Your furnace is like the unsung hero, silently ensuring your home stays cozy, especially during those icy months. But like all heroes, even your furnace has its limits. Whether you’re settling into a new home or your trusty furnace has seen a few winters, knowing its age is important for homeowners. Why, you ask? Well, it helps you stay ahead on maintenance, navigate those unexpected repairs, and make plans for any future replacements.
In this blog, LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling will walk you through several easy ways to figure out how old your furnace is.
Why Does Your Furnace’s Age Matter?
Knowing how old your furnace is can have a big impact on your home comfort and your wallet. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
- Maintenance: Keeping your furnace well-maintained is essential for efficient and safe operation during the colder months. Plus, it’s good to know the age of your furnace because when you schedule your seasonal maintenance checks, it’s helpful for the HVAC technician to know the approximate age of your heating unit ahead of time.
- Repairs: When your furnace starts acting up, knowing its age beforehand can be a game-changer. It can help you decide if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to invest in a new unit. On top of that, it can help you to plan accordingly leading up to its official retirement.
- Replacement: Most furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. If yours is approaching or has passed this mark, it’s smart to start thinking about a replacement to avoid sudden disruptions.
- Warranty: Many furnaces come with manufacturer warranties that are valid for a set number of years. Therefore, knowing your furnace’s age helps you check if any warranty coverage is still in play.
Finding Clues in the Owner’s Manual
For a quick age check, your furnace’s owner’s manual is a handy tool. It often contains info about the installation or manufacturing date, giving you a rough estimate of your furnace’s age. If you’ve held onto the manual, flip through the introduction or the “Specifications” page for this info.
Hunting for the Manufacturer’s Label
No manual? No worries! Look for the manufacturer’s label on your furnace. You’ll usually find it inside the furnace cabinet or on the unit’s side. This label reveals essential details like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date. To uncover the manufacturing date, decode the serial number – but remember, different brands might use different coding systems. Some make it easy with a format like “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
Reaching Out to the Manufacturer
If your serial number or manufacturer’s label isn’t providing age info, reach out to the manufacturer directly. Reputable furnace makers have customer service teams ready to help you determine your unit’s age based on its unique identifiers.
Consulting the Pros
Lastly, you can call in an HVAC technician with the right credentials. During your regular seasonal furnace check, they can quickly spot the manufacturing date and offer insight into your furnace’s condition and its remaining lifespan. Seasonal checks are a surefire way to keep your furnace running smoothly.
In Conclusion
Knowing your furnace’s age is crucial to ensure your home remains warm and comfy during the coldest months. The last thing you want is for it to quit when you need it most! So, take these steps to uncover its age and make informed decisions about your heating system.
For personalized guidance and top-notch heating and cooling support, don’t hesitate to reach out to LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling today at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Your warmth and comfort are our top priorities!