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HVAC data tag decoding: This article explains and translates all of the data found on information tags and stickers used onair conditioning and heat pump equipment. This article series answers most questions about air conditioning systems.
This article provides help in decoding air conditioner, boiler, furnace, heat pump, water heater data tags and determining the age, model, or specifications of that equipment.
Find and read the data tag on air conditioners or heat pumps to determine Air conditioner BTUs, Tons, Age: decoded on data tags. Air conditioner electrical requirements & refrigerant needs. Air conditioner cooling capacity coded in model numbers. Air conditioner and heat pump manufacturer's information; serial number gives A/C age.
We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
A/C DATA TAGS - Air conditioner & heat pump data tags de-coded
Here we explain the meaning of each of the data names and contents of typical air conditioner system data tags. We include examples of how to make use of the data to estimate equipment age, capacity, and even its condition. (Not all of the terms we define below will appear on all equipment or motor tags.)
The photo at page top shows the main data sticker from a 1997 split system air conditioning compressor/condenser unit.
[Click to enlarge any image]
This model, madeby Sanyo, Inc., provides easy-to-read basic data about the system including its year of manufacture, refrigerant, electrical requirements,and service information.
Article Contents
What Information is Provided by a Data Tag on an Air Conditioner or Heat Pump?
The photo shown above is for a conventional (non-split) residential air conditioning compressor unit.
Unless it has been painted-over or lost, on most air conditioners and heat pumps, a metal, foil, or plastic tag or data sticker is usually affixed to the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump compressor/condenser housing.
Depending on the age and equipment manufacturerthe format and content of data on this tag varies, but typically the tag will allow you to discover some or all of the considerable amount of data listed here:
Modified, damaged, or torn air conditioning equipment information data tags can make age, capacity, and repair of any equipment more difficult. For the air conditioning compressor unit shown here, all we know is thatthe manufacturer was Singer. Model numbers and serial number appear to have been cut away from the data tag. Why?
Sometimes when equipment data labels are removed or obscured a building buyer or a home inspector may raise a concern that the unit installed was different than that which the was ordered or that it is of questionable origin. On rare occasion that might be the case.
But Ratib Baker, a member of member of Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), informs us that during the 1980's HVAC equipment manufacturers used a type of label which lacked UV resistance, faded, cracked, and eventually peeled away from the equipment, making equipment identification and ordering of replacement parts difficult.
Mr. Baker wrote (October 2008) that in the 1980's 'the [HVAC compressor] label's protective mylar surface was damaged by the printing of the model and serial numbers and the electrical data which allowed the UV from the sun to destroy those areas.
Upon discovering that they did not stand up to weather, most manufacturers started putting a second label inside the electrical compartment. Eventually better labels were designed, but some of the better manufacturers still put a second label in the unit.'
Where a data tag or label on equipment is damaged or missing, check further for more label data including inside the unit's enclosure.
Service technicians may have written the model and serial number data in indelible marker, or the manufacturer may have provided a second data label inside the unit - check HVAC equipment with lost or damaged labels to see if you can find that data elsewhere.
You may also find equipment identification details in the installation and service manuals for the equipment if those have been kept in the building. Look around the indoor equipment for those documents.
What we can say from the label in the photograph above is that by 2007 when the photo was taken by an ASHI inspector, this particular equipment was at least 23 years old - older than its usual anticipated life expectancy: the Singer brand On air conditioners was dropped in 1984.
Alphabetical List of HVACR Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Equipment Data Decoders
Here we focus on decoding the age of some HVACR equipment by finding that in the device serial number. Often the heating or cooling capacity is also encoded as a number (thousands of BTUs/hour) or a letter that decodes to a number. Details are in the age decoder guides given above.
Often you will find very detaild data tag decoding help for your specific brand and model air conditioner or heat pump by consulting its manual.
See MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC - alphabetical list of manuals & guides sorted by manufacturer, free downloads
Alphabetic Index to Data Tag Decoders by Brand
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q -R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
AAmana Air Conditioning Data Tags
The year of manufacture is encoded as a letter in the serial number.
12B234567
B = 1971 / 1981 / 1991 / 2001 etc.
L = 1972 / 1982 .. etc
A = 1973 .. etc
C = 1974 .. etc
K = 1975 .. etc
H = 1976 .. etc
O = 1977 .. etc
R = 1978 .. etc
S = 1979 .. Etc
E = 1970, 1980, etc.
BBryant Air Conditioner Data Tag Age Decoder
After 1979, the week of production is encoded in digits 1 & 2 of the serial number, and the year of production is encoded in digits 3 or 3&4 of the serial number.
Eg. 5214AX31929 decodes as week 53 of 2014
WWYAX12345 decodes as follows
WW = sequential week within year, 01-52 Wolf of wall street 1080p.
Y = year as follows
R S T U V W X or Y = 1964 -> 1971 (e.g. S = 1965)
A B C D E F G or H = 1972 -> 1979
CCarrier Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoder
[Click to enlarge any image]
Also see Carrier contact information and manuals at CARRIER Air Conditioners, Boilers Furnaces
Carrier 1980-present: week and year are encoded in the first four digits of the serial number as WWYY1234567
Carrier equipment produced in the 1970's MY12345678 encoded the month and year as a letter (month) and single digit (year) where A=January -> M = December. e.g. A9xxxxxx = January 1979
Carrier equipment produced in the 1960's Y123456789 encoded just the year of manufacture as a single digit (year) in the first position of the serial number, e.g. 9xxxxxx = 1969.
Reader Question: where is the SEER rating on my Carrier Condenser unit?
(Jan 30, 2014) Kevin said:
I'm trying to find the SEER rating on my Carrier condenser.
Is it supposed to be on the data tag somewhere?
Reply:
Good question, Kevin, thanks.
No we do not generally see the SEER rating encoded nor explicit on an HVAC equipment data tag. Rather it is in the product literature.
I THINK that a reason for this is that the net SEER rating for a given air conditioner or heat pump depends on how a combination of components operates together while certain individual components might be used in more than one set-up.
Example: Carrier's Infinity Split System air conditioners are rated by the company at SEER 16.5 (Model 24ANB6) to 21 (Model 24ANB1)
BUT for some manufacturers there is a clue to SEER right in the model number. The Infinity Model 24ANB1 is designated with MODEL NAME INFINITY21 while the Infinity Model 24ANB6, rated at a seer of 16.5 is designated with MODEL NAME INFINITY16.
You can for this series only roughly approximate SEER by noting the model name. For example within the Infinity product line by Carrier, two Infinity Models designated INFINITY17 are rated at SEER 18.
Adding honesty to SEER ratings, companies typically state in the product literature 'Up to SEER nn' recognizing that the actual energy efficiency in practice and in specific installations will vary.
In advertising law, 'up to' claims, to be legally defensible, sport a number that must be met by at least ten percent of actual cases.
In our article on SEER (search InspectApedia for the title
Air Conditioning SEER Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained - HVAC Dictionary
I will add this Q&A and if I can find more details I will elaborate there on where & how to find the SEER of your equipment - thanks again. Daniel
OH - and if you give me the model number I'll dig up that specific seer. Send along a photo of the data tags on your equipment if you can - use the CONTACT link at the top or bottom of any of our pages.
Reader Question: age & data tag decoding for Command Aire equipment
I am looking to replace a 30+ year old cooling/heating wall convector from a New York high-rise apartment unit.
Attached is the current unit in operation, and there a total of four (4) located in separate spaces within the unit.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Can you please tell me if you know what kind of a unit this is from the poor quality photo (Command-Air(?)), and if there are modern replacements I can look into that possibly can be controlled from a wall plate control next to a light switch (for example). - D.C. 8/21/2014
Reply:
I'm not what I'm looking at in your photo.
But some basic information about wall convector units used for heating and/or cooling is at
Typically in a high rise apartment the energy source for heating and cooling will be piped from a common building source. You'll want to know what your building supplies before thinking about replacing the equipment.
Reader Follow-up:
The photo was a poor shot of the model label sent by the contractor currently remodeling the apartment. The units are enclosed within a built-in wooden lacquer cabinet, similar to the attached photos show.
I was trying to make out the unit name, and I believe it is an early 80âs Command-Aire model, about 62â wide by 12â deep. Iâve also attached a stand-alone model, with the controls on top beneath the grill.
Iâm not sure about the building supply details yet, since I have not received information from the contractor, but Iâm just trying to find a comparably model to replace this unit(s). I believe the overall size and top diffuser gives me a head start to look into a Trane Type AK model, just to start comparing.
Reply:
Command Aire brand was later bought by Trane - so when you know what type and model you've got installed that'd be a place to start looking for a compatible replacement.
When you have a clear image of the unit's data tag you'll see brand, model, serial number that will decode into just what is installed. There's little point in looking for equipment and prices before you know what kind of equipment works with your building's infrastructure.
Coleman HVAC Data Tags
Command Aire Data Tag BTUh Capacity Decoding
For example, Command Aire included heat pumps (which you may not have)
SWPR 261 thru 611 water source heatpumps. The three digit number following SWPR 261 indiates the unit BTUs
261 = 24000 BTUh
281 = 30000 BTUh 361= 36000 BTUh 411 = 42000 BTUh 511= 49000 BTUh 611= 62000 BTUh
Contact Trane (commercial / residential) at
(800) 945-5884
American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
Customer Relations 20 Corporate Woods Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044
Website: http://www.trane.com
Command Aire brand was bought by Trane - see Trane under T on this page.
DECarrier Serial Number LookupFFedders Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoder
Month and year are encoded as alphabetic letters in the last two positions of the serial number, beginning with A = September and A = 1966
GReader Question: age of a GE air condenser unit
Could you help us determine the age of a General Electric central air condenser.
Model TA36H1F01 S/N 205100925
This unit appears to be extremely old, but would appreciate any help you can give me. - John 6/1/12
Reply:
John, Carson Dunlop's Technical Reference Guide has several pages of GE equipment data decoding information, including the observation that
beginning in 1944 GE coded the age in the last three digits of the serial number, with the year in the third from last position.
But the GE serial number codes on air conditioners & heat pumps used letters (N-Z = months Jan-Dec) and Year A-Y = 1944-1964, then repeated). Your serial number does not conform to the known codes for General Electric air conditioners. GE used letters not digits for month and year as I explained above.
Is it possible you are mis-reading a letter 'Z' as a numeric '2' or a P or R as a '9' and an 'S' as a '5' ?
Examples of troubles reading old fuzzy or partly obscured serial numbers or model numbers on HVAC equipment are in our article just above. So if your 2 and 5 are really SS the unit could be as old as May 1959 or perhaps more likely, as recent as 1980.
Send us a sharp focused photo of the entire label if you can and I'll comment further.
The Model Number you provided indicates in the two digits following the TA (TA36) 36,000 BTU/h
GE no longer makes A/C units - heat pumps were sold to Trane, Canada.
Also see GE GENERAL ELECTRIC WATER HEATER AGE
H
See individual product MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC as individual device manuals include data tag decoders
Also see HAIER APPLIANCESIJKKeepRite Air Conditioner / Heat Pump Data Tags
KeepRite is a brand belonging to International Comfort Products, Lewisburg TN 37091 USA Website: https://www.keeprite.com/
International Comfort Products is part of UTC Climate Controls & Security that is in turn a unit of United Technologies Corporation.
[Click to enlarge any image]LLennox Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoder
12YYM345678
Since about 1974, digits 3 & 4 indicate year & digit 5 indicates month of production where the months are encoded beginning with A = January
Also see contact information for Lennox and Lennox HVAC manuals for downloading at LENNOX Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps
Luxaire Heating & Air Conditioning Data Tags
MMitsubishi Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Data Tags
N
See individual product MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC as individual device manuals include data tag decoders
OPQRRheem Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoding
12345WWYY
Last four digits of the serial number encode week of manufacture and year of manufacture as xxxxxWWYY
Ruud Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoder
12345WWYY
Last four digits of the serial number encode week of manufacture and year of manufacture as xxxxxWWYY
SSamsung Mini Split Age Decoder information in data tag
Serial Number : P1BW6XXXXX is translated as P1BYM12345
The 4th Digit is Y or the year of manufacture :
M = 2018 L = 2017 K = 2016 J = 2015 H = 2014 G = 2013 F = 2012 E = 2011 D = 2010 C = 2009 B = 2008 A = 2007 Z = 2006 Y = 2005 X = 2004, W = 2003, T= 2002, R= 2001, N= 2000, K= 1999, J= 1998, H= 1997
The 5th Digit is M or the month of manufacture : 1= Jan, 2= Feb, 3= March, 4= April, 5= May, 6= June, 7= July, 8= August, 9= Sept, A= Oct, B= Nov, C= Dec
Sanyo Split System Air Conditioner / Heat Pump Data Tags
[Click to enlarge any image]
Singer Air Conditioner Data Tag Decode
Watch out: in our OPINION if you encounter HVAC equipment whose data tags have been deliberately cut to remove product identification information you should assume that something fishy has been going on.
See SINGER HVAC Manuals & Parts
TTempstar
See TEMPSTAR HVAC MANUALS
Trane Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Age Decoder
Above: Trane XR 13 data tag photographed near Kearney, Kansas
On later model Trane HVAC equipment the year of production is stamped as a four-digit year in the upper or lower right corner of the data tag.
Example 12/2015 decodes to 12 = December 2015 = year of manufacture
Other Trane Serial Number Formats & Decoders
For Trane manuals and specifications and contact information see TRANE AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS
U-VUnitary Products Corp. HVAC Data Tag Decoder
The U.S. Unitary Products Group (website http://www.upgnet.com/site/welcome.asp ) markets air conditioning and heat pump equipment under the following brands:
See UNITARY PRODUCTS HVAC - for manuals and contact information or see the individual brands listed above.
See also contact information and manual download sources at DAIKIN GLOBAL, Daikin Mini Split A/C, marketed in the U.S. until 1988p
In the U.S. a 'unitary' lineup is offered by Daikin in the North American residential market.
WWhirlpool Corporation Equipment Data Tag Translator
Source: Whirlpool WGPH45 Packaged Heat Pump, Product Specifications [17]
[Click to enlarge any image]
Whirlpool air conditioner and heat pump brand, type, refrigerant, SEER, and other data including heating or cooling capacity in tons is encoded in the model number positions as shown in the illustration above.
XYWW1234356
The age of Whirlpool air conditioners or heat pumps are encoded in the first four positions of the serial number as a decade and year (one alphabetic digit, one numeric digit) and week of manufacture (two numeric digits).
where Y = Year as follows: G = 1970's, H = 1980's, I = 1990's, J = 2000s, K = 2010s
where WW = week number
Example: J752XXXXX = 2007, week 52.
W-X-Y-Z
See individual product MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC as individual device manuals include data tag decoders
York HVAC Data Tag Information
York - see YORK INTERNATIONAL AC & HEATER Manuals, York International - http://www.yorkupg.co
Where to Buy Carson Dunlop Associates' Technical Reference Guide decodes equipment data tags for air conditioners, heat pumps, etc.
Carson Dunlop Associates' Technical Reference Guide (below) provides the most extensive HVAC equipment data tag decoder & other information to determine the age of boilers, furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, and heat pumps by decoding the product serial number.
For the most complete and very detailed HVAC equipment data tag and age decoding information anywhere (about 128 manufacturers & brands), Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, of Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates'
Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page 'Promo/Redemption' space.
Here at InspectAPedia.com we discuss different types of heating systems (OCTOPUS FURNACES, forced air heating systems, STEAM BOILERS, forced HOT WATER BOILERS, high efficiency systems) and fuel types (coal, oil, gas) as an aid in determining the age of a home or other building.
Heat pumps are discussed at AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
The Carson Dunlop Technical Reference Guide provides both equipment data tag decoding data and also manufacturer contact information as well as historical dates for many brands of heating and cooling equipment. Included in the manufacturers listed are also makers of ancillary equipment such as controls, circulator pumps, etc., not just boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps themselves.
References for HVAC controls & switches
Watch out for Confusing or Mis-Reading Letters & Numerals on Old HVAC Equipment Data Tabs
Especially when equipment is old or has been located outside where its data tag can become obscured, faded, or damaged, it is easy to confuse as certain numeric digits some alphabetic characters, and vice versa.
Our table below gives some confusion examples to watch for. So if information about model numbers or serial numbers for a given manufacturer specifies that that company use a mix of alphabetic and numeric characters (E.G. General Electric), and you see only numeric, look again to see if you're making a mistake.
Other information tags and stickers on air conditioners and heat pumpsService and refrigerant connections
Service information and/or refrigerant piping hook-up may be provided by a separate sticker on the air conditioner compressor/condenser unit, suchas the piping arrangements shown on this split-unit compressor side.
More critical service data such as refrigerant type and operating pressures are recordedin the main data tag shown earlier.
Air conditioner or heat pump basic wiring diagrams
A basic hook-up wiring diagram may be provided by the manufacturer on a separate sticker on the air conditioner compressor/condenser unitsuch as this one from the Sanyo unit.
Air conditioner or heat pump safety warnings
Safety warnings for consumers and service people also appear on tags or stickers on modern air conditioning and heat pump units, suchas shown in the photo above.
Data information tags on commercial air conditioning and heat pumps
Commercial air conditioning or A/C/Heat pump units such as the rooftop unit from which these data tag photos were takenoften provides additional and critical capacity and service data.
[Click to enlarge any image]
The first or left hand tag showsthe equipment's operating capacity in both BTUH and watts, and shows a maximum air temperature at the unit.The second photo at right shows a refrigerant charging chart that must be consulted by the service technicianwho monitors suction line (low pressure or return line) temperature and pressure.
..
Continue reading at SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.
Or see DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS FAQs - questions & answers about data tags on air conditioners and heat pumps
Or see these
Articles on Building Component Age
Suggested citation for this web page
AGE of AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS
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SNDeepInfo â service for checking a serial numbers of phones, smartphones, cameras, household appliances and IMEI phones of all brandsWhat is the serial number?
The manufacturer assigns to each device a unique serial number, in which encoded all information about the product: model, production country , date of manufacture. The serial number is unique for each device from one manufacturer.
What is IMEI?
Mobile phones, except the serial number have also IMEI number. IMEI â International Mobile Equipment Identity. IMEI â a common standard for all mobile devices, which is assigned to the phone at the time of manufacture it in the factory. It's the unique number, which is broadcasting to the carrier to authorize phone in the network. Structure of the IMEI is the same for all phones regardless of manufacturer. IMEI number is also used to track and block lost or stolen phones by the carrier, which further prevents to use of such devices. However, blocking IMEI in one carrier network have no effect in others networks.
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AIR CONDITIONING SIZE AND YEAR OF MANUFACTURE
What year and size is the Air Conditioning system?
Let me show you how YOU the Realtor can determine that on your own.Remember that these dates are NOT installation dates, but they are the manufacture date and typically these dates are close to each other.
First let us understand âTonnageâ is:
Tonnage The unit of measure used in air conditioning to describe the cooling capacity of a system. One ton of cooling is based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in a 24 hour period. One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu/hr.
This size of an Air Conditioning Unit is based up many factors, such as composition of the building, which way it faces, the number of windows, the amount of insulation...
Basic Principals of Air Conditioning:
The basic principals of the Air Conditioning System used for Florida.An AC system is used as a dual purpose.One is to allow warm air to be pulled into the system, filter this air and then flow across the cold coils and blow cold air into the building.The other purpose is to pull the humidity out of the air.This is VERY important.So with this information â BIGGER IS NOT BETTER!A house with to large an AC system will always be damp and contain that âbone chillingâ cold.If in doubt call a Professional and licensed Heating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor.
How to determine the age and size of the AC unit:
The age or manufacture date of an AC compressor is usually coded under the serial number portion of the data plate that is present on the side of the compressor (Outside AC portion of the AC system)
The red boxed area is the Serial Number for this type of unit.The âLâ indicates the month of the manufacture.âLâ being the 12thletter of the alphabet and the â01â being the last 2 numbers of the year, thus meaning this is a December 2001 manufacture date.
This is the area where the data or information from above was obtained.The exterior portion of the AC system called the compressor.
Congratulations on learning how to determine the age of an Air Conditioning Compressor.The air handlerâs age is determined much the same way.The air handler is located within the interior of the residence most of the time it is in a closet, garage or attic area.This applies to the MAJORITY of AC units in SW Florida.Other types are present, but this will allow you to determine the age of many of the AC systems.
How to determine the size (called tonnage) of an Air Conditioning system:
First of all the size of an AC unit is called a ton or tonnage.A recap of tonnage is Tonnage The unit of measure used in air conditioning to describe the cooling capacity of a system. One ton of cooling is based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in a 24 hour period. One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu/hr.
The number to remember is 12,000 BTUâs or more simply 12.If 12,000 BTUâs is equal to 1 (one) ton of AC then 18,000 is equal to 1.5 tons and 24,000 is equal to 2 tons and so on.
Look at the model number (Located on the data plate stamped on the actual side of the compressor) on the compressor and there should be a number divisible by 12.It should start at 18 and not be more than 60 for residential AC units.18 to equal 1.5 tons and 60 to equal 5 tons of cooling.
Look at the model number below and you determine the AC compressor size.
The 36 in the model number in the first picture above it means that the AC compressor is equal to 3 tons of cooling.
Once again, size is very important and detrimental to the proper operational status of an Air Conditioning System.
AIR CONDITIONING SIZE AND YEAR OF MANUFACTURE
What year and size is the Air Conditioning system?
Let me show you how YOU the Realtor can determine that on your own.Remember that these dates are NOT installation dates, but they are the manufacture date and typically these dates are close to each other.
First let us understand âTonnageâ is:
Tonnage The unit of measure used in air conditioning to describe the cooling capacity of a system. One ton of cooling is based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in a 24 hour period. One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu/hr.
This size of an Air Conditioning Unit is based up many factors, such as composition of the building, which way it faces, the number of windows, the amount of insulation...
Basic Principals of Air Conditioning:
The basic principals of the Air Conditioning System used for Florida.An AC system is used as a dual purpose.One is to allow warm air to be pulled into the system, filter this air and then flow across the cold coils and blow cold air into the building.The other purpose is to pull the humidity out of the air.This is VERY important.So with this information â BIGGER IS NOT BETTER!A house with to large an AC system will always be damp and contain that âbone chillingâ cold.If in doubt call a Professional and licensed Heating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor.
How to determine the age and size of the AC unit:
The age or manufacture date of an AC compressor is usually coded under the serial number portion of the data plate that is present on the side of the compressor (Outside AC portion of the AC system)
The red boxed area is the Serial Number for this type of unit.The âLâ indicates the month of the manufacture.âLâ being the 12thletter of the alphabet and the â01â being the last 2 numbers of the year, thus meaning this is a December 2001 manufacture date.
This is the area where the data or information from above was obtained.The exterior portion of the AC system called the compressor.
Congratulations on learning how to determine the age of an Air Conditioning Compressor.The air handlerâs age is determined much the same way.The air handler is located within the interior of the residence most of the time it is in a closet, garage or attic area.This applies to the MAJORITY of AC units in SW Florida.Other types are present, but this will allow you to determine the age of many of the AC systems.
How to determine the size (called tonnage) of an Air Conditioning system:
First of all the size of an AC unit is called a ton or tonnage.A recap of tonnage is Tonnage The unit of measure used in air conditioning to describe the cooling capacity of a system. One ton of cooling is based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in a 24 hour period. One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu/hr.
The number to remember is 12,000 BTUâs or more simply 12.If 12,000 BTUâs is equal to 1 (one) ton of AC then 18,000 is equal to 1.5 tons and 24,000 is equal to 2 tons and so on.
Look at the model number (Located on the data plate stamped on the actual side of the compressor) on the compressor and there should be a number divisible by 12.It should start at 18 and not be more than 60 for residential AC units.18 to equal 1.5 tons and 60 to equal 5 tons of cooling.
Look at the model number below and you determine the AC compressor size.
The 36 in the model number in the first picture above it means that the AC compressor is equal to 3 tons of cooling.
Once again, size is very important and detrimental to the proper operational status of an Air Conditioning System.
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