When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means contemplating what upgrades or updates need to be made later on. 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 key role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are working without challenges, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we definitely 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 apply to 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 identify 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 check if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to have on hand. Then visit the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to figure out 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 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 shows this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact A&M Heating & Cooling LLC for support.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
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 tend to have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the recent years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other factors that show it might be time to shop 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 conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Tucson to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 520-200-1048 or book an appointment with us online.