When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means seeing what upgrades or updates need to be made at some point. 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 key role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are working without issues, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, 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 in the future. And this doesn’t just apply to homeowners moving into a new space. Anyone who isn’t certain how old their furnace is should take time and figure it out.
How can you identify how old your furnace is?
Your furnace should have a sticker located somewhere on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the exterior, 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 to keep for your records. Then go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You could try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number typically provides insight into the age of your system, but it does vary 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having challenges, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Bell Air Conditioning Inc for help.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Typically, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models tend to have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the recent years.
You don’t have to rely on just the age of your furance, there are other factors that show it might be time to look for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decline in home comfort levels—you never seem to feel warm enough.
If you have conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Temple/Belton to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 254-307-9572 or book an appointment with us online.