Your furnace is a crucial part of keeping your home warm and cozy, especially during the colder months. But like any appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan. So, whether you’re moving into a new place or your current furnace has been around for a while, it’s important to know how old it is for maintenance, repairs, and planning for replacement. In this blog, your Finneytown Heating & Cooling experts will go over some methods you can use to help you pinpoint the age of your furnace.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW OLD YOUR FURNACE IS?
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is super important to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely during the colder months. On top of that, when you schedule your seasonal maintenance appointments, it’s beneficial for the HVAC technician to know the approximate age of your heating unit ahead of time.
- Repair: If your furnace starts acting up, it’s good to know how old it is. This can help you decide if it’s worth fixing or if it’s actually better to get a new one.
- Replacement: Furnaces usually last around 15-20 years. So, if your furnace is getting close to or has already passed that age, it might be a good idea to start budgeting for a replacement. Thinking ahead will keep you from being blindsided!
- Warranty: Most furnaces come with manufacturer warranties that are valid for a certain number of years. So, if you know how old your unit is, you can figure out if there’s any warranty coverage left.
WHAT ABOUT THE OWNER’S MANUAL?
If you want to find out how old your furnace is, one of the easiest ways is to check the owner’s manual. (If you still have it, of course!) Usually, the manual has details about the installation date or manufacturing date, which can give you an idea of the unit’s age. So, if you still have the manual that came with your furnace, start by looking in the introduction area of the manual or a dedicated “Specifications” page for this information.
WHAT ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER’S LABEL?
If, by any chance, you don’t have the owner’s manual any more or can’t find the date within it, your next best bet is to find the manufacturer’s label on the furnace. Usually, you can find this label on the inside of the furnace cabinet or on the side. This label usually has a lot of useful info like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
- To find the manufacturing date, you’ll want to check out the serial number. Try looking for a series of letters or numbers that represent the date. It’s important to note that different brands may use different coding systems, so it can vary a bit.
- Just a heads up, some manufacturers make it easier by including a specific date of manufacture in a straightforward format like “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
WHAT ABOUT THE MANUFACTURER’S SUPPORT LINE?
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t give you a clear idea about the age of the furnace, you can always try reaching out to the manufacturer directly. Most reputable furnace manufacturers have a customer service or support team that can assist you in figuring out the age of your unit based on the serial number or other identifying information. So, don’t hesitate to give them a call!
WHAT ABOUT YOUR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE CHECK?
If you haven’t yet had a licensed HVAC technician inspect your furnace for the season, you’ll want to have that taken care of as soon as you can. Furthermore, they should be able to tell you how old your particular unit is. Typically, during your seasonal furnace check, the technician can find out the manufacturing date and give you an idea of its condition and how long it may last. It’s a great chance to keep your furnace in top shape and ensure it performs optimally. So, make sure to stay on top of scheduling those regular seasonal checks!
Knowing the age of your furnace is crucial to keep your home warm and cozy. You definitely don’t want it to go out on you when you need it the most, right? Luckily, there are a few ways to figure out how old your furnace is. By using these strategies, you’ll be able to find out approximately how old your furnace is so you can make an informed decision about your heating system as needed.
Call Finneytown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
