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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 air conditioning repair companies that operate within 50 miles of Chicago. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
A malfunctioning air conditioning system can be a headache in the middle of summer. An experienced AC technician in the Chicago area can get your system back up and running before the heat sets in.
There are many potential reasons behind air conditioning system failures. Your best option is hire an AC expert rather than guessing at solutions yourself.
Air conditioning repair pros are trained to safely handle electrical problems and work with refrigerants. Refrigerants are toxic substances that require a certification to handle.
Summer temperatures in Chicago get up to 82 degrees on average, making your AC system indispensable. Get an AC pro in your budget by collecting estimates from multiple local technicians.
Look for AC repair companies in Chicago with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
Below are additional air conditioning repair companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
The following are some signs your air conditioning unit needs repairs:
Take these factors into account when researching AC repair companies in Chicago.
Only book AC repair companies with proper licensing and insurance. Illinois HVAC technicians don't need a state license, but it may be required locally. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants to be certified. They must also have worker's compensation insurance and a cash bond or surety.
Some AC pros pursue voluntary national accreditations from professional associations such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). While not mandatory, accreditation offers proof of the technician’s knowledge and skill in the industry.
It's standard for AC repair companies to provide free estimates in which a technician assesses the issue, suggests solutions and gives you a quote. Pay close attention to how careful and thorough the technician is during the inspection.
Request itemized estimates from multiple AC repair providers to compare pricing. Checking prices from multiple providers will help you find the average local price range. Be wary of offers that are much higher or lower than the average.
Ask how familiar the air conditioning repair company is with your AC's make and model. HVAC pros work with several types of heating and cooling equipment, but some have expertise in certain types of systems.
Your friends and family may have recommendations for local AC repair companies. Regardless, be sure to check each company's online reviews.
Reviews help you get insight into what kind of customer service and work quality you can expect from the company. Be on the lookout for consistently bad reviews or a recent rise in negative reviews.
These types of AC units are the most common in Chicago:
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The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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