Air Conditioning Repair | AC Repair

Air Conditioning Repair & Installation

24/7 Emergency Services

1-Year Labor Warranty

Licensed and Insured

Request a Service

Hero Request Form

Air Conditioner Repair and Installation Services

The Midwest weather can be very unpredictable. One day it will be in the mid-60s and cloudy, and the next day humidity and scorching heat will cause you to sweat indoors and outdoors. Stay comfortable regardless of the weather fluctuations with top-notch air conditioning. Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc offers reliable air conditioning repair and installation services for residents in the Chicagoland suburbs, including Plainfield, Aurora, Wheaton, Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Downers Grove. Contact us today for reliable repair services that restore comfort and efficiency to your environment.

How Central Air Conditioners Work

At Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc, we install central air conditioners in homes. Believe it or not, central air conditioners have similar inner workings to refrigerators, which is not surprising since central air conditioners work to cool your entire household. To help you detect air conditioner repair issues, we have created an outline of the four main components of a central system.

Condenser Coils

The first part of a central air conditioner system includes condenser coils. Condenser coils are housed inside your AC’s condenser unit, which is typically located outside of your home. This unit—which also includes the compressor and condenser fan motor—is in charge of cooling and condensing refrigerator vapor into liquid. The condenser coils inside your condenser unit are important because this is the spot where heat is removed.

Without the condenser coils, any heat that is prevalent in your house would remain there. Once the heat is compressed within your condenser unit, the condenser coils will heat up and push any hot air outside of the unit. Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc offers quick, efficient, and trustworthy air conditioner repair and installation services to homes in Downers Grove and other areas of Illinois.

Evaporator Coils

After the heat cools down and compresses inside your condenser unit (using the condenser coils), the liquid then moves to the evaporator coils. Unlike the condenser coils and condenser unit itself, which are located outside of your home, the evaporator coils are located inside your home. Typically, evaporator coils are installed on top of your furnace, and once the cooled liquid enters the evaporator coils, it turns into a gas. Evaporation coils are essential for providing cool air for your home. If you notice warm air exiting your vents, this is a sign of malfunctioning evaporator coils or a different air conditioner repair issue.

Air Conditioning Fans

Located inside your home’s furnace, the air conditioning fans work their magic before and after the condenser coils and evaporator coils. Prior to condensing the refrigerant vapor into a liquid, the air conditioning fans work to blow any warm vapor to the condensing coils. After the liquid cools down inside the evaporator coils, it is transformed into a gas. This will cause the temperature of the evaporator coils to decrease.

Once these coils are cold, a fan inside the furnace is activated. This fan is engineered to push warm air through the cold evaporator coils in your system. After the cold air exits the evaporator coils, it is distributed to each area of your house by the fan. We have the equipment, tools, and skills required to perform a repair or tune-up on your air conditioner. Call us today to schedule a consultation, or visit our showroom to see our selection of high-quality furnaces and AC units.

5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Repaired

Now that you understand how an air conditioner operates, it is equally important to know when you need an air conditioner repair service. In addition to installations, Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc also offers expert repairs. Not sure if your air conditioner needs repair? Keep reading to become familiar with various signals of a failing system.

Warm Air

The purpose of an air conditioner is to cool your home. If you ever feel warm air coming from your air conditioner and making its way into your home, you may have a problem. Refrigerant leaks and dirty condenser coils are two common problems that may cause your air conditioner to distribute warm air. To resolve this problem, get your unit inspected and fixed as soon as possible by a licensed air conditioner service technician in your area.

Unusual Sounds

Your air conditioning system is designed to operate quietly. If you hear any usual sounds like banging, grinding, or clicking, this is an indicator of an air conditioner repair issue. These unusual sounds are typically signs of internal debris or broken parts. Our staff of technicians offers reliable air conditioner services to homes in areas of Illinois such as Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Downers Grove, Batavia, Naperville, and Wheaton. If you hear any of these sounds, it is a good idea to call an HVAC service technician and get your air conditioner checked out.

Odd Smells

Bugs and mold can cause your air conditioning system to smell bad. Not only do odd smells mean that something is wrong with your AC system, but they can also create an uncomfortable living environment. Air conditioners are great because they help you feel cool when the temperatures are hot, and odd smells can make you uncomfortable.

Low Air Flow

Your air conditioner is full of parts and mechanisms that allow it to keep running. One of these parts (as mentioned above) is a fan. An AC fan is responsible for blowing out cool air. However, air conditioner fans can run into problems. Dirty air filters and broken fan motors can both cause low airflow.

Moisture

While your AC is designed to stay dry and free from water and moisture at all times, sometimes wetness can occur. Moisture may be caused by a blocked condensate drain line—a pipe attaching your outdoor unit to the unit inside of your home. Any leakage should be addressed immediately by calling an AC expert.

Two-Stage Air Conditioning Systems

The compressor in a two-stage air conditioning system is engineered to operate at a high or low capacity to maintain a livable temperature in your house. Once the high setting is activated, the air conditioner will operate at maximum capacity to remove excess heat and humidity from your house. On the other hand, this type of system is capable of operating at 70% capacity or lower during the summer season. Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc offers fair and trusted air conditioner repair services in areas of Illinois such as Plainfield, Elmhurst, Bolingbrook, Wheaton, Naperville, and Downers Grove.

Single-Stage Air Conditioners

If you have an old central air conditioner in your backyard, it’s most likely a single-stage system. This type of air conditioning system is designed to operate at a single capacity. Once this type of system is activated, it will operate at maximum capacity to remove heat and moisture from the air in your house. Since a single-speed air conditioner is not able to operate at a low capacity, the cost of operating this type of system is higher than that of a two-stage system. A single-stage air conditioner also features a low life cycle because of the strain it receives throughout the cooling process. Our team of licensed technicians offers air conditioner services in Downers Grove and other areas of Illinois.

Variable-Speed Air Conditioners

While a two-stage air conditioning system is able to operate at a high or low setting, a variable-speed system is engineered to operate at any capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner will usually operate at lower capacities to maintain the temperature on your thermostat. Since this type of system rarely operates at a high speed, it will help you save money on your electricity bills. An energy-efficient variable-speed air conditioner offers superior dehumidification and heat removal when compared to single-stage and two-stage HVAC systems. We offer dependable, safe, and fast air conditioner repair services in Downers Grove and other areas of Illinois.

Air Conditioner Services in Aurora, Downers Grove, and Other Areas

Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc provides safe, efficient, and affordable air conditioner services to residents in the Chicago suburbs such as Burr Ridge, Darien, Clarendon Hills, Aurora, Plainfield, Naperville, and Wheaton, as well as air conditioning installation in Downers Grove, Illinois. If you are in the market for a new and efficient air conditioner, then let Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc help.

You can book an air conditioner repair or installation service appointment online through our booking system. Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc has expert contractors with new AC’s that will keep your home cool when you need it the most. We also offer other HVAC and plumbing services for furnaces, water lines, drains, water heaters, and humidifiers.

Reach out to Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc today to discuss how we can serve your heating and cooling needs, or visit our showroom to meet with our knowledgeable staff. Let us help you maintain a comfortable and efficient environment at your property.

Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is the Best Humidity Level in a Home?

The ideal humidity level in a house will vary depending on opinion and climate. However, the optimal humidity level for a standard home is between 30% and 50%. If you want to find the relative humidity level in your household, you will need to purchase a hygrometer. For example, if the outside temperature is over 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity level in your house should be 40% or below.

If the humidity level is too high in your home, you will begin to notice warped wood flooring, drywall stains, odors, and loose wallpaper. Does the air in your house feel uncomfortable? Give our team of air conditioner service technicians a call by phone at (630) 968-0783 or book an appointment online. Stephens Plumbing offers quick and fair air conditioner repair services in areas of Illinois, including Aurora, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Bolingbrook, and Naperville.
How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Air Filters?

We recommend inspecting your air filters once a month to confirm if they are dirty. If you are using a disposable air conditioning filter, it’s important to properly dispose of it if you notice excess dirt, dust, or hair. Do not try to clean a disposable air filter. This type of air filter is not expensive and is easy to find at a local hardware store. Although we recommend checking your HVAC air filters monthly, a 1” pleated air conditioning filter features a life cycle of up to three months. We offer air conditioner replacement, repair, and tune-up services to households in the Chicago suburbs.
How Can I Save Money on My Air Conditioning Bills This Summer?

Ceiling fans
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your electric bills this summer, we recommend installing a ceiling fan in your house. You may want to consider investing in a ceiling fan for your bedroom, basement, or family room. Since a ceiling fan will enhance your comfort, you will become less reliant on your central air conditioner throughout the warmest months of the year.

Close the blinds and curtains
An easy way to keep heat out of your home on a hot day is to close your blinds and curtains. We recommend purchasing reflective blinds to eliminate solar heat gain in your family room or bedrooms. At the very least, we recommend closing the blinds in vacant areas of your household that are not used.

Avoid using appliances
Once the outdoor temperature becomes higher than the temperature inside your house, it’s important to reduce your reliance on appliances that create heat, such as the stove, dryer, oven, and washing machine. You should consider cooking your meals at night while the temperature is lower.

If you need to cook during the day, we recommend grilling outside or using the microwave to keep your house cold. In addition, wash your dishes by hand instead of using your dishwasher during the day. This will help you save money on your utility bills during the summer. Another way to keep the temperature in your house low is to shower or bathe at night. If you need to take a shower during the day, keep your bathroom door shut and activate your bathroom exhaust fan to remove excess heat and humidity from the warm water.

Purchase a programmable thermostat
The latest programmable thermostats for sale on the market make it easy to decrease the temperature while you’re home. On the other hand, these thermostats can also be set to increase the temperature of your household while you’re at work or school. Setting your thermostat at a warmer temperature while you are not home is an effective way to save money on your utility bills.
How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost?

The average price for a central air conditioning system will vary from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the brand and efficiency rating. On the other hand, the total cost to install an air conditioner will range from $3,000 to $7,000. The installation cost will fluctuate based on the size of the air conditioner. For example, the industry average cost to install a 3-ton air conditioner is around $4,000. Please note that these are industry average prices and do not represent the official installation cost. We offer dependable and efficient air conditioner repair services in Downers Grove and other areas of Illinois.
How Do I Fix Bent Air Conditioner Fins?

Bent fins on a central air conditioner may negatively impact the airflow of your system. Luckily, the process of straightening fins is easy for most homeowners. First, deactivate the power to the central air conditioning system prior to beginning the project. This will help you avoid getting electrocuted by the system. Disassemble the exterior cabinet to gain access to the internal wires and grille.

Prior to adjusting the fins on your outdoor air conditioner, grab a screwdriver and disassemble the blower fan. To prevent damage, pull the fan slowly out of the central air conditioner. Next, remove the front panel from the evaporator coils and use your fin adjustment tool to fix the alignment of the fins. Connect the fin tool at the base of the fins and navigate in an upward direction.

Bent fins negatively impact the disposal of heat from the condenser coils in the air conditioner. Once the fins become misaligned, an excess amount of heat will be trapped in the outdoor condensing unit. If you don’t straighten the fins quickly, you will encounter cold air distribution issues in your house. After the fins are aligned with the final adjustment tool, heat will be able to escape from the condenser coils into the outdoor air. The certified HVAC technicians at Stephen Plumbing provide trustworthy air conditioner repair services to households in areas of Illinois such as Plainfield, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Wheaton.
How Long Should an Air Conditioner Operate?

The compressor in your central air conditioning system is engineered to fulfill a variety of cycles per hour to maintain a pleasant temperature in your household. When the temperature is mild in your area, the compressor will operate for a minimum of 15 minutes to remove excess heat and humidity from your home. If your central air conditioner is activating and deactivating every 5 to 10 minutes, this is a sign of a short-cycling issue that should be fixed by a licensed HVAC technician.

The total amount of time your central air conditioner operates will vary based on factors such as temperature and system size. The total size of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU’s). A single BTU is equivalent to the total quantity of energy required to increase the temperature of a single pound of water by a total of one degree Fahrenheit. A central air conditioning system with a high BTU rating is more powerful than a system with a low BTU rating.

If your air conditioner is too powerful for your household, it will cool your house too quickly and operate on very short cooling cycles. On the other hand, an air conditioner that is not powerful enough will operate continuously to maintain the temperature on your thermostat. We offer safe, efficient, and fast air conditioner repair services to households in Downers Grove, Aurora, Plainfield, and other areas of Illinois.

Reviews

Related HVAC Services

Learn More About

Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc

Located in Downers Grove, IL. Stephens Plumbing & Heating Inc specializes in plumbing and HVAC services. 24/7 emergency services. 1-year labor warranty. Licensed and insured. In business since 1923. 2-year warranty on most parts. Call today for more information.

Watch Video