HVAC Blog Crystal Lake, IL

5 Simple Solutions to Common Residential Plumbing Problems

September 6th, 2017

There are some common residential plumbing problems that usually most people can resolve on their own. And there are a host of others more serious plumbing issues that are best performed by calling a professional like Althoff Industries. Knowing the difference can save you lots of frustration and potentially some serious repairs. Here are 5 simple solutions to some common residential plumbing problems you can likely handle on your own.

Plumbing Problem, Plumbing Solution

1. Leaking Faucet – As advanced as technology is in some areas of life, one constant has been the common residential plumbing problem of a leaky faucet. Faucet leaks are most often caused by a worn washer which can be easily replaced. In a single handle faucet, you know where the culprit is. If you have a two handle faucet, you can determine which is leaking by simply seeing if the water is hot or cold. If you can’t tell, you might as well just replace the washers in both as it is a simple fix.

a. Turn off the water supply to the faucet you are working on. It will be located under the sink.

b. If there is a decorative cap to the handle it will need to be removed. Unscrew the handle, usually with a Phillips head screwdriver.

c. Remove the valve nut or cover that is retaining the valve, and lift the valve out, exposing a washer underneath.

d. You may be best served by taking both the valve and the washer to a hardware store to ensure you get the proper replacement.

e. After replacing the washer, just reassemble your handle in reverse order.

2. Running or Leaking Toilet

Leaking or running toilets are other very common plumbing problems. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the tank lid. You may simply have a chain attached to the rubber flapper that is too long or short. If it is too short, it’s not allowing the flapper to close. If it’s too long, it may just be getting in the way of the flapper. If your running toilet is due to the float not rising high enough to stop the water from flowing into the tank, it can often be resolved by just bending the rod downward, Toilet tank repair parts and kits are found in any hardware or home improvement store and are inexpensive. A less common problem could be a leak in the big washer that is between the tank and the seat. That is a bigger job and unless you want to do some heavy lifting you may be better served calling in a pro.

3. Jammed Garbage Disposal

If a garbage disposal is jammed with something like a soda can pop top and had stopped working, you may be able to fix it yourself. That is if you have the right tool. There may be an Allen style wrench attached to the motor unit of the disposal. Make sure the power is off then you can insert the wrench into the bottom of the unit and manually turn the blades of the disposal. Once the item is freed, you should be able to carefully remove the item. Once the item is removed, restore power, turn it on, and it should operate normally. If not, give Althoff Industries a call.

4. Clogged Drains – You may be able to clear a clogged drain through a choice of chemical free solutions. You can get a small, inexpensive metal wire “snake” to slid down your drain to remove the obstruction. You could also try to remove the plug using a plunger. Another all-natural solution would be to pour some baking soda down the drain and add some vinegar. Often, the foaming reaction between the baking soda and vinegar can serve to remove a blockage.

5. Frozen Pipes – Frozen pipes are a common Chicago and Crystal Lake plumbing problem. The best cure for a frozen pipe is to turn faucets on and allow the pipe to warm by opening cabinet doors under sinks to get the pipes exposed to warmer air. Using a hair dryer, electrical heat tape or space heaters may help thaw frozen pipes but NEVER use an exposed flame. You are far better served by insulating potentially troublesome pipes ahead of time. If frigid weather is expected over multiple days, let faucets drip slowly to keep pipes from freezing. If pipes are freezing, any further expansion can lead to them bursting, causing serious problems and damage.

When it Comes to Common Plumbing Problems, Know When to Hold ‘Em and Know When to Fold ‘Em

At Althoff Industries, we are often called to finish a job a do-it-yourselfer has attempted themselves. If your problem is one you are comfortable in resolving, give it a go. If not, feel free to contact Althoff Industries. We are pleased to resolve Chicagoland plumbing problems.

Warm Days, Cool Nights: Seasonal AC Tips for Energy Efficiency

August 29th, 2017

This is the time of year when those of us in the Chicago area can still experience some pretty warm daytime temperatures as our nighttime temperatures begin to get downright cool. Humidity begins to drop and the air starts to feel fresher. It can be tempting to consider turning seasonal AC on and off or to only use it as needed. We may even view it as a way to save energy. That may not exactly be the result. Here are some tips to stay comfortable in the fall, while also being energy efficient.

5 Tips for Seasonal AC Energy Efficiency

Let your thermostat do the work. Rather than turning AC on and off between daytime and nighttime, let your thermostat do the work and set it two or four degrees warmer. This will allow your residential AC unit to operate more energy efficiently while not having to work too hard to bring the temperature down inside your home during those warm days.
Use fans to circulate the air. With a higher thermostat setting, it may be a little warmer in your home during hotter early fall days. This is a great time of year to use your ceiling or oscillating fans to circulate the air. Since your AC will be operating less frequently, the fans can offer an assist in moving the air in your home.
Opening windows may not be the best idea. Opening your home’s windows can be tempting this time of year but if someone in your household suffers from allergies it could cause problems. It can also cause your air conditioner to work overtime if you forget to close them during warm days. An open window, even with a screen, can also be a security problem.
Change that filter. If you haven’t changed your air filter yet this summer, now’s the time to do so. Filters are inexpensive and easy to change and just maybe the single easiest thing you can do to keep your residential AC operating efficiently.
Check your outdoor unit. Fall leaves have a way of gathering around outdoor AC units. Be sure to make an occasional visual inspection of your outdoor unit making sure it stays unobstructed.

Turning AC on and off during the early fall can be tempting but it also can be hard on your equipment. By turning your thermostat up, using fans, keeping windows closed and maintaining equipment, you can get through these “tweener” months using your system efficiently.

Many times, a residential AC unit can limp into the fall, barely surviving the summer. That’s why this time of year is a good time to get an AC checkup so it will be ready to go in the spring. If you have any questions about your residential AC system or would like to schedule an HVAC checkup, please feel free to contact us at Althoff Industries. Spring, summer, fall, and winter, we’ve been keeping Chicago area families comfortable for over 50 years!

The Difference Between a Hot Light Switch and a Warm Dimmer Switch

August 15th, 2017

Your home is a marvel of independent and interconnected devices. Water flows in and out, managed throughout via a network of pipes, faucets, and drains. Water is even heated to a desired temperature. Air circulates in and out and is cooled, heated, and even purified and dehumidified. Electricity is available as easily as plugging something into an electrical socket or flipping on a light switch. Most of the time, when they are functioning properly, we take these systems for granted. It’s quite a different story when there are problems.

When there’s an issue with a component of one of these systems it is sometimes obvious. You can usually hear or see a leaky faucet. If the power is out, you know it. But there are times when a problem may not be so obvious, like when you have a hot light switch.

What is a Hot Light Switch?

A hot light switch is a simple on/off switch in a room that feels excessively or unusually hot to the touch. This is a problem because the heat is being generated from the electricity in the switch when it should be going elsewhere. A hot light switch is a fire hazard and a professional should be called as soon as possible. A simple light switch should not, however, be confused with a dimmer switch.

What is a Warm Dimmer Switch?

A dimmer switch usually includes a slider or round knob that can adjust the intensity of light in a room. As opposed to a regular simple light switch, the purpose of a dimmer switch is to manage the flow of electricity to a light. You may feel a warmth coming from a dimmer switch, but it is by design. As long as the heat being produced by a warm dimmer switch is not excessive, it shouldn’t be a problem.

When Should You Call for Electrical Help?

This depends on your level of comfort as a do-it-yourselfer. Many will still call a professional for any electric work, simply because it can be dangerous. Of course, anytime you are working with an electrical component of your home, make sure the power is off at the circuit breaker.

Beyond a hot electrical switch, you should consider calling a professional if:

The lights in your house dim when using a major appliance or when the heating or air goes on.
One socket of an electrical outlet is not working.
A light switch doesn’t connect solidly in the off or on position.
You have an old “fuse” system in your home.

“It is What it is” Does Not Apply to Your Electrical Wiring

Keep in mind, your home’s electrical system can be upgraded. If you are tired of reaching under a table or behind a dresser to get to an electrical outlet, use extension cords or if a light switch is inconveniently positioned in your home, changes can be made. Adding switches or additional outlets can add a new level of convenience to your home. At Althoff Industries, we can handle any size electrical work from replacing a hot light switch to completely rewiring your home. Ask us about our electrical outlets with convenient USB ports for charging digital devices. You may want to consider the beauty and energy savings of converting to LED lighting in and around your home. It is amazing how something as simple as a few more outlets, switches or a lighting upgrade can have such a positive impact. If you would like to discuss an upgrade call the professionals at Althoff Industries.

If you are experiencing an electrical emergency, we are available 24/7/365 and are ready to service you during an emergency.

6 Tips for End of Summer AC Maintenance

August 3rd, 2017

Most people in Chicago consider air conditioning maintenance a part of their spring or summer routine. The fact is, the spring and early fall are both good times to conduct maintenance on your AC. End of summer AC maintenance, though, can ensure your system is ready to go for any “Indian Summer” days we may yet experience and is good to go in the spring. If there is a problem or potential problem, there is plenty of time to get it repaired or order any needed parts. If a residential AC maintenance check discovers serious issues, you will have time to make a repair or replace decision. End of year maintenance, along with spring maintenance can help your AC unit run more efficiently, last longer, and reduce overall maintenance costs. What type of end of summer AC maintenance should be performed and what are some air conditioning maintenance tips for this time of year?

Your End of Summer AC Maintenance Checklist

1. Replace the Air Filter

Hopefully, this is not the first time you are replacing your AC filter this summer but even if it is, now is an important time to make sure it is done. Changing air filters frequently is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to help the performance of your air conditioner.

2. Make Sure Your AC Unit Has Room to “Breathe”

Over the summer, grass and bushes may have grown up and around your outside AC unit. This can eventually keep it from getting sufficient air circulation. Clear out any brush, grass, and leaves from the area before cold weather arrives.

3. Clean the Coils and Condensate Line

Dirty coils and a blocked condensate line can cause a variety of issues with your outdoor AC unit. End of summer maintenance should include a thorough A/C coil cleaning. While many will choose to “broom off” or “hose off” AC coils, at least once a year these units should be professionally cleaned by removing the casing. This is best done by a professional.

4. Listen to Your AC Unit and Give It a Visual Inspection

Look for any frayed wires, rust or animal activity. Listen for any unusual sounds or rattling. Look for any outward signs of wear or damage that may have occurred during the summer, especially from mowers and string trimmers.

5. Combine Your End of Summer AC Maintenance with a Furnace Tune-Up

More and more families are discovering the value of having their residential furnace tuned up for the fall at the same time they perform end of summer AC maintenance. This gives them peace of mind in knowing their entire HVAC system is cleaned, maintained, and ready for the seasons ahead. Things can get very busy quickly in the fall, and these are two projects that can be handled early and easily.

6. Call Althoff Industries

Althoff Industries can help you get the most out of your HVAC system with thorough maintenance and tune-up services. We’ve been serving the Northwest Chicago area with heating and cooling services for over 50 years. We were founded as a family business and have never wavered in our commitment to offer the best and most complete service available in the heating and air conditioning industry.

Is Switching to an Energy Star Air Conditioner Worth It?

August 3rd, 2017

You’ve likely heard about Energy Star air conditioners and how they’re more energy efficient. But are they really worth it—in other words, can they save you money?

The short answer is yes, especially if you’re switching from an old, inefficient unit that has to run too long and work too hard to keep your home comfortable.

Let’s look at why upgrading to an Energy Star central air conditioning unit could be beneficial for you.

First, What Is Energy Star?

While most people have heard of Energy Star, many think it’s a brand or a manufacturer’s marketing

campaign. Energy Star is actually a government sanctioned volunteer program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the Energy Star website, it’s “the most successful voluntary energy efficiency movement in history.”

That’s a bold claim, but they can back it up.

Energy Star was started by the EPA under the 1992 Clean Air Act in an effort to reduce air pollution. This led to the development of more energy efficient buildings and products. After a quarter of a century, the Energy Star program continues to fuel the adoption of more energy efficient products, practices and services throughout the United States.

Not only do these products and practices help limit greenhouse gasses, they can also save consumers money on their energy bills.

What Does Energy Star Certification Mean?

Energy Star air conditioning units are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the environment.

You’ve probably seen the Energy Star logo on appliances, electronics and building products. In order for products to earn the Energy Star label, they must be certified by an independent third party. This third-party certification is based on testing in laboratories that are EPA recognized. A product displaying the Energy Star logo has earned that distinction through proven and documented energy savings. Manufacturers can’t just pay for the logo or put it on any product they want.

The Value of an Energy Star Central Air Conditioner

One of the biggest values of Energy Star central air conditioners is that they’re much more efficient to operate, directly saving consumers on utility bills. According to Energy Star, their certified central air conditioners not only have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings but also use about 8 percent less energy than conventional new models.

That means if you’re choosing between a brand new Energy Star certified central air conditioner and another new unit, your savings will be 8 percent more choosing Energy Star. That’s good on its own, but most people buying a new air conditioner are replacing an old unit that’s become inefficient to run. In that case, the savings will be dramatically higher. Think of how those savings can add up over the life of an air conditioner!

Energy Star products are so much more efficient than older products, the program recommends that if either your heating or central air unit is over 15 years old and one needs replacement, you replace both at the same time with an Energy Star unit. According to Energy Star, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with Energy Star qualified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by more than $115 depending on where you live.

Of course, along with significant energy savings, you and your family can feel good knowing you are minimizing your carbon footprint.

Other Ways to Save on Cooling Bills

The Energy Star website offers many tips for cooling your home efficiently, which we at Althoff also recommend. Changing your air filters, keeping overgrowth trimmed back from your outdoor unit, using a programmable thermostat, and regular maintenance will help keep your air conditioner running at its peak and your bills low. Don’t forget your annual A/C tuneup from a professional HVAC technician.

Are you considering upgrading your air conditioner and/or other major appliances?

Althoff Industries specializes in recommending and replacing air conditioners, furnaces, boilers and more. Contact us today at (815) 455-7000, and we’ll help you get the process started.

Repair or Replace? Average Life of an Air Conditioning Unit

August 2nd, 2017

Some of the most frequently asked questions we get at Althoff Industries are related to the repair, replacement, and lifespan of HVAC equipment. This time of year in Chicago, questions about the average life of an air conditioner unit and whether the repair or replacement of a central air conditioner is better are common. It is not an easy answer because personal situations and equipment quality vary so widely but we can add some perspective.

What Is the Average Life of an Air Conditioning Unit?

Quite frankly, we have seen AC units that need to be replaced after as little as 10 years and have seen them still operating after 30 years. Both are extremes, of course, but generally speaking, it is safe to use 20 years as an average life-expectancy of an air conditioner. If your’s lasts longer, there are reasons to be grateful.

What Affects an Air Conditioner’s Life Expectancy?

There are three significant factors that will affect the average life of an air conditioner unit.

The quality of the equipment. When it comes to mechanical equipment, quality will always be a major factor in determining the length of service. It is common sense that an air conditioner that is engineered and constructed better will last longer.
Proper sizing and installation. If errors are made in an initial installation of a unit, it can dramatically affect how long a central air conditioner will last. It is one of the benefits of using a trusted, professional HVAC company for the installation of your AC unit. Proper sizing is critical, so don’t fall for “bigger is better” sales pitch. It has been shown that over-sized units tend to fail faster than those that are properly sized.
Maintenance and service. A third significant factor impacting the life of your central air conditioner is how well it is maintained and serviced. Have filters and coils been kept clean? Has vegetation been kept clear from the outside unit? Have fan motors been properly lubricated? It is the reason a professional inspection and tune-up in the spring and fall are so valuable. When it does need service, any replacement parts shouldn’t be appropriately installed. It can be of value to you to have the same company maintain your unit annually, that is if you are satisfied with their service, of course.

Simply put, to maximize the lifespan of a central air conditioner, select quality equipment and have it installed, serviced, and maintained by a trusted professional. We, of course, hope you will consider the team at Althoff Industries.

Repair Or Replace?

Things get trickier when it comes to the decision to repair or replace. The EPA suggests that if the equipment is 10 years or older you should replace it. This is because of increasingly higher SEER ratings that are available in newer units and due to the fact that your unit is likely destined for complete failure in the next five to ten years anyway. Budgets and life situations may make repair the better choice, even if it is a temporary situation. At Althoff Industries, we will guide you through your options and the benefits and risks of each. The option to repair or replace, however, is always yours.

If your central air conditioner is 15 years or older, contact us for an inspection and tune up. It is possible your air conditioner may not be cooling your home properly or efficiently, costing you money every time you pay your electric bill. We hear from many of our customers who had an AC failure and replaced their older unit. Afterwards, they said if they would have known how much they would have been saving, they would have made a proactive decision to replace years ago! Call Althoff Industries today!

7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

July 27th, 2017

It isn’t always obvious that your air conditioner needs repair. The warning signs of an A/C problem are usually there long before the unit breaks down.

Your utility bills are going up.
You have to set the thermostat lower to stay cool.
Your air conditioner runs too long or is short cycling.
Your air conditioner has started making strange noises.
Certain rooms aren’t cooling properly.
The A/C unit is on but not blowing cool air.
The A/C doesn’t come on at all.

We’ll get into these in depth in a minute. First, think of your air conditioner like a car. Your car may get you from Point A to Point B without breaking down, but that doesn’t mean it’s running properly. Low coolant levels could be creating excessive heat that’s damaging the engine. Low tires could be causing poor gas mileage. Eventually, these problems catch up with you and there’s a breakdown or flat tire.

It’s the same with your air conditioner. Unattended issues can cause costly inefficiencies and damage. Eventually, the A/C will stop working altogether.

Here are 7 signs you may have an air conditioner problem.

1. Your utility bills are going up.

This is a tricky one because it’s easy for utility bills to creep up over time without you noticing. Take a few extra minutes to look over your cooling bill each month. Compare the usage to the previous month and the same month in the previous year. Has your usage gone up? If you know you’ve been running the A/C more because of hotter-than-usual outdoor temperatures, that might explain it. But if not, and you notice a trend of steadily increasing usage, an inefficient air conditioner is the likely culprit.

A/C inefficiency can be caused by a variety of reasons, including:

Clogged air filter
Overgrown vegetation “crowding” the outside unit
Too much dirt and debris on the condenser coils

All of these stifle airflow, making your air conditioner work harder than it should. Thankfully, they’re easy fixes.

Check your air filter every month and change it when it’s dirty.
Trim back any vegetation around your outdoor unit so it has plenty of room to “breathe.”
Condenser coils should be thoroughly cleaned by a professional during your yearly air conditioner maintenance.

2. You have to set your thermostat lower to stay cool.

If you have to keep setting your thermostat lower and lower to keep your home comfortable, you likely have a developing A/C problem.

This too can be the result of poor airflow, or your fan motor may not be working properly. It’s also possible that your home is retaining too much moisture—humid air always feels warmer. (You’ve probably heard the phrases: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!” or “But it’s a dry heat!”) If taking the above steps to restore airflow doesn’t solve the problem, an A/C professional can help determine the source of your issue.

3. Your air conditioner runs too long or is short cycling.

A/C systems aren’t designed to operate constantly, or to run frequently for short periods of time. If you notice that your air conditioner is running far too often or is short cycling, you have a problem that needs to be addressed. This can be a fan motor or relay issue, a thermostat problem, or may be yet another result of poor airflow.

4. Your air conditioning system is beginning to make strange sounds and noises.

Let’s revisit our “an air conditioner is like a car” comparison for a minute. Just like with your car, it’s easy to quickly get used to new noises and think of them as normal. You naturally start to tune them out. That’s why if you hear a new, odd noise coming from your A/C, you should call for service right away. Otherwise you may accidentally ignore a developing issue until it becomes a costly breakdown.

5. Certain rooms aren’t cooling properly.

This is often the result of poor airflow to those rooms. Make sure the intake vents aren’t blocked by a box, laundry or other easy-to-remedy issues. Check to see if the cooling vents are open. If this has been a long-term problem for your home, your system may not be properly sized or vented. A call to an HVAC professional is recommended.

6. It sounds like the A/C unit is on but it’s not blowing cool air.

This is likely a blower motor issue. The A/C is cooling, but the air is not being circulated throughout your home. This could be a simple relay problem or it may be a failure of your blower motor. In either case, it will require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician.

7. The A/C doesn’t come on at all.

If your air conditioner stops working altogether, it may have lost power. The circuit breaker may have tripped. You can reset the breaker easily enough, but if it trips again, you likely have some sort of a short in your A/C system and need to call a professional right away.

If you still have power to the A/C unit but it’s not coming on, check the thermostat to make sure it’s properly set.

Regular maintenance is the key to preventing costly air conditioner repairs.

There are plenty of simple things you as a homeowner can do to maintain your air conditioner. Many of the A/C problems stemming from poor airflow in particular can be headed off with these air conditioner maintenance tips.

For the rest, there is no substitute for an annual A/C tuneup from an HVAC professional. Having your A/C system thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and tuned-up is a terrific way to avoid loss of cooling at a critical time. It can also help your equipment last longer and operate more efficiently.

If your air conditioner is showing signs of needing repair, don’t wait.

Air conditioner problems don’t resolve on their own. Ignoring the problem could cause damage to your unit that then requires more extensive and costly repairs. Calling in a trusted HVAC professional to take a look is your best move.

If you’re in the Greater Chicago area, have one our licensed Chicago HVAC technicians check out your A/C issue now and get peace of mind. Contact us at (815) 455-7000 to schedule.

3 Common Issues that Affect Air Conditioner Performance

July 19th, 2017

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, there are many factors that will affect air conditioner performance. The most common issues, however, are the three “D’s” of dirt, debris, and dust. A dirty air conditioner, dirty condenser coil or clogged air filter can cause more problems than you can imagine. They also can drain your wallet by making it more expensive to operate your unit, perhaps without your knowledge. This is why it is important to be conscious of the three “D’s” that affect air conditioner performance and to proactively take steps to prevent their build up.

Debris Surrounding Outside Unit

Outside units are particularly susceptible to the three “D’s” for obvious reasons. But even here, in the Chicagoland area, steps can be taken to keep units clear and clean. It starts by simply making sure bushes and vegetation are not interfering with airflow to the unit. Your unit needs room to breathe, so it is important it can do so by minimizing debris like grass cuttings and leaves from clogging the unit. Be cautious when using a string weed trimmer near units so as not to damage electrical wiring or connections. While keeping debris away from your AC unit is an easy DIY project, further cleaning should involve a professional. Some homeowners think that simply spraying an outside unit with a hose will clean the AC unit. The fact is, this can make matters worse by driving dirt, dust, and debris further into the unit. A professional will take the cover off of the unit and carefully clean the dirty condenser coil. The condenser coil may be the most important part of your air conditioning system as it removes the warm air from your home. When dirt and debris build on, in, and around it, it inhibits its performance. In severe cases, it can lead to a breakdown of the unit. A thorough cleaning is well worth the minimal expense involved.

Dust Filled Air Filters

Most homeowners are familiar with changing air filters in their home, but many still don’t do it often enough. Filters should be changed monthly to reduce dust and keep airflow moving. This is simple and inexpensive. Again, however, a professional should be contacted to conduct a thorough cleaning of your AC. To keep your indoor and outdoor units running properly and efficiently it is best to have a spring and fall “tune-up” to not only clean your dirty air conditioner and heating system but to ensure moving parts air maintained.

Dirty Air Quality Conditions

The Chicago area has a long history of dirty air and pollution. While improved through the years, it is still a concern especially for those with asthma and those suffering from allergies. As the summer heats up, the air quality becomes increasingly a concern not only here, but elsewhere. Each and every day the EPA produces air quality reports for some 400 cities, including Chicago. This air quality not only affects the air you breathe, it impacts the dirt, debris, and dust that gets into your AC unit. This is why a fall cleaning of your HVAC system can be as important as a spring cleaning.

Routine Air Conditioner Performance Maintenance

Too often we are only reminded of the importance of routine maintenance when there is a failure. Our car breaks down, our lawn mower doesn’t start, or our AC unit stops cooling. Remember, a repair is almost always more expensive than simple maintenance. We can clean that dirty air conditioner, clean the dirty air condenser, and change that clogged air filter and show you how to achieve maximum air conditioner performance. Is it time to schedule your AC maintenance check up?

Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

July 13th, 2017

It seems to defy logic. The temperatures outdoors are in the 90s or 100s. Yet, your air conditioner isn’t working right because it’s…frozen?

Not only is this possible, it’s a common issue when A/C units are working overtime in the heat of summer and autumn.

There is a thermodynamic name for why A/C units freeze up, called the Joule-Thomson Effect. Rather than going into that right now, let’s discuss what you’re probably here to find out: the causes of air conditioner freeze-up, how to prevent it, and how to get your frozen air conditioner blowing cool air again.

Important Note: If your air conditioner is frozen, don’t run it. Not only will it not cool your home, it could damage the compressor—a costly repair! Turn the air conditioner off.

4 Common Reasons Air Conditioners Freeze Up and What You Can Do

There are multiple possible causes for air conditioner freeze-up. Some are simple and some are complex. What they all have in common is that the A/C unit is working overtime and not getting the help it needs to function properly.

Potential Cause #1: Dirty Air Filter

Restricted air flow due to a dirty air filter can contribute to air conditioning freeze. This is easy to fix and even easier to prevent. We recommend checking your air filter every month and changing it if it’s dirty. Not sure? Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it needs to be changed. Often this works out to a filter change every 60 days, or 90 at the maximum. If you have pets in the home or excessive dust, you may need to change your filter every 30 days.

If your air conditioner is frozen and the filter is dirty:

Turn off power to the A/C unit and allow it to thaw.
Replace the filter and turn on the fan only for a minute or two. You can then repower the A/C unit.
If cooling is restored, your problem is solved!

Potential Cause #2: Problem With the Blower Motor or Relay

A blower motor can overheat and stop working intermittently or altogether. A relay may stick or malfunction causing the motor to not operate properly. These are issues that need to be traced through HVAC troubleshooting performed by an HVAC professional.

Potential Cause #3: Dirty Evaporator Coil

Like air filters, evaporator coils (located in the interior unit of the A/C system) can get dirty over time. As the dirt on the coil increases, your A/C unit becomes less and less efficient, often leading to your air conditioner freezing. Unlike an air filter, a dirty evaporator coil is best corrected by a professional.

Potential Cause #4: Leaking Refrigerant

A lack of refrigerant is one of the leading causes of air conditioner freeze-up. This can be due to even a tiny leak.

Having an HVAC professional refill your system may solve the problem—but it may only solve it for hours, days or weeks. A trusted technician can determine the extent of the leak through HVAC troubleshooting and give you options including necessary repairs. Depending on the age of your unit, replacement may be the best option.

Regular Maintenance Is the Best Way to Prevent Air Conditioner Freezing

A thorough A/C tune-up and cleaning once a year is the best way to prevent your air conditioner freezing up on you when you need it most. For example, Althoff’s 24-point A/C Tune-Up includes testing the blower motor and checking the refrigerant. While there’s no way to predict absolutely everything that could happen during the year (especially on an older unit), it’s the absolute best way to catch potential issues and get your A/C running at its best before the blazing hot weather arrives.

Air Conditioner Frozen? You Need an HVAC Technician You Can Trust

Some of the causes of a frozen air conditioner we covered above are routine and can be resolved with minimal cost. Others are terminal and may result in system replacement. The guidance of a trusted HVAC professional is critical in these circumstances.

If you’re in the Chicago area and experiencing air conditioner freeze-up (or any A/C problem), the experts at Althoff Industries can help. We’re a family-owned and operated company who has been helping Chicagoans stay cool for nearly 60 years. Request service online or give us a call at (815) 455-7000. 24/7 emergency service available.

This information is provided as a general guideline. Althoff Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information.

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

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.