Althoff Home Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Residential HVAC’

Sept 25 is National Tune Up Day: Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter?

Thursday, September 14th, 2017

Now that school is back in session and we settle into our Fall routines, it is time to think about the inevitable winter ahead. In fact, September 25 is National Tune Up Day for furnaces across the country. It is particularly important here in the greater Chicago area where our winters can be brutal. What can you do to be a part of National Tune Up Day? First, you can schedule a furnace tune up. The second thing you can do is to use #NationalTuneUpDay on social media to spread the word. This is important because a furnace tune up is not only a matter of ensuring a furnace is operating efficiently, but that it is operating safely as well.

Why Preventive Furnace Maintenance?

A thorough furnace tune up ensures your heating system is clean, operating efficiently and also checks that any impending part failures are addressed. A skilled technician will have the appropriate tools to test gasses to make sure they are safe and that your furnace is vented properly. Notice we said “thorough” furnace tune-up. Many of the $39 and $49 furnace tune-up coupon specials you’ll see this time of year are no more than a promotional vehicle that may just be used to “find” additional problems. This is why it is important you select an experienced company with the proper equipment and training, a superior reputation and a customer-centric approach.

How Often Should You Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up?

If the tune up is thorough, once a year may be sufficient. We recommend you get a furnace tune up in the Fall as we head into the cold weather season. This assures that your furnace is ready for the hard work that it will be performing in the coming winter months, keeping you warm without interruption. That’s why we feel September 25th is an optimal time to remind our customers, and potential customers, to schedule a tune up.

What Should Be Included in Furnace Preventive Maintenance?

A furnace tune should includes this extensive list:

1. Remove dust and dirt from the unit and vents

2. Check and change HVAC air filter.

3. Ensure fresh air intake grills are not blocked.

4. Check blower wheel and motor for efficient and quiet operation.

5. Secure wiring, check all wiring for any damage or wear.

6. Examine all parts for any corrosion or cause of corrosion.

7. Determine that drains and traps are in good condition.

8. Establish that fuel-jets are working efficiently.

9. Analyze combustion gasses and compare this analysis to what is recommended for your furnace.

An HVAC technician goal while performing this checklist should be to ensure you, the homeowner, that you have a clean, safe, and efficient heating system that will keep your family comfortable throughout the winter months.

Will a Tune-Up Prevent Future Problems?

While a furnace tune up cannot guarantee you won’t have problems in the coming months, you will be far better prepared to prevent problems. In many instances, problems may be age-related, meaning the older your heating system, the more issues you may face. That being said, the older your furnace, the more important a furnace tune up can be. Even on newer systems, however, a furnace tune up can maximize its lifespan.

Discover the Althoff Difference

At Althoff Industries, our technicians are trained and provided with the latest technology to appropriately analyze the operation of your furnace. We have built our company not on selling more parts, but by delivering better service. We are customer focused and are proud of our online reviews and testimonials. Before you observe National Tune Up Day with a coupon special, discover the difference with a comprehensive furnace tune from Althoff Industries. Contact us for an appointment for a thorough furnace tune up and enter the winter season with greater peace of mind.

Tags: Heating, HVAC, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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Warm Days, Cool Nights: Seasonal AC Tips for Energy Efficiency

Tuesday, 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!

Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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Is Switching to an Energy Star Air Conditioner Worth It?

Thursday, 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.

Tags: Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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6 Tips for End of Summer AC Maintenance

Thursday, 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.

Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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Repair or Replace? Average Life of an Air Conditioning Unit

Wednesday, 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!

Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC
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7 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

Thursday, 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.

Tags: Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC
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3 Common Issues that Affect Air Conditioner Performance

Wednesday, 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?

Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

Thursday, 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.

Tags: Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
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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.

Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Residential Cooling, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on How to Select the Correct SEER Rating for Your Residential Air Conditioner

You May Not Have the Correct Furnace Size: What to Look For

Saturday, July 1st, 2017

We recently received what we refer to as a “no heat” call. It was May so it wasn’t a desperation call, thank goodness, but still an issue. We immediately noticed something different upon arrival at the Park Ridge residence. This home had twinned furnaces that combined for a whopping 190k BTUs of heat and they were connected to a 5 ton condenser. As is our normal procedure, we ran the load calculation and determined that the homeowner only needed a single 100k BTU furnace with a 4 ton condenser. The existing system was simply way over-sized. We were able to install a single, much more efficient system, and the sheet metal was a work of art.

The problem is, this is not as uncommon as it should be. We often see furnaces that are over-sized and can only assume the previous installation was done without a full understanding of what was needed or the installer had some extra equipment to sell. There is more of a science to HVAC installations than most homeowners, and apparently some installers, understand.

Calculating the Appropriate Size HVAC Unit

When deciding the most efficient size HVAC unit, an installer needs to consider multiple factors including:

Square Feet: Total square feet of the space to be heated/cooled.
Weather Pattern: The climate and length of the area’s hot and cold seasons.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Consult manufacturer charts for the appropriate furnace for the space and climate.
Orientation: Since windows are not usually evenly distributed on all four orientations, rotating the orientation of a building design by 90 degrees can change the cooling load.
Latitude: The sun’s angle changes with the latitude and could affect the size you need.
Roof overhang: The roof overhang width matters, as well as the distance between the top of the window and the soffit.
Window Coverings: The presence or absence of any window coverings including, blinds, curtains and drapes.
Energy Efficient Appliances/Lighting: Appliances give off heat, especially older non energy efficient appliances. Types of lightbulbs used and the wattage can produce significant heat.
Mechanical Rate Ventilation: This could vary based on home’s age.
Occupants of a home: General rule of thumb is to calculate number of occupants equal to number of bedrooms plus one.

Experienced installers may also consider other factors like available insulation, the specific floor plan and ceiling heights. A trusted installer will not sell you a furnace larger than what you need, saying it’s “more for your money”. The fact is an over-sized furnace will cause you problems.

Issues Related to an Over-Sized Unit

An oversized furnace is no bargain. Especially when it comes to performance. Here are some of the issues you’ll likely experience.

A home that is difficult to keep comfortable. When your home has an oversized furnace it can generate a lot of heat at once, creating an environment that can be too warm. In addition to some rooms heating too quickly, rooms further away from the furnace may not ever seem to get warm enough.
Your furnace will “short cycle” – Because a room heats up so quickly your furnace will “short cycle”, meaning it will be in a start up and shut down mode far too often. This creates furnace wear and may ultimately lead to a furnace failure.
This will lead to higher fuel costs. The start up mode is the most expensive running time for your furnace. This means when it is short cycling it is using more fuel than necessary. This will lead to higher fuel costs and inefficiency.
An oversized furnace will wear down quicker. If your home does not have the proper furnace size, the furnace it does have will not last as long. It may be tempting to believe that an oversized furnace may not work as hard, but the opposite is actually true.

If you’ve experienced any or all of the above, it is quite possible you too, have an oversized furnace.

Contact Althoff Industries Today!

Having a professional perform a load calculation and install your furnace means your furnace will run as efficiently as possible as long as possible. When your HVAC is properly maintained, it further ensures that efficiency for years to come. Contact the professionals at Althoff Industries for an appointment today – we service all suburbs in the Greater Chicago area. We’ll make sure your system is the appropriate size for your home. If not, we’ll recommend a system that will save you money on fuel while providing a more comfortable living environment. The more you know about your HVAC system, the more you’ll understand the value Althoff Industries brings as your HVAC technician.

Tags: Heating, HVAC, Residential Heating, Residential HVAC, Residential Services
Posted in Home Improvement | Comments Off on You May Not Have the Correct Furnace Size: What to Look For