Emergency HVAC Repair: $160 to $250 an Hour, Do This First

Do this now

1. Smell gas? Get everyone out now. Do not light anything, do anything that could make a spark, or use phones near the leak. From outside, call 911 and then the gas utility. Do not go back in until the utility says it is safe.
2. Carbon monoxide alarm sounding, or CO symptoms such as headache, dizziness and nausea? CPSC says get outside to fresh air immediately, then call 911.
3. Smoke, a burning smell or sparks from the equipment? Leave and call 911.
4. Someone confused, very hot, with red dry skin? Possible heat stroke. Call 911.
5. No heat in freezing weather? Close off unused rooms, add layers, and never heat with the stove, a grill or a generator indoors.
6. No AC in a heat wave? Move vulnerable people somewhere cool. Dial 2-1-1 to find a cooling location.
7. Then call for repair. Have the system type and what it is doing ready.

What counts as an HVAC emergency

An HVAC problem is an emergency when it puts health at risk, not just comfort. Call right away for:

• No heat in freezing weather, especially with infants, older adults or anyone ill in the house. The CDC says a body temperature below 95°F is an emergency.
• No cooling in a heat wave with someone at higher risk. The CDC lists people 65 and older, infants and young children, and people with asthma or heart disease.
• Any gas smell, CO alarm or burning smell. Those go to 911 or the gas utility first.
• Water pouring from the air handler onto a ceiling or near electrical equipment. See ceiling water damage repair.

A system that is running poorly, a noise that just started, or an AC that is not keeping up on a mild day can usually wait for regular hours. HomeGuide says emergency rates are typically double or triple the regular rate.

Emergency AC repair: staying safe in the heat

The CDC says to use fans only when it is below 90°F indoors, because above that a fan can raise body temperature. Ready.gov says not to rely on a fan as your main cooling and to go to a cooling center, library or mall if the house has no AC. While you wait for the repair:

• Dial 2-1-1 to find a place with air conditioning, as the CDC suggests.
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors (Ready.gov).
• Heat stroke signs, per Ready.gov: body temperature above 103°F, red, hot and dry skin, a rapid strong pulse, dizziness or confusion. Call 911 and cool the person with cold wet cloths while you wait.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

Before you pay an emergency rate, run the safe checks on AC not cooling: thermostat, filter and breaker take five minutes.

Emergency furnace repair: no heat in the cold

If the heat goes out in freezing weather, the CDC's advice is to close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels in the cracks under doors, and use extra blankets and coats. It says turning on the stove for heat is not safe, and never to run generators, grills or camp stoves inside. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from drapes, furniture and bedding. Hypothermia signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness. For furnace problems that are not emergencies, see furnace repair; for boilers, boiler repair.

Carbon monoxide and gas: when to call 911

The CDC says more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit an emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. Gas and oil furnaces are a source. Symptoms are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Get outside first, then call 911.

CPSC says to put a CO alarm on every level and outside sleeping areas, and the CDC says to have the heating system, water heater and other gas, oil or coal appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. A gas leak at the furnace or the line feeding it is a job for gas line repair once the utility has made it safe.

How much does emergency HVAC service cost

Parts are extra. Ask for the after-hours rate and service call fee before anyone is sent.

HomeGuide says emergency rates are typically double or triple the regular rate. HomeGuide also says HVAC maintenance plans, at $150 to $300 a year, often include priority scheduling, which helps in a heat wave or cold snap when every company is busy.

After-hours AC repair: what to ask on the phone

1. What is your after-hours rate and service call fee? Get both numbers before anyone is sent.
2. When can a technician arrive? Hours vary; ask for a window.
3. Is there a charge if the fix waits until regular hours? Some problems can be made safe tonight and repaired tomorrow at the regular rate.
4. What should I do until you arrive? For example, turn the system off if it is iced up or leaking.
5. What is your license number? Check it with your state board, and ask for proof of insurance.

Have ready: the address, the system type (furnace, boiler, heat pump or central air), the brand and age if you know them, and what it is doing. The HVAC repair hub covers every system, AC repair lists common fix prices, and home repair costs compares trades. For other after-hours problems, see emergency plumber and emergency electrician.

Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job. Ask for its license number and proof of insurance yourself. How calls work.