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AC Repair

Chicago AC Repair

Fixing Broken ACs in Chicago Since 2008

You spent a long day outside enjoying Chicago's summer sun. Now, you’re hot and clammy and dreaming about the relief of an air conditioner. You push the door open. Your heart drops. Instead of a blast of cool air, you feel like you just traded one sauna for another. The air is muggy and the thermostat is stuck at 81 degrees. This scenario typically tracks to something being wrong with your heat pump or air conditioner.

August and July in Chicago can be brutal. That’s one reason a newer AC is at the top of many home buyers’ shopping lists. Once your air conditioner stops working, your comfort goes out the window—just like in the above scenario. Instead of suffering through the swelter, give Safe Heating & Cooling a call at (312) 858-0358. Whether the solution is a full AC replacement or a simple air conditioning repair in Chicago, our Chicago HVAC contractors are ready to lend a hand.

Ready to get your AC fixed? Call (312) 858-0358 now to request an estimate for AC repair in Chicago. Financing is available!

How to Tell When It’s Time to Call an AC Expert

You need your air conditioner to stay comfortable through Chicago’s hottest months. Without it, the air in your home weighs you down and makes sleeping miserable. Typically, your AC unit hums along just fine. It pulls humidity out of the air and disperses the cooler air throughout your space. In this bubble of comfort, it’s easy to forget the outside temperature is in the triple digits.

But, there are times when this cooling system goes awry. Though there are often warnings of an impending breakdown or maintenance issue, most homeowners in Chicago don’t know how to spot them. We’re here to level up your knowledge! Whenever you notice any of the following issues, give our Chicago HVAC contractors a call at Safe Heating & Cooling:

  • The unit hums but refuses to turn on
  • You can’t trigger the AC on from the thermostat
  • You hear strange noises or feel vibrations
  • You see water pooling around your air conditioner
  • The fan runs but the air coming out remains hot
  • The unit abruptly ceases operation

Rest assured, no matter how major the problem is, there’s no reason to panic. As a true Chicago air conditioning expert, there’s no issue or AC brand we haven’t tackled.

The Most Common Causes of AC Failure

You might be surprised your air conditioning unit in Chicago needs repair. Perhaps it’s just a few years old. Or the summer’s been really mild. Maybe you had an AC tune-up completed a week or two ago. This confusion is understandable. But the potential causes of AC breakdown are numerous. Just like cars, air conditioners are complex pieces of machinery comprised of many different parts. Then, of course, there’s the fact that your air conditioner is not an island. It needs a functioning thermostat and well-designed ductwork to deliver cooled air.

As with most things, the 80/20 rule applies to AC problems. After 17 years of working on HVAC equipment, we’ve found most air conditioning problems in Chicago result from:

  • Faulty Electrical Components
  • Refrigerant Leaks
  • Frozen Coils
  • Damaged Fan Blades
  • Bad Compressors
  • Faulty Thermostats
  • Skipped Maintenance Visits
  • Old age and rust

You might be tempted to head to Google or YouTube to identify which of the above is to blame for your AC problem. But, as mentioned earlier, that’s not a good idea. A lot of HVAC equipment issues display similarly. This results in many DIY-ers wasting money trying to cure the wrong disease. In some instances, you might even cause a short or poisonous refrigerant leak.

So, the next time you need AC repair in Chicago, skip the self-diagnosis. Give our HVAC company a call at (312) 858-0358 instead.

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We’re True AC Repair Experts

No two models of air conditioner are the same. Under the hood, engineering varies by brand and model. Buttons may be swapped around and important components can be situated in different areas. That DIY AC repair video rarely applies to your specific unit in Chicago. That’s one reason it’s best to leave air conditioner service in Chicago to an HVAC contractor licensed to work in Illinois.

You might be worried we won’t be able to handle your Lincolnwood air conditioner repair. Perhaps it’s pushing twenty and sounding like an asthmatic bear. Or, maybe, it comes courtesy of some rare European manufacturer. Well, rest assured, our HVAC contractors will figure it out. We’ve spent years familiarizing ourselves with the quirks of countless different AC units.

The brands we're most familiar with include:

  • Carrier
  • Bryant
  • Goodman
  • Lennox
  • Trane
  • Rheem
  • American Standard
  • York
  • Frigidaire
  • Amana
  • Coleman

Trust Us to Fix Any AC Problem in the Chicago Area

When you need AC repair in Chicago, Lincolnwood, or Hyde Park, Safe Heating & Cooling is the company to trust. Our local HVAC company has been serving the AC needs of the area for over 17 years. This makes us uniquely qualified to handle any-sized problem or concern. Our air conditioning contractors service all models and makes of air conditioning equipment including Trane, American Standard, Carrier, and Goodman. We also promise to treat every customer with the respect and autonomy they deserve. Please reach out to us by phone or form to schedule your AC repair, maintenance, or installation in Chicago!

AC Repair FAQs

Unfortunately, we cannot give you an AC repair quote without visiting your home. Many air conditioner issues present similarly. This makes accurate remote diagnosis difficult. And, at Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc., the last thing we want to do is give you a wrong estimate. For the average AC repair in Hyde Park, you can expect to pay between $100 and $600. If the cost is outside your budget, we do offer a number of financing options, with approved credit.

There are four things you should look for when selecting a heating or cooling contractor in Chicago:

  • They have years of AC repair experience
  • The company is licensed and certified to perform the desired work
  • They have comprehensive insurance coverage
  • They have customer-friendly warranties and guarantees
As you might suspect, Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. checks all of these boxes. Reach out to us at (312) 858-0358 to schedule heat pump or AC repair in Chicago.
If you keep having to add refrigerant, there's a leak in your system. Air conditioners are closed systems. So, unless there's a problem, the level of liquid within it should remain constant. A continual leaking of refrigerant is bad for the environment. As time goes on, it'll become more difficult to top the system up as well. So, instead of charging the system, we recommend contacting our AC professionals. We'll quickly uncover the source of this leak and make recommendations. If your system is older and uses a refrigerant being phased out, a new AC is typically recommended. The high upfront cost can be offset by efficiency savings, rebates, and peace of mind.
You walk outside to find a your air conditioner encased in ice. What?! While there are a number of possible causes, the typical reason for a system freeze up is an air flow problem or a refrigerant leak. The former can typically be remedied by changing the filter. If that doesn't fix the issue, make sure nothing is blocking your air return. After that, pick up a phone and dial Safe Heating & Cooling—Chicago's AC repair experts.

Before you panic over a broken Chicago air conditioner, take a deep breath. There are a number of problems you can fix on your own. Before calling to schedule AC repair in Chicago, make sure that:

  • Nothing in the breaker box is flipped
  • Your filter is clean
  • The temperature is set correctly
  • Your thermostat is set to cool
  • The switch on your furnace is on
  • Your thermostat has new batteries
  • Nothing is obstructing the outdoor AC unit
If none of the above works, give us a call at (312) 858-0358. Our HVAC experts will soon set you back on the road to comfort.
There's nothing you can do to completely eliminate the risk of AC breakdown, but there are steps you can take to lessen its likelihood. If prevention is your goal, then regular heating and AC maintenance is your solution. During routine HVAC check-ups, our technician will examine your system for signs of damage and malfunction. By making sure your AC unit is working properly, mid-season breakdowns can be prevented. Call us to learn more about our HVAC maintenance options in Chicago.

You hear your air conditioner buzzing along, but the number on the thermostat keeps climbing. When you check a nearby vent, you find the air from it is temperate at best. The lack of cold air has three likely causes:

  • Condenser Issues: Condensers in Chicago are typically located outside the home. They can sometimes get blocked by plants and other debris. Seasonal tree shedding is notorious. Clean it off. Your equipment should also be kept at least three feet from other objects.
  • Dirty Filters: You're meant to change your furnace filter on a monthly basis. This is true even during AC season. Have you been doing that? If not, go check your filter. For anything darker than light grey, replace it with a new one. After changing the filter, give the unit time to adjust.
  • Evaporator Coil Issues: Filled with refrigerant, your evaporator coil is responsible for pulling the heat out of the air. If you see ice on it, the coil is likely the cause of your HVAC problems.

If these changes don't help, give us a call at (312) 858-0358.

Small puddles under the AC unit are to be expected. Your evaporator coil cools the air pulled into it, causing condensation to form on its outside. But if you notice a large puddle or a never-ending drip, your air conditioner likely needs servicing. Excess water can damage sensitive components if left to linger. Potential causes of AC leaks in Chicago include clogged drain lines or a damaged drain pan.
The air from your AC should typically be between 15 and 20 degrees cooler than the air outside. If you notice your air conditioner in Chicago blowing warm air, something's typically wrong with the unit. Before making a determination, however, you'll want to have the unit cycling for at least 15 minutes. This gives the equipment time to hit its stride. Potential causes of warm air include dirty filters or evaporator issues.
Modern air conditioners should be relatively quiet. When that changes, you're likely to notice. And, if you do, you should promptly place a call to the AC repair specialists at Safe Heating & Cooling. Possible causes include broken parts, a bad internal blower, a broken compressor, unbalanced fan blades, or defective controls. Identifying which is to blame requires us examining the problem in person.
You notice a strange odor coming from your outdoor air conditioner. You aren't quite sure what it is or how to describe it. The best way to determine the cause of HVAC odors is to give Safe Heating & Cooling a call. We're familiar with all brands of air conditioning equipment and will be able to quickly identify the source of the problem. In many cases, a simple AC tune-up in Chicago is enough to clear away any lingering smell. In most cases, mold and mildew are at the root of the problem.
It's been hours now. Your home seems cool, but your AC unit isn't shutting off on its own. First, make sure the system is set to 'Auto' instead of 'On'. If that's set up correctly—and your unit still short cycles or refuses to shut off—you'll want to reach out to a local HVAC expert. This can be a sign of a dirty filter, but it can also can be a symptom of a poorly installed HVAC system. In many cases, we find that the unit installed in your home is too large for the space it's cooling. This often leads to humidity issues.
There are a handful of things you can do to maximize your air conditioner's efficiency in Chicago. First, always keep your vents open. Shutting them can actually lead to higher energy costs. Second, you'll want to schedule regular AC maintenance in Chicago. This will ensure your system stays clean and eco-friendly. Third, make sure you have blackout curtains installed. These can block out light and heat, making it easier for your AC unit to do its job. Lastly, you might want to consider installing a ceiling fan. When temperatures are more temperate in Hyde Park and Chicago, simply redistributing the air may be enough to attain comfort.
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AC Repair FAQs

What Can I Do to Prevent AC Repairs in Hyde Park?

While there is nothing you can do to completely remove the risk of AC breakdown, there are steps you can take to make it less likely. Foremost among these is properly scheduling air conditioning and heating maintenance in Chicago. During these regular visits, our HVAC expert will look your system over for signs of damage and potential performance issues. In doing so, they can uncover small issues before they blossom into something worse. Call (312) 858-0358 to learn more about our AC maintenance offerings.

Your air conditioner is on, but your temperature keeps climbing. You hold your hand over a vent. The air coming out of it is warm at best. Where’d the cool air go? In most cases, your AC repair issue is triggered by one of the following:

  • Condenser Issues: Your condenser (the outside portion of your AC system) can sometimes get blocked by debris, weeds, or overgrown shrubs. Making space around the unit makes it easier to pull in outside air. For optimal performance, keep your air conditioner at least three feet away from outdoor structures. Failing to do so can lead to an increased need for Hyde Park AC repair.
  • Dirty Filters: You need to be changing your furnace filter on a monthly basis. This is true in summer as well. Have you done so recently? If not, go take a look. If it’s the color of a storm cloud, change it. Doing so can help with everything from low AC air-flow to system freeze-ups.
  • Evaporator Coil Issues: The coil is filled with refrigerant and is responsible for extracting heat from the air. If it’s covered in ice, then it’s likely to blame for the lack of cool air. In terms of Chicago AC repairs, this is considered one of the more expensive ones. If the coil is unsalvageable, you may want to consider AC replacement.

If some outdoor cleanup, a filter change, or a hose-off don’t fix the problem, give us a jingle at (312) 858-0358.

Small puddles beneath your AC unit are normal. This is because the cooling of the air in the evaporator coil leads to condensation on the outside. Over time, this drips onto the ground beneath the air conditioner, leading to puddles. However, if you notice a miniature pond or a never-ending AC drip in Chicago, then your air conditioner likely needs service. If left to linger, excess water can damage internal components. Potential causes of water-build up include damaged drain pans and obstructed drain lines.
Typically, the output from your Chicago air conditioner should be between 15 and 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. If your AC unit in Hyde Park is blowing warm air, it’s a pretty good sign you need AC repair. Before contacting us, however, make sure you give the unit at least 15 minutes to reach operating capacity. Typical causes for no cooling calls include evaporator issues and dirty filters.
Contemporary air conditioners are relatively quiet; especially when you compare them to older ones. But there are times when the barely noticeable hum shifts into banging and clanging. This typically indicates a problem with the air conditioner's internal components. If you ever notice unusual noises, we suggest calling Chicago's AC repair professionals—Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Potential causes include a bad blower, bent fan blades, and defective controls. Diagnosing the exact issue is only possible in person.
There’s a strange smell coming from your AC unit in Chicago. You aren’t sure what it is. You just know it’s funky. The best way to determine the cause of this issue is to reach out to us at (312) 858-0358. We’re familiar with all air conditioner brands and will be able to quickly identify its cause. In most cases, mold or mildew build-up inside the unit is to blame. A simple Chicago AC tune-up is typically enough to fix the problem.
Your AC unit in Chicago has been running for hours now. Your house is already an ice box and getting colder by the minute. First, check your thermostat to verify it’s set to ‘Auto’ instead of ‘On.’ Once you've ruled out that cause, reach out to a local HVAC contractor. This issue can sometimes be due to a dirty filter but is also the trademark sign of improper Chicago air conditioning installation. In many cases, the unit installed is too big. This leads to humidity problems.
There are a few simple things you can do to maximize the efficiency of your AC unit. First, you’ll want to keep your vents open. Contrary to popular belief, shutting them actually leads to higher energy cost. Second, it’s important that you schedule your regular AC tune-ups in Chicago. This ensures your system is always equipped to do its job. We also suggest installing blackout curtains and ceiling fans. The former blocks out light and heat, while the latter extends the period you can get by without air conditioning. For more tips on saving money on heating or cooling bills, give us a call at (312) 858-0358.

Picking up a new blender on Amazon is one thing. Trying to buy a new AC unit online is another. When it comes time for air conditioning installation in Chicago, you’ll want to get a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor. Only they have the knowledge necessary to properly determine what equipment is right for your home. We do have a few recommendations for shopping, however:

There’s no universal answer to this question. Every home is different. Things like homeowner association rules, square footage, and building materials can impact the installation area. But there are a few universal recommendations. In Chicago, these guidelines include:

  • Looking for Shady Areas: Air conditioners in Chicago have to keep themselves cool as well. For that reason, we typically place it on the north or east side of your home. If that isn't an option, it can also be placed under a deciduous tree.
  • Keeping the Unit Away from Pets: Some animals like to chew and pee on HVAC equipment. This isn’t just annoying but potentially deadly as well. This is because refrigerants and electrical components can be harmful to your pets. As urine can eat away at your fan blades, we recommend hosing it off regularly.
  • Installing It Somewhere with Mulch or Grass: A lot of air conditioners in Lincolnwood are installed on a concrete or PVC slab. These bounce heat back up toward the air conditioner. This added heat can make the unit work harder to cool your home. We recommend placing the unit in an area with mulch or grass instead. These do not hold temperature as well, making it easier for your new air conditioner to maintain temperature.

In reality, however, the best way to find the ideal spot for your new air conditioner is to reach out to Lincolnwood's AC service experts—Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc..

Your standard AC installation or replacement in Chicago will take between four and six hours. The time required may be longer if the team needs to install brackets, run electrical lines, or flush the unit. If you want a more accurate estimate, just ask our HVAC technicians. They’ll be happy to walk you through the AC installation process.

If you’re willing to invest in design adjustments and ductwork, any Chicago home can enjoy the advantages of central air. But, don’t call a general contractor yet! Give (312) 858-0358 a jingle first! We’ll help you explore alternative options like evaporative (swamp) coolers, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and whole-house fans. In some cases, one of these might be a better, more economical fit.