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 seeing 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 vital role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are running without challenges, we don’t pay a lot of attention 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 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 find out 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 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 keep for your records. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines on how to identify the manufacturing date. You could 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 represent 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for support.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help enhance efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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 just the age of your furance, there are other factors that show it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More frequent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Reduction 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 Pella to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 641-628-3621 or book an appointment with us online.