When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and study as you get settled in. You’re getting to know all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means seeing what upgrades or updates need to be made later on. 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 critical role in home comfort, so learning a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.
As long as they are running without problems, we don’t pay a lot of attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, we definitely 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 later on. And this doesn’t just apply 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 find out 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 look 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 might want to 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 differ 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 issues, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly, or contact Stieferman Heating Company Inc for support.
Why is the age of your furnace imperative?
Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help enhance 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 signs that indicate it might be time to search for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:
- Increase 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 Jefferson City to offer some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 573-635-3547 or schedule an appointment with us online.