Man doing maintenance on a furnace

How can I determine the age of my furnace?

When you move into a new residence, 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 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 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 care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we definitely 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 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 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 keep for your records. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You could try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number typically 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.

Serial number on a furnace 

If you are still having problems, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Point Heating & Cooling for assistance.

Why is the age of your furnace significant?

Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping 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 how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:

  • Increase in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
  • More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
  • Reduction 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 Plover to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 715-504-0533 or schedule an appointment with us online.

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