Furnace vs. Boiler: Which Makes Sense for Your Home?

February 13th, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new heater, you may be weighing your options between different types of systems. Two of the most popular heaters that we have homeowners install are furnaces and boilers. You may be more familiar with one and not the other, so we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each. 

If you have any questions about heating in Lake Geneva, WI, our team can help. We can offer you a free assessment of your home and walk you through the installation process for each type of heating system. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of furnaces and boilers so that you can make the best decision for your home and family.

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How to Know if Your Heater Needs Repairs

January 30th, 2023

You don’t want to face heater repairs this winter, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Problems pop up, and you have to address them or risk the problems getting worse and potentially leading to a complete heater breakdown. 

But what are the early signs that your heater needs repairs? When you understand the early signs that something is wrong, then you can fix them early and prevent much larger and more expensive problems. If you suspect that you need heater repair in McHenry, IL, our team is here to help. In the meantime, keep reading so that you can better understand how your heater operates and what signs can indicate problems. 

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Why Chemicals Are No Substitute for Professional Drain Cleaning

January 16th, 2023

When you have a clogged drain, it is very tempting to run to the nearest hardware store and grab an over-the-counter drain cleaner to pour into your sink or tub drain. This is a bad idea because it is only a temporary fix and has the possibility of doing more damage than good.

If you need drain cleaning in Hinsdale, IL, it’s important to call a team of plumbing professionals. You don’t just want to put a bandage on a plumbing problem; you want to fix it completely so that you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Keep reading to learn why chemicals like over-the-counter drain cleaners are no substitute for professional drain cleaning.

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Hard Water Has an Easy Solution With Althoff Home Services!

January 3rd, 2023

Althoff Home Services now offers water testing and water softener solutions to treat hard water. 

Hard water is a problem for many people who live in the Greater Chicago area, and our team is excited to now offer testing and solutions to our customers!

If you’ve noticed any of the following in your home, you probably have hard water.

  • Sink stains?
  • Excess soap usage?
  • Odd tasting water?
  • High energy and maintenance bills?
  • You probably have hard water.

Now is the perfect time to invest in a water softener if you’d like to make some major improvements in your life, like the following:

  • Extend the lifespan of your water-using appliances. Minerals can slowly degrade your dishwashing, laundry, and bathing appliances. A water softener will keep them running for longer.
  • Prevent scale deposits and keep pipes in good shape. Scale deposits can cause discoloration in your bathroom or kitchen while blocking up the inside of your pipes.
  • Use up to 50% less detergent for your laundry and dishes. Detergents and soaps dissolve much better in soft water than in hard water.
  • Achieve healthier and smoother skin and hair. Softer water will lead to more voluminous, soft hair, and smoother skin that feels healthier.

Already have a water softener installed but still experiencing these symptoms? Now might be a great time to consider an upgrade.

Call today or click here to learn more and discuss our available solutions! Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!

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These Sounds Indicate Your Furnace Is in Trouble

December 19th, 2022

Your furnace is working great – until it isn’t. And what are the most common indicators of furnace problems? Unusual sounds top the list. There are sounds that your furnace makes as a part of normal operation, but there are also sounds that should sound like warning alarms when you hear them.

If you think you may need furnace repair in Barrington, IL, our team can help. But first, you have to know when to call us for service. Learn the top three sounds that indicate your furnace is in trouble so that you can stay ahead of furnace breakdowns by addressing repairs early. 

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Do You Know How To Tell When It’s Time for a New Generator?

December 5th, 2022

When you first install a new generator, you know that you have years of reliable protection ahead of you. But, as with all things, your generator wears down over time. You can invest in regular maintenance and take the best care of your generator, but you’ll still need to replace it eventually.

The question is how do you know if it’s time to invest in generator replacement in Mundelein, IL? Some problems your generator may face are easy to fix so you can extend the life of your current unit. There comes a point that the cost of repairs outweighs the cost of replacing your generator with a new one. 

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6 Signs That Your Furnace Needs Repair

November 21st, 2022

Your furnace is arguably the most important appliance in your home during the winter season. It keeps your home warm and your family comfortable, but it also does more than that. Your heater protects your home’s pipes from freezing or bursting on the coldest winter days. 

But when your furnace goes unused for around half of the year, it may need a tune-up before taking on the freezing temperatures that are around the corner for our community. If you need furnace repair in Lake Zurich, IL, give our team a call. You can also keep reading to learn more about the signs that your furnace needs repair.

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Schedule This Important Heating Service Today! Here’s Why

November 7th, 2022

Your furnace has a big, important job at your house. It keeps your home and family comfortably warm all winter long. But since it usually works without a hiccup and doesn’t make much noise, you probably don’t give your furnace much thought. Sure, you change the air filter each month, but aside from that as long as it’s working you don’t have to worry about your furnace, right? 

Wrong! Your furnace deserves more attention when it’s working right than when it’s working wrong. That’s because the only way to keep it running great is to take steps toward maintaining that high level of functionality. When you invest in your furnace at its best, it can stay at its best for even longer without any problems. Give our team a call if you’re ready to schedule heater maintenance in Algonquin, IL. In the meantime you can keep reading to learn why furnace maintenance is so important. 

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Why You Should Choose a Whole-House Air Purifier

October 24th, 2022

When you think about air quality, you might think about the mold and pollen levels outside. You can’t do much to improve the outdoor air, but you can improve the air quality inside your home. Don’t think that high mold and pollen levels have to come inside with you when you go home.

There’s something you can do to improve our indoor air quality. When you invest in an air purifier in Hinsdale, IL, you also invest in your family’s health and well-being. Air purifiers can even help protect your home from mold and mildew damage. If you’re ready to breathe easy when you’re in the comfort of your own home, give us a call. We can help you pick the best whole-house air purifier to fit your needs. 

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Preparing for Utility Price Hikes

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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