What to Do If You Need Emergency HVAC Service After a Storm in St. Louis

Act quickly after a storm in St. Louis (Hoffman Brothers also serves Nashville) to ensure safety, limit damage, and get your heating or cooling system running again by following these simple steps.

 

Ensure Your Safety First

 

Before you do anything near your HVAC equipment, check your surroundings for danger. Look for downed power lines, flooding, gas leaks or structural damage. If you see sparking wires or smell natural gas, leave your home immediately and call 911. Do not touch any equipment until you are certain the area is safe.

 

Turn Off Power and Protect the HVAC Unit

 

Cutting power prevents electrical shock and further damage. Locate your home’s main electrical panel or breaker box and switch off the breaker labelled “HVAC,” “Air Conditioner” or “Furnace.” If you cannot find the right breaker, turn off the main breaker. If water has pooled around the outdoor condenser or indoor equipment, keep a safe distance until a technician arrives.

 

Assess Visible Damage Carefully

 

Once power is off and the area is safe, look over your system:

• Inspect the outdoor unit for fallen branches, dents or loose panels.
• Check inside for water stains, dripping or moisture around the furnace or air handler.
• Note any unusual smells or sounds that began after the storm.

Avoid opening electrical panels or touching damaged wiring yourself.

 

Gather Key Information

 

Having details ready speeds up your service call. Write down:

• HVAC brand, model and serial numbers (usually on a label on the unit)
• Date of last maintenance or repairs
• Exact symptoms: “no airflow,” “strange noise,” “unit won’t start,” etc.
• Any warning lights or error codes you saw

Keep this information by your phone when you call for help.

 

Contact Emergency HVAC Service

 

Call a licensed HVAC company that offers 24/7 storm response. Ask these questions:

• How soon can you arrive? (Aim for under four hours.)
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have experience with storm-related damage?
• Will you provide an upfront estimate before starting work?

A professional will confirm your address, system details and safety precautions.

 

Prepare for the Technician’s Arrival

 

Make your home easy to work in:

• Clear a path to indoor and outdoor units—move furniture, debris or lawn equipment aside.
• Provide access to electrical panels and shutoff valves.
• Keep pets and children in a safe area away from the work zone.
• Have your notes and any photos of damage ready to show.

This helps the technician diagnose and fix problems faster.

 

Understand the Repair and Safety Checks

 

A qualified technician will:

• Remove debris, dry out wet components and inspect for corrosion.
• Test electrical connections, fuses and circuit breakers.
• Check airflow, refrigerant levels and thermostat operation.
• Replace damaged parts—fans, capacitors, coils or control boards—as needed.
• Run a full safety inspection to ensure your system won’t short out or leak carbon monoxide.

Ask the technician to explain the work and show you any damaged parts they remove.

 

Plan to Prevent Future Storm Damage

 

After repairs, protect your HVAC system from the next storm:

• Install a certified surge protector to guard electronics.
• Add a sturdy cover or shelter for the outdoor unit to block wind and hail.
• Trim nearby trees and secure loose objects in your yard.
• Consider a water-resistant pan under the indoor unit if your area floods.

These steps reduce emergency calls and prolong equipment life.

 

Follow Up With Regular Maintenance

 

Even after storm repairs, schedule seasonal tune-ups twice a year—before summer and winter. A preventive check keeps filters clean, catches small issues early and ensures peak efficiency. Consistent maintenance lowers the chance you’ll need emergency service the next time the weather turns severe.