How To Tell Age Of Furnace? 3 Facts You Should Know

Finding Age Of Your Furnace: An Overview

Homeowners, it’s important to figure out the age of your furnace. An old one can cause problems like a pilot light that won’t stay lit, or higher energy costs because of low-efficiency ratings.

It’s easy to find out the age of your furnace. Look for a label inside the door or near the unit. It should have info about the manufacturer and the production date – usually in a serial code. You can search online for manufacturers who list their serial number coding systems, and use that to estimate the age of your furnace.

Modern furnaces have different features than older models, so it may take more effort to figure out an old one. Experienced technicians or HVAC experts can help if you tell them the make and model, plus the manufacturer. Knowing the production date helps you know when it may be time to replace or maintain it.

Another tip is to double-check the warranty info – this will give you an estimated manufactured date and cost.

How To Tell Age Of Furnace

Finding the Serial Number Of The Furnace

Searching for the serial number of your furnace is key to figuring out its age. Without this info, homeowners can have problems with an old heating system, leading to more expenses and repairs. Follow these six easy steps for learning the serial code of your furnace:

  1. Look for a label on the furnace
  2. Check the furnace door or outside panel
  3. Search user manuals or installation guides
  4. Search the manufacturer’s website
  5. Phone the manufacturer
  6. Ask experienced technicians or HVAC pros

It is important to remember the date of production is usually written on the rating plate or pilot light of newer furnaces. Also, tracking your furnace’s age is essential, as it correlates to energy efficiency ratings impacting cost and warranty.

Did you know that furnaces made after Jan 1992 have a release date in their serial number? (Source: Energy Star)If only calculating my age was so easy!

Calculating Furnace Age

To calculate the age of a furnace, you can use its serial number and manufacturer. Here’s how to work it out:

  1. Find the rating plate on the outside of your furnace. It has important info like manufacturer name, serial/model number, and production date code. The date code is usually 4 or 5 characters long – the first 2 represent the month (e.g. JAN for January), followed by digits for the year (e.g. 16 for 2016). Some newer models list the manufacture date alongside the serial number.
  2. If that seems too hard, there are 3 easier ways:
    • Call an HVAC professional.
    • Look up the manufacturer online – many websites have search systems where you can enter the model and serial numbers.
    • Check for features like pilot lights or ignition systems used in particular eras.

You can discover lots about your furnace – like old repairs, energy efficiency ratings, and whether it’s still under warranty. Homeowners should replace furnaces over 10 years old before they cause problems like no heat coming from vents and high repair costs. Digging through furnace manufacturers is detective work without the exciting car chases!

Manufacturer Search Of The Furnace

Searching for a new furnace or trying to figure out how old your existing one is? Knowing the manufacturer and where to look for info is key. Here’s a guide to Manufacturer Searching!

When it comes to identification methods, there are a few different brands. Carrier has model numbers, Trane has serial numbers, Lennox has part numbers, Rheem has rating plates/stickers, and Bryant has production/manufacturing dates.

Conducting a Manufacturer Search isn’t a new concept; people have been doing it since furnaces were first invented. From passed-down notes to decoding codes on older models, homeowners have had to do their research.

So, if you’re looking for an estimate for repairs or buying a new furnace, this info can help you make a decision that suits your home and budget best. Manufacturer Searching is like a treasure hunt – the treasure is a potential replacement and the map is in the paperwork!

Production or Manufacturing Date Of The Furnace

As homeowners, we often ponder how old our furnace is and if it’s time for a replacement. The production or manufacturing date can be found on the rating plate or label of the unit.

To discover the age of your furnace, locate the serial number and manufacturer. Then, search for the production date online. Serial codes of modern furnaces usually include the manufacture date.

See this helpful table to understand the method:

ManufacturerSerial NumberProduction Date
Lennox611442765January 2011
CarrierL1519F22426Week 19, 2015
TraneX3218LQXZTDecember 2012

Different manufacturers may have different ways of showing the production date in the serial numbers. If needed, contact an HVAC expert for assistance.

Aged furnaces generally have lower energy efficiency ratings and can have pilot light issues. Knowing when your equipment was manufactured can help when it comes to maintenance costs and potential repairs. Moreover, having a newer model with better energy efficiency ratings can save you money on heating costs in the long run.

Don’t wait until your old furnace stops working completely- purchase a new one now! Don’t miss out on maximum comfort and benefits due to budget constraints. Look for special deals available and upgrade right away! Old furnaces may have some problems, but we still love them!

Common Problems with Old Furnaces


Are your energy bills skyrocketing due to your old furnace? You’re not alone! Problems like frequent repairs, low performance, and high energy costs are common in old furnaces. Age can lead to breakdowns from worn-out parts and reduced energy efficiency. Solutions range from minor repairs to full replacement.

Certain features can make a furnace more prone to issues, like pilot light ignition systems. Retrofitting with modern HVAC equipment can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Don’t wait for costly repairs or no heat in winter. Call experienced technicians for maintenance before problems escalate.

Before you commit to a new furnace, don’t sacrifice your budget or warranty.

Budget and Warranty Considerations Of The Furnace


Budget and warranty are two essential things to consider when buying a furnace. Newer models usually have higher energy efficiency but also come with a bigger price tag. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve created a table with the costs and warranties of various furnace brands and models.

Brand/ModelPrice RangeWarranty
Lennox SL297NV$3,500 – $5,800Up to 25 years
Carrier Infinity 98$3,700 – $5,000Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
Trane XC95M$4,000 – $6,50020-year heat exchanger warranty & 10-year general parts warranty
Bryant Evolution 987M$3,400 – $4,90010-year parts limited warranty & lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty
Rheem Classic Plus Series$2,300 – $3,200Up to 20-year heat exchanger warranty & up to 10-year parts warranty

Cost is important, but so is the length and coverage of the manufacturer’s warranty. It’ll guarantee your investment and secure your heating system in the long run. Before buying a furnace, homeowners should research model features, manufacturing dates, etc. An old furnace might need frequent repairs due to wear and tear.

Considering budget and warranties can be confusing for homeowners. Make sure to check out warranty details before making any purchases. Plan and prioritize high-quality furnaces with low maintenance costs to keep your home warm. Remember: age matters when it comes to your furnace!

Conclusion


Are you a homeowner, asking yourself, “How old is my furnace?” Determining the manufacturing date can be tricky without help from an experienced technician. Here are a few tips to estimate the age of your furnace: Examine the serial number or rating plate, which is usually located on the door or outside of your unit. These numbers may indicate the production date or year, as certain brands use codes for their products. Write down the model and brand name, and install the year if known. Many furnaces have a unique identification number that helps to show the production year. To find cost-effective replacements, an HVAC expert should be consulted.