Your furnace plays a critical role in keeping your home warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. However, just like any appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan, too. So, whether you are moving into a new home or your current furnace has been around for a couple of decades, knowing the age of your furnace is essential for maintenance, repair, and replacement planning. In this blog, Five Star Heating & Cooling Group will discuss various methods you can use to determine the age of your furnace. 

Understanding the Age of Your Furnace is Crucial for Several Reasons: 

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your furnace operates efficiently and safely throughout the colder months. On top of that, when you schedule your seasonal maintenance appointments, it’s beneficial for the HVAC technician to know the approximate age of your heating unit before the appointment. 
• Repair: If your furnace starts having issues, knowing its age can help you decide whether it’s more cost-effective to repair it or invest in a new unit. 
• Replacement: Furnaces have a typical lifespan of 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching or past this age, it might be a good idea to start budgeting for a replacement. 
• Warranty: Most furnaces come with manufacturer warranties that are valid for a certain number of years. By understanding the age of your unit, you can help determine if any warranty coverage is still in effect. 

Checking the Owner’s Manual 

One of the most straightforward ways to find out the age of your furnace is to consult the owner’s manual. The manual typically contains information about the date of installation or the manufacturing date of the furnace (both of which should give you an idea of the age of the unit). So, if you still have the manual that came with your furnace, first try looking for this information in the introductory section or a dedicated “Specifications” page. 

Looking for a Manufacturer Label 

In the off chance you don’t have the owner’s manual or can’t find the date within it, your next best option is to locate a manufacturer’s label on the furnace. The manufacturer’s label is typically found on the inside of the furnace cabinet or on the side. This label often contains a wealth of information, including the model number, serial number, and manufacturing date. 

1. To find the manufacturing date, you’ll want to look for a series of letters or numbers in the serial number that represent the date. Most manufacturers use different coding systems, so it can vary from one brand to another.   

2. Keep in mind, some manufacturers include a specific date of manufacture in a more straightforward format, such as “MFG Date: MM/YYYY.” 

Contacting the Manufacturer 

If the serial number or manufacturer’s label doesn’t provide clear information about the furnace’s age, you can always try reaching out to the manufacturer directly. Most reputable furnace manufacturers have a customer service or support team line that can help you determine the age of your unit based on the serial number or other identifying information. 

Consulting a Professional Technician 

A licensed HVAC technician can inspect your furnace and should be able to provide you with the age of the unit. Generally, during your seasonal furnace check, your technician can identify the manufacturing date and can also provide valuable insight into the furnace’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. Having your regular seasonal checks scheduled is an excellent opportunity to stay on top of having your furnace serviced for optimal performance.  

Knowing the age of your furnace is essential for ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. You don’t want your furnace to go out on you right when you need it the most. By checking your owner’s manual, inspecting the manufacturer label, consulting professionals, or using online resources, you should be able to determine the age of your furnace to help you make an informed decision regarding your heating system. 

Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Group today at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!