Chrysler Furnace Age? - InspectionNews

Michael Chambers · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 02:44 PM

Does anyone know how to determine the vintage of an old Chrysler brand furnace? The one I saw today was a Model 4210-04DD. The serial number was 42-N2009. Here are the photos that I did take of parts of it. I didn't think at the time to get a photo of the entire unit.

Thanks a lot for the help!

Markus Keller · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 03:06 PM

Ancient. Clients ask me the age and the answer is the same, Ancient. Don't know the age, don't care, not going to try to look it up. I tell clients to replace it with a 90+. Installation cost will be recovered in roughly 2 years.
Sorry, not trying to be a jerk. I do a lot for my clients but I'm not wasting time trying to figure out the age of an antique like that.

neal lewis · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 05:24 PM

Well, at least it doesn't have a belt drive.

Markus, are you sure the investment can be recovered in as little as two years?

Markus Keller · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 06:55 PM

Since I am not the one controlling the T-stat, no I am not sure. I've had clients tell me they felt they got their money back in one year. Which I tend to find a bit over-optimistic. I've had clients tell me they got their money back in 3 years. Which I think is entirely plausible. Most clients have stated that they were pretty happy with their return after the 2nd winter.
A good price for a changeout around here is $2000.-2800. depending on BTU size, brand, 90,92 or higher, modulating or not, etc. Around here +/- 6-7 months of hardcore heating and another 1-2 months of moderate heating. It adds up pretty quick. Also consider every summer and winter we seem to have the highest gas and natural gas prices. Also are utility taxes are pretty high. It all adds up. That old unit is probably running at 60-70% AFUE.

Michael Chambers · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 07:18 PM

Thanks Markus! That's pretty much the answer I gave the client. The house is 35 years old, and the client figures this puppy is probably original equipment. He's probably right. I just thought I'd take the opportunity to see if anyone knew the date code in the S/N - if it's even there. Just being curious! Thanks again!

H.G. Watson, Sr. · #6 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 07:29 PM

AirTemp. Think Chrysler sold off about that time. Check Fedders acquisition was March 1976 according to
A Brief History of Chrysler Airtemp

IIRC two letters in SNs from Chyrsler began in the early 70s that would make that furnace likely original to the home's construction (you mentioned 35 y.o.).

Its a guess (pulling it out of questionable memory bank regarding year/month numbering system) but I'd figure the furnace to have been mfg in February 1974.