Althoff Home Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Residential HVAC’

Now Is the Time to Prioritize AC Service Ahead of Higher Demand

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

As 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.

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Last Chance for Deal of the Year Savings

Monday, March 24th, 2025

If you’re on the lookout for incredible savings on home services, you definitely want to pay attention because this is your last chance for Althoff’s Deal of the Year Savings. This post explains how you can take advantage of exclusive offers and premium service memberships to ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient — all while saving money. 

Keep reading to learn more about the unbeatable deals and how they can transform your home maintenance experience. Then give us a call to schedule your in-home consultation ahead of the summer season.

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Members Save More During Deal of the Year

Monday, March 10th, 2025

At Althoff Industries, we believe in rewarding our loyal customers, and there’s no better time to take advantage of incredible savings than during our Deal of the Year! This exclusive offer is designed to provide members of our White Glove Club with unbeatable discounts, priority service, and year-round comfort. 

If you’re not a member yet, now is the perfect time to join and maximize your savings while ensuring your home’s heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems remain in top shape. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of membership both now and into the future. 

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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.

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Does Your New HVAC Require a New Thermostat?

Monday, May 20th, 2024

If you are installing a new HVAC system in your home, it’s a good idea to go ahead and consider upgrading your thermostat as well. Technology changes quickly, and newer thermostats offer a variety of benefits that an older thermostat simply does not have.

Give our team a call when you’re ready for an HVAC installation in Hinsdale, and we can assess your thermostat needs as well. You can also keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your existing thermostat is outdated and when you might want to consider a thermostat upgrade. 

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Pros and Cons of a Ductless Mini Split

Monday, May 6th, 2024

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a ductless mini split, excellent choice! Ductless mini splits offer a variety of benefits that can make the units very worthwhile. However, there are also some downsides to consider before you make the investment in this type of HVAC system.

You can keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of having a ductless mini split installed in your home. Then give our team a call if you have any further questions or want to schedule an appointment for ductless mini splits in Hinsdale.

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Your Heat Pump May Be Locked in This Mode

Monday, February 26th, 2024

It’s possible that your heat pump works great all winter long for heating, but then won’t switch modes over to cooling in the spring. This is a common problem with heat pumps and nothing to panic about. Usually, the reversing valve is stuck in one position or the other, and won’t allow your heat pump to alternate between heating and cooling.

When this happens, you need to call our team and schedule a heat pump repair in Crystal Lake, IL. You can keep reading to learn more about heat pump reversing valve problems and what we can do to fix your heat pump if it is stuck and heating mode.

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What Happens During Central Air Conditioner Maintenance?

Monday, June 19th, 2023
Outdoor central air conditioning unit next to a brick house, indicating central air conditioning repair needs.

If you haven’t already scheduled air conditioner maintenance this year, now is as good of a time as any. It’s always better to schedule AC maintenance when it is convenient for you rather than skipping it altogether.

When you are new to central air conditioner maintenance in Lake Zurich, IL, you may be wondering what to expect during an appointment with our technicians. You can keep reading to learn more about an air conditioning maintenance appointment so you know what to expect. Then, give our team a call to schedule your appointment before summer is over. In the meantime, learn 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money and boosts system performance.

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Feeling a Bit Frigid? Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Furnace Repair

Monday, January 18th, 2021

A 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.

Smartphone displaying an emergency 24/7 call screen, indicating emergency AC repair services.

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.

Take a look at our emergency furnace repair services!

or

Call (815) 455-7000 to request our emergency repair services!

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5 Furnace Problems You Don’t Want to Have at the Start of Winter

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

There’s no worse feeling than waking up in the middle of the night to your entire house feeling like it’s a refrigerator. Let me guess, you usually fix this issue by pulling up the bedcovers and turning up your space heater. However, a cold house could mean that you’re having furnace problems.

Luckily, troubleshooting and fixing your furnace typically only requires a little elbow grease and some DIY experience. However, when it comes to more serious issues, make sure to call a professional. They can take care of the problem swiftly and efficiently. For more information on recognizing serious issues, read about common furnace repair problems and how to handle them.

Cold woman wrapped in a blue blanket on a couch, suggesting heating and air conditioning repair is needed.

Key Takeaways


  • If you notice that your furnace is not working properly, first check the thermostat, then the breaker, then the air filters.
  • If you can’t diagnose an easy fix to the problem, then you need to contact a professional furnace repair and maintenance company.
  • Check your furnace regularly, change the air filters every three months, and schedule yearly tune-ups to make sure your furnace lasts a long time!
  • Althoff Industries offers 24-hour emergency service to residents of Chicago and the surrounding areas. Call our emergency hotline number at (815) 455-7000!

Top 5 Furnace Issues to Avoid

Some of the most common furnace problems happen more frequently than others and, in some instances, are relatively easy to fix. Take a look at some of the most common furnace problems below.

1. Your Furnace Is Not Producing Enough Heat

Your furnace’s primary job is to circulate warm air throughout your home. While a furnace that is failing to generate heat is a cause for concern, the problem could actually be with your thermostat. In addition, dirty filters can prevent the flow of heat in your home. Check the thermostat or air filter to see if either one of them is the problem.

2. Your Furnace Is Repeatedly Turning On and Off

As your furnace heats your home, it typically cycles on and off to keep the temperature at the desired level. If you find that your furnace is repeatedly switching on and off or it is only working for a few minutes at a time, your problem may be a clogged filter.

3. Your Furnace Is Not Turning on Automatically

If all is well and good, your furnace will turn on and generate heat as soon as it receives a signal from the thermostat. However, if you’ve found that it doesn’t promptly turn on, try checking your breaker box. Flipping the furnace safety switch may solve the problem.

4. Your Furnace Just Plain Stopped Working

If your furnace isn’t heating your home at all, it could be a problem with your boiler or thermostat. If you can’t determine the issue, then you should call a professional to come repair or replace your furnace. Nobody wants to be stuck in the middle of winter with a faulty furnace!

5. Odd Noises Are Coming From Your Furnace

Any instances of squeaking, rumbling, scratching, or rattling noises coming from your furnace are all indicators of a mechanical problem. Most furnaces will create some slight noise, as they run continuously. However, if you notice anything that sounds blatantly noticeable, you should call an emergency furnace repair service to schedule an inspection. You might be hearing sounds described in furnace warning signs that indicate the need for professional attention.

Smart Furnace Maintenance Tips

While there are times when a furnace problem needs the attention of an experienced technician, in other situations, the problem might be something that could be prevented in the future. If you start to notice problems, run through these basic furnace troubleshooting measures to see if it’s a problem you can fix on your own.

Replace the Air Filters Every Three Months

A clogged filter can have a drastic impact on your furnace’s ability to do its job. Luckily, changing the filter is one of the easiest, albeit most important, maintenance tasks you can perform. Replacing the filter every three months can increase indoor air quality and extend the life of the furnace. If it’s been a while since you inspected the air filter, it may be a good idea to replace it with a new one.

Furnace maintenance with hand removing dirty filter

Regularly Check Your Unit When It’s Not in Use

Even when not in use, power up your furnace at least once every season to ensure that it is working properly. Switching on the furnace will help you detect any underlying issues, such as excessive dust in the filters, which can restrict airflow. If you notice anything serious, then you should contact a professional.

Clean the Vents and Ducts

Ensure that all vents and registers are open and that nothing is obstructing the vents to ensure proper airflow and circulation in your home. Additionally, cleaning the ductwork will help keep the furnace running correctly and avoid potential damage.

Schedule Routine Maintenance With an HVAC Professional

Lastly, you should have an HVAC specialist inspect, test, and perform maintenance on your home heating system every year. Regular maintenance will help increase your furnace’s performance and prolong its lifespan. For detailed tips on how to keep your furnace safe and efficient, make sure to review seasonal care strategies recommended by professionals.

The Best 24-Hour Furnace Repair Service in Chicago

Althoff Industries has served the residents of Chicago and the surrounding areas since 1961. With our team of qualified and certified furnace repair technicians, we can inspect your furnace, diagnose any problems, and let you know what repairs need to be made.

If your furnace isn’t heating your home the way it should, or you think there may be another problem, give us a call today. One of our certified and reliable technicians will get your furnace back up and running in no time.

Call Althoff Industries’ emergency hotline number at (815) 455-7000. We’ll be there as soon as we can!

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