When you move into a new residence, 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 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 vital 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 problems, we definitely 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 down the road. 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 find out 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 look 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 guidelines on how to identify 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 change 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 means this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Age Heating & Cooling for assistance.
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 enhance 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 indications that it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Increase 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 Sandpoint to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 208-578-4258 or schedule an appointment with us online.