When you move into a new residence, 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 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 learning 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 issues, we absolutely notice. That’s why it’s a worthy idea to find out how old your furnace is. Then you have an understanding of what you might deal with later on. 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 anyplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the outside, 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 have on hand. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to identify the manufacturing date. You could 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 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 Ambient Air 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 searching for a replacement system to help enhance efficiency and overall operations. Newer models typically 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 age alone, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to search for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:
- Surge 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 conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Tucson to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 520-357-4912 or book an appointment with us online.