When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and consider 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 key role in home comfort, so learning 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 attention to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes problems, 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 down the road. 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 establish how old your furnace is?
Your furnace should have a sticker located somewhere 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 have on hand. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions 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 change 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 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 Street Heating and Cooling for support.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start looking for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the recent years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other factors that show it might be time to look for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Increase in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More frequent and costly repairs to fix the furnace.
- Reduction 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 Rapid City to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 605-206-3915 or book an appointment with us online.