Knowing the most common AC service calls helps you spot trouble early and avoid a sweltering breakdown in your Skokie home. Air conditioning keeps your house comfortable through Chicagoland summers, so when it stops working, it can be stressful to deal with. This guide walks through the AC problems technicians see most often, how to prevent them, and when it is time to call a professional.
Key Points
- The most common AC service calls involve dirty coils, noisy operation, weak cooling, drainage issues, and noisy compressors.
- Routine cleaning, filter changes, and scheduled maintenance prevent most of these problems.
- Warning signs like uneven temperatures and rising noise often mean it is time for repair or replacement.
- Elite HVACS sends NATE-certified technicians across Skokie and the North Shore suburbs.
The 5 Most Common AC Service Calls
Air conditioning service technicians often encounter the same problems repeatedly. Here are five of the most common AC service calls, which we will address individually.
1. Dirty Coils and Restricted Airflow
You should make sure that there is proper airflow through your air conditioner. To check this, you can use a sock or t-shirt to test whether restricting the airflow makes a difference. This helps confirm whether there is a blockage in the unit or simply dirty evaporator and condenser coils that need cleaning.
2. Noisy Operation
If your air conditioner is noisy during operation, faulty fan bearings could be the issue. Run your hand along the shafts of each fan blade to see if they are spinning smoothly. Dirt buildup or misalignment of either the fan or motor could be what is causing this issue.
3. Air Not Cooling Well
If your air is not cooling as well as it used to, it may be time to get a new system. You should clean the unit coils thoroughly using electronic parts cleaner and empty the drip pan. This can eliminate the problem and save you from having to replace an older unit before its time.
4. Drain Dripping or Overflowing
Make sure that the condensate drain tubing is free of kinks and obstructions. Also, check the flap inside to make sure it is not broken or stuck open. You could also have a bad condensate pump, or something may be blocking the tubing.
5. Noisy Compressor
If your system is making loud whining noises when operating, it may be due to the bearings. Check the condenser unit with a flashlight to see if you can observe bearing play, or have the part replaced. When these repairs go beyond basic upkeep, our team handles professional AC repair service for all major brands.
How to Prevent an AC Failure in Your Home
During the peak summer months, an air conditioner can suffer from high temperatures that cause it to stop working. A dirty air filter can also clog and reduce airflow through the system to a point where it can no longer cool the home adequately. Here are some tips to prevent these issues, many of which are covered during routine annual AC maintenance visits.
Use a timer: By plugging in a timer, you can ensure that the system is not running when you are gone during the day. This prevents the unit from overheating or freezing up due to lack of use over an extended period.
Keep everything in proper working condition: Regular cleaning of the coils and keeping the air filter in good shape prevents dirt from clogging the system. Check that no one has tampered with the vents or otherwise affected how it works. A damaged vent can lead to moisture buildup and damage to other components in your AC.
Treat your coils: Regular cleaning with electronic parts cleaner is the best way to prevent hard water buildup and keep coils from becoming clogged and corroded.
Schedule a seasonal tune-up: A spring AC tune-up appointment lets a technician catch small problems before they turn into emergency service calls during the hottest weeks of the year. According to the ENERGY STAR maintenance checklist, routine service keeps cooling systems running efficiently and extends their lifespan.
Signs You Need a New Furnace or AC Unit
If your furnace or air conditioner is not working well, you may need to replace it. Here are warning signs of impending failure that signal it is time for a new system:
Excessive noise levels: A loud rumbling sound from the unit could mean lubrication issues inside the motor. A regular inspection is a good way to check for this and confirm you are not neglecting required maintenance.
Not as much heat or cooling: If you do not get enough heat in winter, you could have blocked or broken vents that need repair. The same goes for cooling in summer.
Cool and warm spots: If you notice areas where no air blows from the vents, your system may be blocked by an obstruction or a kinked duct. The same applies if some rooms run much hotter or colder than others.
Temperature is not steady: The temperature in your home should stay consistent across all rooms. Large fluctuations can point to blocked ducts or poor airflow, which often improves after professional air duct cleaning. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that proper maintenance and airflow have a direct impact on cooling performance and energy use.
How to Hire the Right HVAC Contractor
Follow these steps when hiring an HVAC contractor for installation or maintenance:
Check their qualifications and experience: Ask for proof of training and insurance, along with licensing information, to confirm the professional you hire is qualified for installation, repair, or maintenance. Elite HVACS staffs NATE-certified technicians for exactly this reason.
Check their workmanship: Make sure the contractor signs off on the unit during a site inspection for your new HVAC system. They should also show you any OEM parts installed so you know it is built to last.
Check for customer reviews: See what other people say about the contractor you are considering. Whether positive or negative, reviews help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Service Calls
How often should I schedule AC maintenance?
Most cooling systems should be professionally serviced once a year, ideally in spring before peak summer demand. Homes with older units or heavy usage may benefit from a second visit.
What is the most common AC service call?
Weak cooling caused by dirty coils and clogged air filters is one of the most frequent issues technicians see. Most of it is preventable with routine cleaning and filter changes.
When should I repair versus replace my AC?
If your system needs frequent repairs, struggles to cool evenly, or is more than 10 to 15 years old, replacement is often the more cost-effective choice. A NATE-certified technician can help you weigh both options in plain language.
Schedule Service With Elite HVACS in Skokie
From minor tune-ups to full system replacements, Elite HVACS handles the most common AC service calls across Skokie and the North Shore suburbs. Our NATE-certified technicians diagnose the problem, explain your options clearly, and get your system running again without pressure or surprises. Request a free estimate and keep your home comfortable all summer long.