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.
Althoff Home Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Residential Heating’
From Sunburn to System Burnout: Fall Prep for Your HVAC
Monday, September 8th, 2025Preparing for Fall Heating With Four Simple Tips
Monday, 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.
The Importance of Professional HVAC Maintenance
Monday, February 24th, 2025
You probably know that HVAC maintenance is recommended for your system whether you have a heater, heat pump, or air conditioner. But do you understand exactly how important this valuable service is? You can keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the importance of investing in professional service for your HVAC system on an annual basis.
It’s easy to look at this service as optional and consider it more of an expense than an investment. But when you understand how a tune-up works and what makes it such a big deal, you’ll definitely want to get on our schedule for HVAC maintenance in Crystal Lake, IL. When you’re ready, give us a call and we will get you an appointment.
4 Common Furnace Repair Problems
Monday, January 27th, 2025
When your furnace is having problems operating, it may be showing signs of strain. Being able to identify these problems early is the best way to stay ahead of them and prevent a total furnace breakdown or lasting damage. Just give us a call when your furnace won’t turn on in Crystal Lake.
We can visit your home for a service appointment and get down to the root of the problem. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the signs of furnace problems so you can get them fixed sooner rather than later. For more urgent situations, here’s everything about emergency furnace repair services.
Oh No! Why Won’t Your Furnace Turn On?
Monday, January 13th, 2025
If your furnace won’t turn on automatically, you may feel as though you’ve been left shivering in the cold. Contributing problems can range from thermostat malfunctions to ignition system failures and many other potential causes in between.
The good news is that our team is here to help! You can keep reading to learn more about why your furnace may not turn on automatically and how to get it back to working like normal again. After all, a furnace not turning on automatically in Hinsdale can be alarming.
What’s That Noise? 5 Furnace Sounds and What They Mean
Monday, September 23rd, 2024
As we gear up for the fall and winter seasons, it’s time to turn your furnace on and begin heating your home up. Temperatures are beginning to dip lower and you want to make sure your heater is ready to stand up to the challenge of heating your home.
But if your furnace is making unusual noises, you may have doubts about how well it will do. You can give our team a call for a furnace tune-up in Hawthorn Woods. In the meantime, keep reading to you learn about some unusual furnace noises and what they might mean for your heating system.
Common Signs Your Heater Needs to Be Repaired
Monday, March 25th, 2024
Heater problems are not always loud or obvious. Sometimes they are quiet or even completely silent. When you can identify the quieter signs that your heater is having problems with operation, you can schedule service sooner rather than later.
And when you need heating service in Barrington, IL, you can call our team. We are always here to help, even if it is just answering your questions about heater concerns. If you’re still unsure what to look for, here’s how to spot heater problems.
Last-Minute HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Checklist Before a Severe Snowstorm Lands
Monday, January 15th, 2024
With bad weather heading into our area, we want to make sure that you are prepared. Even if you have reviewed checklists like this before, it’s always great to have a refresher right before a storm.
Whether you need plumbing, electrical, or furnace service in Hinsdale, IL, our team is here to help. You can review the checklist below to learn more about ways to prepare your home for a snowstorm. Then give our team a call you have any concerns or need service now or after the storm.
Key Signs of Boiler Repair You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Monday, December 18th, 2023
Boilers are excellent heating systems and very well known for their durability. But when boilers do have problems, they can be very significant. You want to identify the signs of serious boiler problems early so that you can reduce the impact to your home and family.
When you need boiler repair in Mundelein, IL, give our team a call to schedule service. Even if you are only scheduling service because you think something may be wrong with your boiler but you’re not sure what it is, we are here to help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can keep reading to learn more about the signs of boiler problems and what could potentially be wrong.
Feeling a Bit Frigid? Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Furnace Repair
Monday, January 18th, 2021A cold winter night can quickly escalate if the furnace in your home unexpectedly stops working. While you may be able to throw on an extra blanket or sweatshirt in some cases, a malfunctioning furnace has the potential to cause several problems.
If your furnace is experiencing any serious issues, you may want to enlist the emergency services of a furnace repair company. As one of the most critical appliances in your home, it’s important to keep track of how well your furnace is working, especially during the frigid winter months. For guidance on staying prepared, check out how to keep your furnace safe.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency furnace repair services are best for situations that require an immediate response. They are also perfect for situations that occur after hours or over the holidays.
- If your furnace is repeatedly cycling on-and-off or simply won’t turn on, then it probably needs repairs. Other signs that a professional should come take a look include strange noises, smells, and poor heat output.
- Before calling emergency services, you should check to make sure that your thermostat is working properly and that power is being supplied to your furnace. You should also check the air filter to ensure that it is not clogged.
- Some furnaces run on batteries or flash codes to diagnose the problem. Check your owner’s manual to determine what these codes mean.
- If you are in need of emergency furnace repairs, Althoff Industries has got you covered! Check out our services page or call our emergency hotline at (815) 455-7000.
Difference Between Standard Furnace Repair and Emergency Furnace Repair
Before you call upon emergency furnace repair services, you need to determine whether your situation is an emergency or not. The following are the most common reasons that people require emergency services.
- You need a quick response
- You need after-hours service
- You need service on a holiday
You Need a Quick Response
If your heating system needs immediate maintenance, emergency services are probably your best bet, as they can typically handle the situation within a few hours.
You Need After-Hours Service
If your furnace is experiencing issues, and they’re happening after regular business hours, an emergency furnace repair service team will be ready to assist you.
You Need Service on a Holiday
Having a furnace blow out on a holiday can really put a damper on things. If this happens to you, an emergency heating technician will be ready to respond as quickly as possible.
Not a lot of businesses are open on the holidays or at night. Fortunately, Althoff Industries’ emergency heating and air conditioning repair services are available at any time, no matter what day it is. Give us a call at (815) 455-7000, and we’ll be there to help!
Signs That Your Furnace Needs Repairs
There are several signs that your furnace may need repairs.
- You are hearing strange noises
- You are smelling strange odors
- Your furnace is outputting very little heat
- Your furnace is cycling on and off abnormally fast
- Your furnace will not turn on at all
Strange Noises
Strange noises are a sign that your furnace is not functioning properly. If you hear any tapping or banging sounds, then you will definitely want to have your furnace checked by a professional. However, if you hear other, more intense sounds, such as screeching, you may want to utilize emergency HVAC services.
Strange Smells
If you smell gas, then you most likely have a natural gas leak. This is an issue that should be addressed immediately. Other smells to look out for include smoke, chemicals, or burning plastic. If you smell any of these, then contact emergency repair services immediately. For more safety tips, read about preventing furnace carbon monoxide exposure.
Poor Heat Output
Many people turn the thermostat up a few degrees to keep warm when the temperature outside is frigid. However, if you find yourself continuously turning up the thermostat and still unable to get warm, your furnace may be malfunctioning.
Fast Cycling
A furnace that turns on and off quickly is said to have a fast cycling issue. If you find this is happening with your furnace, it may be experiencing problems.
Furnace Is Not Running at All
If your furnace is not turning on at all, and you have tried all the troubleshooting steps, your best bet is to call an HVAC repair company.
Recommended Read: 5 Furnace Problems You Don’t Want to Have at the Start of Winter
What You Should Do Before Calling Emergency Furnace Repair Services
Most people who think they have issues with their furnace during the winter months will immediately call and arrange emergency furnace repair services. However, there are a few quick troubleshooting tips to consider before calling emergency repair services.
- Check your thermostat
- Check for power issues
- Check your HVAC system’s air filter
- Check your furnace’s batteries (if it uses them)
- Check your furnace’s code
Check the Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is set to “HEAT.” This is the first thing you should check if your furnace is having issues. In most instances, this should solve the problem. It may take a minute or two for the fan to turn on and the heat to kick in.
Check for Power Issues
If your furnace is operating on electricity, check the thermostat’s fan switch, which is typically set to “ON” or “AUTO.” The “AUTO” setting ensures that the fan will turn on as soon as the furnace is switched on.
If the fan turns on after turning the switch to “ON,” you can rule out any power-related issues. Additionally, check your circuit breaker to ensure that everything is working properly.
Check the Air Filter
Filter-related failures are among the most common problems with furnaces. The filter is intended to clean the air that goes into the furnace and the hot air that goes into the home. If it is clogged or dirty, the airflow can become compromised, leading to pressure and heat build-up in the furnace.
Recommended Read: How You Can Avoid Air Conditioner Airflow Problems
Check the Batteries
While most furnaces are connected to the home electrical grid, some furnaces use batteries. If your furnace uses batteries, check the low-battery indicator to determine if the batteries should be changed.
Check the Furnace Code
Depending on when your furnace was manufactured, it may have a small window where you can see a light indicating whether the furnace is powered. It might also flash a “code” to let you know exactly what’s going on. If your furnace is displaying a code, refer to your owner’s manual to determine what the code means.
Call Althoff Industries Today for Professional Furnace Repair Services in the Chicago Area
We hope these tips provide you with everything you need to identify your furnace repair and troubleshoot any heating problems you may be having. Above all, it’s critical that you don’t miss any annual maintenance service appointment for your furnace.
Many of the aforementioned issues can be identified and corrected during a yearly maintenance appointment, ensuring no loss in heating and cost-saving performance year-round. However, if you are experiencing any problems with your furnace, we can help.
At Althoff Industries, we provide 24-hour emergency furnace repair services in the Chicago area and standard maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation services. If your furnace isn’t working the way you know it should, you can trust our team of reliable, skilled, and licensed HVAC technicians to restore your furnace to working condition. To better understand the benefits of professional maintenance, check out the importance of professional HVAC maintenance.
With two locations that can offer quick service to Chicago residents, you can be sure that Althoff Industries will do whatever it takes to repair your furnace and bring back warmth to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When does my furnace issue warrant emergency repair?
Answer: You need emergency service if your furnace repeatedly cycles on and off, won’t turn on, makes strange noises, emits odd smells, or fails to deliver adequate heat. Emergency services are also ideal for after-hours and holiday breakdowns.
Question: What quick checks should I do before calling for emergency help?
Answer: First, verify your thermostat is set to “HEAT.” Then check power by switching the fan to “ON” and inspecting the circuit breaker. Also inspect the air filter for clogs, change furnace batteries if needed, and consult your manual for diagnostic codes.
Question: What are the most common warning signs of furnace failure?
Answer: Key signs include unusual sounds (like tapping, banging, or screeching), strange odors (such as gas, smoke, or burning plastic), poor heat output, fast on/off cycling, or complete lack of function.
Question: How do emergency furnace repair services differ from standard repair?
Answer: Emergency services offer quick response, even after hours or during holidays, typically within a few hours. Standard repair may not be available immediately and usually applies during regular business hours.
Question: Why does skipping regular maintenance make emergency breakdowns more likely?
Answer: Regular annual maintenance can catch minor issues, like filter clogs or component wear, before they cause serious breakdowns. Skipping these checks can degrade performance and increase the chance of inconvenient, costly emergencies.
Take a look at our emergency furnace repair services!
or
Call (815) 455-7000 to request our emergency repair services!