hottest part of a summer’s day, it can quickly transform from an inconvenience to a health hazard for your family. Therefore, knowing who to call for emergency HVAC service is essential to have readily available. To help you find a reliable emergency HVAC service provider, we recommend the following:
- Research Reviews
When researching various HVAC service providers, starting with their reviews is the best place. Whether you got a referral from a friend or found a business searching online, 3rd party reviews provide a list of work history experience and how customers felt about their services. While one or two negative reviews among many positive ones often signal a lousy customer, regular poor reviews indicate the provider is not up to par.
- Check Licenses & Insurance
Once you find a few provider options, it is time to do your homework. Always verify that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. If you cannot readily find the information on their website or they are unwilling to provide it, they may be using shady business practices you want to avoid.
- Verify Credentials
Next, it is time to check credentials. In the HVAC industry, certifications demonstrate specialized training and expertise. For example, at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning, we are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, and we even received their President’s Award in 2018 and 2019 for achieving high scores on their established criteria!
- Obtain Multiple Estimates
Once you have narrowed down your HVAC service providers to fully legit ones, it is time to request estimates from them; we recommend at least three different quotes. This will give you a range for your service and provide you with a deeper understanding of what each provider’s services entail. Remember, keep an eye out to ensure they provide straightforward pricing, honest assessments, and no “extra fees!”
- Request Warranty Information
Once you have an estimate, request how they warranty their products and services. An HVAC service provider who offers a warranty on their service, not just the product, demonstrates their commitment to quality and excellence in their field.
- Consider Customer Service
Lastly, it is vital to consider customer service. HVAC emergency service requests often occur during stressful aspects of life, so high-quality customer service will really make a difference. You want a company that demonstrates professionalism, kindness, and the ability to remain calm during moments of crisis.
By choosing an HVAC emergency service provider based on these six qualities, you can guarantee that you will get superior service when you need it most.
Why Timely HVAC Repair is Crucial
As a homeowner, the thought of your HVAC system needing repairs may be scary. While it may be tempting to wait, doing so can become a significant disadvantage.
First of all, if you have a dangerous situation going on in your HVAC system, avoiding immediate repair could result in fire or other extreme health risks. At the very least, it could cause severe discomfort in your home, especially in more extreme weather conditions.
Second, letting your HVAC system continue to perform poorly could end up costing you more in the end. Not only could it further damage the isolated part that is malfunctioning, but it could take your whole system down with it – forcing you to obtain a complete unit replacement. Even if it doesn’t end up killing all of your entire unit, it may cause the longevity of your system to shorten, making it so you have to replace your unit sooner than anticipated.
Third, a poorly functioning HVAC system often consumes an abnormally large amount of energy. This can hike up your energy costs far more than you would ever expect.
Lastly, knowing that a vital component of your home is not working right can cause unnecessary strife. This stress can fracture a household’s peace of mind, making the occupants feel unsafe.
Overall, getting timely HVAC repair will not only prevent unnecessary strife, but it is the financially conscious option that will end up saving you more money in the long run.
Preventative Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Use
The best way to prevent needing emergency HVAC repair is to stop the problem before it becomes one, which is where preventative maintenance comes in. Here are a few steps you can perform as a homeowner:
Change the Filters:
The filters are the screen in your HVAC system that removes dust, hair, and other airborne particles. They are typically easy to change and need to be replaced every 30 days. Be sure to check your HVAC manual for the type of filter you need and how often to change it.
Remove Clutter from Vents and Units:
Next, you want to keep the areas around your outdoor unit, indoor unit, and vents clear of obstructions. For your outdoor unit, this means ensuring leaves don’t get stuck to it or anything else gets pressed against it. For indoor units and vents, you want to ensure none of your furniture or décor is blocking the path of the airflow.
Regular Your Home Temperature:
There is no need to run the HVAC system constantly for an empty house. We highly recommend getting a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts your house temperature while you are away or sleeping. Not only will this prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your system, but it will help keep your energy bills down.
Get Your Unit Maintenance:
Lastly, the best thing you can do is get regular HVAC maintenance to avoid costly repairs. By having an experienced technician come in annually to service your HVAC system and check for any potential issues, you not only keep your system running smoothly, but you can check minor issues before they become costly ones!
Apollo Heating & Air for Emergency HVAC Service
At Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer 24/7 emergency HVAC services to homeowners and businesses throughout Eastern Washington. Whether you are faced with a screeching noise, a popping noise, or a burning smell, we are here to help. Our highly trained team has the experience and tools to quickly and accurately diagnose and fix your HVAC issue.
As your local neighbors, friends, and community members, we understand that HVAC emergencies are scary, and you don’t want to add the fear of a high price tag to the problem. That’s why we offer transparent pricing, upfront quotes, and a satisfaction guarantee for all our work. Plus, we have financing options available to make our services more affordable for you if you need them.
Are you experiencing an HVAC emergency? Contact Apollo Heating & Air for immediate, 24/7 emergency HVAC service in the Tri-Cities. Call us now at (509) 396-2653!
