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Maintenance

HVAC Emergency? What to Do Before Help Arrives

Safe steps for gas smells, burning odors, water leaks, and no cooling in a heat wave, and what to tell the technician when you call.

Maintenance4 min read•Reviewed September 2026
HVAC Nation Technical TeamCalifornia CSLB C-20 License #1106248 · Verified HVAC Specialist

Key Takeaways for Homeowners

  • Gas smell: leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
  • Burning smell or smoke: shut the system off at the thermostat and breaker.
  • Water leak: turn the system off and clear the condensate drain area.
  • No cooling in extreme heat: move vulnerable people to a cool place.

If you smell gas

Don't flip switches or use anything that could spark. Leave the home, then call SoCalGas or 911 from outside. Don't return until it's declared safe.

Burning smells, smoke, or tripping breakers

Turn the thermostat to Off and switch off the HVAC breakers. A dusty smell for a few minutes on the first heating day can be normal; an electrical or plastic smell is not.

Water around the indoor unit

Turn the system off to stop more condensate. Move valuables and soak up water. A clogged condensate drain or a frozen coil melting are common causes.

No cooling during a heat wave

Close blinds, use fans, drink water, and move infants, older adults, and pets to the coolest room or a cooling center. Then call for service. HVAC Nation's emergency line is available 24/7 at (310) 906-8164.

What to tell the technician

Your address, the type of system, what you noticed and when, any error codes on the thermostat or furnace, and whether breakers have tripped. Photos of the equipment label help too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a carbon monoxide alarm going off an HVAC emergency?
Yes. Get everyone outside and call 911. Don't go back in until responders say it's safe.
Should I keep resetting a tripped breaker?
No. Reset once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a technician.
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