Emergency HVAC Repair Companies Near You, by City

What to do right now

1. Check the thermostat batteries and settings, the filter, and the breaker or power switch for the furnace or air handler.
2. If it's dangerously hot or cold inside, go somewhere safe: a friend's place, a hotel, or a city warming or cooling center.
3. In freezing weather, open sink cabinets and let faucets drip to protect pipes.
4. Renters: report the outage to your landlord in writing. If they don't respond, call 311 or your local housing agency.

Emergency HVAC Repair: what homeowners should know

Losing heat in a winter storm or air conditioning in a heat wave can become a safety problem fast, especially for babies, older adults, and anyone with heart or breathing conditions. In freezing weather, a dead furnace also puts your pipes at risk.

Before you call, check the thermostat batteries and settings, the furnace filter, and whether the breaker or the furnace's own power switch has tripped. A surprising number of no-heat calls are a tripped switch or a clogged filter.

Ask any HVAC company whether they are licensed in your city, what the after-hours diagnostic fee is, and whether that fee is credited toward the repair. If they recommend replacing the system, get a second quote before you commit.

How much does emergency HVAC repair cost?

Emergency diagnostic visits often run about $75 to $200, and after-hours rates are higher. Common repairs like an igniter, capacitor or blower motor are usually a few hundred dollars to around $1,500. Replacing a furnace or AC system typically costs several thousand dollars and up.

If you rent: who handles what

Heating and cooling systems in rentals are usually the owner's equipment and responsibility. Many cities set minimum indoor temperatures landlords must maintain in the heating season, and some require heat to be restored within 24 hours.

Many HVAC companies will want the property manager's OK before working on building equipment, so loop your landlord in before you book anyone.