Providing Union & Essex County with reliable, high-quality heating and cooling solutions since 2008.

EMERGENCY SAFETY GUIDE

Emergency HVAC Repair:When to Call Professionals

Recognize the warning signs that require immediate professional attention to prevent system damage and ensure home safety. Strange noises, unusual odors, or complete system failure? Learn when DIY fixes won't cut it.

8 min read
Safety Critical
24/7 Emergency Guide

Emergency Contact

For immediate HVAC emergencies in Union & Essex County:

Call (908) 249-9701Available 24/7 - No overtime charges
EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

Critical Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore

Some HVAC problems require immediate professional attention to prevent serious injury, property damage, or even death. Learn to recognize these critical warning signs and know exactly what to do when they occur.

Gas Leak (Rotten Egg Smell)

CRITICAL

Strong sulfur or rotten egg odor indicates natural gas leak

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Evacuate immediately - Do NOT use electrical devices

Dangers:

  • Explosion risk
  • Fire hazard
  • Health complications

Do NOT:

  • Use lights/electronics
  • Search for leak source
  • Stay in building

Carbon Monoxide Signs

CRITICAL

Yellow furnace flames, soot buildup, or CO detector alarm

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Leave area immediately - Seek fresh air

Dangers:

  • Poisoning
  • Death
  • Neurological damage

Do NOT:

  • Ignore CO detectors
  • Stay in affected area
  • Try to fix yourself

Electrical Issues (Sparks/Smoke)

CRITICAL

Visible sparks, smoke, or burning electrical smell

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Turn off power at breaker - Evacuate if necessary

Dangers:

  • Fire risk
  • Electrocution
  • Property damage

Do NOT:

  • Touch electrical components
  • Use water on electrical fires
  • Ignore burning smells

Complete System Failure

HIGH

No heating/cooling during extreme weather conditions

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Check basic issues first, then call professional

Dangers:

  • Health risks
  • Pipe freezing
  • Equipment damage

Do NOT:

  • Ignore in extreme weather
  • Try complex repairs
  • Wait until morning

Strange Noises (Banging/Grinding)

MEDIUM

Loud banging, grinding, or screeching sounds from equipment

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Turn off system - Schedule immediate service

Dangers:

  • Component failure
  • Safety hazards
  • Expensive repairs

Do NOT:

  • Continue operating
  • Ignore loud noises
  • Wait for failure

Water Leaks/Flooding

MEDIUM

Visible water pooling around HVAC equipment

IMMEDIATE ACTION:

Turn off system - Clear water - Call professional

Dangers:

  • Mold growth
  • Electrical hazards
  • Structural damage

Do NOT:

  • Ignore pooling water
  • Touch electrical with wet hands
  • Let mold develop

Emergency Response Protocols

Gas Leak

Call First:

Gas Company Emergency Line

Step-by-Step Protocol:

  1. 1Do NOT use electrical switches, phones, or create sparks
  2. 2Evacuate all people and pets immediately
  3. 3Call gas company from outside location
  4. 4Do not re-enter until cleared by professionals
  5. 5Ventilate area by opening doors/windows if safe

Carbon Monoxide

Call First:

911 (if symptoms present)

Step-by-Step Protocol:

  1. 1Move to fresh air immediately
  2. 2Call 911 if anyone has symptoms
  3. 3Turn off gas appliances if safely accessible
  4. 4Ventilate the area
  5. 5Do not use gas appliances until inspected

Electrical Fire/Sparks

Call First:

911 Fire Department

Step-by-Step Protocol:

  1. 1Turn off power at main breaker if safely accessible
  2. 2Evacuate if fire is present
  3. 3Call fire department for any visible fire
  4. 4Use Class C fire extinguisher on electrical fires
  5. 5Never use water on electrical fires

System Failure (Extreme Weather)

Call First:

HVAC Emergency Service

Step-by-Step Protocol:

  1. 1Check thermostat settings and batteries
  2. 2Verify circuit breakers are not tripped
  3. 3Check air filter for clogs
  4. 4Ensure outdoor unit is not blocked
  5. 5Call HVAC professional if basic checks fail

Health Warning Signs

Gas Leak Exposure

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Breathing difficulty

Action Required:

Leave area immediately and seek fresh air

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting

Action Required:

Call 911 immediately - This is life-threatening

Poor Indoor Air Quality

  • Allergies
  • Respiratory issues
  • Eye irritation
  • Persistent cough

Action Required:

Check HVAC system and schedule air quality assessment

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Prevent HVAC Emergencies Before They Happen

The best emergency is the one that never happens. These proactive safety measures and monitoring techniques can help you detect problems early and prevent dangerous situations.

Gas Safety

  • Install gas detectors near gas appliances
  • Have gas lines inspected annually
  • Know the location of gas shut-off valves
  • Never ignore even faint gas odors
  • Schedule professional furnace maintenance

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

  • Install CO detectors on every level
  • Replace CO detector batteries annually
  • Keep vents and chimneys clear
  • Never use outdoor equipment indoors
  • Service combustion appliances yearly

Electrical Safety

  • Schedule electrical inspections every 3-5 years
  • Replace frayed or damaged wiring immediately
  • Avoid overloading circuits
  • Keep electrical panels accessible
  • Install GFCI outlets in wet areas

System Monitoring

  • Change filters regularly (every 1-3 months)
  • Listen for unusual system noises
  • Monitor energy bills for sudden increases
  • Check outdoor units monthly
  • Schedule bi-annual professional maintenance

Professional Emergency Service Available 24/7

When emergencies strike, Dimatic Control is ready to respond immediately. Our certified technicians are available around the clock for critical HVAC emergencies throughout Union and Essex County. Don't wait - call at the first sign of danger.

SAFETY SUMMARY

Emergency Response Checklist

When to Call Immediately (Do Not Wait)

🚨 CRITICAL EMERGENCIES

Gas smell (rotten eggs)
Carbon monoxide alarm
Electrical sparks or smoke
Yellow furnace flames
Visible fire or extreme heat

⚠️ URGENT ISSUES

Complete heating failure (winter)
Complete cooling failure (summer)
Major water leaks
Loud grinding/banging noises
System cycling on/off rapidly

Safety First

Your safety and that of your family is always the top priority. When in doubt, evacuate and call professionals.

24/7 Availability

Emergency HVAC service is available around the clock. No overtime charges for critical safety issues.

Prevention Pays

Regular maintenance prevents 95% of emergency situations. Schedule preventive service today.

Don't Risk Your Safety

HVAC emergencies can be life-threatening. At the first sign of danger, contact Dimatic Control's emergency service. Our experienced technicians will respond immediately to ensure your family's safety and restore your comfort.