Althoff Home Services Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

How to Select the Correct SEER Rating for Your Residential Air Conditioner

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

When faced with replacing the air conditioner of your Chicago area home, you will likely have to make a decision on a SEER rating for your unit. The challenge is, many don’t know what a SEER rating is let alone how it is used in selecting the best system for your home. For those experienced in such matters, you can take a pass on this blog. If, however, you would like to know what a SEER rating is, how it is determined, and how to use it in the selection of the best AC unit for your space, we encourage you to read on.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. On a simple level, a SEER rating is used to help determine the efficiency of an air conditioning unit. How a SEER rating is tabulated is a bit more complex, however. Technically, it is the cooling output that a unit or system generates during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input it consumes during that same period. An easy way to look a SEER rating is like the MPG rating on your car. The higher the mileage rating your car has, the more efficiently it uses gas. The higher your SEER rating, at least in theory, the more efficiently your AC uses electricity to cool air. Keep in mind, when choosing a car that gets the highest mileage, you may be making sacrifices in other areas like size, comfort, and power. Likewise, there are ramifications to just choosing an air conditioner based on its SEER rating.

Other Factors to Consider

Like federal mileage standards, the government also has minimum standards on SEER ratings. While there are variables according to region and size of the system, the minimum federal SEER rating a system can now generally have is 14. That number will likely continue to increase. Before you go and purchase the highest rated system you can find, however, you may first want to work on improving your home’s thermal rating. You can do this in multiple ways including:

  • Improving the insulation value of windows
  • Insulating and sealing ductwork
  • Install an attic fan
  • Improve insulation in ceilings and walls
  • Improve the radiant quality of your roofing
  • Use landscaping to increase shade on your property

You also should consider how long you may live in your home. A more efficient system will cost more so living in your home longer will produce a greater return. If you will be selling your home in a couple of years, the extra investment of a higher rated unit may not get you a return on investment.

If you are replacing an older AC unit that has an 8-10 SEER rating, you will likely be happy with what you get in a 14 SEER rated system. Many of our clients are often astonished at the difference it makes in their electric bill. When combined with some improvements in their home’s thermal rating and an even more efficient system, the results can be even more impressive. It is wise to discuss your situation with your local HVAC professional.

Contact Althoff Industries for the Advice You Need

If you are considering a new AC unit for your Chicago area home or business, we encourage you to contact us. We’ll discuss your home, lifestyle, and your expectation of your new AC system. We’ll talk about how long you may live in your home and help you select a system with the SEER rating that will give you your best ROI. You don’t have to go it alone. Get the help you need from the team who has made indoor air treatment our profession.

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14 Smart Tips to Lower Summer Cooling Bills

Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

Most of us in the greater Chicago area are glad to see the summer months arrive. It means the return of baseball, vacations, and trips to the beach. One thing though that summer brings that is not so welcome is the higher summer cooling bills. You are not helpless, however, in fact, far from it. From investing in solar panels to using energy saving LED lighting, there are plenty of steps you can take to be more energy efficient which in turn helps reduce summer cooling and electric bills. Here are 14 obvious, and some not-so-obvious, tips to save on your summer cooling bills.

  1. Consider a new HVAC system. We know, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. In the case of your HVAC system, however, a new high-efficiency system can actually reduce bills by 50% or more. It doesn’t take long to realize significant savings with efficiency ratings like those now available.
  2. Get rid of energy-gobbling appliances. Have a 15 or 20-year-old refrigerator in your garage for beverages? Odds are that refrigerator costs more to run over a few months than it is worth. Buy a small energy efficient dorm room size refrigerator if you need the space.
  3. Turn off fans in rooms where no one is spending time. Fans serve to move air and cool the skin. Moving the air in an empty room just isn’t an efficient use of electricity.
  4. Use room darkening blinds or curtains. You’ll be surprised at the difference window treatments can make in cooling a room, especially on westward facing windows.
  5. Switch to LED lighting. Not only does LED lighting use minimal electricity, it doesn’t give off any unnecessary additional heat into your living space. They are perhaps the most energy efficient device for your home available today.
  6. Consider how landscaping can help. A properly positioned tree can provide years of cooling shade. Bushes can deflect the heat that your outside brick may otherwise absorb. Grass disburses heat better than concrete. Landscaping is a terrific, natural way to reduce summer cooling bills.
  7. Look into solar options. You don’t have to have a solar farm built in your backyard or on your roof to take advantage of solar energy. You can start small, like with a solar water heater or outdoor lighting. As you realize savings you may be encouraged to do more!
  8. Make sure your AC units, duct work, and filters are clean. Make sure your outdoor AC unit has room to breath and is free from debris. Change filters at least every three months and have duct work cleaned annually.
  9. Have you thought about awnings? Awnings can save energy, add to the appearance of your home and create outdoor living space. Contemporary options are more appealing than ever.
  10. Be on the look out for energy thieves. We use so many electronic devices we may not even be aware they are constantly using energy. These include charging cell phones, laptops, computers, printers, electric shavers, TVs, clock radios and others. Make sure both the unit and charger is unplugged when charging is complete and unplug devices in spare rooms.
  11. Un-condition yourself. We call it air conditioning but we are really conditioning ourselves to be less resilient in uncomfortable temperatures. Make the effort to “un-condition” yourself by increasing the temp in your home or car. You do realize air conditioning wasn’t even invented until 1902 and people did live without it, right? You may not want to go to that extreme but you can increase your use of fans and use less AC.
  12. Make your HVAC system “smarter”. There are plenty of smart home devices to help you take charge of when your AC system is operating. Does it make sense to have your home cooled to 72 degrees for hour after hour when no one is home?
  13. Improve your insulation. You don’t have to go the whole house route but increase an area each year. Make sure doors and windows are sealed as are electrical sockets. Work on the area above the garage this year, in the attic next year. Just keep making progress!
  14. Price energy efficient windows. Not only can new windows save on your cooling and heating bills, but you’ll probably find they make your home quieter and more comfortable. A window and door company should be able to provide you with your approximate energy savings upon installation to help you make your decision.

It can be quite liberating to see your summer cooling bills get smaller, so get started today. If we can be of assistance, please contact us at Althoff Industries.

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How You Can Avoid Air Conditioner Air Flow Problems

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

A lack of air flow is one of the most common problems your heating and cooling system can have. This issue can manifest itself in several ways. Luckily, there are also several ways to address air flow problems and prevent them in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • A malfunctioning HVAC system can lead to problems with your air flow, heating, cooling, and indoor air quality.
  • Signs that your AC is having issues include hot or cold spots, air pressure imbalance, lack of air coming from your air ducts, and air that is too warm.
  • The most common cause of air flow issues is an improperly installed air filter. Check the arrow on your filter to make sure it is facing the correct direction. Additionally, if it is clogged with dust and debris, then it should be replaced.
  • Other common causes for air flow problems include obstructions to your condensing unit, dirty fans or coils, a faulty thermostat, and refrigerant leaks.
  • Some of these issues can be fixed by cleaning dirty parts or removing obstructions. Others should only be handled by professionals.
  • Althoff Industries offers 24-hour emergency HVAC repair services and regularly-scheduled maintenance! Call our emergency hotline at (815) 455-7000.

Signs That You Are Having Air Flow Issues

There are a few telltale signs that your heating and air conditioning are having air flow issues:

  • Random hot and cold spots throughout the rooms in your home
  • Air pressure imbalance (i.e. doors closing randomly, whistling noises)
  • Lack of air coming from your vents
  • Your AC is blowing warm air

If you notice any of these issues, then your HVAC system is likely having problems.

Dirty or Improperly Installed Air Filter

The most common cause of air flow issues is an air filter that has been installed incorrectly or is dirty and clogged. One end of the air filter “breathes” fresh air through, while the other end traps dust and debris and prevents it from dispersing throughout your property. If the air filter has been installed backwards, it will inhibit the air flow through your HVAC system. This will cause it to work less efficiently and could even lead to serious damage in your system. If you notice any of the aforementioned issues, then the first thing you should do is check your filter.

When replacing your air filter (or checking to make sure it is installed properly), make sure to look for the arrow! Generally, air filters are manufactured with arrows printed on the side, showing the proper direction of air flow. The confusion can come from understanding which direction the air flow is going into your system.

Air flows into your HVAC system from your supply ducts, usually larger rectangular shaped ductwork that is attached near the bottom of your HVAC unit. Air flows out of this ductwork into your HVAC system toward the blower. Therefore, the arrow on the side of the filter should point away from the ductwork toward your HVAC unit. The ductwork is where the air is coming from, so you don’t want the arrow pointing in that direction.

We’ve produced a short, simple demonstration of the correct installation position of an air filter that you can view in less than 60 seconds.

Not only should you check to make sure that the filter is facing the correct direction, but you should also make sure that it is not overly clogged with dust and debris. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your air filter every month or so. You should also be aware that while “thicker” filters may trap more particulate matter, they too, can inhibit air flow.

Other Causes of HVAC Air Flow Issues

If your air filter is facing the correct direction and doesn’t need to be replaced, then you most likely have a different problem. There are several other potential causes of air flow issues within your HVAC system.

  • Obstructed condenser unit
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Grimy or broken fans
  • Dirty coils
  • Low refrigerant levels

Obstructed Condenser Unit

Your AC system’s condenser unit is typically found outside your house. These units can become obstructed by fallen leaves, dust, and debris if no attention is paid to them. If this happens, your condensing unit can overheat and fail to work properly. You can easily remedy this issue by removing obstructions and cleaning the unit.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A faulty thermostat is one of the leading causes of problems with your HVAC system. Most people just don’t realize it. The issue could be fixed by changing the batteries, or you may have to replace the thermostat altogether.

Either way, this is one of the easiest problems to solve. An HVAC repair and maintenance company can replace the thermostat if you do not feel comfortable.

Grimy or Broken Fans

Your HVAC unit uses fans to blow air through your air ducts and circulate it throughout the rest of your property. If a fan is sluggish, this can impede the flow of air. Most of the time, all you need to do is give it a good old-fashioned cleaning. However, if your fan is old and is not working, you may have to replace it altogether.

Dirty Coils

Your HVAC system’s condenser coil releases the heat that has been removed from your property. If it is not working properly, then heat will get trapped in your home. Needless to say, on a hot summer day, this is not fun!

The condenser coil is located outside, so it’s easy for it to get dirty. Make sure to give it a thorough cleaning and check it occasionally to prevent it from happening again.

Low Refrigerant Levels

This is one of the most common problems with HVAC systems. If your AC unit’s refrigeration levels are low, then it may be leaking. Low levels of refrigerant can lead to a drastic decrease in your indoor air quality. An HVAC repair and maintenance company can inspect your air conditioner for leaks, repair them, and bring its refrigeration levels back to normal.

Althoff Industries Is the Go-To Company for HVAC Repairs and Maintenance!

Althoff Industries has been servicing Chicago and the surrounding areas for many years. We offer 24-hour emergency service to those in need. Whether your air conditioner or furnace breaks down entirely, or you have noticed a decline in its performance, call our emergency hotline number at (815) 455-7000.

In addition to air conditioner and furnace repair, we can completely replace your system if it is not up to snuff. You can also schedule regular tune-ups and maintenance to ensure that your HVAC system continues to function for years to come.

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Do I Need a Humidifier In My Home?

Wednesday, June 21st, 2017

If you feel something isn’t quite right about the air quality in your home, determining the best route back to optimal functionality can be a complicated process. While it’s true that weather and climate have a significant impact on indoor air quality, there are numerous other factors you need to consider.

Even when the solution seems obvious, it is important to do your research before installing any indoor air treatments like a humidifier in your home.

If you choose to skip this step, you can wind up creating a much larger problem than you had when you started. Sometimes, those problems can even turn out to be hazardous to your health.

When in doubt, it is always better to ask a specialist. In this article, we’ll identify some of the best indicators humidity levels are not where they should be. From dry air during the winter months, to sticky, uncomfortable indoor air in the summer–this is your guide to understanding whether you need a humidifier (or some other indoor air treatment) in your home.

Too Much Moisture or Not Enough?

To simplify things for you, below are some signs to help identify whether your moisture levels are too high or too low.

Indicators of High Humidity

Summer air in the Midwest can be especially humid. It is not uncommon for moisture in the air to reach humidity levels of 75% and above. When there is excess condensation in the air inside your home, you may notice a sticky, moist, or clammy feel. At a more advanced phase, you may even detect a musty odor.

When left unchecked, high moisture air quality can create an environment perfect for the growth of unwanted nuisances such as pests, dust mites, bacteria, and even viruses.

Signs of Low-Moisture or Dry Air

During the colder months of the year, the opposite begins to happen. Instead of becoming sticky and moist, the air starts to feel dry. As temperatures drop, the cold air loses its ability to hold onto as much moisture.

This lack of humidity in the air comes with a host of potential health problems, commonly related to the respiratory system. If you live in an environment that enjoys all four seasons or has a traditionally dry climate, you’re likely no stranger to these symptoms.

Some of them include:

  • Chronic runny nose
  • Asthma or allergy flare-ups
  • Dry skin and nasal passages
  • Increased static in hair and electric shocks when touching people or objects
  • Bloody noses
  • Sinus congestion

Among these, an unexplained early morning cough, dry throat, or dry mouth are all indications you may be exposing yourself to dry air. All of these variables have the potential to impact your health significantly and can exacerbate or worsen existing respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma.

Solutions for Improving Air Quality

When you’ve identified your indoor moisture levels, you can start exploring potential solutions.

When Humidity Is Too Low

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are consistent with dry air, you will want to incorporate a solution that adds moisture in the air. Chiefly, a whole-home humidifier.

What Is a Humidifier?

Humidifiers are moisture increasing devices known to help relieve dry climate and wintertime symptoms by, at the most basic level, adding water vapor to the air.

Humidifiers can protect your body from the effects of dry air, but they can also be beneficial for proper maintenance of indoor finishes and structures.

Hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and hardwood moldings are just a few of the fixtures that can commonly become damaged due to excessively dry air.

To get the best results–and quality for your investment–you should choose a humidifier that is best suited to your personalized conditions and environment.

Types of Humidifiers

Central humidifiers or whole-home humidifiers are designed to improve moisture throughout your entire home. If you want to reduce or even eliminate the problems associated with dry indoor air, this is the most effective option. Because of its efficiency, it is more expensive than alternatives but more effective.

Steam humidifiers or vaporizers convert water into steam to add more moisture to indoor air. These humidifiers are beneficial, even in homes where much humidity is needed to keep levels balanced.

Bypass humidifiers connect directly to your HVAC system. These units use the blower motor of your furnace to force air through a water panel, which adds moisture. The motor then circulates the treated air back into the rest of your home.

Fan-powered humidifiers connect with your HVAC system, as well. Through the use of a built-in motor, fan-powered humidifiers work by pulling air into the unit and through a water panel, where water is added and redistributed with increased humidity. These can work as standalone units without an HVAC system as well, which lowers energy consumption.

Not super interested in the different makes and models of humidifiers?

Don’t let the task of choosing the right humidifier keep you with dry sinuses and itchy skin for the duration of the winter season. Instead, look for a team of air quality experts to help you find the best product to suit your household, budget, comfort, and personalized needs.

With qualified technicians like the team at Althoff by your side, you can enjoy the comfort of knowing they can install the equipment correctly.

Why Althoff Industries

Our goal is to bring our customers superior indoor air quality.

We understand that your system must work efficiently to maintain the comfort of your home. It must help clean, heat, and cool your indoor air while reducing indoor humidity through the steamy summer months and adding moisture to the air during the cold Chicago winters.

We specialize in creating solutions to maximize your savings without compromising comfort.

Since 1961, we’ve been serving Chicago area businesses, industries, apartment and condominium and single-family homeowners with a range of services including the installation of humidifiers.

Schedule an appointment today and discover the difference we can make in your indoor air quality and comfort. We look forward to assisting you!

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4 Important Benefits of Air Conditioning Filter Maintenance

Tuesday, June 6th, 2017

One the easiest, least expensive and most beneficial ways to keep your air conditioner humming along through the summer season is through changing the air conditioning filter and through regular air filter maintenance. Yet, it is amazing how often our HVAC technicians will see an air conditioner filter that has been ignored for far too long. Changing your air conditioner filter is particularly important if you have pets or there is a smoker in your home. Here are four benefits of air conditioning filter maintenance.

  1. Improve the life of your air conditioning unit. A dirty air conditioner filter makes it hard for your air conditioner to handle air which, in turn, causes increased wear. With regular filter maintenance, you can help your unit breathe easier and extend its life. Dirt and lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of HVAC failure and extending the life of your unit starts with a clean air conditioner filter.
  2. Better energy efficiency. If you see your utility bills increasing and think there isn’t anything you can do about it, changing an air conditioning filter is a simple first step. Compared to the energy saved, and new air conditioning filter can more than pay for itself.
  3. Overall quality of air in your home. Your home will smell better, have less dust and even reduced allergens when you keep a clean air conditioner filter. This can actually help your family breathe and feel better. You also may find yourself dusting in your home a little less often when filters are changed regularly.
  4. Helps keep ductwork cleaner. Concerned about the build up of dust and dirt in your ductwork?. Keeping air conditioning filters clean can contribute to cleaner ductwork.

How Often Should Filters Be Changed?

So, how often should you have your air conditioner filter changed? For many, changing filters seasonally in the fall and spring seem to be the routine. For peak benefits, however, air filter maintenance should actually occur monthly. At the very least, filters should be clean or changed every three months. Thanks goodness it is an easy to accomplish, very affordable task.

Proper Maintenance of Your Entire HVAC System

Air filter maintenance and air conditioner filter changes are just a part of a complete HVAC system maintenance program that can help extend the life of your system and make sure it is operating efficiently. If it has been far too long since you have had a system tune-up, see the difference a call to Althoff Industries can make. We serve the Northwest Chicago area with superior HVAC services for families just like yours. Call us today and preserve the life of your HVAC system.

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What’s that Smell? Innocent vs. Hazardous Central Air Conditioner Vent Odors

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

Just like when your Chicago area furnace kicks on for the first time in the fall, when your central air conditioning goes on for the first time in the spring, you may be welcomed with some unknown vent odors. Why does your central air conditioning smell that way? How long will the odor last and is it something that is hazardous? Here’s a look at some common vent odors you may smell from your central air conditioning unit and what they can mean.

3 Common Air Conditioning Smells and What They Mean

1. The smell of mildew – Your central air conditioning deals with a LOT of moisture. There’s the moisture in the air in the form of humidity, condensation and more. If this moisture doesn’t get drained away, it can lead to the smell of mildew. Mold and mildew could also form because your air conditioning filters are dirty, leading to vent odors. If you smell the odor of mildew, first change your vent filters. If the smell doesn’t rapidly dissipate, contact your local HVAC expert for a thorough cleaning.

2. The odor of old cigarette smoke – Your condenser coil can attract the cigarette smoke of a smoker in your house. This odor is dispersed each time the central air is operated. A coil cleaning will take care of this issue.

3. An unpleasant rotting smell – It is not uncommon in the Midwest for animals to get into an air conditioner unit and die. As the weather warms and the central air is turned on, a very unpleasant rotting odor can be detected. The only way to resolve the issue is to removed the dead animal from the A/C unit and have it cleaned.

The good news is that none of the above odors is necessarily hazardous. Unpleasant? Yes. Will you want to take corrective action to fix the smell? Absolutely. But none of these are an actual danger to the health of you or your family.

4 Potentially Hazardous Odors from your Central Air Conditioner

1. A “rotten egg” smell – While natural gas doesn’t have an odor on its own, suppliers give it a sulphuric, rotten egg smell to make it unpleasant. If you notice this smell, you may have a gas leak near one of your AC vents. You’ll want to leave the house quickly and call your local natural gas provider immediately.

2. A burning smell or that of plastic burning – This could be an indication there has been an electrical short in your system, or are experiencing a problem with an exhaust fan or compressor. Cut power to your unit and call an HVAC technician immediately.

3. A raw sewage smell – A raw sewage odor can be an indication there is a sewer leak at or near AC vents. Methane gas from sewage can be dangerous and a professional AC technician should be contacted quickly to determine the source.

4. A smell of gunpowder – This could be the result of a fan motor or circuit board burn out. Again, power should be cut and a professional HVAC technician contacted immediately.

The above smells, while not necessarily always hazardous, can potential be harmful. In each instance, a professional technician should be contacted.

Contact Althoff Industries when You Smell Strange Odors

If you experience odd odors when first turning on your air conditioner or if your air is not cooling properly when first turned on, we invite you to contact us at Althoff Industries. We proudly serve homeowners in the Northwest Chicago area suburbs with superior HVAC services, including resolving unpleasant odors. Call us and let us know about your situation – we would love to help!

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The Hidden Dangers of a Clogged Condensate Drain Line on Your AC

Thursday, May 25th, 2017

In a previous article, we discussed the importance of a good spring cleaning and tune up of home’s air condition system. We mentioned how some bargain HVAC technicians won’t even bother to take the panels off of an AC unit to clean the evaporator coil. This can ultimately defeat the original purpose of a cleaning and tune-up. Another area of concern is your condensate drain and the problems associated with a clogged condensate drain line. Once you understand the purpose of a condensate line and the problems a clogged drain or line can cause, you’ll better understand how important it is to make sure your condensate drain line is functioning properly.

What is your Condensate Drain?

If you’ve ever left a cold canned beverage on a picnic table on a hot summer day, even for just a few seconds, you’ll notice that moisture forms on the outside of the can drips down quickly to leave a water ring on the surface of the table. It’s why you probably use coasters inside your home, especially if you have wooden tables. This moisture from condensation can cause damage. Your air conditioning also produces this condensate as it cools the air through its evaporator coil. Your condensate drain is designed to provide a path to remove this moisture and dispose of it in a way that won’t cause damage to the unit or your home or property.

If you look at your AC unit, you may see a small pipe, generally made of PVC, that serves as your condensate drain. It is often located near the ground or a drain. If water is dripping from this line, that’s good news, as it is likely doing its job. The problem is, this line can get clogged, often without your knowledge. Like that cold can on a nice wood table, it can also cause some ugly, and potentially expensive problems.

The Potential Problems of a Clogged Condensate Drain Line

Your AC drain line will include a trap, not unlike the U-shaped traps under your sinks. This is to prevent unwanted air from getting into your closed AC system. This trap, along with the warm, moist air that is under most AC systems are, unfortunately, a perfect breeding ground for algae. If this algae builds undetected and unchecked, it can cause a clog in the drain line. This can back up moisture into your AC system and into the walls of your home. This, in turn, can lead to leakage and overflows which can lead to mold and even a complete system shutdown. These clogs can be disgusting and the damage significant.

Making Sure Your Condensate Drain Line Is Cleaned Properly

Quite simply, there is only one way to make sure your condensate drain line is cleaned properly. That is to have your AC unit tuned-up and cleaned each Spring from a trained, qualified, and quality technician like those at Althoff Industries. Some DIY’ers will attempt to determine if there is blockage present by pouring water down the line from the tee valve, assuming if they see or hear water coming out on the other end, the drain is clear. Sadly, this is also how some bargain HVAC technician assure themselves, and their customers, there is no blockage. But as you can see in the photos, nasty blockages can occur BEFORE the tee, at the outlet of the evaporator coil.

Why do we pay attention to something as seemingly simple as condensate drains? Because at Althoff Industries, serving the greater Chicago area, we’ve built our business by doing what we say we will do and by doing it the right way. You have a significant investment in your home and your AC unit. We have our reputation at stake. Call us for a quality AC check from the professional HVAC technicians at Althoff.

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What Should an A/C Tune-Up and Cleaning Include?

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

Every spring, HVAC companies begin advertising their air conditioning maintenance specials, and for good reason. Spring is the best time to ensure your air conditioning system will operate at its peak through the summer months. Preventative maintenance—including a cleaning, inspection and tune-up—can help you avoid an inconvenient breakdown or uncomfortable summer day with no cold air.

Not all A/C maintenance packages are created equal, though—and not just in terms of price. As you shop around for an air conditioning tune-up, consider the following questions.

What should be included in an A/C maintenance visit?

An air conditioning maintenance visit should include a complete inspection of your unit, an air conditioner cleaning, an air filter change, and recommendations for any needed maintenance or repairs.

Filter changes are pretty straightforward and most bargain A/C tune-up companies will be more than happy to recommend further maintenance. That means that the determining factors in what makes a good A/C tune-up are the thoroughness of the inspection and cleaning.

Does the tune-up include an air condenser cleaning, or just a rinsing?

Most bargain HVAC spring tune-ups include a “condenser cleaning,” but often what you’re really getting is a condenser rinsing. The technician will take a hose to the outdoor unit and spray water into it in an effort to remove debris and dirt. This just pushes the dirt and debris further into the unit’s coil.

The right way to clean the condenser involves removing the panels and the top of the unit so the coils can be cleaned from the inside out. This also allows for a more thorough visual inspection of the unit’s fan blades, electrical connections and coil fins. Moving parts should be lubricated as well. The Trane website has a helpful explanation of what you should expect from your yearly air conditioner coil maintenance.

When considering an HVAC company for your air conditioner maintenance, always ask about how they perform a condenser cleaning. When A/C coils are cleaned the right way, you can expect your air conditioner to keep your home cooler more efficiently.

Is the tune-up a good value or just a good price?

“You get what you pay for” definitely applies to A/C tune-ups.

Some companies that advertise $39 and $49 tune-ups treat them more as a lead generator than as the valuable stand-alone service they should be. The goal in these cases is to get in the door with a bargain tune-up, then try to upsell additional maintenance, services and repairs.

Technicians should always bring potential issues to your attention if they notice them during the tune-up. However, the purpose of a tune-up is to make sure your unit is thoroughly cleaned, serviced and operating efficiently—not as an opportunity to upsell.

Your HVAC system is one of your home’s largest and most expensive mechanical systems. A properly and professionally done tune-up is well worth the investment to keep your unit running safely and efficiently.

If you want the peace of mind of thorough air conditioning maintenance, contact Althoff Industries. We offer 24-point air conditioner tune-ups in Chicago and the Northwest suburbs. Call (815) 455-7000 to schedule now.

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5 Common Central Air Conditioner Repairs

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

During the course of the summer, a homeowner may encounter problems with their central air conditioner unit. Although, most air conditioner problems only require a quick A/C repair, if a homeowner lets small problems linger or does not engage in timely central air conditioner maintenance, it could lead to a hefty repair bill. To avoid the element of surprise, our team at Althoff has put together this list of common central air conditioning repair requests.

1. Broken Thermostats

A broken thermostat can prevent a central air conditioner from operating. If the unit fails to turn on or doesn’t reach the desired indoor temperature, homeowners should check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it is set to cooling versus heating. If the thermostat requires batteries, they should be changed. If these A/C repair tips fail to restore the function of the air conditioner, a central air conditioner maintenance call is in short order.

2. Bad Electrical Wiring

The air conditioner may have bad electrical wiring if it turns on for a few minutes then trips the circuit breaker or if the homeowner smells something hot or burning. If this is happening in your home, it is best to turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat and the electrical panel and then call a licensed HVAC contractor in Chicago for central air conditioner maintenance.

3. Unit Fails to Turn On or Cycles Frequently

If the air conditioner cycles frequently, it can leave homeowners with high energy bills and indoor air that is still too humid. This most commonly occurs when the air conditioner is too large for the square footage of the home. However, it can also occur when cool air blows directly onto the thermostat. If the vents are located near the thermostat, try closing them to see if this fixes the problem. If the unit still cycles on and off every few minutes, it is best to call a professional HVAC technician and schedule an appointment for an A/C repair in Chicago.

If the unit fails to turn on, homeowners should check the circuit breaker on the electrical panel to see if it has tripped. If it has, it may indicate an electrical problem. If the breaker is in the on position, an electrical component inside the central air conditioner may have failed.

4. The A/C Unit Blows Warm Air

If the residential air conditioner blows warm air from the vents, it may have low levels of coolant or it could be an indication that the outside condenser and coils need to be cleaned. Air conditioners need adequate levels of coolant in order to remove excess heat from the indoor air. Once that hot coolant reaches the condenser, adequate airflow around the unit is essential for dissipating the heat. Clearing any debris and cutting back plants around the condenser may restore proper function, but if it doesn’t, the homeowner will need a central air conditioner maintenance technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

5. Low Air Flow Through Register Vents

Low air flow through the register vents could indicate that the blower motor is malfunctioning or that there are cracks and gaps in the air ducts. The first step to locating this problem is by listening to the air conditioner while it operates. If there are grinding or squeaking noises, the blower may be malfunctioning, indicating the need for an A/C repair. If the blower is operating and sounds normal, the homeowner should walk through the home and examine the air conditioning vents. If some vents are blowing cold air at a normal volume and other vents have little to no air flow, it could indicate the need for an air duct repair service.

Central Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair with Althoff

Here at Althoff, we offer affordable, timely, professional A/C repair for residential homes located throughout the NW Chicago suburbs. Our HVAC technicians are experienced and knowledgeable in repairing all sizes and brands of central air conditioning units.

To schedule a central air conditioner inspection or A/C repair service before the summer heat hits, call us at 815-455-7000

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5 Reasons Air Conditioner Maintenance Inspection Saves You Money

Wednesday, May 17th, 2017

A regularly maintained air conditioner is one that is working efficiently, which in turn helps homeowners keep utility bills down. Spring is the optimal time to schedule an inspection–before the high heat of summer returns. Here are 5 ways that an annual air conditioner maintenance inspection will help keep summer cooling costs down.

1. Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency

When an air conditioner maintenance inspection is performed, a trained expert will examine and clean all the moving parts. The coils inside an A/C unit transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outside air while the fan inside the condenser helps accelerate the removal of that heat. When the coils and fan are dirty, it slows down that transfer of heat so the air conditioner must work harder to keep the home comfortable.

2. Keep Repair Bills in Check

All the parts of an air conditioner work together to cool a home. When one part fails, it can lead to increased wear and tear on other parts which will add up to costly repairs. By scheduling an air conditioner maintenance inspection in the spring–before the cooling season begins–homeowners can locate and replace failing parts before they have a chance to cause harm to the rest of the unit.

3. Prevent A/C Failure

A spring inspection will also help prevent a major repair or even a complete failure of an air conditioning system during the hottest summer days. Every inspection includes checking all major components, including refrigerant levels, to ensure proper operation. Maintaining proper refrigerant levels is essential, and many homeowners do not realize that their air conditioner is low on refrigerant before it’s too late.

A slow leak will cause a slow deterioration of the A/C unit. The early signs might be a slight increase in energy bills as the air conditioner must work harder to compensate for the low refrigerant level. As the season wears on, homeowners may begin to notice warmer air from vents or that the air conditioner seems to be running more often. If left unresolved, low refrigerant levels can cause the air conditioner to stop working altogether, or even damage the compressor motor–a very costly repair.

4. Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

A well-maintained A/C unit can last up to 20 years while a neglected one could fail in as little as 10 years. An annual A/C inspection will ensure that the unit is clean, that moving parts are operating correctly, and that ideal fluid levels are maintained. An air conditioner is no small investment; proper maintenance will ensure that investment is a sound one.

5. Warranty Compliance

A manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners when installing a new air conditioner. However, most manufacturers require proper maintenance for that warranty to remain in effect. Plus, if there are problems with the air conditioner that are covered by the warranty, finding and resolving those problems while the A/C unit is still under warranty is essential.

Long-Term Savings with Regular A/C Inspections

Keeping an air conditioner running smoothly will not only provide homeowners with a comfortable home, but it will also help keep energy and repair bills low. We offer several options for scheduling A/C service including no-hassle memberships that include pre-scheduled inspections and a discount on covered repairs. Ready to start saving? Call Althoff Industries at 815-455-7000 today!

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