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 at some point. 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 critical role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are working without issues, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, 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 outer panels, find where the paneling opens up and check 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 guides on how to identify 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 indicate 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 problems, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Air Houston Mechanical LLC for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Typically, when you’ve had a furnace for about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models tend to have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll benefit from the advancements in technology over the last few years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other indications that it might be time to look for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:
- The surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent 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 Huffman to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at (832) 957-9332 or schedule an appointment with us online.
