Whether your HVAC system is noticeably malfunctioning or stopped working for seemingly no reason, don’t panic. This guide is split into two clear phases: First, securing your family and home from immediate hazards, and second, running through simple checks to see if you can fix the issue yourself without paying for a service call.
Immediate Life Threats (Evacuate Now)
Before you touch your equipment or try to fix anything, look, smell, and listen for these critical warning signs. Take the corresponding action immediately to protect your family and your property.
Symptoms:
You smell rotten eggs (a natural gas leak), hear your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector sounding, or see smoke or fire.
Action:
Evacuate the property immediately.
Do not flip any light switches, open garage doors, or use cell phones inside the house, as a single electrical spark could ignite the gas. Once safely outside, call 911. If you suspect a gas leak, also call your local gas provider. If you live in Omaha or the surrounding areas, your natural gas provider is likely the Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.)
Property & Equipment Threats (Complete System Shutdown)
Symptoms:
You notice any of the following mechanical warning signs:
- Sound: Severe grinding, clanking, or loud metal screeching.
- Smell/Sight: Burning plastic, an electrical sulfur odor, or visible sparks.
- Water: Active puddles pooling around or underneath your indoor system.
Action:
Turn your thermostat to OFF AND flip the system’s circuit breakers to OFF.
Simply turning off the thermostat stops the heating or cooling call, but it does not cut high-voltage power to the unit. Flipping the main breakers at your electrical panel (labeled “Furnace,” “AC,” “Heat Pump,” or “Air Handler”) completely isolates the unit. This stops short-circuiting wires from starting a fire, prevents broken mechanical parts from tearing the system apart, and stops the high-powered fan from spraying standing water into expensive electronic control boards or your drywall.
The “Before You Call a Pro” Checklist (Cost-Saving Steps)
If your home is completely safe but your heating or cooling system is unresponsive or blowing the wrong temperature, run through these quick checks. Many “emergencies” are simple oversights you can fix yourself to avoid paying a diagnostic fee.
If Your System’s Symptom Is…
…Take This Fast Action Right Now
The thermostat display screen is completely blank.
Replace the batteries. Pop the thermostat cover off and install a fresh set of AA or AAA alkaline batteries. Ensure the mode is set firmly to Heat (winter) or Cool (summer) and that the target temperature is set at least 3 degrees past the room’s current temperature to force the system to click back on.
The entire system has zero power and ignores the thermostat.
Reset the breaker. Open your main electrical panel and locate the switches labeled “Furnace,” “AC,” or “Air Handler.” If a breaker has tripped (resting in the middle), flip it fully to OFF first, then click it firmly back to ON exactly once. (Note: If it trips a second time, leave it off and call a pro).
The unit runs constantly but only blows weak, lukewarm air.
Check the air filter. Your system is likely suffocating. A choked filter blocks vital airflow, causing a furnace to overheat and shut down, or an AC coil to freeze solid. Pull the filter out. If it looks like a thick grey rug, replace it immediately.
The furnace shuts down completely after heavy winter snow.
Clear the exterior vents. Head outside and inspect the plastic PVC exhaust and intake pipes protruding from the side of your home. If drifting snow or ice blocks these vents, the system automatically shuts off for safety. Clear the blockages away so the system can breathe.
Why Choose Apex Heating | Cooling | Plumbing for Professional Support When You Need It
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If you’ve completed the troubleshooting steps and your home comfort system remains completely unresponsive, you don’t have to navigate this freeze or heatwave alone. The dedicated emergency crew at Apex Heating | Cooling | Plumbing is fully operational and standing by.
The 1:00 PM Guarantee:
Book your service by 1:00 PM, and we guarantee a technician will be at your home today, or your service call fee is completely waived.
Fast Diagnostics:
Our technicians will diagnose your problem and provide a transparent, flat-rate quote within 15 minutes of entering your home so you can make a fast, no-pressure decision.
Schedule Your Emergency Service Appointment Now
Don’t risk your home’s infrastructure or your family’s comfort. Call the HVAC emergency professionals at Apex Heating | Cooling | Plumbing right away. You can also book your emergency service call online.
