When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and consider as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering what upgrades or updates need to be made down the road. It may not always be top of mind, but your heating and cooling system needs to be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a vital role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very useful.
As long as they are working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, we certainly 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 in the future. And this doesn’t just pertain to 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 somewhere on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the outside, find where the paneling opens up and see if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to keep for your records. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to determine the manufacturing date. You may try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number typically provides insight into the age of your system, but it does vary among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers mean the year and month it was manufactured. In the photo below, the serial number means this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning for help.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Typically, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the recent years.
You don’t have to rely on just the age of your furance, there are other factors that show it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decrease in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Pflugerville to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 512-355-1482 or arrange an appointment with us online.