Call an emergency HVAC technician immediately if you smell gas or smoke, see sparks, notice water flooding near your unit, or lose all heating or cooling during extreme hot or cold weather — especially with young children, elderly family members, or pets in the home. If the issue is a minor noise, a slightly warm room, or a small efficiency drop, it can usually wait for a regular business-hours appointment.
Call Immediately (True Emergencies)
Gas odor near the furnace or anywhere in the home
Smoke or a burning smell coming from the unit
Sparking, buzzing, or a burning electrical smell at the panel or thermostat
No heat during freezing temperatures, particularly with infants, elderly residents, or anyone with health conditions
No AC during a heat advisory or extreme heat wave
Water actively leaking or pooling near the indoor unit
Carbon monoxide detector alarming — this is a life-safety emergency; leave the house and call 911 first, then a technician
Can Usually Wait for a Scheduled Appointment
A slightly higher energy bill with no other symptoms
Uneven temperatures between rooms
A mild rattle or hum that isn't getting louder
Reduced airflow from one vent
A system that's simply due for its seasonal tune-up
A Quick Self-Check Before You Call
Ask yourself these three questions:
Is anyone's safety at risk right now? (gas, smoke, sparks, carbon monoxide) → Call emergency service immediately.
Is the indoor temperature reaching an unsafe level for very young, elderly, or medically vulnerable people? → Call emergency service.
Is it just an inconvenience with no safety concern and the temperature is tolerable? → A next-day or scheduled appointment is fine.
Why Timing Matters
Waiting on what seems like a small issue can turn into a bigger, more expensive repair. A minor refrigerant leak left unaddressed can damage a compressor. A small water leak can lead to mold and drywall damage. When in doubt, a quick call to a technician can tell you whether it's urgent.
What to Do While You Wait for the Technician
Turn the system off at the thermostat and breaker if you smell gas, smoke, or see sparks
Open windows for ventilation if there's a burning smell (never if you smell gas — leave the house instead)
Place towels or a shallow container under active water leaks
Keep the area around the indoor and outdoor units clear
FAQ: Calling an Emergency HVAC Technician
Is it worth calling for emergency service at night or on a weekend?
Yes, if there's a safety risk or the temperature inside is unsafe. Kailey Air Systems offers 24/7/365 emergency dispatch with no after-hours surcharge, so there's no cost penalty for calling when you actually need help.
What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?
Leave the home immediately, do not operate any switches or the thermostat, call your gas utility from outside, and then call an emergency HVAC technician.
How fast can Kailey Air Systems respond to an emergency call in the Bay Area?
Kailey Air Systems dispatches technicians for same-day and emergency service across San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Fremont, and surrounding areas, 24 hours a day.
Can a small HVAC problem turn into an emergency if ignored?
Yes. Issues like refrigerant leaks, loose electrical connections, or clogged drain lines can escalate into compressor failure, electrical hazards, or water damage if left unaddressed.
Unsure if it's an emergency? Just call.
Kailey Air Systems is available 24/7 at (408) 300-0016 to help you decide and dispatch a technician if needed. Schedule service online.
