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 seeing 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 critical role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
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 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 affect 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 establish 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 look 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 determine 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 vary 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact AW Heating & Air Conditioning for support.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Usually, 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 last years.
You don’t have to rely on just the age of your furance, there are other factors that show it might be time to search for a new furnace. A handful 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Lincoln to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 402-438-7992 or arrange an appointment with us online.