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 study 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 down the road. It may not always be top of mind, but your heating and cooling system needs to 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 useful.

As long as they are working without issues, we don’t pay a lot of thought to our furnaces. But as soon as it goes out, or causes challenges, we certainly notice. That’s why it’s a good 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 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 exterior, 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 to have on hand. Then visit the manufacturer’s website or search for instructions on how to determine the manufacturing date. You could 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 differ among brands. For example, for some brands, the first four numbers represent the year and month it was manufactured. In the photo below, the serial number means 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 Air Service Co. for assistance.

Why is the age of your furnace significant?

Sometimes, when you’ve had a furnace about 15 years, it’s time to start searching for a replacement system to help increase efficiency and overall operations. Newer models typically have higher energy efficiency ratings and you’ll definitely benefit from the advancements in technology over the past several years.

You don’t have to rely on age alone, there are other signs that indicate it might be time to look for a new furnace. Some of these signs include:

  • Increase 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 questions about whether it’s time for a furnace replacement, or if you want one of the most experienced technicians in Muldrow to give you some guidance, we’re here for you. You can reach us at 918-212-8943 or arrange an appointment with us online.