Tag: Air Conditioning

AC Issues: Learn Why Your AC Isn’t Working

May 15, 2023

AC Issues: Learn Why Your AC Isn’t Working

  • Air Conditioning
AC Issues: Learn What's Causing Your Air Conditioner to Fail, Lake Cook Plumbing

When the sweltering heat of summer arrives, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail. The discomfort can be unbearable, leaving you wondering, “Why is my AC not working?” In this blog post, we will explore possible reasons behind AC failures, such as a blown fuse, dirty air filters, compressor issues, and the impact of hot weather. We will also introduce Lake Cook Plumbing, your go-to experts for AC repair and maintenance services. Read on to gain insights into resolving AC problems and ensuring a cool and comfortable indoor environment.

4 Possible Reasons Why Your AC Isn’t Working

1. Blown Fuse

Can a blown fuse cause your AC not to work? Absolutely! Your AC unit relies on electrical power to function correctly. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, it can disrupt the power supply to your air conditioner, rendering it non-functional. Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers or blown fuses, and if found, replace them or reset the breakers.

2. Dirty Air Filters

The air filters in your AC system play a crucial role in maintaining efficient operation. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, obstructing proper airflow. A dirty filter can cause your AC to work harder, strain the system, and even shut down. Regularly inspect and clean or replace your air filters to ensure optimal performance.

3. Compressor Issues

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system. It is responsible for circulating refrigerant and enabling the cooling process. A faulty or malfunctioning compressor can lead to a complete AC failure. Signs of compressor issues include strange noises, warm air blowing from vents, or the system not turning on at all. If you suspect compressor problems, it’s essential to seek professional AC repair services promptly.

4. Impact of Hot Weather

It can be frustrating when your AC fails to keep your home cool during scorching hot weather. High temperatures put an extra strain on your air conditioning system, causing it to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. In some cases, extreme heat can overload the system, resulting in AC failure. Regular AC maintenance and inspections can help identify potential issues before they escalate during hot weather conditions.

Trust Lake Cook Plumbing for Reliable AC Repair and Maintenance Services

When faced with an AC malfunction, it’s crucial to trust the expertise of professionals who specialize in AC repair and maintenance. Lake Cook Plumbing is a reputable company with a team of experienced technicians ready to assist you. Whether it’s diagnosing and fixing compressor issues, replacing blown fuses, or providing regular AC maintenance, their skilled technicians have you covered. Don’t let a malfunctioning AC ruin your comfort. Contact Lake Cook Plumbing for reliable and efficient AC repair services.

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By sam@admachines.com

Simple AC Maintenance Tips to Keep You Cool in Lake Zurich This August

Aug 09, 2022

Simple AC Maintenance Tips to Keep You Cool in Lake Zurich This August

  • Plumbing
ac maintenance tips

For the next few weeks, you’ll be getting your money’s worth out of your AC. Temperatures are going to hit annual highs and you’re going to be relying on a reliable, tried and true cooling system to keep things nice and comfortable. It’s basically going to be your best friend until mid-September. And what do we do for our friends? We take care of them where we can. Here are some easy AC maintenance tips on how to maintain and upkeep your AC system this August in Lake Zurich.

AC Maintenance Tip 1: Replace the Filters 

Filters act as a way to clean the air that goes through your home. Clean filter, clean air. Dirty filter, dirty air. It’s all very simple. Replacing your filters is fast, it’s easy, and it’s a fairly important task to ensure the continued effective operation of your unit. Filters last for about 90 days with normal use, so ideally you should be changing your filter about twice this summer; once at the beginning and once toward the end. 

AC Maintenance Tip 2: Monthly Cleaning 

An outdoor air conditioner unit is very liable to get dirty, it’s just a fact. Sticks, leaves, bugs, and anything else you can think of is going to end up in there somehow or another for the sole fact that it’s out there and constantly exposed to the elements. A simple, surface level cleaning on a monthly basis goes a long way towards maintaining a high level of efficiency. By not letting these small bits and pieces of debris get out of control, you’re going to be ahead of the game when it comes time to call in a professional for maintenance and/or tuneup. For this, there’s no need for anything particularly fancy; some wet wipes will do a perfectly good job. Simply take off the outer parts and do a thorough, surface level wipe of the unit.

AC Maintenance Tip 3: Fix Your Fins 

From minisplits to the humble window unit, every AC has little metal sheets on the outside of it. These sheets, or fins, as they’re called, are critical components for the purposes of keeping your system clean and your air cool. These fins, while important, are very fine and prone to becoming malformed by outside forces smacking up into them. One of the easiest and best ways to make sure these fins are always as straight as possible is to invest in a fin comb. It’s a small plastic tool that looks a lot like a hair comb that’s used for ironing out the uneven and deformed fins on your unit. It’s so easy you can have your kids go out and do it for you. 

AC Maintenance Tip 4: Unclog Your Evaporator Drain 

Your evaporator drain allows built up condensation to exit the air conditioner. Over time, it’s possible for this drain to become clogged up allowing condensation to accrue and ultimately damage the greater system. Clearing it is one of the more complicated simple tasks, but it’s still fairly easy and important to do. First, unplug the unit’s power. Then push a long thin brush through the drain line before attaching a wet vac to the drain line to fully suck out any blockage. Afterwards, pour a solution of bleach and water into the drainpipe to fully sanitize it. Wait a half hour, flush it with water, and you’re all set with a clear evaporator drain.

Garbage Disposal Broken? Call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

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ac maintenance tips ac maintenance tips

By zachadmachinescom

5 Benefits of Annual AC Maintenance

Apr 30, 2020

5 Benefits of Annual AC Maintenance

  • Air Conditioning
annual AC maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

As spring turns to summer, Illinois homeowners will be getting ready to bring out their air conditioning. But is it ready to tackle the summer heat? The people at Lake Cook Plumbing know that it’s a good idea to get annual AC maintenance before the warm weather moves in. That way, you’ll be sure your AC won’t break down during a hot day. Here are six reasons you should give it some maintenance before the summer arrives.

Benefits of annual AC maintenance:

Lower electricity bills.

Summers are hot – there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By scheduling your annual AC maintenance before the summer, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.

More comfort.

What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. If you want to keep a consistently cool, you’ll want our professionals at Lake Cook Plumbing to make sure your AC is running at top performance.

Fewer breakdowns.

If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our maintenance comes with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.

Cheaper repair bills.

In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.

Extended AC lifespan.

If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.

Better air quality.

During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. Lake Cook Plumbing offers a wide range of AC repairs that can get your AC ready for the summer heat.

Why choose Lake Cook Plumbers for my cooling needs?

Since 1954, Lake Cook Plumbing has helped Illinois homeowners stay cool during the hotter seasons. Our excellence starts with a commitment to superior quality and a willingness to keep knowledgeable on the cutting-edge technology. Our highly-trained workers are certified professionals who offer up-front pricing on all of their work. If you still need some annual AC maintenance, call Lake Cook Plumbing today!

By zachadmachinescom

4 Steps to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

Oct 11, 2019

4 Steps to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

  • Air Conditioning
AC shut down in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

October is here in Illinois and we’ll soon be seeing the possibility of snowy weather. This means we’ll have to pack up our air conditioners and get them ready for the winter. Properly shutting down your AC is a process designed to protect the outdoor condenser from the snow. Failing to properly shut down your AC means that it’ll likely be unable to work next summer. Here at Lake Cook Plumbing, we can give you the information necessary to properly shut down your AC.

Here are the four steps you need to take to properly shut down your AC:

 

Finish your repairs

Before you start shutting things down, you should make sure you don’t need any repairs. Check the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser to see if anything needs fixing, such as visible damage or loose seals on the condenser. If you see anything that needs fixing, let us know. You don’t want to let any problems linger over the winter because they’ll only get worse.

 

Disconnect the condenser from the grid

The next major step requires you to disconnect your condenser from the power grid. Even when the power is switched off, the condenser can still turn on if it has a connection to power and it detects a warm spell. If this happens, the condenser can get damaged by any ice or snow it sucks in. To disconnect it, you need to find and shut off the AC unit’s breaker switch. You can usually find it on the side of the house or near the condenser. Don’t forget about this switch, because you’ll need to turn it back on next time you need to use the AC.

 

Clean up the condenser

Now that the condenser can’t get power, you should clean it off. Grab a broom and sweep away any leaves and other debris around or on the condenser. Afterward, use a low-pressure spray from your hose to wash the outside cabinet. While it dries, check to see if the filter needs replacing and double-check for any damage. If you notice any damage at this point, keep it in mind and let us know next time you get our help.

 

Cover the condenser up

Finally, when the condenser is dry, take a water-proof cover and cover it up. You’ll also want to use some bungee ropes to tightly secure the cover so it doesn’t blow away. Both of these things can be bought at a local hardware store. If you have a water-proof tarp, that’ll work as well as long as it covers the entire condenser.

 

Why call Lake Cook Plumbing to ensure my air conditioner’s health?

For 65 years, Lake Cook Plumbing has offered a wide variety of services to the people around Lake Zurich, IL. With so many years in the business, you can be certain our professionals have plenty of experience. If you’re looking for a new AC, our personable customer service offers upfront pricing and we can get you an open consultation with one of our fully-trained technicians. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to learn more about our AC services!

By zachadmachinescom

6 Signs You Need an AC Replacement in Illinois

Aug 30, 2019

6 Signs You Need an AC Replacement in Illinois

  • Air Conditioning
AC replacement in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

Summer is almost over, but we still have about a month of high temperatures left. Your AC has been running almost all summer, and it’s still possible that it might break down. Sometimes, you’ll be able to fix it up by calling us. However, there’s always the possibility that breakdown may be its last hurrah. It’s good to know when your AC is close to dying so you’ll be prepared to get an AC replacement. Let Lake Cook Plumbing, one of the oldest plumbing companies in Illinois, tell you what to look for so you can schedule an AC replacement!

Here are six things to look for when considering an AC replacement in Illinois:

 

A repair would cost too much

Sometimes when you need AC repair, the parts you need will cost too much. If it’s no longer under warranty, it can be even more unappealing to pay for repairs. Buying a new AC can not only keep you from paying too much for repairs, but it’ll also get you a new warranty.

 

Your AC needs frequent repairs

When AC units get old, they tend to require more repairs to keep them running. If you have one of these old units, all those repairs can easily eclipse the cost of a new AC. Like with the last consideration, a lack of warranty is also something to consider, as you won’t have any help paying those repairs. Simply buying a new AC can generally be much cheaper than all of those repairs.

 

Your AC has reached retirement age

It’s entirely possible that your AC is getting too old to properly cool your house. The average well-maintained AC, according to the National Association of Home Builders, can last ten to fifteen years. If your AC has hit the double digits, you should consider looking at new models. However, replacing your AC shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing. Newer models of ACs tend to be more energy efficient and don’t use R22 refrigerant.

 

The AC has a refrigerant leak

A refrigerant leak is a major problem for you and your AC. The leak itself represents major damage to your AC and the leaking refrigerant can cause health problems for you and your family. We can sometimes fix the leaks, add more refrigerant, and replace the AC’s coil. However, sometimes it’ll simply be easier to get an entirely new AC.

 

The AC is making strange noises

Generally, AC units are very quiet, but they can get noisy if they’re having internal problems. Grinding, banging, and rattling noises can represent problems like broken motor bearings or a slipped belt. Letting the AC run for too long while it’s making strange noises can lead to major damage. You’ll generally need professional help to diagnose the problem and provide any needed replacement parts.

 

Your AC’s air isn’t cool

We can’t speak for everyone, but you probably purchased an AC in order to keep your house cool. If the air your AC is blowing isn’t actually cool, then there’s a problem. There are all sorts of issues that can prevent your AC from blowing cool air. Some of the issues include low refrigerant levels and a broken compressor. Your best bet is to call our professionals so we can help you diagnose the exact issue.

 

What makes Lake Cook Plumbing the home service company of choice in Illinois?

For 65 years, Lake Cook Plumbing has offered a wide variety of services to the people around Lake Zurich, IL. With so many years in the business, you can be certain our professionals have plenty of experience. If you’re looking for a new AC, our personable customer service offers upfront pricing and we can get you an open consultation with one of our fully-trained technicians. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to learn more about our AC services!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat in Illinois

May 31, 2019

5 Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat in Illinois

  • Air Conditioning
programmable thermostat in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

Across the country, programmable thermostats are becoming popular additions to homes new and old. Adding a programmable thermostat to your HVAC system is a simple change that can do a lot of good. As well as making your home more comfortable, they can save you plenty of time and money. It’s a simple change, but a programmable thermostat in Illinois can do so much good for your home.

Here are five benefits you stand to gain from a programmable thermostat in Illinois:

 

Save money and energy.

Aside from the initial cost of buying an installing it, programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money on energy bills. The thermostat lets you make a temperature schedule around you and your family’s schedules. This lets you tone down the HVAC when no one’s home, saving on energy and bills.

 

Programmable Pluses.

Because a programmable thermostat can be programmed to follow a schedule and maintain a certain number of degrees, there are all sorts of benefits. Just some of them include keeping a steady temperature regardless of weather and spending less time adjusting the weather.

 

Optimize your HVAC.

Before installing a new HVAC system, contractors often give suggestions on what homeowners can try before committing to a large purchase. One suggestion is to try pairing your old system with a programmable thermostat. By scheduling wisely and reducing your HVAC’s workload, you can help get some more mileage out of it. If you do wind up getting a new HVAC, your thermostat will still be compatible with the new unit.

 

High-tech features.

Some newer models of programmable thermostats come with features like wi-fi capability. Others let you control the temperature remotely from your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Having a thermostat linked to a portable device lets you control your home’s temperature no matter where you are!

 

Maximize zoned heating and cooling.

If you have different zones in the house you heat or cool individually, a programmable thermostat can increase your energy efficiency even more. If you have programmable controls in each zone, you can customize your home’s climate even more.

 

Why is Lake Cook Plumbing my best choice for keeping my home cool?

For over 60 years, Lake Cook Plumbing has been helping Illinois homeowners with their home service issues. Our employees are certified professionals who only use the best and most modern materials and equipment in their work. In addition, our professionals offer up-front pricing and flexible scheduling for their work, so you can be certain of the cost and get help exactly when you need it. If you need a company that can help you install a programmable thermostat in Illinois, make Lake Cook Plumbing your first choice!

By zachadmachinescom