Today's heating, ventilation and air conditioning units are more energy-efficient than their predecessors. New air conditioning and heating equipment lasts longer than ever. The end of a furnace's or air conditioner’s service life depends on more than just chronological age. Energy-efficiency issues and the price of any necessary repairs versus the cost of upgrading to a new unit all enter into that determination. Furnace Lifespan The average service life of a new furnace is 15 to 20 years. Most furnace parts that fail during that span are replaceable at a cost that makes repair a better call than replacing the entire furnace. The exception is the heat exchanger, a furnace's single most expensive component. A cracked heat exchanger in a unit that’s already out of warranty is usually a tipping point that means it’s time to shop for a new furnace. Central Air Conditioners Central air conditioners typically last from 10 to 15 years. The lifespan of a central cooling unit may be reduced if its capacity is not properly matched to the cooling load of the home.

Oversized air conditioners “short-cycle,” turning on and off rapidly, inflicting excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Like the furnace heat exchanger, the compressor is the most costly part in the system. window ac unit apartmentA worn-out compressor in a unit that’s outlived its warranty is usually a deal-breaker that warrants upgrading to a new, more energy-efficient air conditioner rather that repairing the existing unit. air conditioner wall unit cleaningReferences National Association of Home Builders: Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components Photo Credits Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images Suggest a Correctionhow much does a 10 ton ac unit costAir Conditioner Service/Maintenance in New OrleansIf you live in New Orleans (or anywhere else for that matter), you need to have your air conditioning unit serviced at least once per year by a trained professional.

According to Energy.gov, improper maintanance is one of the main reasons air conditioners cease working, or fail to cool your space properly. Maintaining Your Air Conditioner - Department of Energy Tips Over time, if you don't have your unit serviced, the coils can become clogged with dirt, decreasing air flow and creating a kind of artificial insulation reducing it's ability to absorb heat. Coil fins can become bent and also prevent air flow. Drains can become clogged. You can prevent all of these issues (and more) by having your unit inspected and serviced at least once per year. You can also help yourself out, by keeping debris like leaves and dirt away from your unit. These get "sucked" up into the unit over time. Also, if you are moving your lawn or using a weed eater, make sure  [ ... ] Now is the Time to Have Your AC CheckedSpring is here New Orleans, and now is the time to have your air conditioning unit serviced. Over the last few weeks you've probably used both your heater and air conditioner in the same 24 hour period.

But it won't be long until your air is needed nearly around the clock. Heat and Air conditioning are the number one energy expense for your home and business. Here are a few energy saving tips: #1: Turn your thermostat up to 78 when you are not in the home. #2: Leave blinds closed to keep "sun heat" out #3: Use fans to help keep you cool so you won't need to turn the air on high If you notice icing on your unit: As you are using your AC more throughout the day, you might notice some icing on the unit. This is NEVER good, and you need to call a technician to come out right away. Summer is on the way. Don't wait until the first hot day to have your AC serviced. Just becuase it is working while it's cool, doesn't mean it will work whe [ ... ] Heat Tricks - Save Money on Heating Bill 14 Great ways to reduce your heating bill! Check out this article from Popular Mechanics. It outlines some great ways to keep heat from escaping from your home. Did you know that you can insulate the plates around outlets to keep heat from escaping?

This is just one of many great tips. Click the link below: Popular Mechanics Article on Saving Money on Heating Also, don't forget, one the BEST ways to reduce heating bills is to have your heating unit inspected by one of our professional crew members. This is something the US Department of Energy recommends having done annually.  Ice On Your Air Conditioner in New Orleans We have been REALLY busy as it heats up here in New Orleans! If you live in New Orleans and you spot Ice on your air conditioner, you need to do two things: #1: Turn off the Unit #2: Call us immediately Oh, and one more thing - DO NOT turn the unit back on until we come. Even if it thaws out, it will just freeze over again. Cooling Your Home - Get Ready NowWe've hit 87 degrees already and most of you have probably started using your air conditioning system already. It's important to have your system checked at least one time per year so why not now? As termeratures go up, so will your electric bill.

Did you know that heating and cooling your home accounts for up to 48% of your electric bill each month?Call us at: Peoria - (309) 693-8433Pekin - (309) 346-6100 Like Us On: Full-Service HVAC Contractors in Peoria, Pekin & Central Illinois Central Illinois Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor ready to handle even your most difficult heating and cooling needs. Let us handle your repairs and installation, while you keep everyone happy in a properly cooled or heated home or business. ENERGY CONSERVATION We use blower door & thermal imaging to find your most problematic areas of energy loss HEATING, AC, & GEOTHERMAL We proudly sells, service, and install the best products & boilers PLUMBING From plumbing to boilers to GeoThermal installations, we have the equipment and skill to get it done. Services Central Illinois Heating & Plumbing provides complete heating and cooling system services, as well as plumbing service. We offer financing options so you don't have to delay requesting service.