It gets HOT here in Texas, and it can become dangerous very quickly if you don't have working air conditioning. It's considered an emergency if:
Your AC is broken on an extremely hot day(over 100 degrees)
You live with elderly adults, young children, pets, or immune compromised individuals who are extra sensitive to heat
You see smoke, sparking or smell burning when you turn on your AC
Your AC is leaking water to the point that it is causing damage to your home