When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and consider as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering 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 should be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a key role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are operating without issues, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we definitely notice. That’s why it’s a worthy idea to find out how old your furnace is. Then you have an understanding of what you might deal with down the road. And this doesn’t just apply to homeowners moving into a new space. Anyone who isn’t sure 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 someplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the exterior, 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 go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines on how to determine the manufacturing date. You might want to 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 change 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Usually, 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 typically 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 how old your equipment is, there are other indications that it might be time to search for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More frequent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decrease 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 Greater Richmond to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 804-302-6657 or book an appointment with us online.