How to Check the Age of Your HVAC Unit

We are already a few weeks into summer and the heat is on! In order to keep your home and family comfortable, you may be running your air conditioner non-stop. But will it last the whole summer?

In older homes, it may seem like it takes hours for air from the A/C to feel cool, especially when the weather is hot. Unfortunately, if your unit’s efficiency has slowed, it may be due to age.

Unlike a fine wine, air conditioning units do not get better with age. It is important to know the age of your HVAC system, especially when the unit is not longer functioning properly, i.e. strange noises, lowered efficiency, etc.

Here are a few simple ways you can determine the age of your HVAC unit.

Check the Condenser Nameplate

While homeowners have driver’s licenses, air-conditioning units have nameplates. They are usually found on the large, metal condenser box that resides on the outside of your house. The most straightforward way to find the age of your unit is to check the upper-right hand corner of the nameplate for the unit’s manufacture date.

Check the Model

If you have searched every square inch of the unit and still cannot locate the manufacture date, there is another solution. Write down the brand, model and serial number on the plate. Input the information into a website, like BuilderCenter.org, to provide a general idea of when the unit was produced.

Check the Installation Date

Unless you opted for a refurbished unit, the manufacture date should be reflected by the installation date. Call the HVAC company that setup the unit to check when it was installed. Being able to confirm the age of the unit will also help a technician determine whether it is best to repair or replace when a problem arises.

By scheduling an inspection, one of our trained technicians can tell you when the unit was installed, how long it’s been running and when it will be time to replace it.

Would you prefer to start fresh with a new system? Know the cost up front by scheduling an appointment for an estimate! Visit our website or call 800-994-2577.