When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and think about 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 key role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are running without problems, 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 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 clear 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 outer panels, 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 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 usually provides insight into the age of your system, but it does change 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 means this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having problems, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Knoechel Heating Company for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help enhance efficiency and overall operations. Newer models typically 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 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.
- Decline 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 Zelienople to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 724-425-5852 or schedule an appointment with us online.