When you move into a new home, 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 contemplating 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 critical role in home comfort, so learning 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 thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we absolutely 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 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 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 for reference. Then visit the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You might want to 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 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 issues, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact B & G HVAC for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models typically 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 signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Surge 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Marshalltown to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 641-316-3360 or schedule an appointment with us online.