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

Pros and Cons of a Ductless Mini Split

Monday, May 6th, 2024
Modern bedroom with sunlight and a ductless mini split unit mounted above the bed.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a ductless mini split, excellent choice! Ductless mini splits offer a variety of benefits that can make the units very worthwhile. However, there are also some downsides to consider before you make the investment in this type of HVAC system.

You can keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of having a ductless mini split installed in your home. Then give our team a call if you have any further questions or want to schedule an appointment for ductless mini splits in Hinsdale.

What are the pros and cons of a ductless mini‑split system?

Pros:

  • Highly energy-efficient, delivers conditioned air directly without duct losses, helping lower monthly energy costs.
  • Provides both heating and cooling in a single, compact system, ideal when replacing or supplementing existing HVAC equipment.
  • Offers individual climate control, each room can maintain its own temperature zone for added comfort.

Cons:

  • Higher upfront installation cost compared to traditional ducted systems.
  • Requires more maintenance, each indoor unit needs filter cleaning and servicing, increasing time spent on upkeep.

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How Long Does AC Installation Even Take?

Monday, August 28th, 2023

Deciding to install a new air conditioner is a big commitment. Aside from the financial investment, you have to set aside a whole day for the installation process. It’s definitely not a decision to take lightly.

After deciding to you schedule AC installation in Crystal Lake, IL, you may be wondering what to expect during the appointment. How long does it take to install an air conditioner? Keep reading to learn more about the AC installation process, including how long the appointment will take.

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Ceiling Fans Can Lower Your House Temperature by How Many Degrees?!

Monday, August 14th, 2023

You’ve probably heard that ceiling fans can do a lot to make your home feel more comfortable when it is hot outside. While ceiling fans can’t actually lower the temperature of your home, they can help you to feel cooler than what the actual temperature is.

If you don’t already have ceiling fans in each room of your home, you can give our team a call for ceiling fan installation in Crystal Lake, IL. You can keep reading to learn more about the benefits of ceiling fans, including just how much better they can make your home feel.

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What Happens During Central Air Conditioner Maintenance?

Monday, June 19th, 2023
Outdoor central air conditioning unit next to a brick house, indicating central air conditioning repair needs.

If you haven’t already scheduled air conditioner maintenance this year, now is as good of a time as any. It’s always better to schedule AC maintenance when it is convenient for you rather than skipping it altogether.

What happens during central air conditioner maintenance?

  • A technician begins with a full system inspection, checking both your indoor and outdoor units for any visible damage or issues.
  • They perform an indoor system check, inspecting the air filter, condensate drain, electrical connections, ducts, and vents for proper operation and airflow.
  • Then they move on to the outdoor unit, cleaning off debris, straightening bent fins, and opening the unit if troubleshooting is needed.
  • Finally, they provide professional recommendations to improve efficiency, reduce strain, and extend the system’s lifespan.

When you are new to central air conditioner maintenance in Lake Zurich, IL, you may be wondering what to expect during an appointment with our technicians. You can keep reading to learn more about an air conditioning maintenance appointment so you know what to expect. Then, give our team a call to schedule your appointment before summer is over. In the meantime, learn 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money and boosts system performance.

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4 Ways AC Maintenance Saves You Money

Monday, April 10th, 2023
Woman relaxing on a couch under a wall-mounted AC unit, enjoying cool air and saving money.

When you schedule AC maintenance, you may only think about the cost of the service. This can make it easy to reprioritize other things and move AC maintenance to the bottom of your to do list. However, regular air conditioner maintenance isn’t just about immediate costs; it’s an essential investment that helps you avoid potential system breakdowns and extends the life of your equipment.

But, when you consider AC maintenance and investment that has the potential to save you even more money than you’re spending, that’s a game changer. 

How does regular AC maintenance help you save money?

  • Reduces energy bills by improving system efficiency
  • Prevents costly breakdowns by catching minor issues early
  • Keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid for repair coverage
  • Extends the lifespan of your unit, delaying replacement

If you are ready to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Algonquin, IL, our team would love to help. Whether it’s your first time scheduling maintenance for your system or you’re a seasoned pro, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn more about the ways that AC maintenance can save you money. 

As a trusted local company and leading contractors in the HVAC industry, we are proud to offer comprehensive AC repair services and solutions for both residential and business customers. We also provide professional and reliable AC service, including maintenance, repair, and installation, tailored to your needs. Our trained technicians have extensive experience working with all major brands of air conditioning systems, ensuring expert service and reliable repair in Rockford IL and throughout Northern Illinois, with specialized Rockford heating expertise for inspections, repairs, and emergency response. Emergency AC repair services are available in Rockford, IL and the surrounding areas, so you can count on us to be there when you need us most, day or night. We are committed to customer satisfaction and have built a reputation for quality and professionalism in the community. In addition to our HVAC industry expertise, we also offer plumbing services to address comprehensive home comfort and safety needs.

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Preparing for Utility Price Hikes

Friday, October 14th, 2022

It’s been all over the news–the prices of gas and electricity have gone up tremendously, to the point where a lot of homeowners are struggling to meet their home comfort demands. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a choice when it comes to our utility bills. We practically rely on electrical appliances and devices to live life or work from home, and our gas furnaces are our best friends when fall and winter arrive.

Today, we want to talk about a few strategies we can help with to combat these price hikes. Our team wants to keep your home and life comfortable without breaking the bank.

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The Refrigerant Misconception You Don’t Want to Believe

Monday, October 10th, 2022
Outdoor air conditioning unit with visible fan and grille, indicating AC repair or air conditioning repair needed.

Most air conditioners use refrigerant to cool your home. With temperatures dropping, you may not be thinking much about your AC’s cooling function, but it’s still important, even in fall and winter. Some homeowners think they know what refrigerant is and how it works. Others know that their AC has refrigerant, but don’t know its function inside the AC unit. 

Cooling your home is only possible because of refrigerant in your HVAC unit. Your AC unit functions differently when you switch from cooling to heating, but refrigerant is the key to cooling. Many people believe that refrigerant runs out over time and has to be replaced, but this isn’t true. Your AC unit is installed with a lifetime supply of refrigerant. To ensure it lasts, it’s vital to prioritize professional HVAC maintenance, which helps prevent common issues and preserves the integrity of your system.

What are common misconceptions about AC refrigerants?

  • Refrigerant does not get used up over time like fuel, it circulates in a closed system and recharges itself during each cooling cycle.
  • It only needs recharging if there’s a leak; otherwise, there’s no need to replace or refill it.
  • Leaks may be indicated by unusual sounds: a bubbling noise for liquid-phase leaks or a hissing noise for gas-phase leaks.
  • While refrigerant should last the life of the system (typically 10-15 years), after that timeframe, replacement may coincide with system replacement due to its age.

The next time you need air conditioning repair in Hinsdale, IL,  trust our team of experienced contractors and professionals from our leading company in the HVAC industry to help you. We service all major brands of air conditioning systems and specialize in repair in Rockford, IL. If your system is losing refrigerant for some reason, a skilled technician from our company will diagnose the issue and provide comprehensive solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We can recharge your supply, not replace it. Plus, we can identify the problem and get your AC back to working like new again. Our company values its customers and strives for their satisfaction by offering effective solutions for all air conditioning issues. For prompt and reliable service, contact us today.

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Sounds You Don’t Want Your AC Making

Monday, August 15th, 2022
Relaxed woman sitting on a gray couch in a cool, air-conditioned living room, suggesting AC repair.

One day our AC units may be high-tech enough to alert you of problems early on. We already have smart thermostats that help you plan ahead and with programmable settings so it’s definitely possible. But until then, we have to identify signs that something is wrong with an AC unit. 

When you pay attention to warning sounds from your AC, you can stay ahead of AC repairs in Crystal Lake, IL. By knowing what to listen for, and taking proactive steps like following tips for preventing an AC breakdown, you can reduce the risk of major damage and extend the lifespan of your system. While it’s normal for your AC unit to make some sounds, the six below definitely warrant a call to our team so you can avoid costly damage. 

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When to Consider a New AC System

Monday, July 4th, 2022

Now that the weather is warming up again, it’s important to consider a new air conditioning system when the time is right. We understand that the process of acquiring a new air conditioning system can seem daunting. There’s a lot to know, it’s a big decision to make, and you’re going to spend a considerable amount of cash in the process.

If you want to make your AC installation in Crystal Lake, IL the best it can possibly be, you’ve found the right blog. Today, we’re going to run through a few signs that you should consider a new air conditioning system and give you some vital upgrade tips to make the process as easy as possible. 

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Early Summer AC Problems to Watch Out For

Monday, June 6th, 2022
Illustration of different air conditioner units, emphasizing AC repair and air conditioning repair.

We’re inching our way toward the official summer start date. As we get closer, the weather is going to get warmer and when this happens it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your air conditioning system. Sometimes, there are things that might go wrong with your home’s air conditioning system and you might not notice it right away. There are particular things that tend to go wrong in homes in our area at the start of the summer. If you don’t know what’s going to lead to AC repair in Algonquin, IL, then you’ve found the right blog. We’re a team of professionals who can help you with the early air conditioning problems you’re facing. We’re here to help you with everything you need to keep you cool this summer. You might also want to check out these 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money by improving efficiency and reducing repair costs.

What early summer AC problems should you watch out for?

  • Efficiency issues: Expect higher energy bills for the same cooling, it could signal a loose, failing, or broken component.
  • Inability to cool: If your AC can’t maintain the desired temperature, it’s time to call in a professional.
  • Excess noise: You should only hear startup clicks and airflow. Any additional sounds point to a potential issue.
  • Odd cycling: Short cycling (turning on and off frequently) or unusually long cycles can indicate efficiency and performance problems.
  • Unpleasant scents: Musty or foul odors during operation may suggest coil buildup or ductwork issues.

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