What to Do in an HVAC Emergency: Reliable Air's Guide

An HVAC breakdown rarely happens at a convenient time. Losing your air conditioning during a Lakewood Ranch heatwave or your heat during a cold snap constitutes an HVAC emergency. Knowing what to check quickly and who to call can make a stressful situation more manageable.

Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating provides this emergency guide:

Immediate Checks (If Safe To Do So):

1. Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure it's set correctly (Cool/Heat, desired temperature, no dead batteries).
2. Check Circuit Breakers: Look for tripped breakers related to your AC (condenser/outdoor unit) or furnace/air handler (indoor unit). Reset ONCE only. If it trips again, leave it off and call for help – there's likely an electrical fault.
3. Check Air Filter: A severely clogged filter can shut down the system. If it looks blocked, replace it (though this may not fix an emergency, it's good practice).
4. Check Power Switches: Ensure the power switches near the indoor and outdoor units are turned on.
5. Check Condensate Drain (AC Emergency): Is the drain line clogged and the overflow switch tripped (if equipped)? This safety device shuts off the AC to prevent water damage.

Safety First! When to Call Immediately:

• Burning Smells or Smoke: Turn off the system at the breaker immediately and call Reliable Air's emergency HVAC service. This could indicate dangerous electrical issues.
• Loud, Persistent Banging or Grinding: Shut down the system to prevent catastrophic mechanical failure.
• Suspected Refrigerant Leak (Hissing Sound, Sweet Smell): While not immediately dangerous to health in small amounts, it means your system needs urgent repair.
• Gas Smell (Furnace Emergency): If you smell natural gas, leave the house immediately, don't use phones or switches inside, and call your gas company from a safe distance, then call Reliable Air.

Call Reliable Air for Emergency Service:

If basic checks don't resolve the issue, or if you encounter any safety concerns, don't hesitate to call Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating. We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service throughout Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding islands.

Our technicians respond promptly, bringing expertise and integrity to diagnose the problem quickly and accurately. We prioritize getting your system back online safely and efficiently, upholding our commitment to uncompromised quality, even in emergencies.

Keep our number handy! For any HVAC emergency, trust Reliable Air Conditioning and Heating.