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Category: Air Conditioning

May 30, 2017 Air Conditioning

What’s that Smell? Innocent vs. Hazardous Central Air Conditioner Vent Odors

Just like when your Chicago area furnace kicks on for the first time in the fall, when your central air conditioning goes on for the first time in the spring, you may be welcomed with some unknown vent odors. Why does your central air conditioning smell that way? How long will the odor last and is it something that is hazardous? Here’s a look at some common vent odors you may smell from your central air conditioning unit and what...

May 25, 2017 Air Conditioning

The Hidden Dangers of a Clogged Condensate Drain Line on Your AC

In a previous article, we discussed the importance of a good spring cleaning and tune up of home’s air condition system. We mentioned how some bargain HVAC technicians won’t even bother to take the panels off of an AC unit to clean the evaporator coil. This can ultimately defeat the original purpose of a cleaning and tune-up. Another area of concern is your condensate drain and the problems associated with a clogged condensate drain line. Once you understand the purpose...

May 23, 2017 Air Conditioning

What Should an A/C Tune-Up and Cleaning Include?

Every spring, HVAC companies begin advertising their air conditioning maintenance specials, and for good reason. Spring is the best time to ensure...

May 18, 2017 Air Conditioning

5 Common Central Air Conditioner Repairs

During the course of the summer, a homeowner may encounter problems with their central air conditioner unit. Although, most air conditioner problems only require a quick A/C repair, if a homeowner lets small problems linger or does not engage in timely central air conditioner maintenance, it could lead to a hefty repair bill. To avoid the element of surprise, our team at Althoff has put together this list of common central air conditioning repair requests. 1. Broken Thermostats A broken...

May 17, 2017 Air Conditioning

5 Reasons Air Conditioner Maintenance Inspection Saves You Money

A regularly maintained air conditioner is one that is working efficiently, which in turn helps homeowners keep utility bills down. Spring is the optimal time to schedule an inspection–before the high heat of summer returns. Here are 5 ways that an annual air conditioner maintenance inspection will help keep summer cooling costs down. 1. Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency When an air conditioner maintenance inspection is performed, a trained expert will examine and clean all the moving parts. The coils inside...

May 15, 2017 Air Conditioning

6 Tips to Maintain Residential Air Conditioner Peak Performance

Homeowners rely on their air conditioner to work reliably and efficiently all summer long, so when a unit fails, it can lead to uncomfortably living and sleeping conditions. Learn how to keep you’re A/C unit operating efficiently all summer long with these tips. 1. Keep the Heat Off the Thermostat An air conditioner’s thermostat keeps indoor air temperature constant. It is important to note, though, that a thermostat temperature sensor is located within the thermostat. For this reason, all heat...

April 24, 2017 Air Conditioning