Your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home warm and cozy, especially when it’s chilly outside. But just like any other appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan. So, whether you’re moving into a new place or your current furnace has been around for a couple of decades, it’s important to know how old it is for maintenance, repairs, and planning for replacement. In this blog, you can explore with your Bridgetown Heating & Cooling experts all the different methods that can help you determine the age of your furnace.
Knowing How Old Your Furnace is is Important for Several Reasons:
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is super important to make sure your furnace runs smoothly and safely during the colder months. So, when you schedule your seasonal maintenance appointments, it’s helpful for the HVAC technician to know the approximate age of your heating unit beforehand.
- Repair: If your furnace starts acting up, knowing how old it is can help you figure out if it’s worth fixing or if it’s time to get a new one.
- Replacement: Furnaces usually last around 15-20 years, so if your furnace is getting close to or has surpassed this age, it might be a good idea to start thinking about budgeting for a replacement.
- Warranty: Most furnaces usually come with manufacturer warranties that are valid for a certain number of years. So, if you know approximately how old your heating unit is, you can help determine if any warranty coverage is still in effect.
You Can Try Checking the Owner’s Manual
One of the most convenient methods to determine the age of your furnace is by referring to the owner’s manual. The manual typically includes details about the installation date or manufacturing date of the furnace, both of which provide an indication of the unit’s age. Therefore, if you still have the manual that accompanied your furnace, start by searching for this information in the introductory section or a dedicated “Specifications” page.
You Can Try Looking for a Manufacturer’s Label
In the event that you no longer have the owner’s manual or are unable to locate the date within it, an alternative option is to locate the manufacturer’s label on the furnace. Typically found on the inside of the furnace cabinet or on the side, this label provides valuable information such as the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
- To determine the manufacturing date, it is recommended to identify a sequence of letters or numbers within the serial number corresponding to the date. It should be noted that various brands employ distinct coding systems, resulting in variations across manufacturers.
- Please note that certain manufacturers may provide a more direct date of manufacture, such as “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.” This information can be useful for reference purposes.
You Can Try Contacting the Manufacturer
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label does not provide clear information about the furnace’s age, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer directly. Reputable furnace manufacturers usually have a customer service or support team that can assist you in determining the age of your unit based on the serial number or other identifying information.
You Can Try Consulting a Professional Technician
A certified HVAC technician can conduct a thorough inspection of your furnace and should be able to provide you with the unit’s age. Typically, during your seasonal furnace check, the technician can determine the manufacturing date and offer valuable insights into the furnace’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. We believe that ensuring regular seasonal checks are scheduled is an excellent way to maintain optimal performance and service your furnace accordingly and proactively.
Having knowledge of your furnace’s age is crucial to maintaining a warm and comfortable home. You certainly wouldn’t want your furnace to fail when you need it the most. By referring to your owner’s manual, examining the manufacturer label, seeking advice from experts, or utilizing online resources, you can accurately determine the age of your furnace. This information will assist you in making informed decisions regarding your heating system down the road.
Call Bridgetown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 273-1335, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!