Emergency HVAC Repair: Air Conditioner & Heater Contractors

Emergency HVAC Repair: Find Local Heating & Air Conditioner Contractors

Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, you likely consider your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system one of the best inventions because it regulates your home temperature. But when something goes wrong, it can be inconvenient or even life-threatening. 

Here, we rounded up the top directories to find emergency HVAC repair contractors. Our favorite overall is the user-friendly Thumbtack directory, with Networx and Taskrabbit coming in close. 

Top Providers of Emergency HVAC Repair Services

• Thumbtack - Best platform for emergency HVAC repair overall 
• Networx - Most informative platform
• Taskrabbit - Most affordable platform

The best directories where you can find emergency HVAC repair contractors facilitate speedy response times. They also provide you with key information such as licensing and services offered. These platforms are free to use and index many professionals, with results tailored to your local area. Overall, Thumbtack was our first choice, thanks to its detailed profiles. 

1. Thumbtack - Best Platform for Emergency HVAC Repairs Overall

Pros

• View response times and number of employees 
• Licensing and other credentials are visible on user profiles 
• Read customer reviews and search for keywords 
• Many professionals waive their service call fees if hired 

Cons

• Does not provide an option to filter for emergency HVAC repair services

Why Choose Thumbtack?

Thumbtack is our top pick overall among the online platforms that let you search for emergency HVAC repair services.

This user-friendly directory doesn’t require you to make an account or enter any personal information to start exploring your options. It allows you to find everything you need to know when choosing a company.

Just search for the type of home service you need with your zip code. You can then see each company’s average rating, number of reviews, and whether or not they are currently online. Better yet, you can view photos of completed jobs and the number of hires on Thumbtack.

Services Offered

Emergency HVAC repair service contractors on Thumbtack offer duct and vent repair, routine maintenance, and installation. They can also perform repairs for HVAC issues such as system failure or only warm air coming out of your vents. 

Reviews

Thumbtack boasts a high 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot from around 5,600 reviews. 

One customer shared that all the HVAC contractors they dealt with have done great work with good quality, timely scheduling, and customer service.

Another user explained that the electrician he called using Thumbtack identified and rectified the HVAC problem in less than a day.

Contact

All the contractors’ profiles allow you to message them or request a call. You can contact Thumbtack itself through a button on the Help page. 

Summary

Thumbtack is an easy to use directory if you’re looking for home service contractors that can conduct emergency HVAC repair services since it provides details on everything from licenses to customer reviews. 

>>Check the best deals for Thumbtack here 

2. Networx - Most Informative Platform

Pros

• Blog on home maintenance and improvement topics 
• Cost guide available to use as a reference
• Compare rates between your search results 

Cons

• Requires you to enter your phone number and address to view results 

Why Choose Networx?

Networx brings 20 years of experience in linking customers to home service contractors, including those who perform emergency HVAC repair. Contractor profiles may include photos from completed work, lists of specialties, and response times, while licensing information can be found on the sidebar. 

Networx aims to educate users through its blog on home maintenance topics. Articles include what to do if your HVAC system is rattling, how to maintain your system, and how each HVAC component works. The “Experiences” tab includes customer stories on emergency gas valve repairs for heaters and an urgent air conditioner repair for a pizzeria caught in a heatwave. 

Services Offered

Networx’s emergency HVAC repair and electrical contractors offer various types of services. These include gas valve repair, AC replacement, and even simply cleaning your filter to get your air conditioning working again. 

Reviews

Networx has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot from an average of around 8,300 reviews. 

One five-star reviewer said that the platform matched him with a great company for his AC repair that featured excellent customer service, an on-time visit, and a friendly, informative team.

Another user shared that they encountered an emergency HVAC repair situation. The company reached out to them a short time after the initial call, arrived within an hour, diagnosed the problem quickly, and had the AC system working within minutes.

Contact

Each contractor profile has contact options available when you register your details with Networx. There is a toll-free number and email address if you want to contact Networx itself. 

Summary

Networx is a highly-rated directory that connects you with emergency HVAC repair contractors and showcases an informative blog that educates homeowners on everyday HVAC maintenance.*

3. Taskrabbit - Most Affordable Platform

Pros

• Includes same-day service for some contractors
• Designed with convenience in mind 
• Filter and sort searches by factors such as price or number of Taskrabbit orders

Cons

• Highly variable levels of skill and experience 

Why Choose Taskrabbit?

Taskrabbit was designed around convenience, for both customers and the contractors it hosts. It’s particularly easy to filter out contractors, also known as Taskers, who are too far away or over your budget. 

To use Taskrabbit, just search for the type of service you need, such as emergency HVAC repair, plus your address. You can filter or sort the Taskers by the number of jobs completed, their average rating, and price.

Although Taskrabbit’s contractors range from general handymen to experienced professionals, this can make it easier if you’re on a budget and need a simpler task completed.  

Services Offered

Taskrabbit’s Taskers offer a wide range of services from HVAC emergency repair to installations to cleaning out air conditioners. Each profile lists the contractor’s list of services offered. 

Reviews

Taskrabbit North America has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot, from an average of over 28,100 reviews. 

One user shared that the contractor from Taskrabbit was able to assist them promptly in putting in three air conditioners in windows and cleaning out AC units, making them a lot more comfortable.

Contact

You can contact each Tasker through the individual user profile. If you need to contact Taskrabbit itself, there are options on the Support page. 

Summary

Taskrabbit is a convenient directory for narrowing down your list of potential emergency HVAC repair contractors while helping you stick to your budget. 

>>Check the best deals for Taskrabbit here 

Common Emergency HVAC Repair Issues

Some emergency HVAC repair issues need to be addressed immediately.

Complete System Failure

If your HVAC system stops working entirely, this can be an emergency. Extreme weather conditions, including both heat and cold, are hazardous to your health, especially for young children, pets, and people with health conditions. 

First, check your thermostat settings and ensure that there are no blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. Your air filters may need cleaning or replacement as well. If none of these issues are present, then it’s time to search for “AC repair near me.” 

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks are often responsible for a buildup of ice on your evaporator coil and a drop in cooling capacity. Over time, this can damage your HVAC system. Low levels may also cause water leakage.

Call an emergency HVAC repair contractor right away to prevent further leaks and deterioration. Ensure that all maintenance checks include refrigerant levels in the future. 

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems can lead to odd noises, repeatedly blown fuses, or other issues. When electrical problems are allowed to continue, they may lead to fires or damage to other components in the same circuit.

While some DIYers may try to replace blown fuses, it’s still safer to entrust the repairs to an experienced HVAC professional.

Blower Fan Malfunctions

Problems with your blower fan cause poor airflow. If you find yourself having to turn up your HVAC system harder or set it to colder or warmer temperatures than normal, you may be dealing with this issue. 

To rule out other causes, check your air filters for any blockage or damage. It may also be as simple as furniture or other objects sitting in front of the air vents.

Overheating Compressor

Your air conditioner compressor cools your home by moving refrigeration through the system. Maintenance issues such as dirty filters, inappropriately sized HVAC units, voltage surges, and poor insulation are common causes of overheating.

>>Check the best deals for Thumbtack here 

Benefits of Hiring an Emergency HVAC Repair Service

Searching specifically for emergency HVAC repair services is a better option than calling just anyone, as they’re likely to respond faster. 

Immediate Response to Emergencies

Emergency HVAC services are more likely to respond right away or within the hour when you call. Chances are they have the right replacement parts or other equipment on hand too, so you don’t need to wait. 

Timely Solutions To Prevent Further Damage

A quality HVAC repair service can improve upon your system’s previous state, such as by upgrading aged or outdated parts if necessary. The team can also educate customers on maintenance to avoid preventable emergencies. 

Round-the-Clock Availability

Professionals advertising as emergency HVAC repair technicians are likely to offer nighttime, weekend, or holiday openings. System failures, electrical problems, and other issues don’t wait for business hours to strike. This is crucial if your business hours have a 24-hour nature, such as if you run a hotel. 

Peace of Mind for Urgent Situations

Emergency HVAC repair professionals have the expertise required to deal with the often complex and dangerous nature of air conditioner and heater emergencies. 

Resuming Comfortable Conditions Quickly

The reviews for the directories we discussed here include customer stories of emergency HVAC repair contractors arriving within a few hours. This is often fast enough to prevent heating or cooling from dissipating entirely.

Getting back to a comfortable temperature can be critical if you have very young or vulnerable family members or if your HVAC emergency involves a business you run.

How To Find a Reliable Emergency HVAC Repair Service Provider

When searching for a dependable HVAC repair professional, here are the most important factors to consider. 

Checking Licensing and Certifications

HVAC professionals should provide their licensing details so you can be assured of quality service and eligibility for insurance if anything goes wrong. Thumbtack is one directory where businesses can display these on their profile. 

Reading Reviews and Testimonials

Customer reviews provide a preview of the service experience you can expect. Prioritize those with at least an average rating of 4 out of  5 stars. It’s also recommended to try searching for your specific issue in their list of reviews with a search option or Ctrl+F. 

Evaluating Experience and Expertise

It’s best to choose the most experienced professional near you, especially in more serious emergencies. Nevertheless, their years of experience in the field may matter less than whether they specialize in your specific issue. 

Inquiring About Emergency Response Time

The best directories, such as Thumbtack, Networx, and Taskrabbit, usually have professionals’ response times on their user profiles. Choose companies with listed response times of under three hours. Those who respond “in a day” may not be suitable for emergencies. 

Availability of Comprehensive Services

For long-term support, including maintenance check-ups, we recommend choosing a company that offers the full range of HVAC services, in addition to emergency HVAC repair.

>>Check the best deals for Thumbtack here

Tips for Maintaining Your AC System To Avoid Emergency Breakdowns

Prevention is better than cure, including for air conditioning systems. Here’s how to maintain your AC to reduce the risk of emergencies.

Regular Filter Replacement

Old, dirty air filters do not capture pollen or pollutants as well as new ones. As a result, they can damage your HVAC system by forcing it to work harder. Most filters need replacement every month or two, but high-end designs can last up to six months. 

Cleaning Condenser Coils

Like filters, the condenser coils can have impaired functionality when dust and dirt accumulate. These do not need replacement. Instead, shut off all power to your HVAC unit, and once the coils cool, start to brush away debris. Spray a mix of water and a recommended cleaner onto the coils, and either leave it to self-rinse or wipe it off with water. 

Checking Refrigerant Levels

Learning how to check your refrigerant levels is vital to prevent leaks and ice formation. 

If you haven’t had your refrigerant replaced in many years, it’s likely to be an older, more environmentally damaging type. 

R12 was the chlorofluorocarbon phased out in 1994 and replaced by R22 (Freon). Freon was phased out in 2020 because it is linked to ozone depletion and other harmful effects. Chlorine-free R410A (Puron) is less harmful, but you will need to replace or upgrade your system if it was designed for Freon. 

Inspecting and Cleaning Ducts

Leaks and dirty ducts can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and force it to work harder. If some parts of your ducts are accessible through your attic, basement, or crawlspace, visually inspect them and use your hand or an incense stick to find leaks. Minor leaks and dirt accumulation can be fixed as a DIY task, but major issues need professional attention. 

Scheduling Professional Maintenance

It’s important to schedule regular maintenance on your HVAC system to prevent problems and to identify minor issues before they grow worse. An annual “check-up” is best.

>>Check the best deals for Thumbtack here 

Understanding the Cost of Emergency HVAC Repair Service

Emergency HVAC repair services usually cost more because they take place outside regular business hours. In general, maintenance can cost $100 to $300 per year. On the other hand, the diagnostics, parts, labor, and after-hours fees of emergency HVAC repairs can cost thousands in total. 

Commercial HVAC repair will likely cost more than residential services, as the systems are much more complicated. Only experienced technicians can work with commercial HVAC systems, so the price will be higher.

Emergency HVAC Repair Service vs. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the preferred option over emergency HVAC repairs if it can help you avoid unforeseen problems. 

Immediate Repairs vs. Scheduled Check-Ups

Immediate repairs are generally more drastic than scheduled maintenance. They are more likely to involve replacing major parts entirely, while maintenance may simply involve cleaning or replacing a minor component. 

Addressing Urgent Issues vs. Preventive Measures

Preventive measures nip problems in the bud before they result in system failure or dangers to your health and home. Your technician will clean and lubricate parts, check for wear and tear, identify any loose parts, replace filters, and calibrate your system. 

Cost Differences and Service Timelines

As they are short notice and more likely to be outside of regular business hours, emergency HVAC repairs are typically more expensive. While you may get your HVAC system repaired in 24 hours or less, it may cost thousands of dollars, more than 10 times the price of an annual check-up. 

Methodology

When searching for the best emergency HVAC repair professionals, we had specific criteria in mind: 

• Detailed user profiles: Directories should list each company’s services, business hours, and customer reviews. Platforms that feature professional licensing, response times, location, number of employees, and even photographs of completed jobs were also highly rated. 
• Available services: We chose only directories with a wide range of home service professionals. Not only is this more convenient for you long-term, but you also won’t be left stranded if it turns out you need an electrician more than an HVAC specialist. 
• Customer reviews: User feedback should have an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars, with some that describe quality HVAC services. 
• Ease of use: The directory should have a user-friendly interface and a streamlined process.

>>Check the best deals for Thumbtack here

Emergency HVAC Repair Service FAQs

If you’re just getting started, here are the first things to know about emergency HVAC repairs. 

How Do I Know If It's an HVAC Emergency?

Checking your electrical box for tripped circuit breakers and your vents for any objects blocking them can point to or rule out an HVAC issue. An HVAC emergency is a serious failure in your air conditioning system, including those that can be dangerous such as electrical faults and gas leaks. 

Do Emergency HVAC Repair Services Cost More?

If you need emergency AC services for common air conditioner problems outside of regular business hours, they will typically cost more.

What Should I Do if My HVAC Breaks Down in the Middle of the Night?

If your HVAC system breaks down in the middle of the night, ensure that your electrical box doesn’t simply have a tripped breaker. Otherwise, check any of the directories above to see if an emergency HVAC repair professional is online. If no one is available, preserve the warm or cool air you do have by keeping your windows closed and fans off. 

Can I Schedule Regular Maintenance During Emergency Hours?

While some professionals may accommodate you if your working hours make this necessary, we advise against using emergency hours for maintenance that could be done at any time. 

Are There Any Emergency Repair HVAC Services That Are Not Covered?

Home insurance is unlikely to cover emergency HVAC repairs that are the result of normal wear and tear. However, insurance is likely to cover damage from unforeseen events such as storms. 

Emergency HVAC Repair Services: Conclusion

When life has gotten in the way of regular maintenance or an unavoidable problem has led to an HVAC emergency, you need a skilled professional to address the issue. Thankfully, the best directories can help you find emergency HVAC repair contractors. These platforms can provide you with detailed information on each business and support homeowners with varying budgets. 

Overall, we rated Thumbtack as the top service provider overall because of its detailed profiles and easy-to-use search functions. Networx and Taskrabbit also deserved an honorable mention, thanks to their informative website and cost-effective setup, respectively.

*Upon application, customer information will be submitted to Networx and Networx Buyers and users are consenting to contact by Networx, Networx Buyers and any other service professionals via calls, texts, and emails using artificial voice calls, pre-recorded calls, or calls placed with the assistance of auto-dialer technology at the telephone number and email address provided. Such consent is not a condition of purchasing any property, goods or services.