When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re figuring out 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 needs to be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a key role in home comfort, so knowing 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 care to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes issues, we definitely 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 later on. And this doesn’t just pertain to homeowners moving into a new space. Anyone who isn’t sure 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 outside, 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 for reference. Then go 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 normally provides insight into the age of your system, but it does vary among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers mean the year and month it was manufactured. In the photo below, the serial number means this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Contra Costa Heating & AC for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help enhance efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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 age alone, there are other indications that it might be time to look for a new furnace. A few of these signs include:
- Surge in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More regular and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Decrease 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 the Bay Area to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 510-343-9841 or book an appointment with us online.