How Old Is My Carrier Furnace?
For some people, age is nothing but a number.
But for Carrier furnaces, age means so much more. It can guide your HVAC decision-making, explain efficiency losses, raise awareness of potential safety risks, and help you anticipate potential repairs.
At Carrier Northwest, we work with Carrier dealers throughout the Pacific Northwest who can help you determine the age of your furnace and assist with any of your other HVAC needs.
Our online directory includes dealers in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. To find an HVAC professional near you, click our online link.
Finding the Furnace Age
It is not hard to figure out the manufacture date of your Carrier furnace. It is part of the equipment’s serial number.
Where is the serial number? It is on the rating plate, a sticker, or a metal plaque affixed to your furnace.
The rating plate is typically on the inside of the furnace cabinet door. If you cannot find it, look near the blower or the control panel. The serial number on an older furnace, the serial number might be stamped directly on the metal cabinet.
If you cannot find the number inside the furnace, look around the exterior.
Do you still have our original owner’s manual? It may help locate the number. Check the front or inside cover of the booklet for information.
Decoding the Serial Number
The first four numbers typically indicate the manufacture date. The third and fourth characters express the year of manufacture. The first two indicate the week of manufacture.
For example, a serial number that starts with 5220 translates into the 52nd week in 2020.
A Carrier dealer can help you decipher the serial number and determine the exact furnace age.
Keep Furnace Records
If you are like most homeowners, you probably retained paperwork after installing your Carrier furnace but had no clue about its age. Now that you have the information, you will want to keep it for future reference.
Place your furnace operating manual, maintenance records, repair history, serial number, and age in a folder and file it in an accessible place in your home. Remember where you file it so you can easily find the information.
Why Does Your Furnace’s Age Matter?
You found your furnace serial number and decoded it, translating the first four numbers into the manufacture date. You have started a file folder of essential HVAC paperwork or added the number and age to an existing file.
Now what?
There are plenty of uses for the manufacture date. It can make you a better-informed HVAC user as you consider these topics:
Safety: The manufacture date provides insight intofurnace technology and safety features. An older furnace may have outdated safety controls and components that open the door to health risks such as carbon monoxide (CO) leaks and other issues.
If you do not know the age of your furnace, you may not know you are at risk. Armed with the manufacture date, you can better understand safety risks and take precautions.
Efficiency: Furnaces lose efficiency as they age. A unit that has operated for 15 years or more is less efficient than one that is 10 years old. Knowing the age of your furnace gives you insight into efficiency loss and can help you make an informed decision about upgrading.
If your furnace has only a few remaining years of service life, it might make better financial sense to replace it with an energy-efficient model and start saving money on energy bills.
On the other hand, if you own a newer model, you might consider budgeting for a future replacement and keeping your current equipment for a few more years.
Now is a perfect time to upgrade. Through 2032, you can get a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of installing a high-efficiency furnace certified by ENERGY STAR®. The maximum credit is $600, and eligible furnaces must have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 97 percent or higher.
Check out more details at ENERGY STAR.
Repair vs. Replacement: Furnace longevity typically ranges from 15 to 20 years, although some units can last up to 25 years or more with routine maintenance. Pinpointing the manufacture date can help you plan for replacement, budget for potential repairs, and decide if a repair is cost-effective.
Older furnaces are more prone to breakdowns. When expensive components break down, replacing the entire furnace may be the wiser choice. Buying new parts for an old unit wastes money that could go toward new equipment.
Warranty: Knowing the age of your furnace reminds you how much time is left on your warranty before it expires.
Furnace Maintenance for All Ages
All furnaces, regardless of age, need preventative maintenance to remain efficient and problem-free. The Carrier dealers in our Carrier Northwest directory offer maintenance services that can extend equipment lifespan, bolster efficiency, and detect problems before they escalate into breakdowns.
Furnace tune-ups include safety inspections that are important at any age.
Timely air filter replacement is also essential. Make it a habit to check your air filter for dirt and clogs every month and replace it if necessary. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your heating system to work harder and overheat. Air filters range in size, thickness, and frequency of replacement. Ask a Carrier dealer what air filter is best for your furnace.
Find a Carrier Dealer Near You
When you need a local Carrier dealer for quality furnace installation, repairs, or maintenance, check out our Carrier Northwest directory. We work with Carrier dealers in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Start by clicking our online Find a Dealer link.