We're locally owned and here for you.
AC Repair
AC Repair in Chicagoland Done with Care
Suffering through a hot and humid Illinois summer is a special kind of uncomfortable. During summers in Naperville, Aurora, and Downers Grove, air conditioning is absolutely essential. Imagine you come home from an afternoon strolling the Naperville Riverwalk. It was beautiful, but the weather was hot, and now you’re ready to put your feet up in some air conditioning.
But when you get home, the inside of the house is almost as bad as it is outside. While you were out, your central AC died. You switch on a couple of fans, but that’s not going to be anywhere near enough. You need fast AC repair. Luckily, First Care Heating and Air LLC is located in Naperville, and we’re known for prompt air conditioning services.
A Story of Customer Care
First Care was jointly founded by Darryl Bonner, Nick Peczkowski, and Martin Orozco. Together, they have over 59 years of combined HVAC experience. Basically, they’ve seen nearly every AC malfunction under the sun and have the experience for creative problem-solving and repairs.
Our founders believe in going the extra mile for customers to offer excellent, not just good, HVAC service. We want to give our Chicagoland customers the same kind of AC service we would want to receive. We are committed to always offering high-quality, dependable, and honest HVAC care because we value our customers in Naperville, Aurora, and Downers Grove.
Common AC Repairs in Naperville
The timing of an AC breakdown might be a surprise, but the cause is usually one of a few common system failures. Working in Chicagoland, we’ve seen the same problems again and again. Whatever the reason for your air conditioner breakdown, we’ve probably seen it dozens of times and know exactly how to fix it.
Some AC issues we frequently see include:
- Dirty Filters
- Dirty filters are a classic point of an AC maintenance issue. A clogged air filter blocks proper airflow and can lead to weak airflow. This not only keeps your house from being effectively cooled, but also places strain on your AC’s blower motor and evaporator coil. This can lead to much more expensive damage than a dirty filter.
- Water Leaks
- If you find water puddling around or dripping from the AC, it could be from a variety of issues. This includes a damaged drain pan, a frozen evaporator coil, or a clogged condensate line, among others. Leaks need prompt professional repairs before they cause water damage.
- Low Refrigerant
- Air conditioners don't normally use up refrigerant. If your system is low, it usually means there's a leak that must be located and repaired before the refrigerant can be safely recharged.
- Evaporator Coils
- A refrigerant leak or poorly circulated air can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze over. This leads to ineffective cooling. It can also place strain on the AC’s compressor, potentially causing expensive damage to the system.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat
- A malfunctioning thermostat can easily lead to major discomfort. This can include short-cycling, incorrect temperature readings, inconsistent cooling, or not even switching on at all. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause strain and possibly damage to your AC system.
Ductless Mini-Split and Heat Pump Repair for Aurora
Ductless mini-splits and heat pumps, while technically all-season systems, are particularly useful during the long, humid summers in Aurora. While ductless mini-splits are used to cool individual rooms and heat pumps are typically connected to the central air system, they are similarly energy-efficient.
At First Care, we know that not everyone has a traditional central AC. That’s why we offer full care for heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, including expert and comprehensive repair services.
Why First Care Should Be Your First Call for AC Repair
First Care offers some of the best AC repairs available in Chicagoland. Here’s why we’re the best choice for Naperville, Aurora, and Downers Grove customers:
- Same-Day and Emergency Service: Illinois can be miserably humid in the summer, and we don’t want our customers to deal with that any longer than necessary. That’s why we are typically able to make same-day appointments. For more urgent AC issues, we offer emergency service calls on weekends.
- Fully Qualified: At First Care, we are accredited with the Better Business Bureau, where we hold an A-grade ranking. Our technicians are also NATE-Certified, meaning they have HVAC knowledge that goes beyond standard experience.
- The "Done With Care" Difference: At First Care, we emphasize an honest, reliable, and quality-focused service approach. We treat every client’s home with the same care we would our own. We are polite, straightforward, and leave your home as neat as we found it.
- Customer-Friendly Prices: We know it’s hard to find the right AC repair contractor. That’s why we offer free second opinions. We will also beat comparable written quotes by $500.
- Transparent Evaluations: Our technicians will provide you with detailed, step-by-step explanations of the problem and our proposed repair. You will be fully informed of our quote, no need to worry about surprise fees, and we won’t start repairs without your approval.
- Credentialed and Insured: First Care is fully licensed to perform HVAC work and is insured for both liability and workers' compensation, providing peace of mind for you, the homeowner, and our employees.
Signs to Call for AC Repair
It can be hard to know just when you’ve reached the point where AC repairs are necessary. After all, sometimes your air conditioner functions oddly for a little while, then goes back to normal. Well, watch out for the following signs, and you’ll have a better idea of when to call one of our Naperville HVAC technicians.
You should watch out for:
Bizarre Sounds
Rattling, grinding, thudding, or clanging sounds are all bad signs. Loud, out-of-the-ordinary sounds from your air conditioning unit or ductwork often mean a part is wearing down, something is loose, or components have already come apart. Even if your AC still works, these kinds of noises should be investigated by an AC technician in Chicagoland.
Concerning Smells
Musty smells can point to mildew or mold, both of which are hazardous to inhale. A more rotten smell could mean a deceased animal in the ductwork. Most importantly, if you smell burning plastic or metal from your AC, switch it off immediately and call 911, as it could be the start of an electrical fire. Regardless, these issues mean you need an HVAC expert.
Spiking Energy Costs
If your energy bill goes up without a clear explanation, it could be due to a struggling air conditioner. When worn down or starting to malfunction, ACs have to use more power just to get your house even a bit cooler. Having your AC checked out may help get your Aurora energy bills back under control.
Underperformance
Has the air coming from the vents been warmer than usual? Maybe you need to crank the temperature way down to get your house comfortable? The cause could be simple, like a dirty filter, or complex, like a refrigerant leak or damaged ductwork. If replacing the filter doesn’t work, it’s time to contact an AC expert in Downers Grove.
Overall, just be aware of any strange behavior from your cooling system. Any deviation from how it normally runs is something you should keep an eye on. If your AC seems to be struggling, chances are it could use professional care from a Chicagoland technician.
Avoid the Risk of DIY AC Repair in Naperville
Doing your own air conditioning repairs can be a tempting prospect. After all, maybe it’s just a loose wire or chipping ice off of the evaporator coil, right?
Absolutely not. Those kinds of issues require professional repairs, and you can harm yourself or your AC unit by attempting them.
Amateur repairs rarely go well. Unless you have extensive HVAC experience, it’s easy to use the wrong tool, disassemble the wrong part of the unit, or break an important component by trying to remove or adjust it incorrectly. This usually means that you still end up calling a Naperville HVAC contractor, and the repair becomes more expensive.
Even worse, you could cause yourself physical harm. Unfamiliar tools can slip, giving you bruises and scrapes. Plus, there’s always the risk of electrocution when you’re working with an appliance. Don’t risk DIY fixes. Go with a company in Naperville that knows what we’re doing.
However, there are some steps you can take to fix your AC. For example, cleaning or replacing your system’s air filter can often resolve airflow issues and is something any Naperville or Aurora homeowner can do. Similarly, you can check your thermostat to make sure all the settings are correct. It’s amazing how often a replaced filter or recalibrated thermostat can make a difference in AC performance.
Repairing Your American Standard Air Conditioner
Our Naperville team can repair just about any AC system, from well-known brands to obscure ones no one has heard of. However, we specialize in American Standard Air Conditioning units. As a company, we chose to carry American Standard equipment because of its sturdiness, energy efficiency, and the company’s drive to always improve.
You won’t find better care for your American Standard AC than with First Care. We’ve installed, maintained, and repaired hundreds of systems from that brand, and we know them inside and out.
Financing AC Repairs in Aurora
Unexpected AC repairs can be expensive, depending on how extensive the damage is or which component needs to be replaced. Because of that, First Care offers customers a variety of financing opportunities so expensive repairs don’t mean waiting and suffering through summer heat. To learn more, explore our financing page, or call us at (630) 934-2273.
Inside Our Typical Naperville AC Repair Visits
The purpose of a First Care AC repair visit is to provide our customers with a careful system evaluation, to communicate clearly with you, and, if needed, complete top-quality repairs.
- The Inspection: After arriving on time at your home in Naperville, we inspect your AC system. We’re typically looking for damage, wear-and-tear, airflow concerns, and potential future points of failure.
- Explaining the Issue: We report all our findings and tell you what repairs we recommend. This allows you to make an informed decision about the repair and how much it will cost.
- Completing Repairs: If you choose to move forward with repairs, we will be careful, detail-oriented, and prompt. We will also keep you posted about everything as we go.
- Final Check: Before heading out, we clean up after ourselves. We also test your AC to verify it is performing correctly again.
We work to keep our repair visits pleasant for our customers. If you have questions or concerns, please ask. We want to support your comfort and keep your AC running.
Let First Care Take Care of Your Air Conditioner in Naperville
You deserve to enjoy your summer without worrying about air conditioner breakdowns. We want you to have fun nibbling cookies in the Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room or enjoying a film at the Tivoli Theatre without having to return home to a hot home. That’s why we offer timely, effective AC repairs in Chicagoland.
Whether your air conditioner is making clanging noises, has weak airflow, or just won’t switch on, First Care can help with all your AC repair needs in Naperville and the rest of Chicagoland. We specialize in American Standard AC systems, but we have the experience and knowledge to tackle any brand of air conditioner.
Want to see just how respected our services are? Read our 500+ five-star Google reviews to see how much our customers trust our abilities and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my AC freezes up or leaks water, is it safe to keep running it until my appointment?
No, you should not keep running your air conditioner under these conditions. Not only will it cause further damage to the unit, but the leak could result in water damage to your home in Downers Grove. There is also the risk of an electrical fire or similar safety hazard. If your AC is leaking or frozen over, keep it switched off and disconnected from electricity, if possible, until your appointment.
How long do most AC repairs take, and when is it longer than expected?
The length of an AC repair varies. Sometimes they take as little as an hour, if the problem is simple. A more complex repair might take a couple of days or a bit longer if our technicians need to wait to get a specialty part. But regardless of the circumstances, we will complete the repair as promptly as possible.
Do you explain repair options in plain language, including what is urgent versus what can wait?
Absolutely. We always make sure you have a chance to understand what your repair options are, including which repairs might be able to wait. First Care AC technicians are trained to be clear and give you all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Will you give me a clear estimate before starting repairs?
Yes. We will assess the needed repairs and provide you with a quote up front, before we even think about beginning repairs on your AC. You won’t be trapped with a surprise price, and we’ll be fully transparent.
Do you offer a maintenance plan in Chicagoland?
Yes, we do. Our Care Pass maintenance plan locks in the maintenance that can prevent the need for repairs. However, even if you do end up needing to get your AC fixed, our maintenance plan will help with that, too. With Care Pass, you get 10% off service visits, which could certainly help with repairs.