Knowing your HVAC unit’s age is important for homeowners. Why? Well, being aware of your air conditioner’s age can shield you from unexpected surprises, especially if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Typically, well-maintained air conditioners last between 15 to 20 years. So, knowing your unit’s age will empower you to prepare for potential breakdowns and avoid being caught off guard down the road in case you have an older air conditioner that is nearing the end of its life. 

Middletown Heating & Cooling has broken down the process of determining your air conditioner’s age with the following steps: 

Step 1: The Condenser 

To identify your AC’s age, you’ll want to find the manufacture date of your AC unit, which is ultimately the same thing. So, make your way outside and locate your outdoor unit, known as the condenser. If you don’t know what this is, it’s the large metal box usually situated in the backyard or sometimes on the side of your house. Once you’ve found the condenser, look for a nameplate on one of its sides containing essential information about the cooling unit. Then direct your attention to the upper right corner or the general top area of the nameplate, where the manufacture date is often labeled as MFR DATE or something similar. Wording may vary from unit to unit. If you can’t find it immediately, don’t worry; proceed to step number two. 

Step 2: An Online Search 

If you still haven’t located the manufacture date, that’s totally fine. You can utilize your detective skills by simply jotting down the model, brand, and serial number from the nameplate. You can also take a picture from your phone for easy reference. Next, use your preferred online search engine to look for the manufacture date by entering these three key details in the search bar. Then add in the phrase “manufacture date” at the end of it before hitting search. This search should yield several websites offering specific instructions on decoding the manufacture date for your particular AC model. Bravo! At this point, you should now know exactly how old your air conditioner is. 

Are You Encountering Problems Pinpointing the Age of Your AC? 

In the rare event that you encounter challenges finding the date, it happens. Rest assured; we are here for you! Simply inform us during your next HVAC maintenance appointment, and our skilled technicians will gladly assist you in identifying your unit’s age. 

Should you need any assistance or have any HVAC-related questions, feel free to reach out to us! Our team is always ready and eager to help! Call Middletown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 268-3789, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!