HVAC Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners and businesses across Des Plaines and the northwest Chicago suburbs. Don’t see your question? Call us at (866) 482-2007 or send us a message.
About Alltech HVAC
What areas does Alltech HVAC serve?
Alltech HVAC is based at 1240 Rand Rd in Des Plaines, IL, and serves homes and businesses in Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Niles, Northfield, Glencoe, Wheeling, Morton Grove, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Palatine, Deer Park, Wood Dale, Norridge, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Northbrook, Deerfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park and Barrington. Don’t see your town? Contact us and we’ll let you know if we can help.
Who is Alltech HVAC?
Alltech HVAC is a family-owned and operated heating and cooling company based in Des Plaines, serving the northwest Chicago suburbs. We’re an A+ rated, BBB-accredited business.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Alltech HVAC is fully licensed and insured with General Liability, Auto Insurance, Umbrella Liability and Workers Compensation coverage. Upon request, we will provide a Certificate of Insurance to customers committed to working with us.
What are your business hours?
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Weekend appointments are available by request.
Do you offer emergency HVAC service?
Yes. We handle emergency heating and air conditioning repairs. We do not offer 24-hour emergency service to residential customers.
Do you work on both homes and businesses?
Yes. We provide residential and commercial HVAC installation, repair and maintenance, including rooftop units, split and mini-split systems, exhaust fans and makeup air units for commercial properties.
What equipment brands do you install?
We install furnace and AC systems by American Standard and Amana. We install boilers by Dunkirk, Laars, Peerless, Burnham, Crown, Weil-McLain, Pennco, NTI, Navien and Raypak. We install ductless mini-split systems by Mitsubishi and Gree. Indoor air quality and thermostat brands include Aprilaire, Honeywell, ecobee, Air Scrubber by Aerus and iWave.
What equipment brands do you service, repair and maintain?
We service all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment.
Heating
How do I know if my furnace needs repair or replacement?
Common signs include rooms that won’t get warm, rising gas bills, short cycling, strange noises or smells, and a furnace older than 15–20 years. If repairs are frequent or costly on an older unit, replacement is often the better investment. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a free estimate.
How long does a furnace typically last?
Most furnaces last about 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Annual tune-ups help extend equipment life and catch small problems before they become breakdowns in the middle of a Chicago winter.
Do you service boilers and radiant floor heating?
Yes. We install, replace, maintain and repair boilers and radiant floor heating systems, which are common in older homes throughout the northwest suburbs.
Is a heat pump or a furnace better for Chicago winters?
It depends on your home, ductwork and energy goals. Many homeowners choose a furnace for its reliable heat in extreme cold, while others pair a heat pump with a furnace for efficiency. We break down the pros and cons in Heat Pump Versus Furnace: Which Fits Chicago?.
Why is my upstairs warmer than my downstairs?
Uneven temperatures are usually caused by ductwork design, airflow issues, insulation or system sizing. Solutions range from balancing dampers to zoning or a ductless system. Learn more in Uneven Home Temperatures Upstairs Explained.
Air Conditioning
How often should my AC and furnace be serviced?
We recommend a professional tune-up once a year for each system: your air conditioner in the spring and your furnace in the fall. Our Universal Savings Agreement covers both.
Why does my air conditioner smell musty?
A musty smell usually points to moisture and mold growth in the drain pan, evaporator coil or ductwork. It should be checked by a technician. See Why Does AC Smell Musty? Causes and Fixes.
Maintenance Agreements
What’s included in the Universal Savings Agreement?
The Universal Savings Agreement (USA) includes an annual AC tune-up and heating tune-up, priority scheduling, a 10% discount on repairs to covered equipment, and a one-year parts and labor warranty on our work. Each USA is tailored to your home’s equipment, which may include an air conditioner, furnace, boiler, humidifier, electronic air cleaner, dehumidifier or tankless water heater.
Can I transfer my maintenance agreement if I move?
Yes. Your agreement can be transferred to your new home or to the new owner of your current home.
Does regular maintenance keep my manufacturer warranty valid?
Many manufacturers require annual professional maintenance to keep warranties valid. Our maintenance agreement helps keep your coverage protected.
Do you offer commercial maintenance agreements?
Yes. We start with an assessment of your equipment and build a custom agreement around your building’s systems and needs.
Cost and Financing
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We offer free estimates on new system installations and replacements. For repairs, we charge a diagnostic fee for a technician to determine what’s wrong with your unit, and we’ll provide a quote for the repair. Call the office for current diagnostic fees.
How much does a new furnace or air conditioner cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your home, the efficiency level you choose, and the condition of your existing ductwork. We provide a free in-home estimate with clear options so you can compare.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Alltech HVAC partners with Hearth to offer monthly payment options for your project. Complete a quick financing request to see which loan options you pre-qualify for. Checking your options won’t affect your credit score.
Are there rebates for new HVAC equipment?
Utility rebates from ComEd and Nicor Gas or Peoples Gas may be available on qualifying high-efficiency equipment. Ask us during your estimate and we’ll help you find what you can apply for.
Air Quality and Thermostats
What indoor air quality products do you offer?
We install air purification systems such as Air Scrubber by Aerus and iWave, plus Aprilaire humidifiers, dehumidifiers and high-efficiency air filters. Not sure which you need? Read Humidifier Versus Dehumidifier: Which Do You Need?
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Most standard filters should be changed every 1–2 months, depending on the filter type, pets and allergies. Thicker media filters can last 3–6 months.
Do you install smart thermostats?
Yes. We install and set up smart thermostats from ecobee and Honeywell. Compare options in Programmable Thermostat vs Smart Thermostat.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help. Call (866) 482-2007 or use our online contact form to schedule service or a free estimate.