Your furnace plays a leading role in ensuring your home stays warm and cozy through the fall and winter, especially during those extra bone-chilling months. But, like any other home appliance, furnaces also have a limited lifespan. Whether you’ve moved into a new abode or own a more seasoned furnace, keeping track of its age is key for homeowners. Why is it so important? Well, it empowers you to proactively manage maintenance, tackle potential repairs, and plan for future replacements as the need arises. No one likes being blindsided, and you definitely don’t want to be blindsided where your furnace is concerned if you are well-informed of its age and condition.
In this comprehensive blog, Mason Heating & Air will walk you through various methods to unearth your furnace’s age.
Why Knowing Your Furnace’s Age Matters
Understanding your furnace’s age is a game-changer for several reasons, all contributing to the efficiency and longevity of your heating system:
- Maintenance Reasons: Regular upkeep is the foundation of an efficient and safe furnace during chilly seasons. With that in mind, it’s helpful to know the age of your furnace because when you schedule your seasonal maintenance checks, it helps the HVAC technician to know the approximate age of your heating unit beforehand.
- Repairs Reasons: When your furnace starts acting up, knowing its age is a game-changer. It guides you in deciding whether repairs are cost-effective or if it’s time for a fresh start with a new unit.
- Replacement Reasons: Most furnaces typically have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. So, if yours is approaching or surpassing this range, it’s a smart move to start planning a replacement and dodge unwelcome disruptions.
- Warranty Reasons: The majority of furnaces come with manufacturer warranties, usually within a set timeframe. Understanding your unit’s age helps you check if any warranty coverage remains valid.
Cracking the Owner’s Manual
For a quick age check, turn to your trusty owner’s manual. It’s a goldmine of details, often including info about the installation or manufacturing date, and should give you a ballpark estimate of your unit’s age. If you’ve held onto the manual, a peek into the intro or a dedicated “Specifications” section should reveal this info.
Hunting for the Manufacturer’s Label
No manual on hand? No problem! Look for the manufacturer’s label on your furnace, usually located inside the cabinet or on the unit’s side. This label holds vital information, like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date. The manufacturing date can be deciphered from the serial number, though remember, different brands may use distinct coding systems. Some opt for a straightforward “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
Connecting with the Manufacturer
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t help you unveil the age, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly. Reputable furnace makers maintain responsive customer service teams ready to assist you.
Entrusting a Professional
Lastly, consider calling in an HVAC technician with the right qualifications. During routine seasonal furnace checks, they can swiftly pinpoint the manufacturing date while offering insights into your furnace’s condition and remaining lifespan. Seasonal checks are a surefire strategy to keep your furnace humming along smoothly.
In a Nutshell
Knowing your furnace’s age is vital to ensure your home stays warm and cozy during the coldest months. After all, you wouldn’t want it to quit on you when you need it most! Take these steps to unearth its age and make informed decisions about your heating system.
For personalized guidance and top-tier heating and cooling support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mason Heating & Air today at (513) 496-2477 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Your comfort and warmth are our highest priorities!
