Signs you Need Emergency HVAC Services

When the HVAC Goes Out

Doesn’t it seem like things always break at the worst possible moment? The printer breaks when you’ve got something important to print, the internet goes out while you’re working on an important report, your car breaks down on the way to a crucial appointment, and you always seem to need HVAC repair in the depths of winter or at the height of summer, when temperatures are extreme and HVAC contractors are busiest. While we don’t know what to tell you about your internet or that pesky printer, we can suggest some proactive measures to prevent being stuck in a bad HVAC system situation. There are some signals and warnings that indicate emergency HVAC repair is in the wings, and paying attention can make all the difference.

Signs You’re About to Need Emergency HVAC Service

If the air conditioner stops working entirely, it’s pretty obvious that you need emergency repair or even replacement. However, there are many signs that you might not notice, that occur before a complete shutdown. That’s one reason it’s so important to have regular HVAC maintenance and inspections from an HVAC technician in the spring and fall. Even if you’ve kept up with maintenance, though, keep an eye out for these signs.

• Refrigerant is leaking. Refrigerant is circulated through your system as part of the cooling process, and refrigerant leaks cause the system to lose refrigerant, which can make it impossible for your air conditioner to cool your home. Refrigerant must be recharged by an A/C repair professional, and your HVAC technician can also find and repair the leaks.
• There’s ice in the system. When it’s hot outside, you might be shocked to discover ice on your evaporator coils. This happens because the refrigerant flowing through the tubes has gotten too cold, and it’s usually the result of a freon leak. If this happens, call a professional immediately, because freon is a dangerous substance. What’s more, evaporator coils need warm air to function, and if they become frozen, they can’t cool your house. Don’t try to chip off the ice, you’ll only do more damage; trust the professionals to handle it.
• The drains are clogged. Your HVAC system requires drains, to remove excess moisture from your home. If a drain becomes clogged, the moisture can become trapped in the system, damaging the air conditioner and your home, often wreaking havoc on the walls or ceilings.
• Your HVAC is rapid cycling. You can expect your air conditioner to turn on and off during hot weather, as the temperature in the house fluctuates. If it seems to be switching on and off rapidly, it could require repair to prevent it from burning itself out.
• The thermostat isn’t working. If moving the thermostat does nothing to change the temperature, it could be an A/C problem, or the fix could be as simple as replacing a battery or getting a new thermostat. However, it’s best to have this issue evaluated by a professional who can help keep small problems from becoming major issues.
• There’s a problem with the air flow. If the outside fan isn’t spinning, the indoor fan isn’t blowing, there’s low air flow coming through your vents, or they’re blowing the opposite temperature of what you expect, it’s time to call for HVAC service. There are several different things that can cause problems with airflow, from failed power to a fan to a faulty compressor to a clog in the system, and a professional HVAC technician can get to the root of the problem.
• There are strange sounds or smells. If your air conditioner has a burning smell, turn it off and call for emergency repair. If there’s a musty smell, the ducts may need to be cleaned. Address any odors by getting professional help before they become a problem that affects your HVAC’s performance. Similarly, never ignore strange noises. If your air conditioner is gurgling, knocking, or banging, call for service so that you can get to the root of the problem before your HVAC fails.
• Your breaker keeps tripping. If the AC keeps tripping the breakers while it’s running, there may be an electrical issue that needs to be addressed. This requires immediate attention, because electrical problems can affect your whole house and even become a fire hazard. Never try to fix this yourself, but call for a trained electrician.

Why do HVAC systems go out?

If you don’t take care of your HVAC system, it is more likely to fail. Just like your car needs routine maintenance to keep running, your HVAC system needs care to remain in good shape. It’s wise to have an experienced technician check your system in the spring and fall, before the seasons get hot or cold. An experienced technician is key, here, because do-it-yourself maintenance often results in missed issues that turn into emergency repairs later. Of course, some systems fail simply because they’ve outlived their lifespan. The older a system gets, the more frequently it will need repair, and when the repairs become more than one third of the amount needed to replace it, it’s a good idea to consider a new system.

Barstow and Sons Provides 24/7 Emergency HVAC Services

Even with all the preventive maintenance and proactive strategies in the world, we understand that HVAC issues happen. That’s why we offer 24/7 HVAC services, with no upcharge for emergency work. Our customers know they can rely on us to be fair and thorough, offering upfront explanations of the problem and suggesting solutions that we know will resolve the issue. Our licensed technicians respect your time and home, so you can trust Barstow and Sons if you find yourself in need of emergency HVAC repair.

HVAC Services When You Need Them Most

Whether you need emergency HVAC services, HVAC installation, or routine annual maintenance, contact Barstow and Sons for help. A full-service heating and cooling service company, we’ve been providing high-quality service to customers throughout Anne Arundel County, Severna Park, Pasadena, and Annapolis since 1980. We’ve built a reputation for our dedication to excellence, and we’re here for our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (410) 777-9148 to learn more or contact us through our website.