When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and study 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 later on. 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 understanding a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are operating without problems, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we certainly 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 clear 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 someplace 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 for reference. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines on how to identify 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 indicate 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 problems, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Kapaun & Brown Inc. for support.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Typically, 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 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 how old your equipment is, there are other factors that show it might be time to look for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline 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 Marshalltown to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 641-812-2028 or schedule an appointment with us online.