When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means seeing what upgrades or updates need to be made later on. 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 beneficial.
As long as they are working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, we certainly notice. That’s why it’s a great 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 sure how old their furnace is should take time and figure it out.
How can you find out 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 visit the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to identify the manufacturing date. You may 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 differ 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 shows this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Anderson Heating & A/C for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help increase efficiency and overall operations. Newer models tend to 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 shop 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.
- Reduction in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Carson City to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 775-230-7628 or schedule an appointment with us online.