AC running but not cooling
A dirty outdoor coil, low refrigerant, a failed capacitor or a compressor that isn’t starting. Pressures and temperatures show which.
Central air & air conditioners
AC Repair in Chicago, IL
Green Leaf Heating & Cooling connects Chicago homeowners with local technicians for air conditioning repair: an AC that runs but blows warm air, a frozen coil, a condenser that hums but won’t start. Call (312) 924-7223, describe what it’s doing, and get a free estimate before any work starts.
Cool again, before the next heat wave.
About AC repair
Air Conditioning Repair in Chicago When the Heat Hits
Chicago summers bring stretches of 90-degree days and heavy humidity, and that’s when an air conditioner that limped through June finally quits. Most AC failures trace back to a handful of parts: a capacitor, a contactor, a fan motor, a refrigerant leak or a clogged coil.
A technician checks the system from the thermostat to the condenser, measures refrigerant pressures and temperatures, and finds the part that failed. You get the repair options and a free estimate for each before any work starts.
If the system is older and uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced, a refrigerant leak can be expensive to keep topping up. In that case the technician explains what a new air conditioner would involve alongside the repair, so you can compare.
- ✓ Central air and condensers
- ✓ Refrigerant leak repair
- ✓ All makes and models
- ✓ Free estimate before work starts
What’s included
Air Conditioner Repairs, Problem by Problem
The AC problems technicians fix most often in Chicago homes and what usually causes them.
Refrigerant leaks
Low refrigerant always means a leak. The leak is located and repaired before the system is recharged, not just topped up.
Capacitor and contactor
The most common summer failures. A humming condenser with a still fan usually points to a bad capacitor.
Frozen evaporator coil
Ice on the indoor coil or the copper line: usually restricted airflow from a dirty filter or a failing blower, or low refrigerant.
Condenser fan motor
If the outdoor fan doesn’t spin, the system overheats and shuts down. Motors and blades are replaced to match the unit.
Compressor problems
A compressor that won’t start, trips the breaker or runs hot. Sometimes a start kit helps; sometimes the compressor itself has failed.
Water leaking indoors
A clogged condensate drain line or a cracked drain pan. Common in attics and closets, and worth fixing before the ceiling stains.
Thermostat and controls
Blank screens, wrong readings, short cycling and wiring faults between the thermostat, furnace and condenser.
How it works
How an AC Repair Visit Works
Tell us what the AC is doing: warm air, no air, ice, water, noise or tripping the breaker. Mention the system’s age if you know it.
The technician checks the thermostat, filter, blower, coils, electrical parts and refrigerant pressures.
You’re shown what failed and why, with the repair options and a free estimate for each.
After you approve, the repair is made and the system is run until the supply air is cooling properly.
STEP 01Call and describe it
Tell us what the AC is doing: warm air, no air, ice, water, noise or tripping the breaker. Mention the system’s age if you know it.
Before you call
AC Not Cooling? What to Check First
A few checks can save a service call, or at least tell the technician where to start:
- Thermostat. Set to Cool, fan on Auto, a few degrees below room temperature. Replace the batteries if the screen is dim.
- Filter. A clogged filter starves the indoor coil of air and can freeze it. Replace it if it’s gray.
- Breakers and the outdoor disconnect. Check both breakers (the furnace or air handler and the condenser) and the switch box next to the outdoor unit.
- Outdoor unit. Clear leaves, cottonwood fluff and anything stacked against it. Chicago’s cottonwood season can blanket a condenser coil in June.
- Ice. If you see ice on the copper lines or indoor coil, turn the AC off and run the fan only until it melts, then call. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor.
Still not cooling? Call (312) 924-7223. For a deeper look, read why an AC runs but doesn’t cool and what AC noises mean.
AC repair for Chicago homes without ducts
Many Chicago homes are heated by radiators and cooled by window units, a high-velocity system or ductless mini splits. Those systems have their own repairs: high-velocity air handlers in attics and closets, and mini split heads that stop cooling, leak water or flash error codes. See ductless mini split repair.
Repair or replace?
Central air conditioners commonly last around 15 years. Replacement is usually worth considering when the system is in that range and needs a compressor or coil, uses R-22, or keeps needing refrigerant. Otherwise, a repair is usually the better value. The technician will lay out both options.
Problems we solve
AC Service in Chicago: Three Calls We Hear Most
The air conditioning complaints that come up every summer.
Ask a proWarm air from the vents
Usually a capacitor, a dirty coil or low refrigerant from a leak. The fix depends on which, so measurements come first.
Upstairs is ten degrees hotter
Common in Chicago homes with long duct runs or attic bedrooms. Duct sealing, dampers or a ductless head upstairs can fix it.
AC won’t turn on at all
Thermostat, a tripped breaker, a blown fuse in the outdoor disconnect or a float switch shut off by a clogged drain.
AC repair FAQ
AC Repair Questions From Chicago Homeowners
Short answers to what Chicago homeowners ask most before they call.
(312) 924-7223The usual causes are a dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant from a leak, a failed capacitor or a compressor that isn’t running. Check the filter and thermostat first, then call.
Ice forms when the indoor coil gets too cold, usually from restricted airflow (a clogged filter, blocked returns, a failing blower) or low refrigerant. Turn the AC off, run the fan to thaw it, and have the cause found.
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up. If it’s low, there’s a leak, and topping up without fixing it means paying again later. The leak should be found and repaired first.
Around 15 years is common, longer with yearly maintenance and a clean outdoor coil.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day Monday to Friday, plus Saturday 10–4 and Sunday 10–2. During a heat wave, call (312) 924-7223 as early as you can.
Yes. Both are common in Chicago homes with radiator heat. See ductless mini splits.
Related services
More Cooling Services in Chicago
01AC InstallationNew central air and replacements, including homes heated by radiators.↗02Ductless Mini SplitsRoom-by-room cooling for two-flats, attics and additions.↗03Heat PumpsOne system for cooling in summer and efficient heat in winter.↗04HVAC MaintenanceSpring AC tune-ups: coil cleaning, refrigerant and electrical checks.↗05Air Duct CleaningWeak airflow and dusty vents: duct cleaning and sealing.↗06Indoor Air QualityDehumidifiers, air purifiers and smart thermostats.↗
AC repair across Chicago
AC repair in Your Neighborhood
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Need AC Repair in Chicago?
Call (312) 924-7223, describe what the air conditioner is doing, and get a free estimate before any work starts.
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