HVAC Blog Crystal Lake, IL

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.

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.

Althoff Voted “Best of the Fox” for 2022—A Clean Sweep

September 17th, 2022

We have great news: Althoff Residential has been voted 2022 Best in House & Home Services for HVAC, Plumbing AND Electrical in McHenry County in the Northwest Herald Readers’ Choice Awards. This was a clean sweep of every category we were eligible for.

Although we aren’t surprised at receiving this honor—we work hard every day to provide the best service possible to all our customers—we are immensely grateful to all of you who voted for us. We wouldn’t be here without our customers, and we’re both thankful and honored for all your votes. We promise to continue to offer the same exceptional level of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to you in the future.

Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!

Sounds You Don’t Want Your AC Making

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.

Signs You May Have a Plumbing Leak

August 1st, 2022

Leaks are probably pretty high on your list of things you don’t want to have happen. While some household problems have easy fixes, sometimes plumbing leaks don’t. This is because leaks cause a ripple effect of damage to surrounding areas. Plumbing leaks can start out so small that you don’t even notice them until they’re a big problem that requires immediate attention.

But you can avoid squishy puddles under your carpet and dark spots on your ceiling by paying attention to signs of a plumbing leak. Watch for these five signs of a leak, and then give us a call for plumbing in Crystal Lake, IL to stay ahead of water damage caused by plumbing leaks.

Easy Ways to Save Money on Your AC

July 18th, 2022

On a muggy summer day, air conditioning in Crystal Lake, IL is invaluable for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. However, a cool, refreshing home can come with an expensive power bill thanks to the additional energy required to run your AC. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to run their AC systems at night and during the day to keep their homes comfortable.

Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make to save money on your cooling costs even during the most severe heat wave. Check out these easy ways to save money on your AC and lower your utility bills.

When to Consider a New AC System

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.

Got a Smart Car? You Need a Home EV Charger

June 20th, 2022

Do you need help installing a home EV charger in Crystal Lake, IL?

After you have purchased your very first electric vehicle, the thought of installing a charger might make you nervous as it is just another expense. After all, you’ve used your normal car without needing to install a gas pump in your driveway. However, there are many awesome benefits to installing a charger at home.

We do want to make it clear that you need to have this job done by a professional. Trying to do the installation by yourself or contracting your friend to do it will only end badly. You need to speak to a professional to get it done the right way.

This article will show you why installing a home charger is worth the expense.

Early Summer AC Problems to Watch Out For

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 a Water Softener Does for You

May 23rd, 2022

Spring is in the air and you’ve probably started doing all the cleaning and planning that this season typically calls for. It’s out with the old and in with the new. You’re putting away your heavier layers, fishing out your lighter ones, and cleaning those hard to reach spots around your home. On top of that, you’re probably planning your summer vacations and finalizing the details. As long as you’re in this spirit, it’s also important to consider the details of your home as well. This includes things like your water softener.

If you’re ready to get yourself a water softener that’s going to do all the work you need it to in your home, then we suggest choosing one of our plumbers in McHenry, IL. We’re knowledgeable and always ready to serve you.