In the heart of winter, when the cold seeps in, your furnace stands as your fortress of warmth, ensuring your home remains cozy and comfortable. However, much like any other household appliance, furnaces, too, have a limited lifespan. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or have been in your residence for decades, keeping track of your furnace’s age is something we suggest for every homeowner. Join us in this blog as Xenia Heating & Air sheds light on the methods to determine your furnace’s age.
The Relevance of Knowing Your Furnace’s Age
Let’s start by delving into why the age of your furnace matters:
- Maintenance Reasons: Regular furnace maintenance is the key to ensuring efficient and safe operation during the frosty months. Knowing your furnace’s age assists you in scheduling timely inspections and tune-ups to maintain peak performance. It also helps the HVAC technician to know the general age of your heating unit beforehand.
- Repair or Replacement Reasons: When the time comes, it empowers you to decide whether investing in repairs is a cost-effective solution or if it’s time to embrace a new unit.
- Lifespan Reasons: Furnaces generally have a lifespan of 15-20 years. So, if your furnace is approaching or surpassing this benchmark, it’s a smart move to start planning for a replacement before your comfort takes a hit.
- Warranty Reasons: Most furnaces have manufacturer warranties, but warranties have a set duration. Therefore, knowing your unit’s age helps you determine if any warranty coverage still applies, and you won’t be blindsided if it’s not valid anymore.
Check the Owner’s Manual
To decipher the age of your furnace, your first port of call should be the owner’s manual. The manual typically contains details about the installation or manufacturing date, giving you an approximate age of your unit.
Look at the Manufacturer’s Label
If your owner’s manual has vanished or doesn’t have the necessary information, it’s time for some detective work. Begin by searching for the manufacturer’s label on your furnace. You’ll typically find it placed inside the furnace cabinet or on the unit’s side. This label harbors essential details like the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date.
To decode the manufacturing date, look over the serial number for a sequence of letters or numbers that signify the date. Bear in mind that different brands may utilize distinct coding systems. Some manufacturers offer a straightforward format like “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.”
Connect with the Manufacturer
If the serial number or manufacturer’s label leaves you stumped still, don’t fret. You can directly reach out to the manufacturer. Most reputable furnace manufacturers have responsive customer service teams ready to guide you in uncovering your unit’s age based on specific identifiers.
Ask Your HVAC Technician
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, consider asking your HVAC technician during your next routine seasonal furnace check. A professional can swiftly pinpoint the manufacturing date and provide insights into your furnace’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. Seasonal checks are an excellent way to keep your furnace in prime condition!
In Conclusion
Knowing your furnace’s age isn’t just a matter of curiosity; it’s about securing your year-round comfort. No one wants their furnace to give up when the cold is at its worst.
Call Xenia Heating & Air today at (937) 708-8451, or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!