It's important to know the age of your furnace, so you can prepare and create a budget for furnace maintenance and a potential replacement. However, if you inherited a furnace moving into a new home, you might not have that detailed information.
If you're not sure about the age or type of furnace, we can help. Here are some tips to help you determine your furnace's age and prepare a maintenance plan.
Look for labels
In recent years, furnace manufacturers have included detailed labelling that will help you find the age of your furnace. However, if the furnace is older, you might have to dig deeper for information.
To look for a label, first, turn off the furnace. You can turn off the power switch or flip the circuit breaker in your electrical panel to be extra safe. Then, start searching for that label on the exterior panels.
If it's not obvious, check the interior panelling. You can open the removable door and check inside. The label might not have a date, but it will have the serial number. With that number, you can determine the age of your furnace.
On older furnaces, the serial number might be hiding on one of the parts inside the furnace. For example, it could be imprinted right on the component. Ensuring the furnace is turned off, check parts like the blower compartment, fan blades, gas valve, and other interior areas of the unit.
Inspect other documentation
If a manual was left behind, it might provide a date and other helpful information about the furnace. Sometimes homeowners will store the manual somewhere in or near the utility room for quick reference.
If there is no label or manual, look for a service tag. Often, HVAC companies in Calgary will leave the information on or near the unit about a maintenance or repair appointment. This tag likely won't have a manufacture date but could provide an installation date or give you an idea of when it last had service.
Research the serial number
Once you have the serial number, you can find the manufacturer's date for your furnace. You can call Fagnan's Furnace Service, and we can look it up for you. Otherwise, an internet search on the manufacturer's website should recall the date.
Call for a furnace inspection
On average, furnaces last about 15 years before they might need a replacement. Otherwise, things can wear out and require frequent and costly repairs. Fortunately, if the furnace was well maintained by the prior owners, it could be in great shape and have lots of life left in it.
The best thing to do is call us for an inspection and tune-up. We can give it a multi-point check to ensure it's running safely, smoothly, and efficiently. Then, we can make suggestions for repairs and give you a ballpark idea of when you should budget for a replacement furnace.
Fagnan's Furnace Service is a Carrier Authorized Factory Dealer, which means we can offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. In addition, we have been in the business for decades and can work on and replace all makes and models of HVAC equipment.
I always advise homeowners to determine their furnace's age to effectively plan for maintenance and replacement costs. If you’ve inherited a furnace in a new home, consult an HVAC Contractor for a thorough assessment of its condition and remaining lifespan.