Your furnace is crucial for keeping your home warm and comfortable, especially in colder months. However, just like any other large appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan as well. So, whether you’re moving into a new home or perhaps your furnace has been around for a couple of decades, knowing its age is helpful for homeowners in regards to staying on top of maintenance, repairs, and replacement planning. In this blog, Beavercreek Heating & Cooling will discuss various methods to determine your furnace’s age.
Understanding the Age of Your Furnace is Essential for Several Reasons
First, it’s always helpful to understand why you need to know something. Here’s a short summary:
- Maintenance: Regular furnace maintenance ensures efficient and safe operation during colder months. Plus, when you schedule your seasonal maintenance checks, it’s helpful for the HVAC technician to know the general age of your heating unit ahead of time.
- Repair: If your furnace starts experiencing problems, determining its age can assist you in deciding whether repairing it or purchasing a new unit is more cost-effective.
- Replacement: Furnaces usually last around 15-20 years. If your furnace is nearing or has surpassed this age, it’s a good idea to start planning for a replacement.
- Warranty: Most furnaces have manufacturer warranties that are valid for a specific number of years. For this reason, when you know your unit’s age, it can help you determine if any warranty coverage is still applicable.
Check Out the Owner’s Manual
To easily determine the age of your furnace, refer to the owner’s manual. This manual usually includes details about the installation or manufacturing date, providing an estimate of the unit’s age. So, if you happen to still have the manual, try to check the introductory section or a dedicated “Specifications” page for this information.
Try to Look for the Manufacturer’s Label
If you no longer have the owner’s manual or can’t find the date, another option is to look for the manufacturer’s label on the furnace. This label is usually located inside the furnace cabinet or on the side of the unit. It provides important information such as the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
- To determine the manufacturing date, check the serial number for a sequence of letters or numbers indicating the date. Keep in mind that different brands may use different coding systems.
- Note that some manufacturers provide a simpler format for the date of manufacture, like “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
You Can Contact the Manufacturer
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t clearly indicate the furnace’s age, you can contact the manufacturer directly. Bear in mind that most reputable furnace manufacturers have a customer service or support team that can assist you.
Consulting a Professional Is Always an Option
An HVAC technician with a license can inspect your furnace and give you its age. Typically, during your seasonal furnace check, the technician can find the manufacturing date and provide additional insight into the furnace’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. Regular seasonal checks are a great way to keep your furnace in optimal condition!
It is important to know the age of your furnace to ensure your home remains warm and comfortable during the coldest months of the year. You definitely don’t want your furnace to stop working when you need it the most! To determine the age of your furnace and make an informed decision about your heating system, you can check the owner’s manual, inspect the manufacturer label, consult professionals, or use online resources.
Call Beavercreek Heating & Cooling for all your heating and cooling needs today at (937) 708-8527, or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!
