We’re at the end of cooling season here in Oregon, though we’re not done with the occasional hot spell, and while your air conditioner may be seeing lowered use, it may still have some work to do this year. Now is the time when systems break down: after months of regular use followed by days or weeks of sitting unused. And air conditioners don’t always choose the most convenient times to break down either. The system can suffer a problem in the middle of the night or over the weekend when most repair services are closed.
So what do you do in such circumstances? Luckily, emergency repair services are available and a good technician can be dispatched to your home anytime, day or night, to treat a given issue. That invariably costs a little more, for obvious reasons, but sometimes that’s preferable to trying to wait it out. The question becomes, when do you need an emergency air conditioning repair service and when can you let the issue wait until regular hours? Only you can make that determination. But here are a few guidelines to help.
IS YOUR HEAT AFFECTED AS WELL AS YOUR AC?
Some homes in the area use heat pumps to condition their air, which combines heating and air conditioning into a single unit. Others have issues that affect both the heat and the air conditioning, such as a problem with the ducts or an issue with the thermostat. If your home falls into that category, you probably want to get the system fixed as quickly as possible, which might mean an emergency call. You may need your heating system well before you need your cooling system, and getting the issue fixed will ensure that you do.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO WAIT UNTIL REGULAR HOURS?
If the system breaks down on a Sunday, for instance, or just a few hours before the start of the regular workday, it’s usually advantageous to wait for a regular repair call. On the other hand, if it takes place earlier, and you’re going to need a longer wait before a non-emergency call can be made, then it’s often beneficial to pay a little extra and get the issue taken care of as quickly as possible.
HOW MUCH WILL THE ISSUE AFFECT YOU?
HVAC systems are responsible for our household comfort, but they’re also responsible for a great deal more. Sensitive family members may become ill if the temperature isn’t regulated, and even if you’re not facing a health issue, a broken HVAC system can disrupt your sleep and cause other issues that you might not be willing to accept. In those instances, it’s well worth paying a little extra to get the system fixed quickly and prevent the consternation and headache that might arise otherwise.
If you need emergency air conditioning services for the HVAC unit in your Portland, OR home, call on Western Heating & Cooling every time. We’re ready to go 24 hours a day, seven days a week!