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
Technician replacing a furnace air filter, highlighting heating and air conditioning repair services.

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. Professional installation and maintenance are crucial, as a qualified technician will assess your home’s heating needs, including square footage, to recommend the right furnace size and ensure optimal performance. A thorough in-person assessment of a home’s size, insulation, and existing ductwork should precede a quote from a contractor. When considering furnace replacement or installation, it’s important to evaluate cost, the furnace’s efficiency, and other factors such as features and compatibility with your home. For example, you might need a new heating system if your current unit is outdated or inefficient. Choosing a high-efficiency furnace can help you save on energy bills over time.

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. For more insight into common furnace repair problems that might be causing these sounds, check out our guide.

Introduction to Furnace Issues

Furnace issues can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a major headache, especially when temperatures drop and you rely on your heating system the most. A malfunctioning furnace doesn’t just mean less comfort, it can also lead to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, and even safety risks for your home and family. That’s why understanding the common problems that can affect furnaces is so important for every homeowner.

The furnace installation process is a critical first step in ensuring your heating system runs efficiently and safely. When a qualified HVAC technician handles your furnace installation, you’re less likely to face issues down the road. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and timely repair all work together to extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep your home warm and comfortable. The new furnace must be connected to the gas line, electrical wiring, and duct system with sealed connections to prevent air leaks. Whether you’re considering furnace replacement or simply want to keep your current system in top shape, paying attention to these factors can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Remember, a well-installed and well-maintained furnace is the key to efficient, reliable heating all season long.

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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
Technician performing new gas furnace installation, securing front panel on wall-mounted unit.

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 installers and are looking for a furnace repair in Lake Zurich, IL, give our team a call. Furnace installers have specialized training to safely handle sharp metals, heavy objects, and power tools during installation and repair. Special training is required for the furnace installation process because each system has unique requirements that only a qualified HVAC professional can address. Furnace installation in Rockford must be performed by a licensed HVAC contractor, with a professional furnace installer overseeing the furnace installation process to ensure all steps are completed safely and efficiently. You can also schedule this important heating service today to make sure your system is ready.

When should I replace my furnace rather than repair it?

  • Frequent repair signs — if you’re seeing recurring repair needs like strange noises, poor heating, or pilot issues, it may be time to install a new unit.
  • Age beyond useful life — furnaces older than 15–20 years often lose efficiency and reliability, making replacement more economical.
  • Persistent insufficient heat — when repairs can’t restore full warmth, a new furnace installation ensures comfort.
  • Safety or health risks — lingering odors, discoloration in pilot lights, or air quality issues indicate serious faults that warrant a new system.
  • Better long‑term performance & warranties — new gas furnaces or high‑efficiency models often offer improved warranties, lower energy costs, and modern controls.

Introduction to Furnace Repair

When the temperatures drop, your furnace becomes the heart of your home’s comfort. A properly functioning furnace ensures that heated air circulates efficiently, keeping your family warm and your heating bills under control. However, even the most reliable heating system can develop issues over time, leading to reduced energy efficiency and higher costs. That’s why furnace repair is so important, not only does it restore your system’s performance, but it also helps you save money in the long run.

If you notice any signs that your furnace isn’t working as it should, it’s crucial to contact a professional HVAC technician right away. An experienced HVAC contractor and HVAC company has the expertise to diagnose and repair problems quickly, ensuring your furnace operates at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of your system, improve indoor air quality, and prevent unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major headache, trust a qualified furnace installer to keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently all season long.

Safety Precautions During Furnace Installation

Before beginning any furnace installation, safety is paramount. HVAC professionals will ensure that all electrical breakers connected to the furnace are turned off to prevent electrical hazards. Gas lines and fuel lines are also safely shut off before the work begins. Additionally, the installation area is carefully prepared by clearing any obstructions and laying down floor coverings to protect your home’s surfaces from damage during the installation process. These steps help create a safe and efficient work environment for the technicians and protect your property.

Evaluating Your Current Furnace

Before deciding on a furnace replacement, it’s important to take a close look at your current system. Start by considering the age of your furnace, most furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has surpassed this range, it may be time to think about a new electric furnace. Another key factor is the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures how efficiently your furnace converts natural gas or electricity into heat. Older units often have lower AFUE ratings, meaning they use more energy and drive up your heating bills.

Frequent repairs are another sign that your furnace may be nearing the end of its useful life. If you find yourself calling for repairs more often, the costs can quickly add up, making replacement a more cost-effective option in the long run. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace can help you save money on both repairs and monthly heating costs, while also providing more reliable comfort. By evaluating your furnace’s efficiency, repair history, and age, you can make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace your heating system.

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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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The Refrigerant Misconception You Don’t Want to Believe

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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Is It Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel? 

September 26th, 2022

Your electrical panel plays a big part in how efficient your home is when it comes to energy use. Some people also call their electrical panel the circuit breaker. No matter what you call it, the panel serves as the central “hub” for all of your home’s electricity. 

So, why would you need to upgrade your electrical panel? Well, as technology advances we have more and more needs for electricity in our homes. When your home was first designed, there was a certain amount of electrical power allotted to each room in your home. When you have more things to plug in, your electricity needs increase.

Most circuit breakers last between 25 and 40 years, so if your home is in that age range it may be time to upgrade your electrical panel. If you need an electrician in Algonquin, IL, give our team a call. We can help explain the process of upgrading your electrical panel based on your personal needs and your home’s design. In the meantime, you can read on for additional signs that it’s time for an upgrade. 

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AC Repair needs to Be Aware Of

September 19th, 2022

Fall is around the corner and your AC will get some much-needed rest from the stress of cooling your house through the hottest months of the year. Your AC likely runs more frequently and for longer durations when it’s the hottest outside. This can put a strain on all of the components, leading to additional wear and tear. 

But when you invest in regular maintenance you can reverse some of this wear and tear, also increasing your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. If you want to schedule air conditioning service in Algonquin, IL, give our team a call. We’re highlighting below some of the most common AC repairs we address during AC maintenance appointments so you can know what to expect.

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