Althoff Home Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Heat Safety Tips for Pets

Monday, July 14th, 2025

As HVAC professionals, we’re all about keeping your home cool and comfortable—but that comfort shouldn’t stop with the humans in your household. Summer heat can be especially hard on pets, who don’t have the same cooling mechanisms we do. 

Whether your furry friend is a dog, cat, or another animal companion, it’s important to keep them safe when temperatures rise. Here are some essential heat safety tips to protect your pets this summer, both indoors and out.

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Now Is the Time to Prioritize AC Service Ahead of Higher Demand

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

As temperatures begin to climb and summer approaches, many homeowners start relying on their air conditioning systems to keep cool. But with increased usage comes increased strain—and that’s why now is the ideal time to schedule professional AC service. 

Waiting until the peak of summer could leave you sweating it out while trying to get an appointment during the busiest time of the year. By taking care of your air conditioning system before demand spikes, you’ll stay ahead of potential breakdowns, enjoy greater energy efficiency, and save money in the long run.

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How to Know When It’s Time to Make the Call for Emergency HVAC Service

Monday, June 9th, 2025
Smiling family sitting on the floor holding a cardboard roof, symbolizing home protection and emergency HVAC service.

When your HVAC system stops working at the worst possible time, whether during a heatwave or on a freezing night, it’s more than just an inconvenience. It can quickly turn into an emergency that puts your family’s health and safety at risk. But not every HVAC issue requires emergency service. Understanding when HVAC repair is urgent can help you make the right call.

What are the key signs you need emergency HVAC service right away?

  • No heating or cooling during extreme temperatures, risking heat‑stroke, hypothermia, or freezing pipes
  • Loud, unusual noises like banging, grinding, or rattling, often signaling mechanical failure
  • Burning smell or visible smoke, indicating an electrical hazard or overheating component
  • Refrigerant leaks or frozen coils, which can damage your compressor and shut down cooling
  • Water leaks or flooding from clogged drain lines or drain pans causing mold or water damage
  • Complete system failure, even after checking power and thermostat, especially in critical weather

So, how do you know when it’s time to pick up the phone and call for help right away? Let’s walk through the most common warning signs that indicate you need emergency HVAC service now, not later.

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Preventative Care Is the Secret Sauce That Helps Your AC Work at Its Best

Monday, May 12th, 2025
Technician explaining AC maintenance to a couple next to an outdoor unit.

Your air conditioner is one of the hardest-working systems in your home—especially during the peak of summer. But like any machine, it needs care and attention to keep performing at its best. The secret to long-lasting, reliable cooling? Preventative maintenance.

What are the top benefits of AC preventative maintenance?

  • Improves energy efficiency and lowers utility bills
  • Extends your system’s lifespan and avoids early replacement
  • Prevents costly breakdowns by catching minor issues early
  • Enhances indoor air quality by removing dust, mold and allergens
  • Maintains safety and warranty status while delivering peace of mind

While it might not sound exciting, preventative care is the secret sauce that helps your AC run more efficiently, last longer, and avoid those frustrating, costly breakdowns that always seem to happen during the hottest week of the year. If you’re not already scheduling regular maintenance, AC maintenance can save money in several important ways.

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Last Chance for Deal of the Year Savings

Monday, March 24th, 2025

If you’re on the lookout for incredible savings on home services, you definitely want to pay attention because this is your last chance for Althoff’s Deal of the Year Savings. This post explains how you can take advantage of exclusive offers and premium service memberships to ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient — all while saving money. 

Keep reading to learn more about the unbeatable deals and how they can transform your home maintenance experience. Then give us a call to schedule your in-home consultation ahead of the summer season.

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Members Save More During Deal of the Year

Monday, March 10th, 2025

At Althoff Industries, we believe in rewarding our loyal customers, and there’s no better time to take advantage of incredible savings than during our Deal of the Year! This exclusive offer is designed to provide members of our White Glove Club with unbeatable discounts, priority service, and year-round comfort. 

If you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join and maximize your savings while ensuring your home’s heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems remain in top shape. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of membership both now and into the future. 

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Is My Older Air Conditioner Safe to Operate?

Monday, September 9th, 2024
Technician using a tablet while another repairs an outdoor AC unit, representing AC repair and air conditioning repair services.

Summer is winding down, but there is a chance that if your air conditioner is older it needs to be replaced before the end of the season. This is especially true if you’ve been experiencing air conditioner problems this season, or perhaps even over a period of several years.

Upgrading your older air conditioner now is a great idea because it ensures that next year you already have a solution in place without having to scramble because you were air conditioner won’t turn on. You can give our team a call to schedule an in-home assessment for your AC replacement in Lake Geneva, IL. You can also keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can indicate your AC is no longer safe to operate. For better understanding of cost-saving strategies and maintenance, explore 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money.

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Tips for Preventing an AC Breakdown

Monday, August 12th, 2024
Woman sitting on a couch fanning herself with a blue fan, indicating need for AC maintenance.

AC breakdowns happen all the time. But we have a secret to tell you. AC breakdowns usually happen when homeowners do not keep up with regular maintenance steps to care for their air conditioners. You can keep reading to learn our best recommendations for how to take excellent care of your air conditioner, and how to stop it from breaking down.

What simple maintenance steps help prevent an AC breakdown?

  • Choose and replace the correct air filter regularly (every 1-3 months depending on dust/pet levels) to prevent airflow restriction
  • Rinse the outdoor condenser unit monthly to remove dirt and debris that block heat transfer
  • Keep all indoor vents open to maintain system airflow and avoid pressure buildup
  • Inspect the exterior casing for leaks or damage, wipe it down and check connections each month
  • Schedule annual professional preventive maintenance for coil cleaning, refrigerant check, lubrication, electrical tightening, and thermostat testing

Of course, if anything ever does happen, you can give our team a call for AC repair in Lake Zurich. We can review the problems, get them fixed, and even offer tips for preventing the same problem from happening again in the future. Staying proactive with regular AC maintenance can significantly reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns.

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Tips for Monthly Homeowner AC Maintenance

Monday, July 15th, 2024

Did you know that the steps you take as a homeowner to care for your air conditioner are what makes the most difference in how well your unit works and how long it lasts? It’s true that professional maintenance is important too, but consistent care month after month will go a long way toward helping your AC unit enjoy a long and healthy life.

Keep reading to learn more about our recommendations for homeowner AC maintenance. Then give our team a call for your professional air conditioner maintenance in Mundelein if you haven’t already scheduled it this year.

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Does Your New HVAC Require a New Thermostat?

Monday, May 20th, 2024

If you are installing a new HVAC system in your home, it’s a good idea to go ahead and consider upgrading your thermostat as well. Technology changes quickly, and newer thermostats offer a variety of benefits that an older thermostat simply does not have.

Give our team a call when you’re ready for an HVAC installation in Hinsdale, and we can assess your thermostat needs as well. You can also keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your existing thermostat is outdated and when you might want to consider a thermostat upgrade. 

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