When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re getting to know 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 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 beneficial.
As long as they are running without problems, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, 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 certain how old their furnace is should take time and figure it out.
How can you identify 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 outside, 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 visit the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to figure out 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 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 shows this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc 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 looking for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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 factors that show it might be time to search for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Surge 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Heflin to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 256-270-1196 or schedule an appointment with us online.