Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘air conditioning repair’

Is it Possible to Retrofit an Existing HVAC System?

Monday, September 9th, 2024

If your HVAC system is getting up in age, you may be interested in retrofitting it instead of overhauling it with an entirely new unit. There are some instances when we can retrofit your older system, but at other times a replacement is necessary.

You can keep reading to learn more about some ways that we can retrofit an existing HVAC system with newer components to keep it running for longer. If this is something that interests you, you can give us a call to schedule your in-home assessment for a retrofit HVAC system in Northbrook, IL.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Northbrook
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The 50% Rule for Replacing vs. Repairing Your Air Conditioner

Monday, December 18th, 2023

Outdoor AC unit with fallen leaves, ready for air conditioning repair or replacement.

Nobody is excited at the cost of replacing an air conditioner, but how can you tell when it’s time to replace it vs. when it just needs a repair or two? When you get hit with a huge repair bill that you weren’t expecting, that question comes up, and it’s hard to navigate for any homeowner.

Either way, you need air conditioning repair in Northbrook, IL, but thankfully there’s a rule of thumb that can help you figure out what the right move is for you and your family: the 50% rule. It’s designed to help you make a smart decision for your home without being too stressful, now let’s break down what it is.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Northbrook
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Short Cycling: Why It’s Never a Good Sign

Monday, June 20th, 2022

We’ve discussed short cycling on this blog before, but it’s usually in the context of replacing an air conditioner that’s too large. The truth is that short cycling can occur for multiple different reasons and require extensive repairs to fix.

We want to start off today by reminding homeowners about the normal cooling cycle that an air conditioner performs. Your system should turn on, cool the air in your home, and shut back off after a good 15 minutes of solid cooling. (This can vary from system to system, you’ll actually be familiar with how long a cooling cycle lasts if you listen to your system) If your air conditioner starts running short and frequent bursts, then there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.

From here, you can shut your system down and call our team for air conditioning repair in Wheeling, IL where we can address it head-on.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Wheeling
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When Does an Air Conditioner Need to Be Repaired?

Monday, May 9th, 2022

AC repair tools resting on an outdoor air conditioning unit fan.

Your air conditioning system is going to require service eventually. The trick is trying to figure out when the AC must be fixed and when you can skate by until a few weeks later when you’ve got the money to pay for it. Unfortunately, the safe bet is that most AC problems would be better off with immediate attention. Realistically though, you might not have the money right now to pay for an immediate repair.

We completely understand, and we’re never going to shame anyone for being on a strict budget. Times are tough, especially with high gas prices and supply chain problems, it’s important that you only spend money on things that you absolutely need to. Let’s talk about air conditioning repair in Morton Grove, IL, and whether or not you need to schedule it immediately.

Our team is always available to give you additional pointers if you need specific support.

What Are the Signs You Need AC Repair?

You may need AC repair if your air conditioner stops running, makes loud grinding or shrieking noises, struggles to cool your home, or causes unusually high energy bills. A complete breakdown should be handled right away, while efficiency problems should be diagnosed before they become more expensive.

The AC will not turn on or run properly
Loud grinding, shrieking, or alarming noises
Weak cooling or poor system performance
Rising energy bills without higher usage
An older AC that is nearing replacement age

Tags: air conditioning repair, Morton Grove
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Hissing or Bubbling: Bad Sounds to Hear

Monday, August 16th, 2021

An air conditioner shouldn’t make that many noises. A quick “click” is pretty normal, and you should probably hear the sound of air coming through your vents to greet you with cool, comfortable temperatures. This is a no-brainer, so we don’t think you need to call us if you’re encountering those two noises.

However, few noises are as serious and as common as a “hissing” or “bubbling” noise. This noise signifies a refrigerant leak, but the root of the problem could be a lot more complicated. For now, it would be best if you called our team for prompt air conditioning repair in Highland Park, IL. We can send someone over ASAP to fix your AC unit so you can get back to the important things in your life.

If you’re curious about why this sound is occurring and what causes a refrigerant leak, then keep reading. We’ll give you the rundown on this sound, what’s happening behind the scenes, and the best way of dealing with a refrigerant leak.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Highland Park
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Maintenance and Repairs Go Hand in Hand

Monday, August 2nd, 2021

There’s a growing misconception that if you’re on a budget, you need to choose between maintenance and repairs. Repairs can be scheduled when you need them, like when an air conditioner breaks down or starts running into problems. Maintenance is preventative, meaning you get it at the start of the year in hopes that any problems are caught before they become repair needs. In reality, both of these services are necessary. They work together, and even if you’re on a budget, we recommend calling us for both.

We try to make this obvious by having our maintenance plan give discounts on parts and labor for repairs. When you sign up for maintenance, it makes it cheaper and easier to call us for repairs when you need them. It shouldn’t be a choice between air conditioning repair in Glenview, IL and maintenance, you should always invest in both!

Here’s why.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Glenview
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What Is a Temperature Differential?

Monday, July 5th, 2021

The “temperature differential” is a pretty scientific term. It has to do with the difference in temperature between the outside and the inside of your home. When things are hot out, you want the difference in temperature to be greater since you want it to be cooler in your home. Likewise, in the wintertime when it’s cold out, you want your home to be cozy and warm.

The term “temperature differential” is something we use widely in the HVAC industry because it helps us figure out if an air conditioner is working properly or not. An AC that can’t keep a home even a few degrees cooler than the temperature outside requires air conditioning repair in Buffalo Grove, IL.

However, if you’re constantly setting your AC to 65 degrees on a 100-degree day, then you’re likely running it into the ground and causing your energy bills to skyrocket as a result.

Tags: air conditioning repair, Buffalo Grove
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5 Signs You Need Professional AC Help

Monday, September 28th, 2020

So, you’ve been spending hours in the backyard clearing out and looking at your air conditioner’s outdoor cabinet. Every part of you wants to open that cabinet up and take a look inside so you can locate the problem and fix it. You’ve watched all the twenty-minute tutorials online about how to fix your air conditioner when confronted with a problem.

Well, we hate to have to say it, you need professional help.

How can you trust everything you’ve watched about air conditioning repair in Glencoe, IL online? What says that voice on a podcast about air conditioners or is a trustworthy one? Not to mention the fact that opening your air conditioner up could void the warranty and make you pay a lot more money than you’d like. Keep reading so we can tell you why professional service is well worth the money.

Tags: AC Repair, Air Conditioner Repair, air conditioning repair, Glencoe
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3 AC Noises You Should Never Ignore

Monday, July 20th, 2020

Woman listening closely, possibly hearing unusual sounds from a heating and air conditioning system needing repair.

No air conditioner runs completely silently. You’re going to hear it cycle on and off if you’re near your compressor, and then of course there’s the whoosh of air coming through your vents. Too many homeowners operate under the assumption that their banging air conditioner is just working as intended when really it’s screaming out for help.

We wish air conditioners were programmed with a voice that could tell us when they need repairs, but they’re not. AC repair in Winnetka is vital when you’re hearing disconcerting noises from our system.

Let’s talk about some of the noises that an air conditioner can make, what they correspond to, and what you can do to help! Obviously, any concerns can be sent to us since we’re your local air conditioning experts. Don’t be afraid to give us a call.

What AC noises indicate the need for heating and air conditioning repair?

Hissing or bubbling sounds may signal a refrigerant leak, which can reduce cooling and damage the system
Rattling noises often point to loose parts or debris inside the unit that require professional attention
Repeated clicking during operation can indicate electrical problems or a failing thermostat

Tags: AC Repair, Air Conditioner Repair, air conditioning repair, Winnetka
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The Problem with a Noisy Cooling System

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

Is your air conditioner making noises? No, we’re not talking about the slight sound of whooshing air or the clicking every now and then when the system turns on. We’re talking about noises like banging, buzzing, screeching, or anything that might keep you up at night. If your system is starting to sound more like a monster that hides under your bed than a quiet, cooling system, then you’re likely got a problem.

These problems are not the kinds of problems you can just ignore. Problems associated with noises almost always signify the need for air conditioning service in Winnetka, IL because of how they can often compound into more expensive issues down the line. Sure, if you don’t care about the condition of your AC and you’re okay with paying exorbitant prices later on, then you can ignore it. For everyone else, keep reading. We’re going to discuss the details of air conditioner noises and what they might mean for you.

Tags: AC Repair, Air Conditioner Repair, air conditioning repair, air conditioning service, Winnetka
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