How Can I Determine the Age of My Furnace?

March 28, 2019
man with screw driver

When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re getting to know all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means contemplating 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 should 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 working without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, we absolutely 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 identify 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 outside, 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 have on hand. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to figure out the manufacturing date. You might want to 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 mean 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 issues, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Winters Heating and Cooling for support.

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 increase 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 search 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 conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Franklin & South Indy to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 317-406-5382 or book an appointment with us online.