When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re figuring out 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 should 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 beneficial.
As long as they are running without problems, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, 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 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 establish 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 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 for reference. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You might want to try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number usually provides insight into the age of your system, but it does vary 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having problems, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Clean Air HVAC for support.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
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 typically 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 how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More frequent 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 Pacheco to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 925-233-6238 or book an appointment with us online.