At some point, you may need to replace a part on your Goodman furnace. This is why it's imperative to know the furnace's serial number and model so that you may reference it when searching for your part. But where do you find this information on the furnace? We have researched the answer to this, and in this post, we will discuss how to locate this information.
Goodman furnace model and serial numbers can always be found on the furnace's rating plate. This plate is a thin piece of metal typically located on the side of the unit or at the top panel near the refrigerant valves. You may also find it on the backside of the unit.
Similar to other furnace brands, Goodman offers various units that can be distinguished using the area model and serial numbers. If you've never purchased a furnace before, the model's layout and serial number may be a bit confusing at first. However, once you understand how to read this info, it'll make sense. Continue reading to learn how to do it.
How do you read a Goodman serial number?
The encoded number on a Goodman furnace will tell you the year and month of its manufacturing. The first two digits represent the year the furnace was made, and the second two represent the month.
For example, a furnace with the serial number "040852398" tells you that the furnace was manufactured in 2004 in the month of August.
How do you tell the age of a Goodman furnace?
You can look at the serial number to determine the age of the furnace. The first four digits represent the year and month that the furnace was made. First, there are two digits for the year, followed immediately by two digits for the month.
What does a model number tell you?
The model number tells you useful information about the furnace. This information includes:
- The type of system that the furnace has
- Its capacity
- Size
- Tonnage
- Age
Your furnace's model number details will be needed when you're looking to purchase a replacement furnace, a similar unit, or replace components from your current furnace. Let's take a closer look at how these numbers are created and why they matter.
Furnaces can come in many forms, which is why they are categorized using models and make numbers. For example, some furnaces may operate at a faster speed than other units. In contrast, other furnaces will have a different system set up entirely. Systems can also vary by their operation components.
For example, some furnaces still use pilot lights 24/7, while more modern units use electrical ignition plates to kickstart the heat exchanger.
Lastly, units can also vary by their overall capacity. The ideal capacity for your home will depend on the size of your home and the setup of the furnace's potential location. If you are unsure what type of system you need, best to contact an HVAC technician for guidance.
How long will a Goodman furnace last?
A Goodman furnace can last on average anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more. After about 15 years, the furnace might start to malfunction more often than not. And when it does, it's a sign that the unit needs to be replaced.
However, there are ways to extend the lifespan of your furnace. Let's look at a few ways to get the most out of your furnace in addition to ensuring optimal performance.
Replace the air filter often
While most HVAC technicians recommend replacing the air filter every one to two months, the truth is that you may need to replace it more often than this. The most significant factor to consider regarding replacement frequency is your location and how quickly the filter becomes dirty.
For example, if you live in an urban environment or near manufacturing buildings, your area may have a higher level a lower level of air quality than rural areas. As a result, you may need to change the filter often to keep the furnace running smoothly.
A clogged air filter can cause your furnace's blower motor to overwork, and it'll ultimately shorten its lifespan, resulting in premature replacement. It can also decrease the air quality in your home, negatively affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma.
Get the vents cleaned annually
For your furnace to function properly, it must be able to circulate air effectively throughout your home. This means that the vents need to be clear of dirt and debris without any obstructions blocking the air from reaching each room in your house.
An HVAC technician can clean your vents, inspect the ductwork, and ensure that they are free of obstructions--which can prevent issues that may cause component failure in the furnace.
Have the furnace inspected every 6 to 12 months
Placing your furnace on an annual or semi-annual maintenance plan is one of the best ways to ensure its longevity. These plans typically consist of a technician coming out to inspect all of the furnace's internal components, including the blower motor, fan belt, heat exchange, air filter, and pilot components.
If you want to prevent potential issues before they start, enrolling in a maintenance plan is one of the best things you can do for your furnace. It can be especially helpful if your furnace is over seven years old.
Common Issues With Goodman furnaces
While Goodman furnaces are reliable and long-lasting, they can run into mechanical issues just like any other furnace brand. Here are the most common issues known with Goodman furnaces (particularly models that are over seven or more years old).
The thermostat on the unit stopped working
If the furnace does not turn on at all, take a look at the thermostat to ensure that the batteries are working. Most thermostats will have a display that illustrates when the battery is due for replacement. You can also try to reboot the thermostat by pressing the reset button.
If that doesn't work, try turning the unit down to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and then flipping your circuit breaker switch to see if this helps. Make sure to wait 30 seconds before flipping the switch back to the "On" position. If the thermostat still doesn't work, the chances are that you'll need to contact an HVAC professional.
The unit keeps cycling on and off
This is known as short cycling, and it's described as the furnace turning on and off in less than 10 minutes. Sometimes the thermostat setting will cause the unit to cycle at a shorter time frame. However, more often than not, there is an underlying issue at play, such as issues with the compressor or blower motor.
In this case, the best thing to do is to try to troubleshoot the furnace using a user's manual and then do a reset. If it doesn't work, consider reaching out to a technician
The unit blows cold air
If your furnace is blowing cold air, it means that the blower motor is working, but there is no heat in the heat exchanger. This is likely an issue related to the pilot light.
It could be that the pilot light has blown out due to drafts, debris around the pilot tip, or issues with the gas line. If the issue is with the gas line, you'll need to determine if the gas valve is worn or disconnected. If so, it'll need to be replaced or reconnected.
If the issue is with debris on the pilot light, you can clean the sensor with a stiff bristle brush. And if the issue is related to a draft from the draft motor or the furnace's location, you may need a technician to help pin down the source.
Find this stiff-bristle brush on Amazon.
Your energy bill suddenly seems higher
A higher than normal gas bill is one of the biggest tell-tale signs that your furnace may be working too hard. Often this is caused by the failure of an internal component such as the compressor or the heat exchanger.
The furnace keeps tripping the electricity
If your furnace is tripping your breaker, it usually means that the fuse for the furnace is either worn or has gone out. Ultimately this is an electrical issue that should be referred to an experienced electrician.
Wrapping Things Up
The model and serial number on a Goodman furnace can tell you everything you need to know about the furnace's age, capacity, manufacturing date, and system type. If you can't seem to locate this information on your furnace's rating plate, check your user's manual for the info. It should be listed on the cover. You can also find this information on Goodman's website as well.
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