Your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home warm and cozy, especially during those harsh, frigid months. But like any important household appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan. So, whether you’ve just moved into a new place or have an older furnace, it’s important to know its age. With this knowledge in hand, it will help you stay ahead by managing maintenance, handling repairs, and planning for future replacements.
In this informative blog, Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning will walk you through several methods to determine your furnace’s age.
What Is the Significance of Knowing Your Furnace’s Age?
Knowing the age of your furnace is really important for a few reasons. Keep in mind, each one plays a part in how well your heating system works and how long it lasts.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is a key factor in keeping your furnace running smoothly and safely during the colder seasons. Plus, it’s good to know the age of your unit because 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: When your furnace runs into operational issues, knowing its age can help you decide whether it’s better to invest in repairs or get a new unit. It’s all about finding the most cost-effective solution for you!
- Replacement: Most furnaces usually last around 15 to 20 years, so if your furnace is getting close to or has surpassed this timeframe, it’s a good idea to start thinking about replacing it. This way, you can avoid any unexpected issues and keep things running smoothly.
- Warranty: Most furnaces come with manufacturer warranties, usually valid for a specific timeframe. So, knowing how old your unit is can help determine if any warranty coverage still applies.
Check the Owner’s Manual
To quickly determine the age of your furnace, the owner’s manual is your go-to guide. It’s a treasure trove of information, including installation or manufacturing dates that give you an estimate of your unit’s age. So, if you still have the manual handy, just flip to the introduction or the “Specifications” page to find this helpful info.
Check the Manufacturer’s Label
If you can’t find the owner’s manual or it doesn’t have the info you need, no worries! Take a look at the manufacturer’s label on your furnace. You’ll usually find it inside the cabinet or on the side of the unit. This label is super important because it has key details like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date. Now, decoding the manufacturing date from the serial number can be a bit tricky since different manufacturers use different coding systems. But don’t worry, some manufacturers keep it simple with a format like “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
Check with the Manufacturer
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t give a clear indication of your furnace’s age, don’t worry! Reach out to the manufacturer directly for help. Reputable furnace manufacturers usually have a dedicated customer service or support team ready to assist you. They have the expertise to determine your unit’s age based on the serial number or other distinctive identifiers.
Ask Your HVAC Technician to Check the Date
Lastly, an HVAC technician can also perform a thorough evaluation of your furnace and find out its age. Typically, during your regular seasonal furnace inspections, the technician can easily determine the manufacturing date while providing valuable insight into the furnace’s condition and its expected remaining lifespan. This is another reason we strongly recommend consistent seasonal checks as a friendly and effective strategy to keep your furnace in optimal condition.
Knowing the age of your furnace is crucial to ensuring the comfort and warmth of your home during the coldest months. So, take proactive steps to determine its age and make informed decisions about your heating system. You’ve got this!
For personalized guidance and heating and cooling support, we invite you to contact Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (740) 625-2320 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Your warmth and comfort are our top priority!
