Your furnace is a crucial part of keeping your home warm and cozy, especially during those freezing winter months. But like any other big appliance, furnaces don’t last forever. So, whether you’ve just moved in or have an old and faithful furnace, it’s important to know its approximate age. This knowledge helps you stay on top of maintenance, handle repairs, and plan for future replacements. In this comprehensive blog, Huber Heights Heating & Cooling will elaborate on several methods you can use to determine your furnace’s age.
Why Is Knowing Your Furnace’s Age So Important?
Knowing the age of your furnace is actually pretty important for a few reasons. It can make a big difference in how well your heating system works and how long it lasts.
- Maintenance Reasons: Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your furnace running smoothly and safely when the colder seasons hit. 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 Reasons: When your furnace starts having problems, knowing how old it is can help you decide whether fixing it or getting a new one is a better and more affordable option.
- Replacement Reasons: Most furnaces usually last around 15 to 20 years. So, if your furnace is getting close to or has passed this point, it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting a replacement to avoid any unexpected issues.
- Warranty Reasons: Most furnaces come with manufacturer warranties, usually with a specific timeframe of validity. So, knowing how old your unit is helps you determine if any warranty coverage still applies.
Did You Try Exploring the Owner’s Manual?
To quickly figure out how old your furnace is, the owner’s manual is a super helpful resource. Usually, it has all the important info about the installation or manufacturing date so you can get a good estimate of its age. If you’ve got the manual handy, just flip to the intro or the “Specifications” page to find this info.
Did You Try Locating the Manufacturer’s Label?
If you can’t find the owner’s manual or it doesn’t have the info you need, check the manufacturer’s label on the furnace. You’ll usually find it inside the cabinet or on the side of the unit. This label has important details like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date. To find the manufacturing date, look at the serial number, which might have letters or numbers indicating the date. Just remember, different manufacturers may use different coding systems. Some may keep it simple with “MFG Date: MM/YYYY” for the format.
Did You Try Contacting the Manufacturer?
If you’re having trouble figuring out the age of your furnace from the serial number or manufacturer’s label, don’t worry! Another option is to reach out directly to the manufacturer. Reputable furnace companies usually have a customer service or support team that can help you determine the age of your unit based on the serial number or other identifying features. They’ve got the expertise to assist you!
Did You Try Seeking Professional Consultation?
Lastly, an HVAC technician can check out your furnace and let you know how old it is. Typically, during your regular seasonal furnace inspections, the technician can easily tell when it was made and give you helpful info about its condition and how much longer it’s expected to last. So, don’t be afraid to ask your technician for help with this.
Knowing how old your furnace is plays a crucial role in ensuring your home stays cozy and warm during the coldest months. So, to avoid any inconvenience of a malfunctioning furnace when you need it the most, take proactive steps to figure out its age and make informed decisions about your heating system when the time comes.
For personalized guidance and heating and cooling support, we invite you to contact Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today at (937) 226-9675 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here! Your warmth and comfort are our top priority!
