What Is Considered an HVAC Emergency for Homeowners?

An HVAC emergency is any heating or cooling problem that creates a safety risk, causes active property damage, or removes essential heat or cooling during extreme weather. Most emergencies involve gas or electrical hazards, major leaks, or a total system failure when temperatures are dangerous. Our licensed team handles these situations throughout the Southwest Virginia region near Salem, and we dispatch certified technicians 24/7 through an after-hours system.

Call for emergency help right away if you notice:

• Gas smell or a carbon monoxide alarm
• Burning smell, smoke, sparks, or a breaker that trips more than once (leave it off)
• No heat during freezing temps or no AC during dangerous heat, especially for infants, seniors, or medical needs
• Water leaking from the furnace/air handler or an overflowing condensate drain
• Heat pump iced over and not defrosting while blowing cold air
• Sudden loud bang, screech, or metal-on-metal noise

If you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate and call 911 before calling for service.

Updated: 2026-02-25

Need help in Salem, VA? Call (540) 238-0320 or book online. “Wisler Plumbing and Air Inc did a fantastic job to fix our emergency.” — Loretta N.