Emergency HVAC · 1 min read · Maryland
No AC in a heatwave: homeowner emergency checklist
Stay safe when cooling fails, try safe resets, and know when to call emergency HVAC help.
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Safety first in extreme heat
Infants, older adults, and anyone with medical conditions are at higher risk. If anyone shows heat illness symptoms (confusion, vomiting, extreme weakness), seek emergency medical care — that is 911, not an HVAC call.
Use cool showers, close blinds, drink water, and consider a cooling center or friend’s home while you arrange repairs.
Safe checks before you call
Confirm the thermostat is set to cool and the setpoint is below room temperature. Check that the breakers for the air handler and condenser are on. Replace a severely clogged filter if you can do so safely.
Listen for the outdoor unit. If it will not start, or starts and stops quickly, stop repeated resets — that can damage equipment.
When it is an HVAC emergency
No cooling during dangerous heat, burning smells, visible ice on refrigerant lines with no airflow, or water leaking from the air handler are reasons to call for emergency HVAC help.
Share your city and system type (central AC, heat pump) when you call so a local technician can prepare.
Get local emergency help
When DIY steps are not enough, use these local pages:
Guide FAQs
Can I run fans only overnight?
Fans help comfort but do not lower body temperature in very hot, humid rooms the way air conditioning does. Prioritize vulnerable people and cool locations.
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