When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means contemplating what upgrades or updates need to be made at some point. It may not always be top of mind, but your heating and cooling system must be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a critical role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are operating without challenges, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we definitely notice. That’s why it’s a good idea to find out how old your furnace is. Then you have an understanding of what you might deal with later on. And this doesn’t just affect homeowners moving into a new space. Anyone who isn’t certain how old their furnace is should take time and figure it out.
How can you establish how old your furnace is?
Your furnace should have a sticker located anyplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the outer panels, find where the paneling opens up and look if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to have on hand. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines on how to identify the manufacturing date. You might want to try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number normally provides insight into the age of your system, but it does change among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers represent the year and month it was manufactured. In the photo below, the serial number indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces for support.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help increase efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the past several years.
You don’t have to rely on age alone, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:
- Increase in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Reduction in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have questions about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Alliance to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 308-321-4703 or book an appointment with us online.