Oh No! Why Won’t Your Furnace Turn On? 

January 13th, 2025

If your furnace won’t turn on automatically, you may feel as though you’ve been left shivering in the cold. Contributing problems can range from thermostat malfunctions to ignition system failures and many other potential causes in between. 

The good news is that our team is here to help! You can keep reading to learn more about why your furnace may not turn on automatically and how to get it back to working like normal again. After all, a furnace not turning on automatically in Hinsdale can be alarming. 

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Is Your Toilet Tank Overfilling? Here’s Why

December 16th, 2024

Oh no! Is your toilet tank leaking water? Or does it seem like it is constantly running and filling up with water? If so, it may be an issue that our team needs to check out. Even though there are a variety of toilet maintenance tasks you can complete as a homeowner, a toilet tank overfilling in Crystal Lake may not be one of them.

You can keep reading to learn more about the causes of a common toilet problem that we get calls about. Then when you’re ready, our team can visit your home for service and check your toilet from top to bottom to ensure that everything is working the way it should.

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How Important is an Electrical Panel Inspection?

December 2nd, 2024

Have you ever had your electrical panel inspected by a professional electrician? If not, it’s probably a good idea to schedule an appointment. This is especially true when your home is older and your electrical panel is potentially outdated.

You can keep reading to learn more about why electrical panel inspections are so important, especially in older homes. We’ll also review some of the signs that can indicate problems with your electrical panel so you know when to call us if something is potentially going wrong.

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3 Easy Ways to Boost Furnace Efficiency

November 18th, 2024
Worker blowing loose-fill insulation into attic space between wooden beams for energy efficiency.

Your furnace has a base energy efficiency rating, but there are always steps that you can take to get a little extra efficiency boost. And let’s face it, every little bit that you can save on heating your home this winter will add up.

When considering a new furnace or upgrading your heating system, understanding efficiency AFUE ratings can help you choose a model that will keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills. Before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate your current budget and assess your current system to determine what makes the most sense for your needs.

If you decide to invest in a high efficiency unit, be sure to look into available financing options to help manage the upfront expense, and consider installation costs, which can vary depending on the type of system you choose. Financing options may offer homeowners the opportunity to pay for their furnace system over time while reaping monthly energy cost savings. Scheduling a tune-up for your existing system can also help avoid extra costs and fewer repairs, ensuring your furnace operates efficiently while you plan for an upgrade.

Give us a call whenever you need furnace service in Oak Brook, IL. You can also keep reading to learn about a few of the ways that you can help boost heater efficiency and potentially save some money on energy costs while also lessening the wear and tear on your unit. If you’re already noticing warning signs, these furnace issues deserve quick attention.

How can upgrading to a new furnace improve energy efficiency?

  • A new high‑efficiency furnace will have a better AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, converting more fuel into usable heat and reducing waste.
  • Modern furnaces often include variable speed or two‑stage operation, which adapts output to demand and reduces energy overrun.
  • Upgrading insulation, sealing leaks, and optimizing ductwork paired with a new installation lets you get more from your system.

Introduction to Furnace Efficiency

Furnace efficiency plays a major role in how much energy your home uses and how much you spend on heating costs each winter. The key measurement to look for is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which tells you how effectively a furnace converts fuel into usable heat. For example, a high efficiency furnace with a 95% AFUE rating means that 95% of the fuel is turned into heat for your home, while only 5% is lost. On the other hand, a furnace with an 80% AFUE rating loses 20% of heat energy as inefficiency. The higher the AFUE rating, the less energy and money you waste. The minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 80%, which means even the least efficient models must meet this standard. When considering a new furnace or upgrading your heating system, understanding efficiency AFUE ratings can help you choose a model that will keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills. Investing in a high efficiency unit not only reduces your fuel bills but also helps your heating system last longer and perform better throughout the season.

Types of Furnaces

When it comes to choosing a furnace, there are several types to consider, each with its own features and efficiency levels. Natural gas furnaces are among the most popular due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness, but propane and electric furnaces are also common options. High efficiency furnaces, such as condensing furnaces, use a second heat exchanger to capture more heat from exhaust gases, making them much more efficient than standard models. Systems with higher AFUE ratings are usually condensing furnaces, which are designed to maximize energy efficiency. A high-efficiency gas furnace can have an AFUE rating as high as 98.5%, making it one of the most efficient options available. Gas furnaces are available in single stage, two stage, and variable speed designs, each offering different levels of comfort and energy savings. Single stage furnaces operate at full blast whenever they’re on, while two stage and variable speed models can adjust their output to better match your home’s heating needs, improving efficiency and comfort. Understanding these options can help you select the right furnace for your home, whether you’re looking for a new furnace or upgrading your existing system.

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Partner With a Team Who Can Help With All Your HVAC and Plumbing Needs

November 4th, 2024

When it comes to maintaining systems around your home, you may be looking for a single business or contractor to partner with. If that’s the case, you are in the right place. The Althoff team can help with all of your home maintenance needs, from HVAC to plumbing and even electrical in Crystal Lake. And don’t just take our word for it! Hear what one of our customers has to say:

“I highly recommend Althoff Home Services for its highly-qualified and experienced technicians – who are also very nice people. They arrive on time, provide an estimate, and complete all work with the utmost professionalism. I rely on Althoff for both plumbing and HVAC. I never need to worry about the quality of their work.”

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The Althoff Team Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 21st, 2024

When you think of October, Halloween may come to mind first. But there’s also pink everywhere throughout the month for breast cancer awareness. There are walks, runs, fundraisers, and other events happening all around the country. We want to do our part here in Elmhurst to raise awareness. 

Keep reading to learn more about breast cancer including risks associated with the disease, tips for screening and prevention, and statistics related to the prevalence of breast cancer. For example, did you know that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Every single year, breast cancer kills more than 40,000 women. 

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It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October 11th, 2024

We’re going Pink this month to support the Family Health Partnership Clinic’s Breast Cancer Fund of McHenry County!

Family Health Partnership Clinic has been providing health care to the uninsured men and women of McHenry County since 1996. The Clinic is funded through private grants, foundations and community fundraising. Until the Clinic opened, there was no place in the county for people without health insurance except for the emergency room.

Supporting this cause is important to us, and has special significance to our team. Keep reading to hear some employee testimonials!

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Water Softener Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

October 7th, 2024

If you’ve been thinking about installing a water softener, you may be doing research online to learn about this water filtering solution. It’s important to understand that there are some myths out there about water softeners that are not entirely true.

You can keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a water softener in Clarendon Hills and why you shouldn’t let these myths deter you from investing in this type of system. Then give our team a call when you’re ready to schedule an in-home assessment and talk about your water filter needs.

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What’s That Noise? 5 Furnace Sounds and What They Mean

September 23rd, 2024

As we gear up for the fall and winter seasons, it’s time to turn your furnace on and begin heating your home up. Temperatures are beginning to dip lower and you want to make sure your heater is ready to stand up to the challenge of heating your home.

But if your furnace is making unusual noises, you may have doubts about how well it will do. You can give our team a call for a furnace tune-up in Hawthorn Woods. In the meantime, keep reading to you learn about some unusual furnace noises and what they might mean for your heating system.

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Is My Older Air Conditioner Safe to Operate?

September 9th, 2024
Technician using a tablet while another repairs an outdoor AC unit, representing AC repair and air conditioning repair services.

Summer is winding down, but there is a chance that if your air conditioner is older it needs to be replaced before the end of the season. This is especially true if you’ve been experiencing air conditioner problems this season, or perhaps even over a period of several years.

Upgrading your older air conditioner now is a great idea because it ensures that next year you already have a solution in place without having to scramble because you were air conditioner won’t turn on. You can give our team a call to schedule an in-home assessment for your AC replacement in Lake Geneva, IL. You can also keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can indicate your AC is no longer safe to operate. For better understanding of cost-saving strategies and maintenance, explore 4 ways AC maintenance saves you money.

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