- 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
Air Conditioner Repair
Your Trusted Source for Buffalo Grove AC Repair
Mount Prospect area’s Go-To Contractor
Fixing Broken ACs in Buffalo Grove Since 2005
You're looking forward to getting home to your AC after a long day on the town. But, when you open your front door, the air inside is almost as muggy as what's outside. What gives? It looks like you might have a problem with your heat pump or air conditioner.
Summers in Buffalo Grove and Northbrook can be brutal. That’s why a home with reliable air conditioning is on the top of many buyer’s shopping lists. When your AC unit stops working, you really appreciate the difference it makes. Instead of suffering through the heat, give Master Mechanical a call. Whether you end up needing a simple AC repair or a full AC replacement, our local HVAC experts are here for you.
How to Tell When It’s Time to Call an AC Expert
You rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool in Illinois's hottest months. Without it, your home will soon be a sticky sauna. Fortunately, your AC unit typically hums along just fine. It pulls and cools air from outside before dispersing overheated air elsewhere. In your little safe haven, it can be easy to forget that it's 90 degrees outside.
But, sometimes, the AC process stops or sputters. Unfortunately, unless it’s a full-on breakdown, most homeowners don’t know when it’s time to call a Buffalo Grove-area HVAC contractor. Here’s a shortlist of circumstances when it's necessary to pick up your phone:
If you notice any of the above problems, don’t panic. Our local HVAC experts can help! Contact us at (847) 722-0000 to schedule an appointment for AC repair in Wheeling or Buffalo Grove.
The Most Common Causes of AC Failure
You might be wondering why your air conditioner in Buffalo Grove needs repair. Maybe it’s only a few years old. The summer in Illinois has been really mild. Or, you just had a tune-up done a few weeks ago. This confusion is understandable. But these things may not be connected to your breakdown. Just like with your car, there are dozens of components that can cause your air conditioner to stop cooling. This doesn't even include things like air handlers, thermostats, and your furnace's blower motor.
But, like with most things, there is a tendency toward the 80/20 rule. Most AC issues in Buffalo Grove have similar root causes. And, after 21 years of HVAC experience, we’re easily able to identify them. These typical suspects include:
- 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 go to YouTube or Google to try and identify which of the above is to blame for your AC problem, but that isn't a good idea. It can lead to you wasting money on unnecessary parts or even causing a dangerous short in the system. If left unchecked, these errors can be deadly. So, when you need AC repair in Buffalo Grove we suggest reaching out to a professional HVAC contractor in Buffalo Grove instead.
You'd Be Surprised How Different Air Conditioners Can Be
Every make and model of air conditioner is different. Components are housed in different places and buttons may not function the same. That YouTube video about do-it-yourself AC repair rarely matches what you find under the casing. This is one reason we always recommend leaving cooling service in Buffalo Grove to a licensed Buffalo Grove HVAC professional.
We Work on All Air Conditioning Brands
You might be wondering if we can fix your air conditioner. Maybe it's almost twenty years old and sounds like a dinosaur. Or, perhaps, it's manufactured by some little-known European brand. Well, you can rest easy. At Master Mechanical, we’ve spent years familiarizing ourselves with the quirks and requirements of various AC models. That means we have the expertise to fix equipment from any brand including these more well known names:
- 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 Buffalo Grove.
Trust Us to Fix Any AC Problem in the Buffalo Grove Area
When you need AC repair in Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, or Northbrook, Master Mechanical is the company to trust. Our local HVAC company has been serving the AC needs of the area for over 21 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 Buffalo Grove!
AC Repair FAQs
How much will it cost to repair my AC unit in Buffalo Grove?
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 Master Mechanical, the last thing we want to do is give you a wrong estimate. For the average AC repair in Northbrook, 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.
What should I look for in a Buffalo Grove AC repair company?
There are four things you should look for when selecting a heating or cooling contractor in Buffalo Grove:
- 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
Why do I have to keep adding refrigerant?
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.
Why is my AC unit freezing up?
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 Master Mechanical—Buffalo Grove's AC repair experts.
What should I check before calling for service?
Before you panic over a broken Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove, 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
What can I do to prevent AC repairs in Northbrook?
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 Buffalo Grove.
My AC is on but won't cool. What gives?
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 Buffalo Grove 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 (847) 722-0000.
The outside unit is leaking. Is that an issue?
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 Buffalo Grove include clogged drain lines or a damaged drain pan.
How cold should the air from my AC be?
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 Buffalo Grove 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.
Why's my AC unit making so much noise?
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 Master Mechanical. 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.
What's making my air conditioner smell?
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 Master Mechanical 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 Buffalo Grove is enough to clear away any lingering smell. In most cases, mold and mildew are at the root of the problem.
Why won't my air conditioner shut off?
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.
How can I make my AC unit more efficient?
There are a handful of things you can do to maximize your air conditioner's efficiency in Buffalo Grove. 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 Buffalo Grove. 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 Northbrook and Buffalo Grove, simply redistributing the air may be enough to attain comfort.
