Is Your Building’s Cooling Strategy Ready for Chicago’s Next Heat Wave (and the Cooling Ordinance)?

May 5th, 2026

If your building’s cooling strategy isn’t ready before Chicago’s next heat wave, you’re already a few steps behind. Chicago building owners need a proactive strategy that keeps tenants, residents, staff, or visitors comfortable and your property compliant.

Chicago’s cooling ordinance requires certain buildings to provide cooling and dehumidification in designated common spaces under specific conditions. Covered buildings may need accessible indoor cooling areas that can maintain safe temperature and humidity levels as outdoor temperatures rise.

With hotter summers and increasing expectations around occupant safety, commercial HVAC planning needs to cover more than basic comfort. Here’s how to prepare your building for sustained heat, humidity, and HVAC system performance under pressure.

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Spring Changeover Playbook: How Chicagoland Facilities Should Transition from Heating to Cooling

April 6th, 2026

As winter ends and spring begins, Chicagoland facilities face a unique challenge—quick temperature swings that can shift from the 40s to the 70s in just days. For facility managers, a smooth transition from heating to cooling is essential. A coordinated spring changeover ensures systems are ready to respond effectively, preventing comfort issues and costly downtime.

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Spring Melt: Commercial Drain Maintenance Reminder for Chicago-Area Properties

March 2nd, 2026

As winter transitions into spring, commercial properties across the Chicago area face a new set of plumbing challenges. Melting snow, combined with early-season rains, can place significant strain on storm and sanitary drainage systems. If these systems have not been properly maintained, the increased water flow can expose hidden issues and lead to flooding in basements, parking garages, and loading docks. Proactive drain maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly disruptions to your operations.

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Winter Energy Tune-Up: Operational Tweaks Facility Managers Can Make Without Major Capital Spend

February 2nd, 2026

Winter energy costs can rise quickly in commercial facilities, especially when systems run longer to maintain comfort. The good news is that improving efficiency doesn’t always require major upgrades or large capital investments. Strategic operational adjustments can significantly reduce energy waste while keeping buildings comfortable, compliant, and productive throughout the colder months.

A winter energy tune-up focuses on maximizing performance from existing systems. That’s where experienced facility partners make a real difference.

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Post-Holiday System Check: What Facility Managers Should Review Before Deep Winter Sets In

January 5th, 2026

January is a critical time for facility and property managers. After holiday shutdowns or periods of reduced occupancy, building systems often transition quickly back to full operation just as winter conditions intensify. A post-holiday system check helps ensure HVAC and mechanical equipment are ready to perform reliably before late-winter cold places maximum demand on the system.

Conducting a structured review now allows managers to identify hidden issues, correct control settings, and avoid unexpected disruptions during the coldest stretch of the season.

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Smart Thermostats & Automation: Reducing Energy Waste Over the Holidays

December 1st, 2025

For commercial buildings, the holiday season often brings shifts in occupancy patterns, reduced staffing, and temporary closures. With fewer people in the building, heating and cooling needs change dramatically. Uet many facilities continue operating on their normal schedules, wasting energy and increasing operational costs. Smart thermostats and building automation systems offer an effective way to reduce unnecessary energy use during low-occupancy periods, especially throughout the holidays.

Commercial HVAC automation isn’t just a convenience. It’s a strategic way to optimize performance, protect equipment, and support more efficient operations during one of the most unpredictable times of the year.

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Stop Wasting Heat: How Air Rotation Units Keep Your Facility Comfortable & Efficient

November 3rd, 2025

In large commercial and industrial spaces, winter heating can feel like an uphill battle. Warm air naturally rises to the ceiling, creating a toasty upper layer while workers on the floor shiver in cold pockets. This thermal stratification doesn’t just compromise comfort—it drives energy costs through the roof as systems overwork to compensate. Air Rotation Units (ARUs) from Althoff Industries, Inc. solve the problem by gently recirculating air from top to bottom, delivering even temperatures, lower bills, and a more productive environment.

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Upgrading Lighting Systems Before Year-End: Benefits & Incentives

October 6th, 2025

As the end of 2025 approaches, commercial facility managers across Illinois are wise to turn their attention to one of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades: lighting systems. At Althoff Industries, Inc., we’ve helped countless businesses transition to energy-efficient solutions, and we’re excited to share why now is the perfect time for an LED retrofit. With year-end budgets to allocate and attractive incentives on the table, upgrading your lighting can deliver immediate and long-term value.

Let’s explore the key benefits, available rebates, and the compelling return on investment (ROI) that makes this a smart move for your operations.

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Planning an Air Compressor Installation? Here’s What You Need to Know as a Business Owner

September 1st, 2025

For many businesses in Chicago, an air compressor is more than just a tool: it’s a critical part of daily operations. From powering pneumatic tools to supporting manufacturing processes, an efficient air compressor system keeps your workflow running smoothly. 

However, proper planning is essential. A poorly designed or improperly installed system can lead to downtime, higher energy costs, and expensive repairs. If you’re considering air compressor installation in Chicago, here’s what every business owner should know.

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Why Commercial Rooftop HVAC Units Are Ideal for Elk Grove Village Businesses

August 18th, 2025

When it comes to heating and cooling your business, reliability, efficiency, and space optimization are essential. For many commercial property owners, one solution checks all these boxes: commercial rooftop HVAC units in Elk Grove Village.

Why are rooftop HVAC units ideal for commercial businesses?

  • Frees up interior and ground‑level space so operations, parking, and workflows aren’t obstructed
  • Allows maintenance work away from customer and staff areas, reducing disruption
  • Offers scalability: you can add or upgrade modular units as business needs change
  • Delivers year‑round efficiency with combined heating/cooling systems and modern controls
  • Draws in cleaner intake air (less dust and debris) by positioning intake high above ground

These systems are specifically designed to meet the demands of retail spaces, warehouses, offices, and industrial facilities—making them an excellent investment for local businesses looking to improve comfort and control costs. Here’s why rooftop HVAC units stand out as the ideal choice for many businesses. 

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