When your heat fails on a freezing South Lyon night, it stops being an inconvenience and becomes a household emergency. This guide explains exactly what counts as an emergency, what you should do right away, and how Alison Mechanical responds fast to keep your family safe and warm. It’s written to help homeowners in South Lyon, MI find clear answers and quick help for emergency heating situations.
Alison Mechanical is a local, family-oriented heating and cooling company serving South Lyon and nearby communities. They offer emergency heating services, same-day dispatch in many cases, and practical, trustworthy repairs and replacements.

What Counts as a Heating Emergency?
Not every heater problem needs an emergency call, but some do. Call for emergency heating services when you have:
- No heat at all during freezing temperatures.
- A strong gas smell near your furnace or boiler. This is potentially dangerous and needs immediate attention.
- Carbon monoxide alarm activation or any symptoms of CO exposure such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion.
- Loud, unusual noises like banging, clanking, or screeching that suggest mechanical failure.
- Visible leaks from a boiler or flooded mechanical room.
- Electrical burning smell or smoke coming from heating equipment.
- Rapid cycling—the system starts and stops quickly—which can indicate a critical fault.
These issues can put occupants at risk, damage equipment, and create secondary hazards. If you are unsure, treat the situation as an emergency and call a qualified service provider.
Quick, Safe Steps to Take Before Help Arrives
While waiting for an emergency heating technician, follow this checklist to keep people and property safe:
- If you smell gas, leave the home immediately and call your gas utility (or 911 if you can’t reach them). Do not switch lights on or off.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm is sounding, evacuate and call 911. Do not re-enter until the home is cleared.
- Check the thermostat first. Make sure it’s set to heat and the temperature is above room temp.
- Check breakers and switches. Confirm the furnace breaker or switch hasn’t tripped.
- Replace a clogged filter only if it’s easy to access. A totally blocked filter can cause the system to shut down.
- Use space heaters carefully. Follow manufacturer instructions and never leave them running unattended. Place them away from curtains and bedding.
- Seal drafts and layer up to keep warm safely while waiting.
Never open or attempt internal repairs on a gas furnace, boiler, or electrical components. That work requires trained technicians.
How Alison Mechanical Handles Heating Emergencies
Alison Mechanical’s emergency heating service is focused on speed, safety, and clear communication:
- Immediate triage by phone. A trained dispatcher asks targeted questions to assess danger (gas smell, CO alarm, leaks) and prioritize the call.
- Rapid local dispatch. Technicians familiar with South Lyon arrive with the tools and commonly needed parts to speed repairs.
- Transparent diagnosis and pricing. You’ll get a clear explanation of the problem, options, and an estimate before work begins.
- Safety-first repairs. If there’s a gas or CO issue, techs follow safety checks and coordinate with utilities when necessary.
- Follow-up recommendations. After restoring heat, the technician will recommend maintenance steps to prevent repeat emergencies.
Alison Mechanical services furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, thermostats, and associated gas or duct systems. They emphasize honest service and local accountability.
Common Emergency Causes and Quick Diagnosis
Understanding the likely causes will help you describe the issue accurately when you call.
- No power to the furnace. Often a tripped breaker or switch.
- Faulty ignition or pilot. Modern furnaces use electronic ignition that can fail.
- Gas supply interruption. Could be a valve, meter, or service outage. Do not try to manipulate gas equipment.
- Failed blower motor or capacitor. Causes the furnace to run but not distribute heat.
- Clogged condensate line (high-efficiency furnaces). Can trigger a safety switch and shut the unit down.
- Heat exchanger cracks (serious). This can cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks and requires immediate professional intervention.
When you call, describe symptoms: “no heat,” “circular clicking then nothing,” “smell of gas,” or “CO alarm went off.” Clear details help the technician prioritize correctly.
Cost Expectations: Emergency Service vs Scheduled Repair
Emergency calls commonly have higher immediate costs because technicians must respond outside normal hours and sometimes carry extra parts. Factors that affect the price include:
- Time of day (after hours and weekends are usually more expensive).
- Parts needed and whether a repair or replacement is required.
- System age and accessibility of components.
- Whether the issue is a safety concern that requires utility coordination.
Alison Mechanical aims for transparent pricing and will provide an estimate before starting work. In many cases, a quick, targeted repair restores heat without a full replacement.
How to Avoid Emergency Heating Calls
Preventive maintenance reduces breakdown risk and often lowers seasonal energy costs:
- Annual tune-up. A professional inspection and cleaning before winter.
- Filter changes every 1–3 months depending on usage.
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every level and tested monthly.
- Keep the outdoor unit and vents clear of debris and snow.
- Enroll in a maintenance plan for priority scheduling and discounts on parts and labor.
A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing the stress and expense of emergency repairs.

Why South Lyon Homeowners Trust Alison Mechanical
Local homeowners choose Alison Mechanical for a few reasons:
- They are a community-oriented, family-style company serving South Lyon and nearby towns.
- Emergency services are explicitly offered, and customer reviews highlight prompt, professional responses.
- Authorized dealer relationships and manufacturer training mean techs can service a wide range of brands and equipment.
When you need emergency heating services, you want a company that knows the local weather, codes, and the most common failure modes for systems in older and newer Michigan homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you offer 24-hour emergency heating services in South Lyon?
Alison Mechanical provides emergency calls and same-day response when possible. Call their main line and explain your situation.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Evacuate immediately, avoid operating electrical switches, and call your gas utility or 911. Then contact an emergency HVAC or plumbing service.
How fast can a technician arrive?
Arrival times vary by call volume and time of day. For immediate safety issues, state the hazard clearly so your call is prioritized.
Is emergency service more expensive?
Typically yes, due to after-hours response and the need for rapid parts and labor. A technician will provide an estimate before proceeding.
Final Thought
Reliable heating is not a luxury in South Lyon, it is a necessity for safety and comfort. When a furnace or boiler fails, homeowners need clear answers and a company they can trust to respond quickly. Alison Mechanical combines local experience, honest pricing, and skilled technicians to deliver heating services that protect families and homes when it matters most. Choosing a proven local team means fewer risks, faster solutions, and real peace of mind through every Michigan winter.
If you need dependable heating services in South Lyon, Alison Mechanical is ready to help day or night. Contact our team for fast scheduling, honest pricing, and professional repairs that restore comfort quickly. Call (248) 508-9793, email alisonmech718@gmail.com, or visit us at 10071 Colonial Industrial Dr South Lyon, MI 48178 to get immediate assistance today.