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 should 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 running without issues, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, we absolutely 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 clear 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 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 head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You could 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 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 call the manufacturer directly, or contact Air Temperature Control for support.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help enhance efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the last years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline 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 Macon to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 478-202-3170 or schedule an appointment with us online.