Emergency HVAC Guide: What to Do Before Help Arrives

Is your air conditioner blowing hot air on the hottest day of the year? Furnace stopped dead in the middle of a freeze? Strange burning smell or water on the floor? These are the heart-pounding moments where every second counts and knowing what to do makes all the difference. At Briggs Heating, we’ve answered thousands of emergency hvac calls—day and night. Here’s what you need to know before help arrives.

What Is an HVAC Emergency?

HVAC emergencies come in many forms. Sometimes, it’s a total loss of heat during a cold snap. Other times, it’s an AC breakdown in a sweltering office, a burst pipe, or a system making noises that sound more like a haunted house than a home. As defined by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and the National Fire Protection Association, emergencies are situations posing immediate risk to health, safety, or property:

• No heating when temperatures are below freezing
• No cooling during extreme heat (risk of heat stroke)
• Electrical issues: sparking, burning smells, popping breakers
• Gas odors or carbon monoxide alarms
• Major water leaks near equipment
• Smoke coming from vents or units

If it feels urgent, it probably is. But not every hiccup needs a midnight call. Let’s break down exactly what to do next.

Immediate Safety Steps 🚨

When things go sideways, safety comes first. Treat your HVAC system like you would a car on a dark highway: pull over, assess, don’t poke around under the hood until you know it’s safe.

• Shut Off Power: If you see sparks, smell burning, or hear loud popping, turn off your HVAC system at the thermostat. If safe, flip the breaker for your furnace/AC at the electrical panel.
• Do Not Touch: Never touch exposed wires, leaking refrigerant, or puddles near electrical panels.
• Check for Gas or CO: If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave the building immediately and call emergency services.
• Ventilate If Safe: Open windows if there’s a burning smell or haze (but only if you’re sure it’s not a gas leak).
• Account for Everyone: Make sure all occupants—including pets—are safe and aware of the situation.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical and gas hazards are among the top causes of home fires. Always err on the side of caution.

Minimizing Damage & Protecting Property

A little quick thinking can save thousands in repairs. Think of it like putting a bucket under a leaky ceiling until the roofer arrives.

• Contain Leaks: Place towels or buckets under dripping units. Keep water away from outlets and electronics.
• Move Valuables: Shift sensitive electronics, paperwork, or furniture away from affected areas.
• Close Doors: In extreme temperatures, close off rooms to keep heat or cool air in. Use blankets or fans as needed (but don’t overload circuits).
• Don’t Use Makeshift Fixes: Avoid taping, wiring, or patching anything yourself—waiting for a licensed tech is always safer.

Especially in commercial spaces, quick action can prevent business downtime or equipment loss.

When to Call Emergency Service

Not every HVAC hiccup is an emergency. Here’s when to call 24/7 help from Briggs Heating—or search “AC repair near you” for immediate assistance:

Urgent Situations:

• No heat with freezing temps
• No AC in extreme heat, especially for infants, elderly, or health conditions
• Electrical arcing, burning smells, or sparking
• Gas leaks or carbon monoxide alarms
• Flooding/water near equipment

Non-Urgent Issues:

• Unusual noises without other symptoms
• Minor leaks or drips (contain and wait for regular hours)
• Poor airflow if temperatures are safe
• Thermostat not responding, but no danger

When in doubt, call. Our certified team can help you decide if your situation warrants immediate action.

What Information to Provide the Technician

When every minute counts, clear info helps our team hit the ground running. Here’s what you should have ready:

• Your Address & Contact Info: Obvious, but double check.
• Type of System: Furnace, AC, heat pump, mini-split, etc.
• Model & Serial Numbers: Usually found on a sticker/plate on the unit.
• Detailed Symptoms: Odd noises, smells, leaks, error messages, and when the problem started.
• Access Instructions: Locked gates, security codes, pets, or parking tips.

The more you share, the faster we can diagnose and repair your system.

Briggs Heating: Certified, Reliable, Always Ready

Briggs Heating’s technicians are certified to state and industry standards, including EPA Section 608 for refrigerant handling and local building codes. We’re trained in OSHA safety and National Electrical Code protocols. Our vehicles are stocked and our team is ready 24/7—because emergencies don’t punch a clock.

Emergency HVAC Safety Checklist

Residential:

• [ ] Power off system if sparking, smoking, or leaking
• [ ] Check for gas or CO alarms; evacuate if triggered
• [ ] Contain leaks with towels/buckets
• [ ] Move valuables and pets to a safe area
• [ ] Gather system info for technician

Commercial:

• [ ] Notify building management and facility staff
• [ ] Shut down affected zones if safe
• [ ] Isolate water/electrical hazards
• [ ] Inform tenants or staff about the issue
• [ ] Prepare access for HVAC team

DIY or Call a Pro?

Some fixes are as simple as changing a filter or resetting a breaker. Others—like electrical, refrigerant, or gas issues—require a certified technician. U.S. EPA and local codes restrict DIY repairs on most HVAC equipment for your safety. When in doubt, don’t risk it.

What Emergency HVAC Pros Do on Arrival

Our technicians arrive ready for anything. Expect us to:

• Inspect and diagnose using safety protocols
• Isolate power and gas as needed
• Identify root causes (electrical, mechanical, refrigerant, or plumbing)
• Provide a clear explanation of what’s wrong
• Start repairs or secure the area until permanent fixes can be made

We’ll also check for code compliance and ensure your system is safe before leaving.

Prevention & Maintenance

Many emergencies can be prevented. Regular maintenance—changing filters, cleaning ducts, checking refrigerant, and testing safety controls—keeps systems running smoothly. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends annual HVAC inspections for both homes and businesses. Schedule seasonal checkups and always address small issues before they grow.

Costs & Time Factors

Emergency hvac repairs can vary. After-hours calls often cost more due to overtime. Parts and labor depend on the problem—simple fixes may take an hour; major repairs can take several. We’ll always explain options and what’s involved before starting work.

When It’s Really an Emergency

Trust your instincts. If temperatures inside are unsafe, if you see or smell something dangerous, or if your business risks major disruption, it’s an emergency. If it’s just a comfort nuisance—like a noisy fan or a filter change—mark it as urgent, but not a crisis.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if my AC leaks water onto the floor?
A: Turn off the system, mop up water, and call for service. Avoid using the unit until it’s inspected.

Q: Is it safe to reset a tripped breaker?
A: Once, yes. If it trips again, call for service. Repeated tripping signals a deeper issue.

Q: Can I use my fireplace or space heaters while waiting for furnace repair?
A: If they’re in good condition and meet local fire codes, yes. Never leave them unattended.

Q: How fast can a technician arrive?
A: Briggs Heating offers 24/7 emergency response. Arrival times depend on location and call volume, but we’re always on the move.

Local & Seasonal Considerations 🌦️

Blizzards, heatwaves, and storms can strain your HVAC system and emergency response times. Prepare in advance: keep filters clean, inspect weather seals, and know how to reach your breaker panel. For commercial buildings, review your emergency shutoff procedures with staff before peak seasons.

If you’re facing an HVAC emergency, don’t wait. Call Briggs Heating now — or reach us anytime at  877-748-7966 . Stay safe, stay comfortable, and let the pros handle the rest.