When summer heat hits Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria or anywhere else in central Illinois, you need your air conditioning system running reliably. But too often, people don’t call for help until the AC completely breaks down, leaving them sweltering during peak heat. At Chambers Services, we’ve been helping Illinois families stay cool for more than 38 years. If you know what signs to look for, you can catch small AC issues before they become major (and expensive) problems. If you’re wondering how do you diagnose AC problems, give us a call at 309-829-6750.
Some Problems Are Easier To Diagnose Than Others
Here are some of the most common symptoms of a failing air conditioner and what they might mean:
- Weak airflow – If cool air is coming out of your vents, but the airflow is weak, the problem could be a clogged air filter, a broken blower motor or ductwork issues. Don’t ignore it! Poor airflow means your system is struggling and could wear out prematurely.
- AC blowing warm air – One of the clearest signs something is wrong: your air conditioner is running, but the air coming out isn’t cold. This could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, a compressor problem or a malfunctioning thermostat. In a central Illinois summer heatwave, this isn’t just inconvenient. It’s urgent.
- Unusual noises – AC units should hum quietly. If you’re hearing grinding, banging, buzzing or squealing, it could mean a loose part, a worn-out motor or something more serious. Shut it down and call us immediately. Continuing to run it may cause further damage.
- Foul or musty odors – A musty smell could indicate mold or mildew in your system or ductwork. A burning or electrical odor could point to overheating components. Either way, it’s time for a professional inspection before the air in your home becomes unhealthy.
- Constant cycling – Is your AC turning on and off more frequently than it used to? This could be due to an oversized unit, thermostat issues or even low refrigerant levels. Short cycling puts a major strain on your system, and they won’t do your electric bill any good, either.
- Leaks or moisture around the unit – Any pooled water or visible leakage near your AC unit could mean a clogged condensate drain or a refrigerant issue. Water damage can quickly escalate, so don’t let it go unaddressed.
- Higher energy bills – If your cooling bills are higher than normal but your usage hasn’t changed, your system might be running inefficiently. Dirty coils, blocked filters or aging components can all cause this. The good news? All of these things are fixable.
Central Illinois Weather Demands Reliable AC
In areas like Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria, and all over central Illinois, we deal with long, humid summers. When the heat index climbs, you can’t afford to be without cooling. A little preventative maintenance can mean the difference between a quick fix now and a full system replacement later.
When To Call Chambers Services
If you’ve noticed any of these issues — or if your system just doesn’t seem quite right — schedule a diagnostic with our experienced technicians. We serve homes and businesses throughout central Illinois, and we service all major brands of AC units.
What Other Appliance Services Are Available?
We offer much more than AC services – we’re a full-service business offering HVAC installation, service and repair as well as appliance repair. We are factory-authorized to perform warranty repairs for most major brands of the following appliances:
- Stoves (gas, electric and dual fuel)
- Dishwashers
- Trash compactors
- Cooktops (gas, electric and induction)
- Ovens (gas, electric and built-in wall ovens)
- Microwaves
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Built-in refrigerators
- Washers
- Garbage disposals
- Dryers (gas and electric)
- Icemakers

Why Choose Chambers Services?
We are the top choice for AC repair and related services in central Illinois.
- We’re a family-owned business that has been serving central Illinois for more than 38 years
- Priority service is available
- We treat your home the way we would treat our own place and we clean up after ourselves
- Our technicians are licensed, bonded and insured
- We offer fast, friendly service in Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria and beyond
Stay Cool. Stay Comfortable.
If you’re wondering “how do you diagnose AC problems?” and nothing in this blog answers your question, give us a call. Don’t wait until a 95-degree day turns your lack of AC into an emergency. Call Chambers Services at
(309) 829-6750 or schedule your service online. We’ll help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.