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October 4, 2017 Heating

6 Items to Check Before Calling for Furnace Service

At Althoff Industries, we make our living helping people keep their families safe and cozy with efficient operating HVAC systems. We have...

September 28, 2017 Heating

8 Common Questions About Annual Furnace Tune Ups

This is the time of year many families schedule their annual furnace tune up. We can’t assume, however, that everyone knows what...

September 14, 2017 Heating

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

Now that school is back in session and we settle into our Fall routines, it is time to think about the inevitable...

September 6, 2017 Plumbing

5 Simple Solutions to Common Residential Plumbing Problems

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...

August 29, 2017 Air Conditioning

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

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. For...

August 15, 2017 Go Green

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

Your home is a marvel of independent and interconnected devices. Water flows in and out, managed throughout via a network of pipes,...

August 3, 2017 Air Conditioning

6 Tips for End of Summer AC Maintenance

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...

August 3, 2017 Air Conditioning

Is Switching to an Energy Star Air Conditioner Worth It?

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,...

August 2, 2017 Air Conditioning

Repair or Replace? Average Life of an Air Conditioning Unit

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...