AC Emergency

Emergency AC Breakdown Guide

What to do when your AC fails, how to avoid emergency price gouging, and when you can safely wait

First: Do You Really Need Emergency Service?

Emergency service costs 50-100% more than normal rates. Before calling, ask:

• Can you survive one night without AC? (fans, cool showers, basement)
• Is anyone in the household medically vulnerable to heat?
• Is it a weekend or after-hours? Can it wait until Monday morning?

If you can wait until normal business hours, you'll save $200-500.

Emergency Service Fair Costs

Normal Business Hours

• Service call: $75-150
• Capacitor: $200-400
• Contactor: $150-300
• Refrigerant: $300-600

Emergency/After-Hours

• Service call: $150-300
• Capacitor: $300-600
• Contactor: $225-450
• Refrigerant: $450-900

Emergency rates are 50-100% higher than normal. Weekend rates typically 25-50% higher.

Emergency Scam Red Flags

• Quotes 2x+ higher than prices above
• Insists on immediate full system replacement
• Won't give you time to consider options
• Demands cash payment
• No company vehicle or uniform
• Won't explain the problem clearly

Even in an emergency, you have the right to understand the problem and the quote before agreeing to work.

What to Do Right Now

1

Check the Obvious First

• Is the thermostat set to "Cool" and lower than room temp?
• Did a circuit breaker trip? Check your electrical panel
• Is the outdoor unit running? Look for spinning fan
• Has the filter been changed recently?

2

Cool Your Home Temporarily

• Close blinds/curtains on sunny windows
• Use fans to circulate air
• Move to the coolest room (usually basement)
• Take cool showers
• Avoid using ovens and heat-generating appliances

3

Use Our Diagnostic Tool

Identify the likely problem before calling. This helps you:

• Know if it's truly an emergency
• Understand fair pricing for your issue
• Spot scam tactics when getting quotes

When Emergency Service Makes Sense

• Elderly, infants, or medically vulnerable people in home
• Outdoor temperature above 95°F with no relief in sight
• No other cooling options available (no fans, basement, etc.)
• Water leaking and causing damage

In these cases, emergency service is worth the premium. Just know the fair prices above so you don't get gouged.