Emergency HVAC Service in New Lenox — What To Do When Your System Fails
Your heat goes out at 11pm in January. Your AC dies during a heat wave. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do, who to call, and how to stay safe while you wait for a technician.
HVAC emergencies don't follow business hours. Whether it's a furnace that quit on a January night or an AC that died during a July heat advisory, knowing what to do in the first 30 minutes can make a significant difference in how quickly you get back to comfort — and how safe you stay in the meantime.
Step-by-Step: What To Do When Your HVAC Fails
Check the obvious things first
Before calling anyone, check your thermostat batteries, make sure the system is set to the right mode (heat/cool), verify the circuit breaker hasn't tripped, and check that the filter isn't completely clogged. About 20% of "emergency" calls turn out to be one of these simple fixes.
Turn off the system if you smell gas or burning
If you smell gas, don't touch any switches. Leave the house, leave the door open, and call your gas company and 911 from outside. If you smell burning plastic or electrical odors from your HVAC unit, turn the system off at the thermostat and the breaker. Don't run it until a technician has inspected it.
Call a 24/7 HVAC company — not a handyman
HVAC systems involve gas lines, refrigerant, and high-voltage electrical. Always call a licensed HVAC technician, not a general handyman. In Illinois, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the state. Ask for their license number when you call.
Stay safe while you wait
In winter: use space heaters in one room, close off unused rooms, and layer up. Never use a gas oven or grill indoors for heat — carbon monoxide risk is real. In summer: go to a cooler room, use fans, stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors or family members who may be vulnerable to heat.
Document the problem for the technician
Note when the problem started, any unusual sounds or smells, what the thermostat reads vs. what the actual temperature feels like, and any error codes on your thermostat display. This helps the technician diagnose faster and saves you time and money.
What Counts as a True HVAC Emergency?
Not every HVAC issue requires an emergency call. Here's a quick guide:
- No heat below 32°F outside
- Gas smell from furnace
- CO detector alarm
- Electrical burning smell
- No AC during heat advisory (elderly/infants at home)
- AC not cooling well but still running
- Unusual noise but system works
- One room warmer/cooler than others
- Thermostat display issues
- System running but bills seem high
Why Choose a Local HVAC Company for Emergencies?
When your heat goes out at midnight, you don't want a company that's 90 minutes away. Local companies like Best Heating & Cooling know the area, have technicians nearby, and can often get to you faster than a large regional chain.
We've been serving New Lenox, Joliet, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Homer Glen, and Lockport since 1987. When you call us at 11pm, you're talking to someone who knows your neighborhood — not a call center in another state.
24/7 Emergency HVAC — New Lenox & Will County
Licensed, bonded, and insured. Serving the Chicago suburbs since 1987. We answer every call.
Call (815) 605-7365