Most HVAC units have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. It is before this time that your ac system is most efficient. So once it starts approaching this higher age bracket, it will need major repairs or an entire system replacement for you to continue enjoying excellent air conditioning.
Most homeowners don’t know the age of their ac systems. This may be because they moved in after the ac unit was installed and has already been running for some time (you may not be the house’s original owner). Or they just don’t know the specifics.
For more information about ac repair and replacement, contact the experienced team at Anderson Air.
Whatever the situation, you can still find out the actual age of your ac unit. Below are ways of how to tell age of ac unit in your home.
Option #1: Check the Manufacturer’s Nameplate Tag
Every ac unit comes with a nameplate tag that has the air conditioner model and serial number. And not all serial numbers are the same. Every manufacturer has their own way of coding or writing the manufacturer date of the ac unit.
Some manufacturers use the straightforward way by simply printing the real manufacture date on the nameplate. Others use complex codes that you need to decipher.
Here is how to tell age of ac unit using the nameplate
Most ac units usually have their nameplates on the back of the condenser. Look for a metal nameplate attached to your ac system condenser. This nameplate contains your ac system’s specifications.
Once you locate the nameplate, check for the manufacture date. It is usually listed in the “month and year” format or sometimes abbreviated as “MFR DATE.” Once you find this, read the date, which is the birth date of your unit, then use it to calculate the current age of your ac unit.
Suppose the manufacturer date is not on the nameplate. In this case, take a picture of the nameplate. Then refer to it while writing down your ac unit model number, serial number, and brand. The manufacture date is encoded in this numerical data.
There are two ways to extract the birth date of your ac unit from this coded data (ac serial number):
Search on the internet
You can use different search phrases that have the keywords “ac manufacture date.” Google will give you sites that show you how to decode the ac serial number and discover its manufacture date.
But there is a simpler way to this; use a site that provides a cipher that can help you find out every manufacturer’s code. All you have to do is to click the “Determining the Age of HVAC equipment” button and search for the letter of your ac manufacturer. This will help you crack the code on your own.
Call your manufacturer
This is the longer way. You can get in touch with your ac unit manufacturer through their customer service center and give them all the required details of your ac unit. They have a product database that they search and obtain information on every batch of manufactured products. They can get back to you with the information.
Note: Every manufacturer or brand has a unique way they code their date of manufacture. For example, York has two main styles of serial number codes: one for ac units made from 2004 to date and another for ac units made before 2004.
Option #2: Contact Your HVAC Technician
Another way that you can learn how to tell age of ac unit devices is by using a professional. If you don’t have the time or the patience to do all this, then simply contact a licensed HVAC contractor and give them the data. They will give you a concise and professional answer within a short time.
The great thing about this option is that a professional will not only provide you with the details about your ac age. But they will also assess your ac working condition. They will use the facts and advise you whether to do major repairs or replace the whole ac system.
Option #3: Use Your Ac Installation Date
To avoid all the hassle of deciphering the serial number, some people use the date they installed their air conditioning system as the manufacture date.
Although this method is the least accurate way of how to tell how old your ac unit is, you can use it as a rough estimate when all options fail or if you are out of time.
After Finding Out The Age of Your AC Unit, What Next?
Knowing the age of your ac unit helps you know how to proceed.
An ac unit’s lifespan is about 10-15 years or 15-20 years (this depends on the model and brand). So, if you find that your ac surpassed its lifetime in service, then it’s time to get a brand-new replacement.
And suppose it’s still within the age bracket but closer to the maximum age. In this case, you may have to consult your HVAC technician to know whether to replace or continue using it.
Here are some things your HVAC technician will consider:
- The efficiency or performance of the ac unit
- The cost of repairs your ac needs to continue working well
- The expenses you have spent on running your ac in the previous summer and spring seasons
Overall, if you are spending more money to enable your ac system to stay running (ac needs regular repairs), it would be best to put it to rest and replace it with a new efficient one.
Also, if you find out that your old air conditioner is using a refrigerant that was (is being) phased out (phased out refrigerant), then replace that unit. Once the refrigerant it uses is no longer in the market, then your ac won’t be able to run.
Conclusion
After knowing how to tell how old ac unit is and finding its true age, consult a trusted HVAC professional to know the best way forward for safe, efficient, and long-lasting systems.
Good luck with finding out the age of your ac unit!
