When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and consider 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 at some point. 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 critical role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very useful.
As long as they are working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, 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 somewhere 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 keep for your records. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines 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 normally 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact AZ Air Conditioning and Heating for support.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Typically, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help increase 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 factors that show it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Increase 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 Los Angeles to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 800-296-5088 or arrange an appointment with us online.