No Heat Emergency
Heat went out in winter? What to check in the first 15 minutes, how to keep the house warm safely, and how to reach a 24/7 HVAC technician.
Emergency HVAC Repair services
Each guide below covers one specific winter problem: symptoms, causes, what you can safely check and what a licensed technician does. Prices are explained in the emergency HVAC repair cost guide.
Frozen Pipes & Heat Loss
When the heat fails in freezing weather, pipes are next. Where pipes freeze first, how to prevent bursts, and when to call HVAC versus a plumber.
Carbon Monoxide & Gas Smell
Carbon monoxide alarm sounding or a gas smell near your furnace? Get out, call 911 or the gas utility, then get the heating system repaired safely.
Heat After a Power Outage
Power is back but the heat isn't? Why HVAC systems lock out after outages and surges, how to restart safely and when to call 24/7 help.
After-Hours & Holiday HVAC Repair
Heating failed on a weekend or holiday? How after-hours HVAC service works, what it costs, and how to decide whether to call now or wait.
Common winter problems and where to start
| Problem | What usually causes it |
|---|---|
| Heat is completely out | Start with safe checks, then call. No-heat emergency steps. |
| Pipes at risk of freezing | Indoor temperature dropping below 55°F? Protect your pipes. |
| Carbon monoxide alarm sounding | Get out first, then call 911. CO and gas emergencies. |
| Heat won't restart after an outage | Resets, surges and tripped breakers. After the outage. |
| It's a holiday, weekend or 3 AM | After-hours providers are on call. After-hours repair. |
Watch: winter heating explained
Short, silent clips hosted on muse.ai that show what to look for. They play muted and loop.
Coverage map: all 50 states and DC
Pick your state for local winter conditions, common heating fuels and the cities we route calls from. Colors show how severe winters are, based on IECC climate zones.
- Severe cold (IECC 6–8)
- Cold (5)
- Mixed (4)
- Mild (1–3)
How it works
- Call the 24/7 line. We ask about safety first: gas smell, CO alarm, indoor temperature.
- Your call is routed to an on-call licensed provider covering your ZIP code.
- The provider confirms an arrival estimate and after-hours rates before dispatch.
- The technician restores heat or makes the system safe, with a temporary fix if a part isn't available.
- Follow-up repairs, if needed, are scheduled at regular rates where the provider offers them.
Decision guide
| Situation | Is it an emergency? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gas smell or CO alarm | Yes, a life-safety emergency | Leave, then call 911 or the gas utility |
| No heat, below freezing outside | Yes | Call now; protect pipes |
| No heat, mild weather | Usually can wait until morning | Basic checks, then book |
| Heat working but noisy | Usually not | Book a regular visit unless it bangs or grinds |
| Water leaking from furnace or boiler | Depends on volume | Shut off the unit if water is near wiring |
Before you call
Have the equipment type, brand and any blinking error code ready, and note what you've already checked. If anyone at home smells gas or a CO alarm sounds, leave the house and call 911 or the gas utility first.
NightFrost Emergency HVAC is a referral service. Your call is connected to an independent, licensed provider who serves your ZIP code and quotes the job directly. How it works.
Emergency HVAC Repair questions, answered
What counts as an HVAC emergency in winter?
No heat when outdoor temperatures are near or below freezing, any gas smell, a carbon monoxide alarm, sparking or burning smells, or water leaking near electrical parts. Elderly occupants, infants or anyone with a health condition also make a no-heat call urgent.
Do emergency HVAC calls cost more?
Often, yes. Many providers charge after-hours, weekend or holiday rates. The provider should confirm rates before dispatching a technician, and you can choose to wait for regular hours.
How fast can someone arrive?
It depends on your location, the weather and demand. In a citywide cold snap, every provider is busy. The provider gives you an arrival estimate when you're connected.
What should I do while waiting for the technician?
Close doors to unused rooms, close curtains, gather everyone in one room, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, and let faucets drip if pipes are at risk. Never use a gas oven or grill to heat the home.
Is it safe to use a space heater during a heating outage?
Electric space heaters can be used carefully: plug directly into the wall, keep 3 feet of clearance, and never leave one running unattended or while sleeping. Never use fuel-burning heaters or generators indoors.
My CO alarm went off. Should I call you?
Call 911 first, from outside the home. After the fire department or gas utility clears the home, an HVAC provider can find and fix the source. See CO and gas emergencies.