The Most Common Summer Emergency HVAC Calls We See in Memphis
Summer in Memphis doesn’t play around. When the heat index climbs and humidity sits heavy, commercial HVAC systems are pushed to their absolute limit. And every year, without fail, the same emergency calls start rolling in.
If you manage a commercial property, this article is your heads-up—because most summer HVAC emergencies are predictable, preventable, and expensive when ignored.
Let’s break down the most common summer emergency HVAC calls we see in Memphis and why they happen.
5 Most Common HVAC Issues
1. No Cooling During Peak Heat
This is the big one. The phone rings and the message is always urgent:
“AC is running, but it’s blowing warm air.”
Common causes:
- Compressor failure
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical component burnout
- Overworked rooftop units
In Memphis heat, systems that are already struggling don’t get a second chance. Once outdoor temps spike, marginal equipment fails fast.
2. Tripped Breakers and Electrical Failures
High temperatures mean longer run times—and that stresses electrical components.
We see frequent failures involving:
- Contactors and relays
- Capacitors
- Fuses and breakers
- Control boards
When electrical parts overheat, the system shuts down as a safety measure. The problem? Restarting without fixing the root cause usually leads to repeat failures.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils (Yes, Even in Summer)
This one surprises a lot of building owners. Ice buildup in July feels backward—but it’s common.
Why it happens:
- Restricted airflow from dirty filters or blocked returns
- Low refrigerant levels
- Failing blower motors
Once airflow drops, coils freeze. Cooling stops. And the system often stays down until the ice fully melts—meaning lost time and comfort.
4. Rooftop Unit Overheating
Commercial rooftop units take the full brunt of Memphis sun, day after day.
Emergency calls spike when:
- Coils are clogged with dirt and debris
- Condenser fans fail
- Units can’t reject heat efficiently
Overheating leads to automatic shutdowns or permanent component damage if ignored too long.
5. Complete System Shutdowns
Sometimes the system doesn’t limp along—it just stops.
This usually points to:
- Major component failure
- Multiple small issues stacking up
- Systems pushed beyond their design lifespan
In many cases, these shutdowns are the final warning that repair-only thinking has run its course.
Why These Emergencies Keep Happening
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most summer HVAC emergencies start months earlier.
They’re caused by:
- Skipped maintenance
- Dirty coils and filters
- Undetected electrical wear
- Aging systems running nonstop
- No preseason inspections
Summer doesn’t create problems—it exposes them.
The Real Cost of Emergency HVAC Calls
Emergency repairs don’t just cost more—they disrupt everything.
Hidden costs include:
- After-hours labor premiums
- Tenant complaints and lost trust
- Business downtime
- Temporary cooling rentals
- Rushed decision-making under pressure
And once a system fails during peak season, replacement timelines get longer and more expensive.
How to Reduce Summer HVAC Emergencies in Memphis
You can’t control the heat—but you can control preparedness.
The most effective prevention steps:
- Pre-summer inspections and maintenance
- Coil cleaning and airflow checks
- Electrical component testing
- Refrigerant level verification
- Honest evaluation of aging equipment
Even basic preventative service dramatically reduces emergency calls.
How MechTech Memphis Helps You Stay Ahead
At MechTech Memphis, we see the same summer emergencies every year—and we help our clients avoid them.
We focus on:
- Identifying weak points before they fail
- Keeping systems running through peak demand
- Reducing emergency downtime
- Helping owners plan upgrades instead of reacting to breakdowns
Because emergency HVAC calls aren’t bad luck—they’re usually a warning sign that got ignored.
Don’t Let Memphis Summer Decide for You
If your commercial HVAC system hasn’t been inspected recently, or it struggled last summer, now’s the time to act—before the next heat wave hits.
👉 Want to reduce emergency HVAC calls this summer in Memphis? Reach out to MechTech Memphis and let’s keep your system running when it matters most.