Air Conditioning

The Air Conditioning Company = A.W.E.®

For your Air Conditioning needs the choice is simple! A.W.E.® has everything you’ll need and more!

  • Top Selection-The best air conditioners!
  • Great Prices -Solutions to fit any budget
  • Same Day Service-We’ll be there… today!
  • 24/7 Availability-Call now, we’re here!
  • Skilled technicians-We’ll take care of you!

The Illinois summers can be brutal, and the last thing you need is a broken or inefficient air conditioning system. Call our office today! Our experienced friendly team has everything you’ll need backed by an industry-leading guarantee!

Choosing an Air Conditioning Company

What separates a good from bad Air Conditioning company?
When it comes time to pick the best air conditioning company, many customers are left wondering whom to choose. There are numerous companies to choose from and some are more reputable, honest and trustworthy than others.

So how do you know how to pick an air conditioning company?

Like any service, you want to find a company you can trust and make you comfortable.A good air conditioning company will have service technicians who are fully equipped to handle any need. Technicians should be licensed, bonded and insured. They should be certified, professional technicians with the ability to troubleshoot and fix any problem. They are experts and they should be able to provide you with an expert analysis and tips on how to fix your problem.

How can you spot a bad air conditioning company? Be leery of individuals who are not licensed, insured or bonded. Be leery of people who don’t have references or have numerous bad reviews on Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau.

Do your homework, ask questions and don’t pay upfront before you have a complete and firm understanding of what the repairs are being performed and costs could be.

Air conditioners types (central, etc)

When it comes to air conditioning types, there are a few options. Here is a look at a number of air conditioner types:

Central air conditioning:

This is the most common type of air conditioning unit found in a residential home. One unit is able to cool an entire home. It is popular because it is considered the most simple, easy to use and maintain and quietest system for your home needs. However, it is important to get the right sized central air conditioner for your home and that’s a professional can assist you.

Portable air conditioner:

This is similar to the window air conditioner, but this unit is placed on the floor instead of in a window. These are less popular because they are noisier, but all the refrigeration components are located on one small compact box you can put anywhere with an electrical outlet. Some people use these units in homes that have central air conditioning, but want to provide extra cooling options in hard-to-cool areas.

Split/ductless air conditioner:

Also known as a packaged terminal air conditioner, these are larger units that cool larger buildings like apartment or condominium complexes, hotels/motels or perhaps business offices, for example.

Life Expectancy of Air Conditioners

Like most things, the better quality product, the longer the life expectancy. However, as with any equipment, it needs to be properly maintained to maximize life expectancy and efficiency. A central air conditioner should last 15 years or longer. Window air conditioners may last as long, but over time, may lose their efficiency. You may be able get a good 10-15 year run out of a window air conditioner. New models are very energy efficient. If you have an old air conditioner, it may be worth looking into a new, energy efficient model that can actually save you money in the end.

Air conditioning repair

As stated above, maintenance and care of your air conditioner are important in getting the most of your AC unit.  Look for more information below on repairs and maintenance.

How do Air Conditioning Companies charge me?

Some air conditioning companies charge by the job, hour, or combination of both. Some have a trip charge, whether anything is fixed or not. Others may void the trip charge if they end up providing service work on your AC unit. They also may charge for parts and labor, again, on an hourly rate, or standard rate they have set based on the type of repair.

What are common Air Conditioning fixes?

Trained air conditioning professionals have likely heard just about everything when it comes to repairing AC units. Most people seem to call, frantically on that sweltering hot day with problems like these:

  1. The AC unit simply does not turn on.
  2. The circuit breaker trips when the AC unit is turned on
  3. AC unit makes noises (humming), but the fan does not run.
  4. It clicks as if it’s going to turn on, but does not turn on.
  5. The unit runs, but does not force air through the vents
  6. It leaks water (window unit, for example).
  7. The fan runs, but compressor does not.
  8. Rooms in the house are cooler/warmer than others
  9. It doesn’t shut off as it should when the temperature reaches desired room temperature.
  10. What do I do when there is ice on the lines or unit?
  11. How do I get leaves/grass out of the unit without ruining it?

When do I replace my A/C unit vs repair

Your air conditioning unit doesn’t only keep you cool – and help you keep your cool – it also is an investment. That is why many customers debate, how do I know if I should repair the AC unit or if I should replace the unit. What do you look for?Here are some things that show that it’s time to replace:

  • Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
  • Your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.
  • Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
  • The home is vacant for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.
  • Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
  • Your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.
  • Your home has excessive dust.
  • Your home has humidity problems.
  • Your cooling system is noisy.
  • Your score on the Home Energy Yardstick is below five.

If you believe in the if it’s not broke, don’t fix it theory, keep this in mind: As of January of 2006, new air conditioning standards were put in place and it’s been proven that any AC unit older than 2006 can cost up to 20% more to operate than any model made after 2006. Think beyond costs of replacing a unit, which can costs thousands of dollars. If you are paying for small repairs, $100 here, $200 there, replacing parts now and then, it may be time to get a new unit. What is also important, this can reduce your energy bill because you will be using a more efficient model. You may have to invest in money upfront, but you will get a more efficient, cost-effective model if small repairs are adding up to big expenses – and hassles.

What are some things you can do to maintain your air conditioner/service it?

These basic steps can help you maintain your air conditioning unit, fix minor problems and/or get the most out of your unit:

  1. Check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to cool. Sounds simple, but many service technicians will tell you this is more common than one would think.
  2. Make sure the unit is turned on.
  3. Check circuit breakers to make sure they are all on.
  4. Check any outdoor switches to make sure they are on.
  5. Make sure the blower is running, if not, make sure the furnace switch is turned to the on position.
  6. Change your furnace filter as needed, keeping the filter clean.
  7. Make sure the vents are not blocked.

These simple tips can help avoid a service call. If these don’t work, call your best air conditioning professional to help troubleshoot and fix your AC needs.