When you move into a new residence, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re messing around with all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering 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 knowing a little bit more about your system is very valuable.
As long as they are operating without issues, 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 great 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 clear 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 somewhere 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 go to the manufacturer’s website or search for guidelines 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 indicates this particular system was made in July 2015.
If you are still having issues, you can call the manufacturer directly, or contact Mayeuxs AC & Heating for assistance.
Why is the age of your furnace important?
Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system to help increase efficiency and overall operations. Newer models often 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 age alone, there are other factors that show it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A handful of these signs include:
- Rise in energy costs without major adjustments to the thermostat.
- More recurrent 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 Norco and St. Charles Parish to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at (985) 764-2426 or schedule an appointment with us online.