Emergency HVAC Checklist: What to Do When Your System Fails

When your heating or cooling system fails unexpectedly, panic can set in—especially during Indiana's temperature extremes. Having a clear emergency checklist can help you stay calm, potentially solve simple issues yourself, and know when to call for professional help. As emergency HVAC specialists serving Boone County, we've compiled this step-by-step guide based on thousands of emergency calls. **Step 1: Verify the Problem** Before assuming complete system failure, check these basics: - *Thermostat*: Is it set to HEAT or COOL? Is the temperature set appropriately? Are batteries fresh? - *Power*: Check your electrical panel—has a breaker tripped? Is the furnace/air handler switch (usually a light switch near the unit) turned on? - *Filters*: Extremely dirty filters can cause systems to shut down. Check and replace if necessary. - *Vents*: Ensure supply and return vents aren't blocked by furniture or closed. **Step 2: Safety First** If you smell gas, hear loud banging from your furnace, see smoke, or notice water pooling around your AC unit, turn off the system immediately and call for emergency service. For gas smells, evacuate the home and call the gas company from outside. **Step 3: No Heat Emergencies** During winter no-heat situations: 1. Check that your furnace's pilot light is lit (older systems) or that the ignition system is functioning. 2. Listen for unusual noises—banging, screeching, or clicking can indicate specific failures. 3. Check your carbon monoxide detector—if it's alarming, evacuate immediately. 4. If temperatures are below freezing, open faucets to a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing while you wait for service. **Step 4: No Cooling Emergencies** During summer no-cool situations: 1. Check the outdoor condenser unit—is the fan running? Is it covered in debris? 2. Listen for unusual noises—hissing could indicate refrigerant leaks; grinding could mean compressor issues. 3. Check for ice buildup on refrigerant lines—this indicates airflow or refrigerant problems. 4. Close blinds and curtains to reduce heat gain while waiting for service. **Step 5: When to Call for Emergency Service** Immediate emergency situations include: - No heat when outdoor temperatures are below 40°F - No cooling when outdoor temperatures are above 90°F - Strange smells (burning, gas, chemical) - Loud banging or screeching noises - Water leaking from AC unit inside your home - Carbon monoxide detector activation **Step 6: What Information to Have Ready** When you call for emergency service, have this information handy: - System type and approximate age - Brand and model number (if known) - Description of the problem and any error codes - When the problem started - Any recent maintenance or repairs - Your availability for service **Our Emergency Service Promise** Hoosier Daddy HVAC offers 24/7 emergency service for Boone County homeowners. When you call, we'll: 1. Answer immediately—no automated systems 2. Provide immediate troubleshooting guidance 3. Dispatch a technician within 2 hours for true emergencies 4. Give upfront pricing before any work begins 5. Fix the problem or provide temporary heat/cool until permanent repairs can be made Remember: Regular maintenance through our Comfort Club plan dramatically reduces emergency situations by catching problems before they become crises.