When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means contemplating 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 beneficial.
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 good 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 apply 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 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 for reference. Then visit the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to identify the manufacturing date. You might want to try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number normally provides insight into the age of your system, but it does change 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 problems, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Heartland Heating & Cooling for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking 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 just the age of your furance, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to shop 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 Des Moines to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 515-344-3579 or book an appointment with us online.