How can I determine the age of my furnace?

March 28, 2019

When you move into a new house, there is a lot to take in and think about as you get settled in. You’re figuring out all of the new appliances and different spaces. For some homeowners, it also means considering 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 key role in home comfort, so understanding a little bit more about your system is very beneficial.

As long as they are running without problems, we don’t pay a lot of care 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 pertain 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 outer panels, 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 guidelines on how to determine the manufacturing date. You may 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 differ 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.

Serial number on a furnace 

If you are still having problems, you can communicate with the manufacturer directly, or contact Integrity AC & Heating LLC for support.

Why is the age of your furnace imperative?

Usually, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help improve efficiency and overall operations. Newer models tend to 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 signs that indicate it might be time to shop for a new furnace. A few 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 conflicting thoughts about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Phoenix to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can contact us at 602-971-0567 or book an appointment with us online.