When you move into a new home, there is a lot to take in and consider as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means contemplating 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 must be on the list of potential to-dos. It plays a vital role in home comfort, so knowing a little bit more about your system is very useful.
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 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 in the future. And this doesn’t just apply to homeowners moving into a new space. Anyone who isn’t certain how old their furnace is should take time and figure it out.
How can you identify 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 look if it’s located inside that door.
Write down—or take a photo of—the serial number for reference. Then head to the manufacturer’s website or search for guides on how to determine the manufacturing date. You may try searching for “find manufacturing date of YOUR BRAND furnace.” The serial number typically 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for support.
Why is the age of your furnace significant?
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 typically have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the last years.
You don’t have to rely on how old your equipment is, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to search for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Rise 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 concerns about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Libertyville to provide you with some guidance, we’re here for you. You can call us at 847-362-0262 or schedule an appointment with us online.