When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and consider as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering 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 must be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a key role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we certainly 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 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 exterior, find where the paneling opens up and look 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 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 differ among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers mean 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 Lakeside Heating & Air for support.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking 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 last years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate 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 regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have questions about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Chelan and Wenatchee to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 509-284-4265 or arrange an appointment with us online.