What To Expect From Your HVAC Emergency Service Call
What if your air conditioner stops working during a heatwave? Or your heating stops when it’s freezing outside? These are two of the worst-case HVAC system scenarios no one likes to think about. However, they’re not that uncommon. Especially since extreme weather conditions can cause extra stress on your HVAC system. Other emergency issues include leaks, loud noises, and the strong smell of gas. So, what if the worst does happen? Don’t panic. Luckily, emergency service is available. Read on to find out what you can expect from an Entek HVAC service call.
Who Do You Call?
Some people worry they have to call a separate contractor in an emergency instead of their regular HVAC company. But at Entek, one of the many helpful services we provide is an HVAC emergency service call. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We have a special phone number for these types of HVAC service calls, which is (800) 633-1354.
In some cases, the HVAC company may not even need to come to your home. If you haven’t tried it already, they may encourage you to troubleshoot the unit. Or if it’s a simple fix that doesn’t require an expert, they may be able to guide you to take care of it over the phone. Most of the time, though, they will need to check out your system in person. Read on to find out what to expect in those cases.
How Long Will You Have to Wait?
Usually, technicians will be able to get to your building pretty quickly. This is also where the 24/7 service call lines come in handy, as you don’t have to wait until the next business hours. However, you want to make sure to call as soon as possible. Especially in extreme weather conditions, every minute counts.
How Will the HVAC Service Call Start?
In most cases, a thorough inspection happens first. Even if the culprit seems obvious, HVAC systems are pretty complicated and have many different parts and factors to consider. If it’s a central air system, for instance, the technician will have to look at both the indoor and outdoor units. They’ll also likely run some tests. Some of the common checks include:
- Listening for unusual noises
- Checking the ducts for leaks
- Testing the thermostat
- Inspecting the wiring, controls, and all the different parts, such as the motor and the fan
- Checking the outdoor unit refrigeration levels
- Looking out for any signs of damage
- Cleaning and inspecting the coils
- Taking the temperature of the air coming out of the unit
- Looking over the manufacturer guidelines and regulations
Instead of just diving in and taking everything apart, this inspection makes sure you get the best results. Once this step is finished, they will take you through the repair process.
What About the Price?
Once the technicians figure out the problem, they will be able to give you a price quote for the repair. This can depend on the issue itself, the size of your unit, and other factors. The technician won’t start on the repairs until you okay the work.
You may want to be prepared for the price to be higher than regular maintenance, especially if you call on a weekend or a holiday. However, it will be worth the cost to keep your home comfortable and safe.
What if a part needs to be replaced? The technicians can check if the parts are still under warranty, as they will have a list of the warranty expiration dates.
How Long Will the HVAC Service Call Take?
Again, this will depend on the issue, the urgency of the problem, and the size or type of HVAC system. In most cases, the service call will take an hour or two. Usually, the necessary repairs or replacements can be done over the course of one call. But if it’s a major issue, especially if it requires authorization, the technicians may need to make a return trip. In that case, it can take from 24 to 72 hours.
No matter how long it takes, before they leave, make sure the technician tests your system to make sure it’s back up and running effectively.
What Should You Expect from the Technicians?
When you turn to Entek, you can rest assured that the technicians are highly skilled, licensed professionals. We perform thorough background checks and regular drug testing and do regular safety training. And you can be sure that the technicians are clean and will wear booties indoors.
What Can You Do to Prevent an Emergency HVAC Service Call?
The most important step you should take is to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections. You should have those types of non-emergency HVAC service calls at least once or twice a year. In addition to potentially avoiding breakdowns, this regular service has numerous other benefits. For instance, keeping your HVAC in the best condition can help you save money on energy bills.
The best time for annual or biannual service can depend. Some recommend doing so prior to the extreme times of the year. If technicians find a problem or need to make a repair, taking care of it ahead of time is smart. You can rest assured that a breakdown during the worst kind of weather conditions is unlikely.
If you do suspect something is wrong, don’t wait until an emergency to call. You might be able to take care of the issue before it becomes a ruinous problem.
There are also some steps you can do on your own:
- To start, regularly clean and change the air filters. The manufacturer usually has guidelines for how often you should do so. This helps keep the unit as energy-efficient as possible.
- Use a vacuum to clear away dirt and debris that accumulates around the vents. You’ll want to do so regularly so that debris doesn’t get into the ductwork. Check the outdoor unit as well, especially if you have trees and shrubs in front of it.
- Keep the coils clean as well.
Whether it’s for emergency service, just a regular inspection, or more, turn to us here at Entek. Our company has provided great-quality, top-rated service to the Portland and Vancouver area for 75 years. You can find out more information about our HVAC service calls on our website.
