When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and consider 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 later on. 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 critical role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we definitely notice. That’s why it’s a good 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 pertain to 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 anyplace 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 check if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to keep for your records. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions 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 change among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers represent 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 reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help enhance 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 just the age of your furance, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to search for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decrease 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 York to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 717-383-4479 or book an appointment with us online.