If you wake up to your house in Northwest and Western Suburbs and it feels like an oven… or the thermostat keeps climbing… or the vents are blowing lukewarm air, it’s time to act immediately. Chicago’s brutal summer heat is peaking right now, and you are far from alone, so you won’t be the only one calling for professional assistance.
Here’s Your Emergency Action Plan
When the RealFeel heat index reaches 100+ degrees, an air conditioner breakdown is more than just an inconvenience. It becomes a safety emergency.
While our NATE-certified emergency team prepares to restore your cooling in the Northwest and Western Suburbs, follow this step-by-step plan to stay safe, keep your home cooler, and possibly avoid the usual seasonal wait.
Step 1: Jump to the Front of the Line with Our Fast Pass Program
During a major heat wave, we get a lot of emergency calls. If you need service right away and can’t wait through the summer rush, our Fast Pass Program is here to help.
- Move to the Front of the Line: When you join our program, you become a priority client right away.
- Guaranteed Priority Service: Fast Pass members are moved up the schedule, so a NATE-certified technician comes to your home before non-members.
- Immediate Peace of Mind: If you’re not a member yet, ask our team how to sign up now. You can get priority status today and have your home cooled down as soon as possible.
Step 2: Check the 3 Safest “Quick Fixes”
Before you assume your compressor is broken, check these three common issues that can seem like a big breakdown while you wait for your technician:
The Frozen Evaporator Coil
Check your basement or furnace closet. If you see ice on the copper lines or water at the base, your indoor coil may be frozen from running too long with a dirty filter. Turn your thermostat to “Off” and set the fan to “On.” This will help thaw the coil so it’s ready for service when we arrive.
The Tripped Breaker
Running your AC nonstop can strain your electrical system. Check your breaker panel for the switch labeled “AC” or “Condenser.” If it’s in the middle, turn it off and then back on.
The Thermostat Batteries
If your thermostat screen is blank, your system isn’t getting the signal to turn on. Open the cover and put in new AA or AAA batteries.
Step 3: Keep Your Home from Baking While You Wait
Once your emergency service is scheduled, your main goal is to slow down the heat coming into your home in the Northwest and Western Suburbs.
Seal It Up Like a Vault
Close all windows, blinds, shades, and curtains right away. Use blackout curtains or cardboard on west- and south-facing windows to block out the sun’s heat.
Keep Inner Doors Open
Leave inside doors open so any cooler air left in the house can move around.
Ditch the Appliances
Avoid using the stove, oven, clothes dryer, or dishwasher. These add a lot of heat to your home, which you want to avoid right now.
Step 4: Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
With temperatures outside in the triple digits, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot fast. Watch your family and pets closely for signs of heat exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating and muscle cramps
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea
- A fast, weak pulse
- Extreme lethargy or heavy panting in pets
⚠️ Emergency Safety Note: If someone in your home seems confused, stops sweating, or faints, get them to a shaded, air-conditioned car or a local cooling center right away and call 911.
We’re On the Way: Call Althoff for Emergency Relief
When extreme heat hits the Chicago Area, a regular 9-to-5 schedule isn’t enough. Our team has handled the Northwest and Western Suburb’s toughest weather since 1961, so we know how to manage emergency cooling problems.
Our trucks carry the tools and parts needed to fix your cooling problem and make your home safe and comfortable on the first visit.
Don’t stay in a dangerous house. Call the Althoff Home Services Fast Pass number now to get an emergency HVAC specialist sent to your home ASAP!
