When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering 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 must 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 beneficial.
As long as they are running without issues, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we absolutely notice. That’s why it’s a worthy 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 pertain 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 establish how old your furnace is?
Your furnace should have a sticker located anyplace on the exterior or interior paneling. If you don’t see a sticker with the model and serial number on the outer panels, find where the paneling opens up and see if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number to keep for your records. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to figure out the manufacturing date. You could try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number usually provides insight into the age of your system, but it does change among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers represent 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 problems, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help increase 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 past several 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. A handful 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 questions about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in the Rio Grande Valley to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 956-630-3522 or schedule an appointment with us online.