- 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
AC Repair
Your Trusted Source for Chicago AC Repair
Here to Fix Cook County's Broken AC Units
Safe Heating has been handling AC repairs in Chicago and Hyde Park since 2008. If your AC unit is leaking or refusing to turn on, give us a call. Our HVAC experts work on all types and brands of air conditioners.
Fixing Broken ACs Since 2008
You spent a long day outside enjoying Hyde Park'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 Hyde Park 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 a call at (312) 858-0358. Whether the solution is a full AC replacement or a simple air conditioning repair in Hyde Park, our Hyde Park HVAC contractors are ready to lend a hand.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Call an AC Expert
You need your air conditioner to stay comfortable through Hyde Park’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 Lincolnwood 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:
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 18 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.
There's a Lot of Variety in Cooling Systems
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. That’s one reason it’s best to leave air conditioner service in Chicago to an HVAC contractor licensed to work in Illinois.
We Work on All Air Conditioning Brands
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. Our Chicago specialists have spent years familiarizing themselves with all types of air conditioners. The brands we're most familiar with include:
- American Standard
- Bryant
- Carrier
- Goodman
- Lennox
- Trane
- Rheem
- York
- Frigidaire
- Amana
- Coleman
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi
- Gree
- Fujitsu
Don't fret if your air conditioner brand isn't on our list! We have utmost confidence in our AC technicians' skills to handle almost any system. And, even if what you have installed is an air handler or a heat pump, we remain your go-to resource for speedy and proficient AC repair in Chicago.
Trust Us to Fix Any AC Problem in the Cook County Area
When you need AC repair in Chicago, Lincolnwood, or Hyde Park, Safe Heating is the company to trust. Our local HVAC company has been serving the AC needs of the area for over 18 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
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.
My AC is on but won't cool. What gives?
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.
The outside unit is leaking. Is that an issue?
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.
How cold should the air from my AC be?
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.
Why's my AC unit making so much noise?
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.
What's making my air conditioner smell?
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.
Why won't my air conditioner shut off?
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.
How can I make my AC unit more efficient?
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.
What's the best place to install my new AC?
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..
How long does it take to install a new AC unit?
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.
Can my home have central air?
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.