When Should You Call for Emergency HVAC Repair?

Not every HVAC problem needs prompt, fast-response attention, but some genuinely do. Knowing the difference helps you get the right kind of help fast when it matters, without needless stress over issues that can safely wait a day or two.

Situations That Need Prompt Service Right Away

• You smell gas near your furnace, boiler, or water heater: leave the area and call the gas utility or 911 immediately — see our gas smell guide for exact steps.
• A carbon monoxide alarm sounds: evacuate and call 911 or the fire department before doing anything else — details in our CO alarm guide.
• You see smoke, sparks, or a burning smell from equipment: shut off power at the breaker if it’s safe to do so and get everyone out — see why is smoke coming from my furnace.
• No heat at all during a cold snap, especially with young children, elderly residents, or anyone with health conditions in the home.
• No air conditioning during a serious heat event, particularly for vulnerable household members — our AC emergency guide covers this in detail.

Situations That Can Usually Wait

📞 Talk to a licensed ROMA technician — (604) 704-0300

Quick Checks Before You Call

For non-safety issues, a few basic checks can sometimes solve the problem or at least help us diagnose it faster over the phone:

• Check that the thermostat is set correctly and has working batteries if applicable.
• Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker feeding the furnace or AC.
• Replace a dirty air filter, which can cause airflow and temperature complaints.
• Confirm the gas valve and any furnace service switch are in the “on” position.

Never attempt these checks if you smell gas or hear a CO alarm — those situations call for immediate evacuation and a call to the gas utility, fire department, or 911, not troubleshooting.

What “Prompt Service” Actually Means

We don’t make blanket always-available claims, but we do offer prompt service seven days a week, and our team prioritizes calls based on genuine urgency — a no-heat call during a cold snap gets treated very differently from a minor noise complaint. When you call, tell us exactly what you’re experiencing so we can advise you accurately and dispatch appropriately.

How We Prioritize Calls

When multiple calls come in at once, dispatch decisions are based on genuine risk, not just who called first. A household with no heat during a hard freeze, or a reported gas smell, will always be prioritized over a minor rattling noise or a slightly warm upstairs bedroom. Being specific and honest with us about symptoms — including whether anyone in the home is especially vulnerable to heat or cold — helps us get the timing right for your situation.

What Happens When You Call ROMA

ROMA Heating & Cooling has served Burnaby and Greater Vancouver since 1999 as a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas licence LGA0202903), with upfront, flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees. For genuine safety emergencies — gas smell, CO alarms, smoke — always contact 911 or the gas utility first, then call us for equipment repair once the area is safe. For everything else, from furnace repair to boiler repair to AC troubleshooting covered on our air conditioning page, call (604) 704-0300 and we’ll help you figure out timing. Not urgent but want it looked at soon? Book online anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is no heat always an emergency?

Not always, but during cold weather, especially with children, seniors, or anyone with health conditions at home, it should be treated urgently. In milder weather with backup heat sources available, it can often wait for a quickly scheduled or next-day appointment.

What should I do if I'm not sure whether my situation is an emergency?

Call us and describe exactly what you’re experiencing — unusual smells, sounds, visible smoke, or complete loss of heating or cooling. We can help you decide on timing over the phone, though any gas smell or CO alarm should always be treated as urgent and reported to the gas utility, fire department, or 911 first.

Does ROMA offer always-available emergency service?

We offer prompt service seven days a week rather than making blanket always-available claims. Genuine safety emergencies like gas leaks or carbon monoxide alarms should always go to the gas utility, fire department, or 911 first.

Can I keep using my HVAC system while waiting for a repair appointment?

For non-safety issues like minor noises or slightly uneven temperatures, it’s usually fine to keep using the system until your appointment. For anything involving a gas smell, CO alarm, smoke, or sparks, stop using the equipment immediately and follow the safety steps first.

Reviewed by the ROMA Heating & Cooling team — TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903), serving Greater Vancouver since 1999. Updated June 2026.

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