Emergency No-Heat or No-AC Help: $1 Online HVAC Tech in 2 Minutes

No heat in winter: Check thermostat (set to HEAT, temp above room temp, batteries). Check furnace switch (light-switch-style switch on/near furnace). Check breaker. Check gas — if you have a gas stove, try a burner. If gas is on and the furnace still will not ignite, the flame sensor, igniter, or control board has likely failed. While waiting for diagnosis or repair: use electric space heaters (plug directly into wall outlets, not extension cords), close rooms you are not using, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezing.

No AC in extreme heat: Check thermostat (set to COOL, temp below room temp). Check breaker for both the indoor air handler AND the outdoor unit (separate breakers). Check the disconnect box near the outdoor unit. If the outdoor unit is not running at all, the capacitor or contactor has likely failed ($100–300 repair). While waiting: close blinds on sun-facing windows, use fans to circulate air, stay hydrated, and go to a public air-conditioned space if the indoor temperature exceeds 90°F for vulnerable family members.

Emergency HVAC service calls cost 1.5x to 3x normal rates: $200 to $450 just to show up after hours or on weekends. A $1 chat with Shaun takes 10–15 minutes and tells you: (1) whether the problem has a DIY fix that restores heat/cooling immediately (dirty flame sensor, tripped breaker, clogged filter — these account for 40% of emergency calls), (2) whether the situation is safe to wait until regular business hours for a normal-rate service call, or (3) whether it genuinely requires emergency same-day service and what the service should cost.

Distinguishing between these three saves $100 to $400 on unnecessary emergency charges. Start a chat with Shaun now — under 2 minutes to connect. For the full diagnostic reference, see the furnace and AC troubleshooting guide.