How can I determine the age of my furnace?

March 28, 2019

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 contemplating 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 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 definitely notice. That’s why it’s a great 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 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 somewhere 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 look if it’s located inside that door.

Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number for reference. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to figure out 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 vary 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.

Serial number on a furnace 

If you are still having challenges, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Speedy Air Conditioning for support.

Why is the age of your furnace important?

Usually, 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 typically 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 indications that it might be time to search for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:

  • Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
  • More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
  • Decrease 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 Naples to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 239-244-3439 or arrange an appointment with us online.