When you move into a new residence, 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 should be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a vital role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very useful.
As long as they are working without issues, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we absolutely 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 sure 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 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 for reference. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to figure out the manufacturing date. You may 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 indicate 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 communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact The Frazier Company for support.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Typically, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help increase efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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:
- Surge 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Omaha to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 402-628-0206 or arrange an appointment with us online.