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 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 needs to 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 running without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we absolutely 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 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 find out 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 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 visit the manufacturer’s website or search for guides 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 differ 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 problems, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact I-Deal HVAC 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 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 how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate 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.
- 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 Albuquerque to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 505-445-1250 or arrange an appointment with us online.