Althoff Home Services Blog: Archive for June, 2017

14 Smart Tips to Lower Summer Cooling Bills

Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

Most of us in the greater Chicago area are glad to see the summer months arrive. It means the return of baseball, vacations, and trips to the beach. One thing though that summer brings that is not so welcome is the higher summer cooling bills. You are not helpless, however, in fact, far from it. From investing in solar panels to using energy saving LED lighting, there are plenty of steps you can take to be more energy efficient which in turn helps reduce summer cooling and electric bills. Here are 14 obvious, and some not-so-obvious, tips to save on your summer cooling bills.

  1. Consider a new HVAC system. We know, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. In the case of your HVAC system, however, a new high-efficiency system can actually reduce bills by 50% or more. It doesn’t take long to realize significant savings with efficiency ratings like those now available.
  2. Get rid of energy-gobbling appliances. Have a 15 or 20-year-old refrigerator in your garage for beverages? Odds are that refrigerator costs more to run over a few months than it is worth. Buy a small energy efficient dorm room size refrigerator if you need the space.
  3. Turn off fans in rooms where no one is spending time. Fans serve to move air and cool the skin. Moving the air in an empty room just isn’t an efficient use of electricity.
  4. Use room darkening blinds or curtains. You’ll be surprised at the difference window treatments can make in cooling a room, especially on westward facing windows.
  5. Switch to LED lighting. Not only does LED lighting use minimal electricity, it doesn’t give off any unnecessary additional heat into your living space. They are perhaps the most energy efficient device for your home available today.
  6. Consider how landscaping can help. A properly positioned tree can provide years of cooling shade. Bushes can deflect the heat that your outside brick may otherwise absorb. Grass disburses heat better than concrete. Landscaping is a terrific, natural way to reduce summer cooling bills.
  7. Look into solar options. You don’t have to have a solar farm built in your backyard or on your roof to take advantage of solar energy. You can start small, like with a solar water heater or outdoor lighting. As you realize savings you may be encouraged to do more!
  8. Make sure your AC units, duct work, and filters are clean. Make sure your outdoor AC unit has room to breath and is free from debris. Change filters at least every three months and have duct work cleaned annually.
  9. Have you thought about awnings? Awnings can save energy, add to the appearance of your home and create outdoor living space. Contemporary options are more appealing than ever.
  10. Be on the look out for energy thieves. We use so many electronic devices we may not even be aware they are constantly using energy. These include charging cell phones, laptops, computers, printers, electric shavers, TVs, clock radios and others. Make sure both the unit and charger is unplugged when charging is complete and unplug devices in spare rooms.
  11. Un-condition yourself. We call it air conditioning but we are really conditioning ourselves to be less resilient in uncomfortable temperatures. Make the effort to “un-condition” yourself by increasing the temp in your home or car. You do realize air conditioning wasn’t even invented until 1902 and people did live without it, right? You may not want to go to that extreme but you can increase your use of fans and use less AC.
  12. Make your HVAC system “smarter”. There are plenty of smart home devices to help you take charge of when your AC system is operating. Does it make sense to have your home cooled to 72 degrees for hour after hour when no one is home?
  13. Improve your insulation. You don’t have to go the whole house route but increase an area each year. Make sure doors and windows are sealed as are electrical sockets. Work on the area above the garage this year, in the attic next year. Just keep making progress!
  14. Price energy efficient windows. Not only can new windows save on your cooling and heating bills, but you’ll probably find they make your home quieter and more comfortable. A window and door company should be able to provide you with your approximate energy savings upon installation to help you make your decision.

It can be quite liberating to see your summer cooling bills get smaller, so get started today. If we can be of assistance, please contact us at Althoff Industries.

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How You Can Avoid Air Conditioner Air Flow Problems

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

A lack of air flow is one of the most common problems your heating and cooling system can have. This issue can manifest itself in several ways. Luckily, there are also several ways to address air flow problems and prevent them in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • A malfunctioning HVAC system can lead to problems with your air flow, heating, cooling, and indoor air quality.
  • Signs that your AC is having issues include hot or cold spots, air pressure imbalance, lack of air coming from your air ducts, and air that is too warm.
  • The most common cause of air flow issues is an improperly installed air filter. Check the arrow on your filter to make sure it is facing the correct direction. Additionally, if it is clogged with dust and debris, then it should be replaced.
  • Other common causes for air flow problems include obstructions to your condensing unit, dirty fans or coils, a faulty thermostat, and refrigerant leaks.
  • Some of these issues can be fixed by cleaning dirty parts or removing obstructions. Others should only be handled by professionals.
  • Althoff Industries offers 24-hour emergency HVAC repair services and regularly-scheduled maintenance! Call our emergency hotline at (815) 455-7000.

Signs That You Are Having Air Flow Issues

There are a few telltale signs that your heating and air conditioning are having air flow issues:

  • Random hot and cold spots throughout the rooms in your home
  • Air pressure imbalance (i.e. doors closing randomly, whistling noises)
  • Lack of air coming from your vents
  • Your AC is blowing warm air

If you notice any of these issues, then your HVAC system is likely having problems.

Dirty or Improperly Installed Air Filter

The most common cause of air flow issues is an air filter that has been installed incorrectly or is dirty and clogged. One end of the air filter “breathes” fresh air through, while the other end traps dust and debris and prevents it from dispersing throughout your property. If the air filter has been installed backwards, it will inhibit the air flow through your HVAC system. This will cause it to work less efficiently and could even lead to serious damage in your system. If you notice any of the aforementioned issues, then the first thing you should do is check your filter.

When replacing your air filter (or checking to make sure it is installed properly), make sure to look for the arrow! Generally, air filters are manufactured with arrows printed on the side, showing the proper direction of air flow. The confusion can come from understanding which direction the air flow is going into your system.

Air flows into your HVAC system from your supply ducts, usually larger rectangular shaped ductwork that is attached near the bottom of your HVAC unit. Air flows out of this ductwork into your HVAC system toward the blower. Therefore, the arrow on the side of the filter should point away from the ductwork toward your HVAC unit. The ductwork is where the air is coming from, so you don’t want the arrow pointing in that direction.

We’ve produced a short, simple demonstration of the correct installation position of an air filter that you can view in less than 60 seconds.

Not only should you check to make sure that the filter is facing the correct direction, but you should also make sure that it is not overly clogged with dust and debris. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your air filter every month or so. You should also be aware that while “thicker” filters may trap more particulate matter, they too, can inhibit air flow.

Other Causes of HVAC Air Flow Issues

If your air filter is facing the correct direction and doesn’t need to be replaced, then you most likely have a different problem. There are several other potential causes of air flow issues within your HVAC system.

  • Obstructed condenser unit
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Grimy or broken fans
  • Dirty coils
  • Low refrigerant levels

Obstructed Condenser Unit

Your AC system’s condenser unit is typically found outside your house. These units can become obstructed by fallen leaves, dust, and debris if no attention is paid to them. If this happens, your condensing unit can overheat and fail to work properly. You can easily remedy this issue by removing obstructions and cleaning the unit.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is one of the leading causes of problems with your HVAC system. Most people just don’t realize it. The issue could be fixed by changing the batteries, or you may have to replace the thermostat altogether.

Either way, this is one of the easiest problems to solve. An HVAC repair and maintenance company can replace the thermostat if you do not feel comfortable.

Grimy or Broken Fans

Your HVAC unit uses fans to blow air through your air ducts and circulate it throughout the rest of your property. If a fan is sluggish, this can impede the flow of air. Most of the time, all you need to do is give it a good old-fashioned cleaning. However, if your fan is old and is not working, you may have to replace it altogether.

Dirty Coils

Your HVAC system’s condenser coil releases the heat that has been removed from your property. If it is not working properly, then heat will get trapped in your home. Needless to say, on a hot summer day, this is not fun!

The condenser coil is located outside, so it’s easy for it to get dirty. Make sure to give it a thorough cleaning and check it occasionally to prevent it from happening again.

Low Refrigerant Levels

This is one of the most common problems with HVAC systems. If your AC unit’s refrigeration levels are low, then it may be leaking. Low levels of refrigerant can lead to a drastic decrease in your indoor air quality. An HVAC repair and maintenance company can inspect your air conditioner for leaks, repair them, and bring its refrigeration levels back to normal.

Althoff Industries Is the Go-To Company for HVAC Repairs and Maintenance!

Althoff Industries has been servicing Chicago and the surrounding areas for many years. We offer 24-hour emergency service to those in need. Whether your air conditioner or furnace breaks down entirely, or you have noticed a decline in its performance, call our emergency hotline number at (815) 455-7000.

In addition to air conditioner and furnace repair, we can completely replace your system if it is not up to snuff. You can also schedule regular tune-ups and maintenance to ensure that your HVAC system continues to function for years to come.

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Do I Need a Humidifier In My Home?

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

If you feel something isn’t quite right about the air quality in your home, determining the best route back to optimal functionality can be a complicated process. While it’s true that weather and climate have a significant impact on indoor air quality, there are numerous other factors you need to consider.

Even when the solution seems obvious, it is important to do your research before installing any indoor air treatments like a humidifier in your home.

If you choose to skip this step, you can wind up creating a much larger problem than you had when you started. Sometimes, those problems can even turn out to be hazardous to your health.

When in doubt, it is always better to ask a specialist. In this article, we’ll identify some of the best indicators humidity levels are not where they should be. From dry air during the winter months, to sticky, uncomfortable indoor air in the summer–this is your guide to understanding whether you need a humidifier (or some other indoor air treatment) in your home.

Too Much Moisture or Not Enough?

To simplify things for you, below are some signs to help identify whether your moisture levels are too high or too low.

Indicators of High Humidity

Summer air in the Midwest can be especially humid. It is not uncommon for moisture in the air to reach humidity levels of 75% and above. When there is excess condensation in the air inside your home, you may notice a sticky, moist, or clammy feel. At a more advanced phase, you may even detect a musty odor.

When left unchecked, high moisture air quality can create an environment perfect for the growth of unwanted nuisances such as pests, dust mites, bacteria, and even viruses.

Signs of Low-Moisture or Dry Air

During the colder months of the year, the opposite begins to happen. Instead of becoming sticky and moist, the air starts to feel dry. As temperatures drop, the cold air loses its ability to hold onto as much moisture.

This lack of humidity in the air comes with a host of potential health problems, commonly related to the respiratory system. If you live in an environment that enjoys all four seasons or has a traditionally dry climate, you’re likely no stranger to these symptoms.

Some of them include:

  • Chronic runny nose
  • Asthma or allergy flare-ups
  • Dry skin and nasal passages
  • Increased static in hair and electric shocks when touching people or objects
  • Bloody noses
  • Sinus congestion

Among these, an unexplained early morning cough, dry throat, or dry mouth are all indications you may be exposing yourself to dry air. All of these variables have the potential to impact your health significantly and can exacerbate or worsen existing respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma.

Solutions for Improving Air Quality

When you’ve identified your indoor moisture levels, you can start exploring potential solutions.

When Humidity Is Too Low

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are consistent with dry air, you will want to incorporate a solution that adds moisture in the air. Chiefly, a whole-home humidifier.

What Is a Humidifier?

Humidifiers are moisture increasing devices known to help relieve dry climate and wintertime symptoms by, at the most basic level, adding water vapor to the air.

Humidifiers can protect your body from the effects of dry air, but they can also be beneficial for proper maintenance of indoor finishes and structures.

Hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and hardwood moldings are just a few of the fixtures that can commonly become damaged due to excessively dry air.

To get the best results–and quality for your investment–you should choose a humidifier that is best suited to your personalized conditions and environment.

Types of Humidifiers

Central humidifiers or whole-home humidifiers are designed to improve moisture throughout your entire home. If you want to reduce or even eliminate the problems associated with dry indoor air, this is the most effective option. Because of its efficiency, it is more expensive than alternatives but more effective.

Steam humidifiers or vaporizers convert water into steam to add more moisture to indoor air. These humidifiers are beneficial, even in homes where much humidity is needed to keep levels balanced.

Bypass humidifiers connect directly to your HVAC system. These units use the blower motor of your furnace to force air through a water panel, which adds moisture. The motor then circulates the treated air back into the rest of your home.

Fan-powered humidifiers connect with your HVAC system, as well. Through the use of a built-in motor, fan-powered humidifiers work by pulling air into the unit and through a water panel, where water is added and redistributed with increased humidity. These can work as standalone units without an HVAC system as well, which lowers energy consumption.

Not super interested in the different makes and models of humidifiers?

Don’t let the task of choosing the right humidifier keep you with dry sinuses and itchy skin for the duration of the winter season. Instead, look for a team of air quality experts to help you find the best product to suit your household, budget, comfort, and personalized needs.

With qualified technicians like the team at Althoff by your side, you can enjoy the comfort of knowing they can install the equipment correctly.

Why Althoff Industries

Our goal is to bring our customers superior indoor air quality.

We understand that your system must work efficiently to maintain the comfort of your home. It must help clean, heat, and cool your indoor air while reducing indoor humidity through the steamy summer months and adding moisture to the air during the cold Chicago winters.

We specialize in creating solutions to maximize your savings without compromising comfort.

Since 1961, we’ve been serving Chicago area businesses, industries, apartment and condominium and single-family homeowners with a range of services including the installation of humidifiers.

Schedule an appointment today and discover the difference we can make in your indoor air quality and comfort. We look forward to assisting you!

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3 Reasons Why a Mismatched HVAC System Costs You More Money

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

There is a reason HVAC companies refer to their equipment as a “system”. It’s because each component is designed to work in harmony to provide efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The older an HVAV system is, however, the more opportunities there are to end up with a mismatched evaporator coil and condenser. A mismatched HVAC system can often be referred to as a “Frankenstein” system because it is still operating on pieces and parts that weren’t intended to work, or certainly not work efficiently together.

A Question of Economics

For homeowners, it becomes a question of economics when looking at replacing either an air conditioning unit or a furnace. Can you replace one or the other? Yes. There are, however, a lot of reasons you shouldn’t. Here are three ones.

  1. Replacing both units at the same time will save you money long-term. What many homeowners may not realize is that if they replace only the outdoor AC unit, they’ll probably be spending money to replace the indoor unit shortly thereafter. Your HVAC company won’t have a problem with that because you, in essence, will be paying installation costs twice. In the photo used as an example, you’ll see an AC unit that was replaced just two years before the furnace. To make sure the AC unit worked with mismatched hvacthe furnace they had at the time, we had to make use of a wider coil. When we replaced the furnace, the new furnace was not as wide. This means that now the components aren’t properly matched or aligned for optimal airflow. It involved more work and added more expense. Replacing both units would ensure an efficient, dependable system that will function properly for a longer period of time.
  2. Matched systems perform better. When air conditioning units are designed, they are built to work with a matched indoor unit. This matched system works in tandem to generate optimum efficiency and ideal system performance. As mentioned, replacing an outdoor air conditioner unit without installing the matching indoor unit will work. However, you are jeopardizing the dependability of both units. This compromises your HVAC system’s efficiency, which may cost more in the long run.
  3. Efficiency ratings are based on matched systems. When you purchase a new HVAC unit, the heating and cooling efficiency ratings are based on matched system performance. That means, if you bought a condenser with an 18 SEER rating to help you save money on monthly bills, you won’t realize the full potential of those savings without the matching furnace. The wider the difference range between SEER ratings of equipment, the less efficient they will be in working together.

Another Reason Trusted, Reputable HVAC Service is Important

The issue of a mismatched evaporator coil and condenser and a mismatched HVAC system is yet another reason to perform due diligence in selecting your HVAC company. While we will do what we can to extend the life of any system, there is a time when the wiser choice is to simply replace a system.

A matched system will run more efficiently, perform better, last longer, and deliver cost savings well beyond the extra expense. To learn more, contact one of our expert HVAC technicians today! We service homeowners in the NW Chicago suburbs  and would love the opportunity to service your residential home or commercial business.

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Will an Air Purifier Minimize My Allergy Symptoms?

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

There are plenty of myths about how to best clean the air in your home. Some people believe a good HEPA air filter will do. Others suggest an air purifier. Still others say that perhaps there is nothing you can do, especially when it comes to allergens. The Chicago area has experienced medium to high pollen levels throughout the spring and forecasts call for it to continue. If you or someone in your family suffers from pollen-related allergies, the following may help.

Will My HVAC Filters Help?

The answer is yes, but to a limited degree. HEPA filters provide more stringent cleaning than standard filters but when it comes to allergens, your basic filters provide limited protection. These filters are designed to keep airflow moving unobstructed to your HVAC system, not in removing dust or allergens from your home.

What is an Air Purifier?

While HVAC filters remove contaminants from clogging your HVAC system, and do, in fact remove larger particles from the air, an air purifier or air cleaner is designed to remove contaminants from the air in a room. A HEPA filter in particular is designed to pass the air in a room through it multiple times, removing increasingly smaller particulars from the room.

Will an Air Purifier Help with my Allergy Symptoms?

Again, the answer is yes, but probably only to a limited degree if you are not taking other steps. Your first goal should be to limit your exposure to allergens.

  • Avoid spending time in the outdoors, where you may breathe in allergens or even have them collect on your hair and clothes.
  • Take a shower before bed so you will not transfer allergens to bedding and your pillows.
  • Make sure all filters in your HVAC system are cleaned and/or replaced often, at least once every three months.
  • If someone in your family has severe allergies, consider replacing carpeting with solid flooring material like wood, wood-like flooring, or tile flooring. This will keep allergens from collecting in carpeting and being redistributed during vacuuming.
  • Furniture can gather allergens so make sure yours is cleaned regularly.
  • Keep your windows closed at home, even when the weather is tempting you to open all the windows. This is really important in the spring when flower and tree pollen is highest.
  • Take spring cleaning seriously. Allergies are a good reason people take the time to thoroughly clean their homes. It works. It also helps to keep the air clean with the appropriate filtration devices.

If you have taken the above steps and are still suffering significantly, it is a good idea to contact the indoor air experts at Althoff Industries. Depending on your home, your HVAC system and your specific allergen related issues, Althoff can design a system using a variety of the latest technologies to removed allergens, dust and dust mites from your indoor air. Without the proper air filtration and purification system, many homes are simply recycling dirty air. Help is just a phone call away.

The Althoff Difference

At Althoff Industries, we aren’t interested in selling the latest trendy devices. We have built our reputation and our company on providing solutions that work. This includes air cleaner and air purification systems that perform in concert with your HVAC system to provide a healthy environment for you and your family. Are you experiencing runny noses, sneezing, red or watering eyes, or seem to be constantly dusting your home? We may have the solution for you. Contact Althoff Industries and enjoy cleaner, healthier and more comfortable air in your home.

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4 Important Benefits of Air Conditioning Filter Maintenance

Tuesday, June 6th, 2017

One the easiest, least expensive and most beneficial ways to keep your air conditioner humming along through the summer season is through changing the air conditioning filter and through regular air filter maintenance. Yet, it is amazing how often our HVAC technicians will see an air conditioner filter that has been ignored for far too long. Changing your air conditioner filter is particularly important if you have pets or there is a smoker in your home. Here are four benefits of air conditioning filter maintenance.

  1. Improve the life of your air conditioning unit. A dirty air conditioner filter makes it hard for your air conditioner to handle air which, in turn, causes increased wear. With regular filter maintenance, you can help your unit breathe easier and extend its life. Dirt and lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of HVAC failure and extending the life of your unit starts with a clean air conditioner filter.
  2. Better energy efficiency. If you see your utility bills increasing and think there isn’t anything you can do about it, changing an air conditioning filter is a simple first step. Compared to the energy saved, and new air conditioning filter can more than pay for itself.
  3. Overall quality of air in your home. Your home will smell better, have less dust and even reduced allergens when you keep a clean air conditioner filter. This can actually help your family breathe and feel better. You also may find yourself dusting in your home a little less often when filters are changed regularly.
  4. Helps keep ductwork cleaner. Concerned about the build up of dust and dirt in your ductwork?. Keeping air conditioning filters clean can contribute to cleaner ductwork.

How Often Should Filters Be Changed?

So, how often should you have your air conditioner filter changed? For many, changing filters seasonally in the fall and spring seem to be the routine. For peak benefits, however, air filter maintenance should actually occur monthly. At the very least, filters should be clean or changed every three months. Thanks goodness it is an easy to accomplish, very affordable task.

Proper Maintenance of Your Entire HVAC System

Air filter maintenance and air conditioner filter changes are just a part of a complete HVAC system maintenance program that can help extend the life of your system and make sure it is operating efficiently. If it has been far too long since you have had a system tune-up, see the difference a call to Althoff Industries can make. We serve the Northwest Chicago area with superior HVAC services for families just like yours. Call us today and preserve the life of your HVAC system.

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