When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re messing around with 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 must be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a vital role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are running 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 apply to 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 identify 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 to have on hand. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions 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 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 H&C Heating and Cooling for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace 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 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. Some of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decrease 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 Laurel to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 301-960-3247 or book an appointment with us online.