How to Figure out Your Furnace’s Age
Has it been a while since you installed or serviced your furnace? Or perhaps you inherited the unit along with your home purchase. Either way, you’re probably wondering, “how old is my furnace?” and whether it’s time for an upgrade. Knowing your furnace’s age can help you better prepare for necessary maintenance or a potential replacement. Keep reading to learn how to determine furnace age so you can take the next best steps for the system, your budget, and your home’s climate control.
Importance of Furnace Age
Unfortunately, your furnace won’t last forever, and whether or not it’s acting up, a replacement will eventually be necessary. It’s far better to be prepared for a breakdown than to be left in a cold home during the most frigid week of the year. When you know the age of your furnace, you can schedule replacement before it breaks, plan your budget, and even determine the most cost-effective route. In some cases, this may mean upgrading to a more efficient furnace model or an entirely new heating system.
How to Determine the Age of a Furnace
There are a few ways to figure out the age of your furnace.
Try any of the methods outlined below to get a general idea about your furnace’s age and how long it might be before it needs to be replaced:
- Check your furnace’s service paperwork. If you still have the paperwork from when your furnace was installed or replaced, it should list the production date of your unit. Similarly, maintenance or repair paperwork may list the production date or other information you need to calculate its age. If you don’t have the paperwork, check the furnace to see if there’s a service sticker on it since this can also help estimate the furnace’s age.
- Figure out the furnace age by serial number. Most furnaces should have a sticker identifying the serial number and manufacturer. To locate it, check the exterior or inside the removable door on the front of your unit. Write this number down. Depending on the brand, the production date may be listed differently within the serial number. Search the manufacturer site or manual to read the date formatting correctly. Most manufacturers will list the production date in the first four digits of the serial number.
- Call your local HVAC professional. Ultimately, the best way to find the age of your furnace is with the help of a certified HVAC expert. Our professionals at Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical can evaluate your unit, pinpoint its exact age, and determine the best plan for repair or replacement.
What Is the Average Age of a Home Furnace?
The average service life of a home furnace is between 15 and 20 years. Once your furnace is nearing or has exceeded this life expectancy, it’s time to schedule a check-up. Although a well-maintained furnace can last longer, it may still be more cost effective to upgrade your system to a higher-efficiency unit or furnace type that complements your home and existing HVAC system.
Improve Your Home Heating with Furnace Replacement
Rather than waiting for an impending furnace breakdown, get to know your furnace’s age and set a plan for service and replacement in motion. If you need help identifying your unit’s age or deciding the best replacement option for your home heating needs and budget, count on our experienced HVAC professionals at Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We can offer advice and service best fit to improve your home heating. Call us at (843) 352-6427, or request service online.