When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re getting to know all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering what upgrades or updates need to be made at some point. 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 critical role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are operating without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, 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 in the future. And this doesn’t just affect 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 someplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the outer panels, 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 to have on hand. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions 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 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 problems, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc 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 searching 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 recent years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other factors that show it might be time to search for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More frequent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline 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 Carpentersville to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 224-412-8308 or arrange an appointment with us online.