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Should I Call for Emergency Air Conditioning Repairs After Hours?

A broken air conditioner in the middle of summer is the worst, even more so when it’s the middle of the night or on the weekend. It’s common to shy away from calling after hours to avoid extra fees or inconveniences, but when it comes to your air conditioning, that’s not always the best — or safest — option.

Without air conditioning, your home’s indoor temperature can quickly skyrocket during the Dallas-Fort Worth summer.

At AirCo, we don’t charge these additional fees for after-hours or weekend calls because we know waiting until business hours could mean health and safety risks, especially for children, elderly adults, and pets. Waiting for air conditioning repairs also causes extra strain or damage if you push your broken system beyond proper operating conditions.

Quick Things To Check Before Calling for Emergency Air Conditioning Repair

If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, there are a few things you can check before calling after hours. Checking them could help determine the overall problem and whether it needs emergency service:

• Thermostat setting: Check to ensure your thermostat is turned to Auto and set to AC or Cool. Setting the fan to Auto is more energy-efficient because it will stop running once the desired temperature is reached.
• Clogged filter: Perhaps the number one culprit for air conditioning wear and tear, a clogged air filter can eventually cause your unit to stop working. Replace your filter if you haven’t done so in a while, then try turning on your air conditioner again.
• Tripped breaker: If your air conditioner doesn’t power on, check your electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. You can flip the breaker back on, and your air conditioner should work normally. However, if your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker, there may be an underlying problem with your unit or the wiring.

Even if you’re able to resolve the issue with these fixes, pay extra attention for several days afterward to ensure you don’t notice any other signs you need air conditioning repair. Consider scheduling routine maintenance to be safe.   

Air Conditioning Problems That Need Emergency Repair

It’s tempting to wait it out and see if your air conditioning problem fixes itself, and it may even seem harmless to wait until normal business hours the next morning. Some circumstances don’t require immediate attention, while others quickly lead to greater damage and safety hazards if they aren’t addressed immediately.

If your air conditioning system displays any following issues, we highly discourage postponing emergency service:

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues can become major hazards quickly. If your air conditioning is constantly tripping the circuit breaker, producing burning smells, or dimming the lights while running, then you have a wiring or system installation problem that should be immediately addressed by a professional. 

Water or Fluid Leaks

Visible moisture collecting around your air conditioning unit is cause for emergency repair. Whether it’s condensation buildup or a coolant leak, moisture can cause electrical problems, internal damage, or other costly and dangerous issues.

The System Blows Warm Air or Won’t Turn On

Going without air conditioning and enduring the summer heat can be dangerous, so it’s necessary to restore cooling to your home as soon as possible.

Unusual Noises

Clanking, banging, squealing, or any other unusual noise is usually a sign of a worn or damaged part inside the air conditioner. Continuing to run the unit under such conditions is dangerous and can lead to even more costly repairs. 

Prevent Emergency Air Conditioning Repairs With Maintenance From AirCo

The best way to keep your home safe for the summer is to schedule preventative maintenance. You should schedule an air conditioning tune-up annually in the spring before the warm season to ensure your unit is in good working condition.

AirCo offers a preventative maintenance plan that takes care of your HVAC systems year-round to resolve repair needs before they become emergencies.

As nine-time Angi Super Service Award Winners, we know the difference fast, effective service can make during a stressful situation. The AirCo team is dedicated to delivering that high-quality service no matter if you schedule an appointment with us or need after-hours services. 

If you’ve noticed serious problems with your air conditioning, contact us online or call (817) 591-1225 right away — even after hours!