If you live or run a business in Melbourne, Florida, you already know how fast things can go sideways with heating and cooling. One day it is fine, the next day the air feels thick, the thermostat is lying to you, and somebody in the house is saying, “It’s getting hot in here,” like you do not already feel it.
The tricky part is this. Not every HVAC problem is an emergency. But some absolutely are. And waiting can take a bad situation and turn it into a bigger repair, water damage, electrical damage, or even a safety issue.
So let’s make this simple.
Related: Use our free HVAC cost calculator to get an instant estimate for your Melbourne, FL home.
This guide is about when to call a 24/7 emergency HVAC contractor in Melbourne, what to do in the first few minutes, and what you should not ignore even if the system is “sort of working.”
For context, we are a family-owned, licensed, insured HVAC and plumbing contractor based in Brevard County. We handle residential projects such as residential HVAC services, commercial projects including commercial air conditioning system repairs and commercial chiller/boiler repairs, as well as industrial projects. Our office team has over 100 years of collective mechanical construction experience. We also put job site safety first, always. That matters more than people realize, especially during emergencies when everyone is moving fast.
Now, here’s the real stuff.
What counts as an HVAC emergency, really?
An HVAC emergency is usually one of these:
- A safety risk (electrical smell, smoke, gas odor, sparking, carbon monoxide concerns).
- A risk of property damage (overflowing drain pan, frozen coil thawing into ceilings, leaking water).
- A total loss of cooling or heating when the conditions make it dangerous or disruptive (heat wave, elderly residents, babies, medical needs, server rooms, restaurants).
- A failure that could destroy expensive equipment if you keep running it (compressor struggling, blower motor overheating, breaker repeatedly tripping).
And then there are “soft emergencies.” The system technically still runs, but it is telling you something is about to break.
Those matter too.
In such cases where immediate action is required but you’re unsure about the severity of the situation or how to proceed further with your HVAC system, it’s crucial to reach out to professionals who can provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Call a 24/7 emergency HVAC contractor in Melbourne if you notice these signs
1) Burning smell, smoke, or buzzing from the unit
If you smell something burning, or you see smoke, or you hear a loud buzzing that was not there before, shut the system off at the thermostat first. If it continues, shut it off at the breaker.
Then call.
This can be electrical. It can be a failing motor. It can be a control board issue. Either way, this is not a “let’s see if it stops” situation. Electrical problems can escalate fast, and they can damage the air handler, the condenser, or both.
2) The AC stops working completely (especially in peak heat)
In Melbourne, AC is not a luxury for a lot of households and businesses. If it is 90 degrees out and your system dies, indoor temps can climb fast. That is when people get dehydrated, pets start struggling, and sleep becomes basically impossible.
Call for emergency service if:
- The system will not turn on at all.
- It turns on but blows warm air and cannot catch up.
- It short cycles, starts and stops every few minutes, and the house keeps heating up.
- You have vulnerable occupants (elderly, infants, health conditions).
Also, commercial spaces. If you run a business where comfort is part of the job, or where equipment depends on cooling, a total outage is an emergency even if it is 7 pm on a Sunday.
In such dire situations where your heating system fails to function properly during winter months or when there’s an unexpected need for heating services in St Lucie County or Palm Bay FL areas, consider seeking professional help from experts like those who specialize in residential furnace installation and repair or residential furnace installation and repair respectively.
3) Water leaking around the air handler, ceiling stains, or a soaked filter
This one is sneaky because people see water and think “plumbing.”
Sometimes it is HVAC. In Florida, a clogged condensate drain line is incredibly common. The drain pan can overflow. Water can run into drywall. You might see a ceiling stain before you ever see the actual leak.
Call right away if:
- You have water pooling around the indoor unit.
- The secondary drain pan is full.
- Your float switch keeps shutting the system off.
- You see wet insulation, wet filters, or water coming from the return.
Even if the AC still runs, water damage gets expensive and annoying quickly. Mold is also a concern here in Brevard County. Better to stop it early.
And yes, if it turns into a plumbing-adjacent issue, it helps that we do plumbing too. You are not stuck calling three different companies trying to figure out who “owns” the problem.
4) Ice on the refrigerant line or a frozen indoor coil
A frozen system feels like it is working, because air still blows. But it cannot cool properly, and continuing to run it can damage the compressor.
If you see ice on the copper line outside, or you open the air handler and see frost on the coil, do this:
- Turn cooling off.
- Turn the fan on (if you can) to help thaw.
- Call for service.
Frozen coils are often caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked return, failing blower motor) or refrigerant issues. Either way, you want a technician to diagnose it, not guess.
5) Repeated breaker trips or the system keeps shutting off
If your AC trips the breaker and you reset it only for it to trip again, stop resetting it immediately. This is a common way for components to get damaged.
This issue can indicate:
- A shorted compressor.
- A failing condenser fan motor.
- A blower motor drawing too many amps.
- Electrical issues at disconnects or contactors.
Electrical work needs to be handled safely, with proper PPE and procedures. A contractor who emphasizes job site safety is not just being “careful.” They are protecting your home, your building, and the tech who is working on live systems.
6) Gas smell, possible carbon monoxide concerns, or a furnace issue (for heating season)
While Melbourne is predominantly a cooling market, heating still matters during winter cold snaps. If you smell gas or suspect a combustion appliance problem, treat it as a serious matter.
In case of a gas smell:
- Leave the area immediately.
- Do not flip any switches on or off.
- Contact your gas provider or emergency services, then reach out to an HVAC contractor.
If you suspect carbon monoxide (symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, or a CO alarm going off):
- Get everyone outside without delay.
- Call emergency services.
- Then contact HVAC professionals.
This is not the time for a quick check of the unit.
7) Loud banging, metal-on-metal sounds, or sudden new vibration
HVAC systems generally make normal sounds. However, if you experience a sudden bang, screech, grinding, or rattling that is clearly new, it’s a red flag.
You might be dealing with:
- A loose blower wheel.
- A failing motor bearing.
- A damaged fan blade.
- Something that came loose in the condenser.
If you keep running it under these conditions, one broken part can lead to further damage in other parts. Additionally, if a fan blade breaks, it can cause significant damage inside the outdoor unit. In such cases, consider scheduling seasonal HVAC tune-ups to ensure all components are functioning properly and prevent potential issues.
8) No airflow from vents, even though the system is running
If the thermostat says the AC is on, you hear the unit, but the vents are barely moving air, you might have:
- A blower failure.
- A collapsed duct issue.
- A severe filter restriction.
- A frozen coil (again).
Low airflow can lead to icing, overheating, and poor indoor air quality. It is one of those problems that seems “not urgent” until it becomes a full shutdown.
When it might not be an emergency (but still needs service soon)
Not everything needs a 2 am call. Sometimes you can schedule next day and be fine.
Examples:
- Your thermostat batteries died (easy fix).
- The filter is dirty and you forgot, and replacing it restores airflow.
- One room is warmer because of a closed vent or a blocked return.
- The system is cooling but seems less efficient, and nothing is leaking or tripping.
Still, even these are worth addressing quickly. Small issues often become emergency calls later. That is usually how it goes.
What to do before the emergency HVAC tech arrives
This part helps you avoid extra damage and speeds up the diagnosis.
Step 1: Turn the system off if you suspect damage
If there is burning smell, sparking, ice, or water overflow, shut it down.
Step 2: Check the basics (quickly)
You do not need to play technician, but you can check:
- Thermostat setting (cool vs heat, set point).
- Air filter (is it completely clogged).
- Breaker status (if it is tripped once, note it, but do not keep cycling it).
- Outdoor unit (is it running, is it loud, is the fan spinning).
Step 3: Clear access
Move stuff away from the air handler, thermostat, and outdoor unit. Emergency calls are faster when the tech can work safely and immediately.
Step 4: Write down what happened
The timeline matters.
- When did it stop cooling.
- Any storms, power flickers, lightning nearby.
- Any noises or smells.
- Whether it was gradually getting worse or sudden.
That information can shave time off troubleshooting.
Why “24/7 emergency” matters more in Florida than people think
In some places, if the AC goes out, you open a window and wait. In Brevard County, that window does not help much, and humidity becomes its own problem. High indoor humidity can warp wood, damage electronics, encourage mold growth, and make a home feel miserable even if it is not that hot.
Commercially, downtime has real costs:
- Restaurants lose comfort and can risk equipment issues.
- Offices lose productivity fast.
- Industrial spaces can have temperature requirements for processes or storage.
- Server rooms and network closets can overheat quickly.
That is why having an emergency HVAC contractor who can respond after hours is not just a nice perk. It is part of protecting the property.
What you should expect from a good emergency HVAC contractor
When you call for emergency service, you want a team that is calm and methodical, not rushed and sloppy.
Here is what we believe matters, especially during emergencies:
- Licensed and insured. If something goes wrong during an after-hours call, you want to know you are protected.
- Safety-first work practices. Emergency work still needs lockout, proper electrical handling, and clean job site habits.
- Real troubleshooting, not guessing. A good tech isolates the problem, checks airflow, electrical, refrigerant indicators, and controls. Then makes the call.
- Craftsmanship. Even “temporary” fixes should be done cleanly. Loose wiring, sloppy drains, and half-tight fittings come back later.
- Clear options. Sometimes the answer is a repair or residential AC installation. Sometimes it is a stopgap until parts arrive. Sometimes it is time to talk replacement for your residential furnace or heating system. You should be told the truth either way.
We are also big on long-term relationships with clients. That changes how you approach emergency calls. You are not trying to win a one-time invoice. You are trying to take care of people so they call you again for maintenance, upgrades, remodels or new construction all of which are part of our comprehensive HVAC services
Emergency HVAC for commercial and industrial properties in Melbourne
Residential emergencies are stressful, but commercial and industrial emergencies have an extra layer. Time, compliance, safety, and coordination with site contacts are crucial.
If you manage a facility, you already know what helps:
- A contractor who can communicate with property managers and onsite teams without chaos.
- Safe work zones and clean job sites.
- Documentation if needed.
- The ability to handle HVAC and plumbing when problems overlap.
We serve residential, commercial, and industrial projects statewide, but being based in Brevard County means Melbourne is home turf. We know the climate, the common equipment setups here, and the usual failure points that show up after storms and summer overload.
A quick “should I call now?” checklist
If you are on the fence, use this checklist.
Call a 24/7 emergency HVAC contractor in Melbourne now if:
- You smell burning, see smoke, or hear electrical buzzing.
- The breaker keeps tripping.
- You smell gas or a CO alarm is going off.
- Water is leaking or pooling around the unit.
- The AC is completely down and indoor temps are climbing.
- The unit is frozen or you see ice on lines.
- There are loud grinding or banging sounds.
- You have vulnerable occupants or critical cooling needs (medical, business equipment).
In such situations, it’s essential to consider emergency HVAC services which can provide immediate solutions. These services not only include repair but also installation and replacement of various HVAC units. For instance, if you’re considering packaged HVAC units or commercial rooftop unit installation, we have you covered.
If none of those urgent issues are happening, you might be okay scheduling service soon. But keep an eye on it. These systems rarely “heal themselves.”
One last thing, because it gets ignored a lot
If you have had the same issue more than once, like repeated drain clogs, recurring freeze-ups, or the same breaker trip every few months, that is not bad luck. That is a root cause not being solved.
And that is where an experienced team helps. Between our field crew, who we genuinely consider the best in the industry, and a front office with over a century of combined mechanical construction experience, we have seen these patterns play out in real buildings. Not just textbook stuff.
You do not need to keep paying for the same emergency in different packaging.
Wrap up
HVAC emergencies in Melbourne are usually about safety, water, power, or total comfort loss that becomes a health or business risk. If you hear scary noises, smell burning, see leaks, notice ice, or your breaker will not stay set, call. Right then.
If you want the simplest rule. If it could damage the system, damage your property, or put people at risk, it is an emergency. Don’t wait it out.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What qualifies as an HVAC emergency in Melbourne, Florida?
An HVAC emergency in Melbourne typically involves safety risks like electrical smells, smoke, gas odors, sparking, or carbon monoxide concerns; risks of property damage such as overflowing drain pans or leaking water; total loss of heating or cooling during extreme weather conditions; and failures that could destroy expensive equipment if the system keeps running.
When should I call a 24/7 emergency HVAC contractor in Melbourne?
You should call a 24/7 emergency HVAC contractor if you notice burning smells, smoke, buzzing sounds from your unit; if your AC stops working completely especially during peak heat; or if you observe water leaking around the air handler, ceiling stains, or soaked filters indicating potential water damage.
What should I do immediately if I smell something burning or see smoke from my HVAC unit?
If you detect a burning smell or see smoke from your HVAC unit, first shut off the system at the thermostat. If the issue persists, turn it off at the breaker to prevent electrical damage or fire hazards. Then contact an emergency HVAC professional immediately.
Why is water leaking around my air handler a serious concern?
Water leaking around your air handler can indicate a clogged condensate drain line causing the drain pan to overflow. This can lead to costly water damage, ceiling stains, mold growth, and even affect insulation and filters. Prompt professional attention can prevent extensive damage.
Is it necessary to get emergency HVAC service if my system is still running but showing signs of trouble?
Yes. Even if your system is technically running but exhibiting issues like short cycling, warm air blowing when it should be cool, or frequent shutdowns due to float switch activation, these ‘soft emergencies’ signal impending failure and require immediate expert evaluation to avoid bigger repairs.
How does an emergency HVAC repair benefit businesses in Melbourne?
For businesses where comfort is essential or where equipment relies on cooling—such as restaurants and server rooms—emergency HVAC repairs prevent operational disruptions, protect sensitive equipment from overheating, ensure customer and employee comfort, and help maintain business continuity during extreme weather conditions.