When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and consider as you get settled in. You’re getting to know all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means seeing 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 knowing a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are operating 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 worthy idea to find out how old your furnace is. Then you have an understanding of what you might deal with in the future. 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 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 guides on how to identify the manufacturing date. You may 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 indicate the year and month it was manufactured. In the photo below, the serial number shows this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having problems, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Precision Mechanical for assistance.
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 enhance 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 recent years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other indications that it might be time to look for a new furnace. Some 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Rapid City to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 605-206-3766 or book an appointment with us online.