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 vital role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are working without challenges, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we definitely 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 down the road. And this doesn’t just pertain to 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 identify how old your furnace is?
Your furnace should have a sticker located anyplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the exterior, 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 keep for your records. Then visit the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines on how to figure out 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 differ 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.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Typically, 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 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 how old your equipment is, there are other factors that show it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Reduction in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have questions about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Williamsport to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 570-326-4450 or arrange an appointment with us online.