Imagine this: it’s a chilly desert night in Tempe and your heater suddenly quits. The temperature’s dropping fast, and every HVAC company seems to be booked for days. You need emergency heating repair—and you need it now. Delaying could mean frozen pipes, unsafe indoor temps, or a total system breakdown.
At Savage Air Conditioning, we’ve helped families across Tempe and the East Valley stay comfortable since 1988. As a family‑owned, licensed team, we respond quickly and work with craftsmanship, integrity, and personal attention—so you can get warm and stay that way.

Signs You Need Emergency Heating Repair in Tempe
No Heat at All? Your System May Be in Critical Failure
If your system produces no heat, you may be facing a complete system failure, an electrical malfunction, or a failed ignition. Interior temperatures can plummet quickly, posing risks for children, pets, and elderly family members. Turn the system off at the thermostat or breaker and contact a professional immediately. Savage Air Conditioning offers emergency service throughout Tempe and the East Valley.
Burning Smells or Electrical Odors? Act Fast
A burning smell or sharp electrical odor can indicate an overheating motor, burning dust accumulation, or a serious electrical issue. These signs should never be ignored—they could be a fire hazard. Shut off the unit right away at the thermostat or breaker. If it’s safe, check the return‑grille air filter (do not open the equipment cabinet or touch wiring). Then call Savage Air Conditioning for emergency diagnostics. If you smell gas, evacuate the home and call your gas utility or 911 from a safe location.
Loud Clanking or Banging Noises? It’s Not Normal
Unusual sounds like clanking, banging, or screeching often point to loose or broken internal components or a failing blower motor. Continuing to run the system can cause severe damage. Power off your unit and schedule an inspection with an HVAC technician. Avoid opening panels or attempting internal repairs yourself.
Thermostat Isn’t Responding? You May Have an Electrical Issue
A non‑responsive thermostat can stem from tripped breakers, faulty wiring, or a dead thermostat battery. If you’ve reset the breakers once and replaced the battery without success, it’s time for a system‑wide check. If a breaker trips again after a reset, leave it off and call a professional.
System Short Cycling? You Could Be Heading Toward a Breakdown
Short cycling—when the system turns on and off frequently—may be caused by dirty filters, overheating components, or malfunctioning sensors. It slashes efficiency and accelerates wear. Try replacing the filter; if the problem persists, don’t bypass safety switches or adjust internal components. Call for service.
What To Do If You Notice These Emergency Signs
If you notice any of these warning signs, turn the system off—especially if you smell something burning or hear loud, unfamiliar noises. Use the thermostat or the breaker to safely power down. Next, check your thermostat to confirm it’s set to HEAT and that the set temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Look at your electrical panel and gently reset any tripped breakers once; if a breaker trips again, leave it off and call a professional. Replace your air filter because a clogged filter can create many of the same symptoms. If none of these steps restore heat or stop the issue, call Savage Air Conditioning. Our team provides emergency service across Tempe and nearby communities.
How Regular Maintenance Helps Prevent Emergencies
Routine heating maintenance is your strongest defense against surprise breakdowns. A pre‑season checkup gets your system tuned before cold weather arrives. Thorough cleaning and calibration reduce the likelihood of component failure and safety issues. A careful safety inspection helps guard against fire hazards and carbon‑monoxide risks, while efficiency adjustments can lower utility bills and extend the life of your equipment.
Did You Know? Many heating failures in Tempe happen during the first winter cold snap. The sudden demand exposes weaknesses in systems that haven’t been maintained. A fall tune‑up can prevent these emergency situations and keep your home comfortable when the temperature drops.
How to Find Emergency Heating Help Fast in Tempe
When you need help immediately, choose a licensed, local expert with deep Tempe roots and strong reviews. Confirm that they’re actively dispatching for urgent no‑heat calls and ask how quickly a technician can be on the way. Request transparent pricing and clear, written estimates—particularly for major repairs or replacement decisions—so you can choose confidently without pressure. Look for a company that understands whole‑home comfort, including heating, cooling, and indoor air quality, because broad expertise helps catch issues others might miss. After the repair, schedule follow‑up maintenance or enroll in a maintenance plan to prevent repeat breakdowns and keep your system reliable all season.
FAQs About Emergency Heating Repair in Tempe, AZ
How much does emergency heating repair cost in Tempe?
Emergency repairs typically cost between $150 and $500 or more, depending on the issue, time of service, and replacement parts needed.
Should I repair or replace my heating system?
If your heating system is over 12 years old and the repair costs are more than half the price of a new unit, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it.
How fast can emergency heating repair be done?
Savage Air Conditioning offers same-day service and, in many cases, can arrive within two hours for emergency calls in the Tempe area.
What are the most common heating emergencies?
Common emergencies include total heat loss, persistent short cycling, burning smells, and a non-responsive thermostat.
Can I fix a heating issue myself?
You can try resetting your thermostat, checking breakers once, or replacing the air filter. But for anything more complex, you should contact a licensed HVAC professional. Do not open equipment panels, bypass safety controls, or attempt to relight gas components if you smell gas—evacuate and call your gas utility or 911 first.
Why Tempe Homeowners Choose Savage Air Conditioning
Homeowners across Tempe choose Savage Air Conditioning because we’re a family‑owned company with roots dating back to 1988. Our courteous technicians deliver personal attention, clear communication, and quality workmanship on every visit. We respond to urgent heating issues across Tempe and the East Valley, and we offer options that fit your home and budget—from targeted repairs to energy‑efficient upgrades, with flexible financing available.
Quick Takeaways
Turn the system off at the first sign of burning smells, loud banging, or a breaker that trips twice. Check the thermostat, breakers, and filter before calling. If you still have no heat or ongoing symptoms, contact Savage Air Conditioning for emergency service.