When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the immediate concerns for a buyer is determining the functionality and age of the home's major appliances i.e. the furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Knowing the age and lifespan of each appliance will aid the buyer in knowing if they will need to plan for potential costly repairs or replacement of the appliances in the near future.
During our home inspections we determine the age of the home's major appliances, which is then included in our home inspection report for the benefit of our client.
TO LEARN HOW WE DETERMINE THE AGE OF APPLIANCES, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
Step 1. Locate the Data Tag
Each appliance should have a data tag/sticker located on it. The furnace's data tag is usually located inside the furnace, requiring the removal of the furnace cover to access it. An aged appliance's data tag may be illegible or worn away completely. In these circumstances we can assume the unit is aged, and recommend to have it serviced and inspected by a qualified HVAC professional.
Refer to the following photos to see examples of units' data tag locations:
FURNACE
WATER HEATER
AIR CONDITIONER
ILLEGIBLE DATA TAGS
Step 2. Obtain the Serial Number or Manufacture Date
Some data tags, mainly on water heaters, will clearly state the manufacture date of the appliance. Wouldn't it be convenient if all tags were that simple?
Though it may seem logical for all appliances to clearly state the manufacture date, many data tags simply do not. In these circumstances you will need to identify the serial number on the data tag. To learn how to decipher the month and year within each manufacturer's serial number, refer to Building Center's website by the provided link below. Click the drop down menu at the top of their website titled 'GUIDES/INDEXES' and choose the type of appliance you wish to know the manufacture date for. After choosing your appliance type, click the brand name of your specific appliance, as different brands have different ways of placing the date within the serial number. Follow the instructions they provide for deciphering the manufacture date. Building Center: https://www.building-center.org
Step 3. Refer to Our Life Expectancy Chart
Now that you know the age of your appliance, refer to our life expectancy chart for the approximate expected life span of the appliance.
Life Expectancy Chart: https://www.cnhinspections.com/life-expectancy-chart
These life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather or other conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse. Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties.
*Important maintenance reminder: Remember to have your HVAC (heater and air conditioner) equipment serviced and professionally cleaned annually, by a qualified HVAC contractor, to prevent premature failure of the system! Thanks for referring to CNHInspections' informational blogs regarding the structure, systems and components of a home!
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