Emergency AC Repair in New Orleans: When It Cannot Wait

Not every AC problem needs an immediate call — but some do. Here is how to tell the difference during a Louisiana summer, and what to do while you wait for help.

Quick Checks Before You Call

• Confirm the thermostat is set to COOL, not FAN, and several degrees below room temperature.
• Replace the thermostat batteries if the display looks dim.
• Check the breaker panel — if an AC or air handler breaker has tripped, you can reset it once; if it trips again, leave it off and call.
• Look at the outdoor unit to see if it is spinning and clear of debris.
• Check for a full drain pan or tripped float switch near the indoor unit.

When to Shut the System Down and Call

Turn the system off at the thermostat and call if you notice any of the following:

• Indoor temperature climbing and not coming down, especially with infants, elderly residents, or anyone with a health condition in the home
• Ice on the copper refrigerant lines
• A burning, chemical, or electrical smell
• Water pooling around the air handler or an attic unit
• Loud grinding or repeated breaker trips

What Can Usually Wait

• Uneven cooling between rooms
• A musty smell with the system still cooling normally
• A higher-than-usual utility bill
• A thermostat that lost its programmed schedule
• A squeaky blower motor on startup

These are worth scheduling a standard repair visit for rather than an emergency call.

Staying Safe While You Wait

Close blinds facing south and west, run ceiling fans, and move to a cooler part of the house. If indoor temperatures keep climbing and help is still a while away, consider moving vulnerable family members to a cooler location.