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When an Air Conditioning Problem Turns into an Emergency

By Randy Arthur

President, Arthur Air Conditioning

It’s rare, but a life-threatening emergency can arise in your air conditioning system. How can you tell
when you are facing a genuine emergency? What steps should you take immediately to protect your
family?

Know where your circuit breaker box is located. Know how to shut down power to your entire
household, and know which breaker turns off electricity to your air conditioning and heating system.
This is the single most important lesson of emergency preparedness. Every member of your family
old enough to understand the concept of fire risk should know how to turn off the power. Here is
when to shut off power to your air conditioning system and call for service immediately:

  • If you smell burning in your indoor air handler
  • If you see smoke coming from either the outdoor or the indoor unit
  • If you hear a loud cranking noise such as a metal fan blade striking its metal housing
  • If you see water leaking inside your home anywhere other than the garage floor
  • If there is visible or audible shaking in your air handler or outside unit (as with an out-of-
    balance washer)
  • If your circuit breaker trips more than once (one time may be due to lightning or a power
    surge; more than once indicates a serious electrical issue)
  • If your air conditioner does not blow cold (especially for asthmatics or anyone with breathing
    problems.)

These are the times when you must shut your unit off and call a specialist for help, no matter how
hot the outside temperature. Rely on an air-conditioning expert that commits to returning your call
promptly.

Of course, lots of problems arise that are bothersome but not life-threatening. That’s why we
encourage preventive maintenance, which usually stops these problems before they begin. These
are some problems that can wait until tomorrow before you call for service:

  • Cool air is blowing, but it’s not as cool as you would like
  • Humidity feels high inside your home
  • You hear a whistling noise (often changing filters will stop this immediately, saving you a
    service call, but it could also be a clogged coil, and that requires a licensed repair person)
  • Water is leaking from the air handler onto the garage floor, where it is not causing damage
    (but it should be looked at promptly)
  • If your family complains of colds or flu-like symptoms while they are at home, but those
    symptoms disappear on vacation or at work (this indicates mold or indoor air quality issues)


Preventive air conditioning maintenance can stop almost all these problems in their tracks.
Correct refrigerant levels, proper amperage usage, clean coils, lubricated fans, clean motors and
new filters will prevent almost all emergencies. But when you are in doubt, always put the safety of
your family and your home first and know how to shut off the power.

It’s always a pleasure to answer questions from my neighbors. Feel free to call me at 727-535-5817
or email me at rarthur@arthurair.com.
West Chase, Oldsmar, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Countryside, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach,
Island Estates, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg Beach, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Odessa,
Tampa, Davis Islands

Lic: CAC1813999 - Arthur Air Conditioning © 2008

Main Office - 801 Stevens Avenue, Oldsmar, Florida 34677 - Tampa 813.925.3000

Arthur Air is Proud to service these Tampa areas:
Arthur Air
Conditioning
Inc.

Main Office
801 Stevens
Ave,
Oldsmar, Fl
34677
813.925.3000

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