How to Spot an HVAC Emergency and Get Help Quickly
When you live in Texas, having your heating or cooling go out is no small deal—especially during a hot summer day or a cold winter night. I’ve been there myself, and I know how stressful it can be when your HVAC system stops working right when you need it the most. That’s why I want to help you understand what an HVAC emergency looks like—and what to do if one happens to you. At A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’re always ready to jump in when you need fast, reliable help. We believe in giving every homeowner in Tyler, Longview, and nearby areas the best products and customer service, every time. Let’s break it down so you know when it’s time to call for help—fast. What Is an HVAC Emergency? Not every HVAC problem is an emergency, but some issues can’t wait. An HVAC emergency is when your heating or cooling system breaks down in a way that could be dangerous or cause major discomfort. Here are some signs to watch for: No Air at All If your system stops blowing any air—hot or cold—it could be a major problem. On a 100-degree Texas summer day, losing cool air can quickly become a health issue. If the heat stops in the middle of a winter night, your pipes might freeze. Either way, this is an HVAC emergency. Strange Smells or Burning Odors If you smell something burning or notice a weird chemical scent coming from your vents, shut the system off right away. This could mean something is overheating or there’s an electrical issue. Don’t wait to call a pro—this one’s serious. Loud, Sudden Noises A loud banging, screeching, or rattling noise could be a sign something has come loose or is about to break inside your system. If you hear anything like this, turn off your unit and call for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Leaks Around Your Unit If you see water pooling or any signs of leaking near your HVAC unit, it could mean a clogged drain or even a refrigerant leak. Both need to be handled quickly, especially refrigerant, which can be harmful if not dealt with properly. What to Do in an HVAC Emergency Now that you know what to look for, here’s what to do if you think you have an HVAC emergency. 1. Turn Off the System First, shut off your HVAC unit using the thermostat. This can help prevent more damage while you wait for a technician to arrive. If you smell gas, also leave your home and call your utility company right away. 2. Call a Trusted HVAC Professional Reach out to someone who offers 24/7 emergency service—like us at A/C Contractors. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Tyler, Longview, and the surrounding East Texas area with fast, professional service, day or night. 3. Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself We get it—DIY can be tempting. But HVAC systems have electrical parts, sharp metal edges, and high-pressure components. It’s best to leave repairs to trained pros who know how to safely handle the issue. Preventing HVAC Emergencies Of course, the best way to deal with an HVAC emergency is to stop it before it starts. Regular maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your system running strong. Schedule Routine Tune-Ups A yearly checkup in the spring for your AC and in the fall for your heater can help us catch small problems before they turn into big ones. It also helps your system run more efficiently, which saves money on your energy bills. Change Filters Regularly Dirty filters can block airflow and cause your system to work harder than it should. Changing filters every 1–3 months can prevent many common issues and help your system last longer. Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear Make sure nothing is blocking your indoor or outdoor units. Boxes, plants, and leaves can all create problems. Giving your system room to breathe helps it stay in good shape. When to Call A/C Contractors If you’re ever unsure about your HVAC system, don’t wait. Give us a call. Whether it’s an emergency in the middle of the night or just something that doesn’t feel quite right, we’re here to help. We offer personalized service, top-quality equipment, and a friendly team that treats your home like our own. Homeowners in Tyler, Longview, and nearby areas know they can count on A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for fast, honest work. HVAC Emergency Help in East Texas When your HVAC system breaks down at the worst time, knowing what to do can make all the difference. From strange smells to sudden silence, the signs of an HVAC emergency are easy to spot once you know what to look for. And the good news? You’re not alone. At A/C Contractors, we’ve got your back 24/7. We’ll make sure you and your family stay safe and comfortable, no matter what.So next time your heater quits on a cold night or your AC blows warm air on a summer day—don’t panic. Just give A/C Contractors a call or use our easy online booking opportunity. We’re here to help when you need us most.
AC Repair and Installation: How to Extend Your System’s Lifespan
One of the best ways to extend the life of your air conditioning system is to ensure it’s installed properly and serviced regularly. AC repair and installation should always be done by a professional to avoid mistakes that could lead to early breakdowns or poor performance. After installation, schedule annual tune-ups to catch small issues before they turn into big problems. This keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently. Call our Longview or Tyler location now. Otherwise, fill out our easy online form to book an appointment and experience the A/C Contractors difference. “Fixed Right, or It’s Free!
Air Conditioning Repair and Installation: When to Repair vs. Replace
It can be difficult to know when to repair or replace your air conditioning system. If your unit is more than 10-15 years old and frequently breaks down, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new one. On the other hand, if the issue is minor, a air conditioning repair might be all you need. Consult with a professional HVAC contractor who can assess your system and help you make the best decision for your home and budget. Call our Longview or Tyler location now. Otherwise, fill out our easy online form to book an appointment and experience the A/C Contractors difference. “Fixed Right, or It’s Free!
How to Tell if Your AC Thermostat Is Bad
Is your thermostat working correctly? We rely on our thermostat units to maintain the temperature in our homes and provide accurate information about our environments. Unfortunately, a broken unit may not always be obvious. Learn more about detecting and repairing broken thermostats, including tips for diagnosing common problems. Why a Functioning Thermostat Is Important Before we cover how to know if an AC thermostat is bad, it’s important to understand why that matters for you and your home. Correct use of a thermostat is what tells your AC system what temperature you want your home to be. A functioning thermostat is essential because: It promotes energy efficiency: A broken thermostat is more than an inconvenience — it can also cost you. An inaccurate thermostat reading may cause a spike in your energy bill. If you’re trying to achieve a specific temperature in your home but your thermostat is displaying inaccurate information, you could get stuck in an energy-wasting cycle. Your home will be more comfortable: An accurate temperature reading is an integral part of maintaining a comfortable environment. When your thermostat is working correctly, you can keep it as cool or warm as you need. A bad thermostat can cause your AC to not cool or heat the room to the desired temperature. Air conditioning concerns are more apparent: Your thermostat is one of the best indicators of your air conditioning system’s health. When the thermostat reading is correct, you can compare it to the air temperature around you to see how well your AC unit performs and whether you need to contact a professional AC service to diagnose and repair your system. When your thermostat is broken, you may not notice AC concerns as quickly, leading to costly damage. Signs of a Bad AC Thermostat Not sure if your thermostat is working? Common indicators of a problem include the following: Your AC won’t turn off or on: If your air conditioning system seems to be stuck in a continuous loop — either constantly running or unable to turn on — it may be a problem with your thermostat’s position or internal trigger. Unlevel units or damaged wiring can make it impossible to stop or start your unit. The temperature doesn’t match the thermostat reading: If the conditions you feel in your home do not match the temperature reading on the thermostat, your unit may be damaged. Use an external thermometer to take a second temperature measurement and compare it to the information on your thermostat. The unit isn’t functioning normally: If you have an electronic or programmable thermostat but can no longer adjust the settings, it may need repairing or replacement. Many thermostats also have display screens with backlights — if yours has stopped working or no longer lights up, this is cause for concern. The temperature fluctuates from room to room: If your home’s temperature feels different in separate rooms or corners — despite a set temperature on the thermostat — it could indicate a damaged unit. How to Check if Your AC Thermostat Is Not Working If you’re unsure how to fix an AC thermostat, the first step is to diagnose the problem. This may require a little troubleshooting. Before you inspect your thermostat, grab a notebook to keep track of what you find. Follow these steps: Consult the manual: Before you get too deep into your thermostat inspection, consult the user manual. Confirm that all settings are correct and review available troubleshooting or diagnostic sections. The user manual may have specific instructions for testing, resetting or repairing common problems. Change the batteries: If you own an electronic thermostat, a fresh set of batteries may be all you need. Discard the old batteries, replace them with new ones, and then turn the unit on and record any changes. Not all thermostats — including manual units — use batteries. Check the circuit breaker: A faulty air conditioning system or thermostat could be the result of a tripped breaker. To check for a tripped breaker, look at the panel and see if the switch next to your HVAC system is hovering between the “off” and “on” position or if a light indicates a trip. Reset the switch if necessary. If your circuit panel has sustained damage, do not attempt to reset anything on your own. Contact a professional for further guidance. Clean the unit: It’s essential to keep your thermostat clean and clear of buildup or excess dust, which can hinder performance and make it difficult to read temperatures accurately. Dust your unit regularly and perform a close visual inspection. You may need to remove the cover to dust the thermostat’s interior. For manual thermostats, ensure the lever is intact and operational. You can test the lever by gently moving it in both directions. Remove and relocate it: If you have a newly installed thermostat or have recently completed renovations on your home, you may need to relocate your unit for a more accurate reading. Many external factors can influence a thermostat’s performance, including proximity to sunny windows, skylights and drafty doorways. Large obstructions, like furniture, can also interrupt thermostat readings. Always install thermostats in an area that is easy to access and near the room’s natural air currents. If you have tried the above and found your thermostat unit is not functioning correctly, it’s time to contact a professional. Use your records to let them know about the problems you’re experiencing and which methods you used to identify them. How Does an AC Thermostat Work? Thermostats operate differently, depending on which type you own. The most common thermostats are: Manual: Manual thermostats use a series of wires, switches and a thermometer coil to move currents either left or right to trigger hot or cold air from your HVAC system. Programmable: Programmable thermostats are a specific type of electronic or digital thermostat that lets you establish operation parameters. For example, you can program your thermostat to reach a certain temperature by the time you get home from work, or automatically keep your home cooler overnight or when the house is empty to keep utility bills low and reduce energy
Common A/C Problems in Your Longview Home
When you live in Longview or Tyler, Texas, you know you’re going to get a lot of hot weather. While it’s true we get a few rainy days, Tyler and Longview get sunshine almost 220 days out of the year. Those sunny days bring warm weather. You can expect temperatures to be above 80 degrees Fahrenheit from late April until early October, and above 90 degrees for much of June, July, August and September. While we all love warm weather, living with so many days above 90 degrees quickly becomes uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous for seniors and infants. Keeping your air conditioning in tip-top condition all year long is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity. Since Tyler and Longview only have a few months you could consider “cool” or even a touch cold, you want to know your air conditioner will start working without problems when the warmer weather appears. If your air conditioning does fail, however, life can be unbearable. Air conditioning repairs can be expensive, so you want to ensure your air conditioning receives regular maintenance throughout the year. An air conditioner is a complicated system that requires the perfect combination of airflow, pressure and temperature to operate correctly. Complex systems, however, mean there are many places your air conditioner can develop problems. Fortunately, not all these problems require expensive repairs. Regular maintenance also means your HVAC technician can catch potentially costly problems before they become severe, thus helping you save money in the long run. 10 Common A/C Problems and Solutions You know you’re going to need your air conditioner to work properly, so here are a few of the more common problems that can plague an air conditioning system and prevent your home from being the cool oasis you desire. 1. Filter It’s amazing how often an air conditioner fails to work properly because of a clogged or dirty filter. You need to follow the manufacturer’s suggestion on how often you should change the filter. Some manufacturers recommend you change it every three months, while others require you to do it monthly. One way to determine if your filter is too dirty is to hold it up to a light. If light passes through the filter, it is still good, but if it doesn’t, it’s time to change it. Clogged and dirty air filters not only block the flow of cool air into your home, but they can also cause the air conditioner’s evaporator coil to freeze, literally creating a block of ice that prevents cooler air from circulating. The Fix: One of the easiest solutions for how to fix an air conditioner that’s not cooling is to check your air filter regularly and change it if it looks dirty or clogged. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for how frequently you should change the filter. 2. Refrigerant Leaks When an air conditioner is low on refrigerant, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home. There are two reasons for an air conditioner to be low on refrigerant — either it did not get charged correctly at installation, or there is a leak. Fixing it is not merely a matter of adding more refrigerant. If it is leaking, you need to get it repaired quickly. If you notice puddles or pools of liquid next to your air conditioning unit, it can present a health problem. Air conditioning refrigerant can irritate eyes, cause headaches or nausea and induce coughing. If the problem originated at installation, the technician can add the right level of refrigerant. Too much refrigerant can be even worse than too little. There are several ways to tell specifically if you have a refrigerant leak: Ice forms on the outside unit and on the refrigerant line You hear a hissing or bubbling noise coming from the air conditioner Your air conditioner won’t cool your home on hot days, but works perfectly on cool days or during the nighttime. The Fix: If you have either of these problems, your best bet is to call an HVAC professional right away. Refrigerant leaks are not something to ignore. You need to get a leaky unit fixed as soon as possible. If the problem is with the refrigerant level, an HVAC technician has the tools to measure the level of refrigerant in your system and make sure you get the right amount. 3. Drainage Dirt, lint and dust can clog your air conditioner’s drain line, just like a clogged air filter. That is especially true when the weather is excessively humid. If the drain line gets clogged, however, that means your drain pan will quickly fill with water. If this water overflows, it may not only damage the rest of the air conditioning unit, but anything near the unit will become soaked and potentially ruined. The Fix: Regularly check to make sure the drain line remains clear. If you know the weather is going to be humid for a few days or even weeks, it’s always a good idea to check for clogs regularly. If you’re using a room air conditioner anywhere in your home, make sure it is level when mounted, or else overflow will be a problem. 4. Breakers or Fuses There are a lot of reasons that your air conditioner may trip your circuit breaker or blow a fuse. If some other part of your air conditioning system is not working properly, the air conditioning unit will draw too much energy trying to keep your home cool. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker is the result of a homeowner using too many appliances at once. If you have the television on while you’re doing laundry and someone else is vacuuming at the same time, then you add in the air conditioning unit on a hot day, the circuit breaker may trip. A tripped circuit breaker is a good thing. Circuit breakers exist to make sure that your home doesn’t catch on fire. The Fix: Circuit breakers have three positions — on, off and somewhere in between. If you check the