Summer in California can be hot and humid. Air conditioning emergencies always seem to happen on the hottest day or night. Having access to emergency AC services is essential. When it comes to the definition of an emergency people can interpret it differently, so it’s important to know what HVAC companies constitute as worthy of pushing you ahead of the line for an immediate repair.
Temperatures reaching 100° during the day, or 80° and above in the evening qualify as an emergency. There will also be legitimate reasons for emergencies to be called in if there are health issues experienced by family members, a newborn baby, elderly family members or those who are suffering from breathing problems.
If your air conditioning system breaks down during the summer, finding an AC repair contractor may be difficult and emergency service is likely to come at a premium.
You should schedule an annual HVAC system inspection in advance to avoid this situation. As part of your quarterly maintenance tasks, your contractor can spot any potential issues and address it quickly.
When you need emergency AC repair, you can always call our customer service hotline so we can determine whether a technician needs to come check it out right away.
These are a few situations you may want to consult an expert about.
Unusual noises
You might be hearing strange, shrieking noises coming from your air conditioning system for a few reasons. One possible cause of the problem is a loose fan belt. This can be prevented by proper maintenance in most cases. The compressor may be under high pressure as well, which could cause your air conditioner to shriek. Shut off your air conditioner immediately if you hear excessive noise and contact Pacific Aire right away.
Unusual odors
An air conditioner that smells burning is usually the result of an electrical problem or a part which has become overheated and is burning. A burning odor means your AC needs to be repaired immediately.
No air flowing
If you feel no air flowing, or your air conditioner isn’t kicking on, it could be a sign that the cooling system is malfunctioning. Your air conditioner may have finally given up the ghost due to a poorly calibrated thermostat, problems with the blower, or even a faulty part. Please feel free to call Pacific Aire if your AC is not producing air flow, or the air that is blowing is excessively hot, especially if there is extreme weather, so we can send someone out to ensure your family is safe and comfortable.
What is the turnaround time for emergency maintenance?
When it comes to emergency air conditioning repair, there is no fixed timeframe however you should look for an HVAC company that offers it in 24 hours. Numerous factors and variations play into this such as; Does the emergency AC repair call take place during the day or at night? When is the emergency ac call made? Whether it’s a holiday or weekend.
It may take the answering service a while to find an available technician in the middle of the night. The time it takes them to arrive may also depend on whether they are working on another emergency repair call.
When the technician arrives, he or she will determine the problem within 30 minutes or so. It may take an hour or more to fix the problem, depending on the difficulty. They will need to get any parts they need during the time of day or night you’ve called them.
What should you do if your air conditioner breaks down?
You should not panic if you have a problem with your air conditioner, it could be a simple issue. Make sure the thermostat is working. If the thermostat is programmable make sure the battery isn’t dead. Make sure it’s set to COOL and the fan is on AUTO or ON if it’s not programmable. Make sure the air conditioner is powered up, and make sure its fuse hasn’t blown. If all of this appears to be working, then you may need emergency ac repair.
Some HVAC companies will offer service 24/7, including holidays and weekends. It is important that you ask about their emergency rates before you schedule them to come out because it could cost you double or triple for the quick turnaround.
While you wait for emergency service follow these guidelines:
Figure out natural ways of cooling your home, if it is a humid day keep all your blinds and curtains closed to keep the sun out.
Drink plenty of water and turn on every ceiling fan in the house. Those who are overheating should take a cool shower to cool down. It might take a while to complete the emergency ac repair, so you should stay with family or friends during this time if you are able.
Your technician should be able to get your HVAC system back up and running quickly if it is new. If your system is broken, a replacement is due to avoid frequent emergency ac repair calls. Investing in a new unit may be more expensive up front, but over the course of time, it’ll save you money with less service calls needed. This investment will be beneficial to both your health and finances.
