AC Replacement

Chicago AC Replacement

Installing New AC Units in Hyde Park and Chicago Since 2008

Coping with summer in Chicago requires a dependable and functioning central AC system. It’s even better if that cooling unit is also clean and energy efficient. After all, no one likes throwing money out the window. But it’s difficult for an AC unit to perform its best when its original installation was flawed. That’s where Safe Heating & Cooling comes in.

Our customer-focused HVAC company is deeply dedicated to providing comfort in the Chicago area—a fact easily correlated by our 17 years of service. In that time, we’ve replaced hundreds of old air conditioners with new, more-efficient ones. Through this, we’ve helped your friends and neighbors shave hundreds off their utility bills. In other words, if you’re in the market for an AC replacement in Hyde Park, we’re the local HVAC company you can trust.

We get the job done right the first time, and it’s not done until you’re five-star satisfied. If you receive anything less than perfect service, we invite you to call us at (312) 858-0358. We’ll set things right.

Need a new air conditioner in Chicago? Call (312) 858-0358 for an estimate. Financing is available!

Signs That It’s Time for a New AC

We understand why most people put off AC replacement in Chicago. It’s inconvenient and expensive. There are a lot of things in your budget that have higher priority. Many homeowners in Lincolnwood and Hyde Park are tempted to keep their unit hobbling along for as long as possible. But, eventually, it’ll break down and need to be replaced. Unfortunately, that death knell typically comes midsummer—a time when AC service appointments are weeks out.

To avoid long-term discomfort, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of an Chicago AC unit on its last leg:

  • Skyrocketing Utility Bills: Old air conditioners are inefficient and struggle to reach target temperatures. As time ticks on, you’ll be shelling out more and more to keep your house cool. If you see a sudden increase in cooling bills in Chicago, an AC repair or replacement is often on the horizon.
  • It Uses Old Refrigerants: Old refrigerants are being phased out in favor of those that don’t cause environmental damage. As time goes on, Chicago AC units that use these types of refrigerants become more expensive to repair. This is due to only recycled materials being available. In many cases, it’s a good idea to replace a unit that uses R-22 or another ozone-depleting coolant with a newer one.
  • Your AC Unit Doesn’t Shut Off: Though you can expect your air conditioner in Chicago to work harder in hot weather, failing air conditioners may struggle to reach desired temperatures. This often results in them constantly running, even if the weather is mild. If your air conditioner in Chicago is staying on longer than usual, it’s a good sign it’s time for an AC replacement. If your unit is newer, however, a simple tune-up may be enough.
  • We're on a First-Name Basis: We might love our customers, but we don’t want to be seeing you three or four times a season. These repeated Chicago AC repairs quickly add up. In many cases, it’s better to get financed for a new AC system than to sink money into one on its last condenser. Since quotes on air conditioning installation in Chicago are always free, there’s no reason not to call (312) 858-0358 for an appointment.
  • Age: With regular Chicago AC maintenance, your unit can last upwards of 20 years. But, at that point, it’s time to consider replacing it. The US Department of Energy estimates a timely change out can save the average homeowner between 20 and 40 percent on their energy bills.

If any of the these apply, go ahead and give Safe Heating & Cooling a call. Getting prepared for Chicago AC replacement early can avoid a lot of discomfort down the road. Even if you don’t end up needing a new air conditioner, prompt AC repair in Chicago can lessen the overall cost.

How We Determine and Install the Proper AC Unit

Improper sizing and installation are often the root causes of long-term air conditioning problems. A lot of Chicago AC repair calls could have been prevented with better investigation and planning. That’s why Safe Heating & Cooling takes time to properly understand your home’s specific needs. We also recommend items like air filters, zoning, and air handlers up front to save you money on overall installation and operating costs.

Before installing a new AC unit in Chicago, we run load calculations to determine the type of unit you need. Our HVAC technician will also closely examine your home’s ductwork to determine if there’s a need for repair or reconfiguration. Only after crunching all the numbers will we present you with an itemized Chicago AC installation quote.

In this quote, we include everything from a new thermostat to updated drain lines and a new condenser. We will also help you explore rebate and financing options. When done, you’ll have a new AC system proposal that meets you and your family’s needs.

Once everything’s signed, our local HVAC contractor will note your appointment preferences and get you scheduled for AC replacement in Chicago. We look forward to adding you to our list of satisfied customers.

Exploring the AC Replacement Process

The day to replace or install your new air conditioning system has arrived, and it's natural to feel a bit anxious. Many homeowners often wonder about the process on the day of AC installation. How long will it last? Are there any preparations needed for AC replacement in Chicago? To help alleviate your worries, here's an outline of the process Safe Heating & Cooling follows:

  1. We give you an initial estimate for the new AC installation
  2. We’ll make a reminder call for the appointment and ask you to secure your pets
  3. Our technician will put on boot covers and lay down drop cloths to keep your floors clean
  4. Any obstructing items will be carefully moved to avoid any damage
  5. The AC installer will carry out a second round of measurements for accuracy
  6. We dismantle your old equipment and arrange it for recycling
  7. Our technician will then bring in your new air conditioner
  8. The refrigerant lines will be connected to your main power source
  9. We switch on the power and carry out an initial test on the unit

After the initial test, our HVAC technician will conduct a few temperature checks to ensure everything is functioning as it should. Once the diagnostics are finished, they'll tidy up their work area and remove the drop cloth. Then you can relax in your refreshed comfort, comfortably settled back in your armchair.

Ensure your new system's longevity! Opt for AC maintenance in Chicago.

What if I Need AC in a Newly Built Home?

Let’s begin with congratulations! We hope your new home is everything you thought it’d be. We look forward to helping you keep it comfortable for years to come. Our Chicago HVAC company is proud to partner with numerous remodelers and home builders across Illinois. These relationships give us ample experience in new AC system design and installation.

There are only a few differences between replacing an air conditioner in Chicago and doing an initial installation. The same safety steps are taken and the same calculations are performed. The main differences come during the design process. When we install an AC unit in a new home, we’re also responsible for designing the ductwork to supply each room. Also, since there’s no old air conditioner to recycle, there are no disposal costs.

Need a new air conditioner? Call (312) 858-0358 now to request an estimate on AC replacement in Chicago. Financing is available, with approved credit!

Why Safe Heating & Cooling is the Right Choice for AC Installation in Chicago

When you’re investing thousands into installing a new air conditioner, it’s important that you get it right. The first step in doing so is finding a great local HVAC company. And, if you call Chicago or Hyde Park home, you can’t go wrong with Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc..

We’ve been promoting comfortable living in Chicago for over 17 years. In that time, we’ve installed thousands of new air conditioners in homes just like yours. When you work with our HVAC company, you get an AC unit designed to reach the end of its lifespan. Our timely responses, dedication to customer support, and simplified installation process make new air conditioner installation in Chicago stress-free.

AC Replacement FAQs

Will Adding an AC Unit Increase the Value of My Home?

It usually does! Installing a new air conditioner in Chicago or replacing an old one can increase your home’s value by up to 10 percent. Where you fall on this profit line depends on the features and efficiency rating of the new AC unit. In some markets, homes aren’t eligible for resale without a functioning air conditioner. So, even if you’re looking to sell soon, it can be worth it to foot the bill for AC replacement in Chicago.

A lot of homeowners in Chicago believe that a bigger air conditioner is a better one. But that’s not quite true. Though an oversized AC unit will cool your home more quickly, it’ll waste electricity doing so. It also won’t have enough running time to remove excess humidity from your air. Though the noise of an air conditioner running for hours isn’t pleasant, long cooling cycles are actually better for your home and wallet. To ensure proper sizing, always leave AC system calculations to a licensed HVAC professional.

Though the typical AC unit in Chicago is rated at SEER 14, it’s worth considering one with a higher rating. Anything higher than 16 SEER is considered environmentally friendly and offers potential savings on long-term cooling costs. Numerous rebates are available to help reduce the cost differential between lower SEER units and newer, more efficient ones. For additional information on discounts for which you may be eligible, give our Hyde Park AC company a call at (312) 858-0358.

Air conditioners are comprised of both exterior and interior components. Some Chicago homeowners believe replacing only one of these will halve the cost of new AC installation in Chicago. It won’t. Mismatched components actually result in higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and lowered system efficiency. Though the price tag for a new AC installation in Chicago might seem scary, doing everything at once will save you money in the long-run.

We always recommend getting multiple quotes on AC replacement in Lincolnwood or Chicago. This is the best way to ensure a reasonable price. Do be aware, however, that not all companies provide the same benefits as Safe Heating & Cooling. Is the other business’s warranty as good as ours? How long have they been operating in Illinois? You’ll want to keep these items in mind as you make a decision. We invite you to check out our financing and Special Offers page for potential saving opportunities.

Though you might be tempted to install your own AC unit in Hyde Park, we don’t advise it. Testing, sizing, and replacing an air conditioner is a complicated process. Beneath that metal shell, there are many chemical and electronic components. Improper handling of these can result in injuries, system failure, and even death. So, unless you’re certified to do HVAC work in Chicago, we suggest leaving air conditioning work to the professionals.

The typical air conditioner in Illinois lasts between 10 and 15 years. After that time, you’ll want to start budgeting for a new AC unit. Like with many other items, HVAC equipment costs are cyclical. For the best deals on air conditioning systems, we suggest shopping prior to summer. When winter temperatures fade, a lot of Chicago HVAC companies slow down and are eager for sales opportunities. It’s also a time when many financing deals are offered.

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:

  • Make sure the contractor installs equipment from a well-regarded brand
  • If you're not selling your home, invest in something more energy-efficient
  • Ask about included warranties

What's the Best Place to Install My New AC?

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:

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.

AC Replacement FAQs

Will Installing an AC Unit Increase My Home's Value?

Usually, it does! Replacing or installing a new air conditioner in Chicago could potentially increase your home's value by up to 10 percent. The added value is contingent upon the efficiency and features of the new unit. In some markets, selling a home without a cooling system is almost impossible. So, even if you intend to sell your home in Chicago soon, it might be worth considering an upgrade to your air conditioning system.

Many homeowners hold the belief that when it comes to air conditioning in Chicago, bigger is always better. However, that's not necessarily the case. While a large air conditioner can cool your home more rapidly, it will consume more electricity in the process. Additionally, it'll have a harder time extracting humidity from the air. Although it may seem inconvenient for your AC unit in Chicago to run for extended periods, longer cycles are more beneficial for both your budget and home comfort than shorter ones.

While most homes in Chicago likely have a SEER 14 unit, it's worthwhile to explore equipment with higher SEER ratings. Any unit with a rating above 16 SEER is regarded as highly efficient and can aid you in reducing long-term heating costs. Government rebates exist to offset the cost difference between a low SEER unit and a more efficient one. For details on potential AC discounts you might qualify for, don't hesitate to call us at (312) 858-0358.

Air conditioning systems comprise both interior and exterior components. Some homeowners in Chicago might believe that replacing only one component is a cost-effective way to limit AC repair and installation expenses. Unfortunately, it's not. Having mismatched components can result in regular repairs, increased energy bills, and diminished efficiency. Despite the seemingly daunting cost, replacing both parts of your cooling system will ultimately prove more economical in the long run.

We recommend obtaining multiple quotes for AC replacement in Lincolnwood or Chicago. This is the most reliable way to guarantee you're getting a fair deal. However, you must be sure to make direct comparisons. Does the other company offer a warranty as comprehensive as ours? Is their unit as good? How long have they been operating? As you decide, keep these factors in mind. We invite you to explore our financing and special offers pages to see our current deals.

Although the idea of repairing or installing your air conditioner yourself in Chicago may seem appealing, it's not advisable. Installation, sizing, and testing of air conditioners involve complex processes and many electronic and chemical components. Inadvertently tampering with these can cause serious injuries and even be fatal. So, unless you possess the requisite certifications, we recommend entrusting AC replacement in Chicago to the HVAC professionals at Safe Heating & Cooling, Inc..

As previously mentioned, if your air conditioner is 10 to 15 years old, it's advisable to start budgeting for a new one. Like many other products, HVAC equipment prices follow a cyclical trend. To secure better deals on AC units, start shopping early, preferably before the summer peak. During late winter and early spring, local HVAC contractors tend to have more availability, making scheduling easier. This period also often sees many attractive financing deals. For Illinois, the optimal time ranges from February to April.

Buying a new AC unit in Chicago isn't as straightforward as online shoe shopping. It's always wise to obtain a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor. These professionals have the expertise to measure your home accurately and determine the ideal equipment for your needs. When it comes to making the best choice, we advise everyone to:

  • Opt for a contractor who installs equipment from reputed brands
  • Invest in a more energy-efficient model if you're not planning to sell your home
  • Inquire about warranty coverage

A typical AC replacement and installation in Chicago lasts between four to six hours. This timeline may extend if additional tasks like line flushing or bracket addition are required. For a precise estimate, feel free to ask our technician to guide you through the entire process.

Any home in Chicago can be equipped with central air, provided you're ready to invest in ductwork and design modifications. However, before you approach your local building contractor, reach out to us at (312) 858-0358. We'll not only explain the installation process but also introduce you to alternate cooling options. Systems like ductless mini-splits, whole house fans, swamp coolers, and heat pumps can offer similar benefits without the steep upfront costs.