As summer’s heat fades and fall’s cool breeze arrives in Chicago, it’s time to shift from sunburn to preparing your HVAC system for the colder months ahead. At Althoff Home Services, we’ve been Chicago’s trusted HVAC experts since 1961. Our Performance Tune-Up and White Glove Club membership ensure your system avoids burnout, keeping your home comfortable all season. Here’s how to prep your HVAC for fall.
From Sunburn to System Burnout: Fall Prep for Your HVAC
September 8th, 2025Preparing for Fall Heating With Four Simple Tips
August 25th, 2025As summer winds down and crisp fall weather approaches, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your home’s heating system. The last thing any homeowner wants is to switch on the furnace during the first chilly night only to discover it’s not working properly.
Preparing now can help you avoid costly breakdowns, improve efficiency, and ensure a warm, comfortable home all season long. Here are four simple tips to get your heating system ready for fall.
Back to School is Better With Our White Glove Club Membership
August 11th, 2025Back-to-school season is always a whirlwind. Between packing lunches, managing new schedules, school drop-offs, and extracurriculars, your to-do list is already overflowing. The last thing you want is to deal with a broken furnace, clogged drain, or noisy AC unit right as life kicks back into high gear.
That’s where our team comes in—with a solution that gives your family comfort, peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about: our White Glove Club Membership. This isn’t just your average maintenance plan—it’s a smarter, more convenient way to stay on top of your HVAC and plumbing systems while getting exclusive perks, year-round protection, and the VIP treatment your home deserves.
Four Ways a Dehumidifier Boosts Indoor Air Quality
July 28th, 2025Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside? One of the lesser-known culprits behind poor indoor air quality is excess humidity. When humidity levels rise above 50%, your home becomes a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, and bacteria—making the air you breathe uncomfortable and even hazardous.
That’s where a dehumidifier comes in. Whether used as a standalone appliance or integrated with your HVAC system, a dehumidifier can significantly improve the health and comfort of your indoor environment. Let’s explore four key ways it boosts your indoor air quality.
Heat Safety Tips for Pets
July 14th, 2025As 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.
Now Is the Time to Prioritize AC Service Ahead of Higher Demand
June 23rd, 2025As 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.
How to Know When It’s Time to Make the Call for Emergency HVAC Service
June 9th, 2025
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.
Electrical Safety: Risks of Outdated Equipment
May 26th, 2025
May is Electrical Safety Month, and there’s no better time to shine a light on one of the most overlooked safety hazards in your home—your electrical panel. If your home still uses an outdated fuse box or an older circuit breaker panel, you could be at risk for serious problems, including electrical fires, power outages, and overloaded circuits.
While it may be out of sight, your electrical panel is the central hub for all electricity in your home, and it needs to be up to date to keep pace with today’s power demands. Modern life requires more electricity than ever before, and an outdated system simply isn’t equipped to handle it. Let’s explore the risks of outdated electrical equipment and how upgrading your panel can improve both safety and functionality.
Preventative Care Is the Secret Sauce That Helps Your AC Work at Its Best
May 12th, 2025
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.
Testing Your Tap Water
April 28th, 2025
You pour a glass of water from the tap expecting something clean, refreshing, and safe—but have you ever stopped to think about what else might be flowing through your pipes? While most municipal water supplies meet legal safety standards, they can still carry a range of unwanted contaminants.
If you’ve never taken the time to test your tap water, you might be surprised by what you find. Schedule an appointment with our team for water testing and learn more about whole-house solutions for cleaning your water and improving overall water quality.