When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and study 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 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 critical role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are operating without challenges, we don’t pay a lot of attention 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 affect 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 see if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to have on hand. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to identify the manufacturing date. You may 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 change 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 issues, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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 just the age of your furance, there are other indications that it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline 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 Manassas to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 703-260-1148 or schedule an appointment with us online.