Which year does rental property improvement get applied

I have a rental property, that was in service prior to needing the furnace replaced.  I understand that the furnace is an improvement, not a repair and will have to be depreciated, but I have a question about which year applies.   I have a receipt dated 12/23 for the purchase and installation of the furnace; however, the payment was not made until January.  I would like to confirm that the depreciation should start on the installation date.  Is this correct?