Your furnace is vital for keeping your home warm and cozy, especially during colder months. However, like any appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan as well. So, whether you’re moving into a new home or your current furnace has been around for decades, it’s important to know its age for maintenance, repair, and replacement planning. In this blog, Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling will discuss various methods to determine the age of your furnace.
First, Let’s Understand How Knowing the Age of Your Furnace is Crucial:
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance ensures your furnace runs efficiently and safely during the colder months. On top of that, when you schedule your seasonal maintenance checks, it’s helpful for the HVAC technician to know the general age of your heating unit beforehand.
- Repair: If your furnace starts having problems, knowing its age can help you determine if it’s better to repair or replace it from a cost perspective.
- Replacement: Furnaces generally last between 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is nearing or has surpassed this age, it’s a good idea to start planning for a replacement.
- Warranty: Many furnaces have manufacturer warranties that are valid for a specific number of years. Knowing the age of your unit can help you determine if any warranty coverage is still active.
Secondly, You Should Check the Owner’s Manual
To easily determine the age of your furnace, refer to the owner’s manual. It usually includes details about the installation or manufacturing date, which will give you an idea of how old the unit is. Therefore, if you have the manual available, check the introductory section or a dedicated “Specifications” page for this information.
Next, You Can Search for a Manufacturer’s Label
If you no longer have the owner’s manual or can’t find the date, another option is to find the manufacturer’s label on the furnace. This label is usually located inside the furnace cabinet or on the side and provides important details such as the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
- To determine the manufacturing date, examine the serial number for a sequence of letters or numbers that indicate the date. Keep in mind that various brands employ different coding systems, so the format might differ.
- Note that some manufacturers provide a clearer date of manufacture in the format “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
Fourth, Contacting the Manufacturer Is an Option
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t clearly indicate the age of the furnace, you can contact the manufacturer directly. Most reputable furnace manufacturers usually have customer service or support teams available to assist you in determining the age of your unit based on the serial number or other relevant information. They should be able to walk you through the steps to decode the manufacture date for your specific unit.
Lastly, Consult a Licensed HVAC Technician
A licensed HVAC technician can inspect your furnace and provide you with its age. During your seasonal furnace check, the technician can also identify the manufacturing date and give you insight into the furnace’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. Scheduling regular seasonal checks is a great way to ensure optimal performance and maintenance of your furnace.
It is important to know the age of your furnace to ensure your home remains warm and comfortable through the fall and winter seasons. You definitely don’t want your furnace to stop working when you need it the most. Utilizing the methods listed here should be able to help you determine your heating unit’s age and ultimately aid in making an informed decision about your heating system in the future.
Call Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling today at (614) 524-4737, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
