Mount Pleasant Heating & Air Conditioning · Help Center
When to Call Emergency HVAC Repair
A Charleston-area summer night without AC — or a cold snap without heat — can turn miserable fast. Not every HVAC problem is an emergency, but some genuinely are. Here is how to tell the difference, and what to do in either case.
Quick Answer
Call for emergency HVAC service when there is a safety risk — the smell of gas or burning, a refrigerant leak, a breaker that will not reset, water flooding around the equipment — or when you have no heat in freezing weather, no AC in extreme heat, or a vulnerable person in the home (elderly, infant, or someone with a medical condition). If it is merely uncomfortable, inefficient, or making a new noise, it can usually wait for a normal appointment — but call us and we will help you decide.
Call Now
True HVAC Emergencies — Call Now
These situations involve safety risk, serious system damage, or a home that is becoming unlivable fast. If you see any of these, call us right away — we are available 24/7.
Smell of Gas or Burning
The smell of natural gas or a burning electrical odor near the furnace or AC is a safety issue. Turn the system off, open windows, and call immediately.
No Heat in Freezing Weather
If temperatures are at or below freezing and the heat is out — especially with children, elderly residents, or anyone with a medical condition — that is an emergency.
No AC in Extreme Heat
When the house is unsafe to occupy because of heat and humidity — a common Lowcountry summer problem — emergency cooling service may be justified.
Breaker Trips Repeatedly
A breaker that will not reset is an electrical problem that can cause damage or a fire. Stop resetting it and call.
Refrigerant Leak or Ice Storm
A hissing refrigerant leak, or a system caked in ice, is damaging the equipment — and refrigerant is a licensed-technician repair.
Water Flooding Around Equipment
A backed-up condensate drain or leaking coil that is spilling water into your home can damage floors, walls, and belongings fast.
Can Usually Wait
What Can Usually Wait
These problems are real, but they are not emergencies. They can be scheduled for a normal appointment — often the same day when available.
Weak or Uneven Airflow
A room that is not cooling evenly, or airflow that is weaker than it should be, is worth fixing but rarely urgent.
New or Unusual Noises
Rattling, buzzing, or grinding deserves attention — but unless it is loud, smoking, or accompanied by no-heat/no-cool, it can wait for business hours.
Short Cycling or Constant Running
A system that cycles too often or runs non-stop is inefficient and wearing out, but it is not an immediate emergency.
High Energy Bills
A spike in your electric bill usually signals a maintenance or efficiency problem — schedule a check rather than an emergency call.
Thermostat Problems
A blank screen or a thermostat that will not hold temperature can wait — though a simple battery or breaker check may fix it now.
Maintenance and Tune-Ups
Preventive maintenance is exactly what to schedule in advance — it prevents the emergencies above.
What to Do Right Now
What to Do Right Now
Whether you are calling for an emergency or scheduling a normal visit, these steps keep you safe and help us help you faster.
Turn the System Off
If you smell burning, see ice or water, or hear grinding, shut the system off at the thermostat to prevent further damage.
Check the Basics
Confirm the thermostat is on the right mode and the breaker is not tripped. These two checks resolve a surprising number of calls.
Call Us and Describe the Problem
Tell us what the system is doing, what it smells or sounds like, and how long it has been going on. We will tell you if it is an emergency.
Keep the Area Clear
Move furniture away from the indoor and outdoor units so a technician can work safely and quickly.
Prepare for the Worst Case
If it is a heat emergency, use fans and close blinds; if it is cold, use space heaters safely. We will get to you as fast as we can.
Know Your Warranty and Service History
Having your service history handy speeds up diagnosis — and tells us whether the issue is a repair or a replacement decision.
Get It Fixed
We Answer HVAC Emergencies 24/7
From a dead AC on a 95-degree afternoon to a furnace failure on a freezing night, we are available day and night, seven days a week. Call and a licensed, background-checked technician will talk you through it.
Common Questions
Straight Answers
Quick, honest answers about emergency HVAC service in the Mount Pleasant area.
Is a broken AC in summer an emergency?
It depends on the temperatures and who is in the home. If the house is becoming unsafe due to heat — especially with elderly residents, infants, or anyone with a medical condition — yes, call for emergency service. If you can manage with fans and the temperature is tolerable, it can usually wait for a same-day or next-day appointment.
Does emergency HVAC service cost more?
Emergency service outside normal business hours may include an after-hours fee, but we always explain pricing before any work begins. When the system can wait until regular hours, we will tell you honestly rather than charging emergency rates.
How fast can you get here for an HVAC emergency?
We are available 24/7 for emergencies across Mount Pleasant and the Charleston area and offer same-day appointments when available. Call us and we will give you a realistic arrival window for your situation.
Should I turn my HVAC system off during an emergency?
Yes, in most cases. If you smell burning or gas, see water, ice, or smoke, or hear grinding, shut the system off at the thermostat. Running a damaged system can turn a small repair into a big one — and can be a safety risk.
What counts as an HVAC emergency for renters?
No heat in freezing weather, no AC in extreme heat, gas smells, water damage, or electrical hazards are emergencies for renters too. Contact your landlord or property manager and your local HVAC service — we work with both.
Facing an HVAC Emergency?
Call (843) 714-0863 now — we answer 24/7 for cooling and heating emergencies, and we are available same-day when appointments allow.
Call (843) 714-0863Request Service