Furnace Repair Service Oak Park IL | Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc.
SCHEDULE SERVICE
(312) 858-0358

AC Repair

Oak Park AC Repair

Fixing Broken ACs in Oak Park Since 2008

You spent a long day outside enjoying Oak 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 Oak 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 & Cooling a call at (312) 858-0358. Whether the solution is a full AC replacement or a simple air conditioning repair in Oak Park, our Oak Park 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 Oak Park. Financing is available!

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

You need your air conditioner to stay comfortable through Oak 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 16 years of working on HVAC equipment, we’ve found most air conditioning problems in Oak Park 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 Oak Park, skip the self-diagnosis. Give our HVAC company a call at (312) 858-0358 instead.

Schedule Service Maintain Your AC Get New AC Quote

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 Oak Park. That’s one reason it’s best to leave air conditioner service in Oak Park 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

Don’t have one of those brands installed? Don’t worry! We’re confident in our AC technician’s ability to troubleshoot any unit. Even if what you have is actually a heat pump or air handler, problem our Oak Park HVAC company is ready and equipped to fix it.

Trust Us to Fix Any AC Problem in the Oak Park Area

When you need AC repair in Oak Park, Lincolnwood, or Chicago, Safe Heating & Cooling is the company to trust. Our local HVAC company has been serving the AC needs of the area for over 16 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 Oak Park!

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 Chicago, 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 Oak Park:

  • 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 Oak Park.
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—Oak Park's AC repair experts.

Before you panic over a broken Oak Park 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 Oak Park, 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 Oak Park.

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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park. 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 Chicago and Oak Park, simply redistributing the air may be enough to attain comfort.
Content (c) Online Access, Inc.

AC Repair FAQs

What Will It Cost to Fix My AC Unit in Oak Park?

Regrettably, we are unable to provide an exact AC repair quote without seeing the unit. Air conditioning problems often have similar symptoms, which can make a remote diagnosis inaccurate. At Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc., we want to avoid giving you incorrect estimates. For a typical AC repair in Chicago, you can anticipate spending between $100 and $600. If these costs seem prohibitive, we have various financing options available.

There are four key things to look for when picking a heating or cooling contractor in Oak Park:

  • They possess substantial experience in AC repair
  • The firm is certified and authorized to execute the required work
  • They carry adequate insurance coverage
  • They offer customer-friendly warranties and guarantees

As you can imagine, Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc. meets all these criteria. Contact us at (312) 858-0358 to arrange heat pump or AC repair in Oak Park.

If you're constantly adding refrigerant, it indicates a leak in your system. Air conditioners are sealed systems, meaning that the liquid level within should remain consistent over time. Continual refrigerant leakage is harmful for the environment and will become increasingly inefficient to band-aid. Instead of recharging the system, we advise reaching out to our AC specialists. We will swiftly identify the leak source and propose solutions. If your system is outdated and uses a refrigerant being phased out, we usually recommend a new AC. The initial expense can be offset by improved efficiency and government rebates.

It can be shocking to find your air conditioner covered in ice. Commonly, this issue arises due to an airflow problem or a refrigerant leak. The former can usually be resolved by changing the filter. If that doesn't work, ensure nothing is blocking your air return. If these steps don't rectify the problem, it's time to call Safe Heating & Cooling—Oak Park's AC repair specialists.

Before you panic about a malfunctioning Oak Park air conditioner, stay calm. There are numerous issues you can fix on your own. Prior to scheduling a AC repair in Oak Park, verify that:

  • No breakers in the box are tripped
  • Your filter is clean
  • Your thermostat is set to cool
  • The switch on your furnace is on
  • Your thermostat has fresh batteries
  • There's no obstruction near the outdoor AC unit

If these checks don't resolve the issue, call us at (312) 858-0358. Our HVAC experts will promptly restore your comfort.

While it's impossible to entirely prevent AC failures, there are measures you can take to reduce their likelihood. If your aim is prevention, then regular heating and AC maintenance is your strategy. During routine HVAC inspections, our technician will check your system for signs of damage and malfunction. By ensuring your AC unit operates correctly, mid-season breakdowns can be avoided. Contact us to learn more about our HVAC maintenance options in Oak Park.

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 Oak Park are typically located outside the home. They can sometimes get blocked by plants and other debris. Seasonal tree shedding is a typical suspect. 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.
  • 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. After changing the filter, give the unit time to adjust.

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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park blowing warm air, something's typically wrong with the unit. Make sure not to jump to conclusions too fast, however! It takes a typical unit between 15 and 20 minutes to get cooling! Potential causes of warm air include dirty filters or evaporator issues.

Contemporary air conditioners are generally quite quiet. If that's not the case for yours, it's advisable to contact the AC repair experts at Safe Heating & Cooling. Potential culprits include broken parts, a malfunctioning internal blower, a damaged compressor, unbalanced fan blades, or faulty controls. To accurately identify the problem, we'll need to inspect it directly.

If you're detecting a strange smell from your outdoor air conditioner, get in touch with Safe Heating & Cooling. As professionals experienced with all air conditioning brands, we can swiftly identify the problem. Frequently, a simple AC tune-up in Oak Park can resolve any unpleasant odors. Often, the issue stems from mold and mildew.

It's been running for hours, your house feels cool, but your AC unit isn't switching off. Firstly, ensure the system is set to 'Auto' instead of 'On'. If that's so, yet your unit continues to short cycle or won't turn off, contact a local HVAC expert. This might indicate a clogged filter or a poorly installed HVAC system. Frequently, the installed unit is too large for the area it's cooling, leading to excess humidity and long run times.

To improve your air conditioner's performance in Oak Park, keep in mind a few key points. Firstly, always keep your vents open; closing them can actually increase energy costs. Secondly, make a point to schedule regular AC maintenance in Oak Park. This helps keep your system clean and energy-efficient. Thirdly, consider installing blackout curtains to block out light and heat, reducing the AC unit's workload. Finally, contemplate getting a ceiling fan. In milder temperatures in Chicago and Oak Park, simply redistributing the air can achieve comfortable conditions.