General Electric heat pumps and air conditioners use a letter code for date of manufacture that is the first digit of the serial number. Because the condenser data plates are stamped instead of printed, they are difficult to read and photograph, but rubbing away the dust and shining a flashlight obliquely across the surface makes them more legible. 

E = 1969.  F = 1970.  G = 1971   H = 1972

J = 1973   K = 1974   L = 1975   M = 1976

N = 1977   P = 1978   R = 1979   S = 1980

T = 1981   V = 1982   W = 1983   X = 1984

Y = 1985   A = 1986   B = 1987   C = 1988

D = 1989  

    The “W” at the beginning of the serial number shown above indicates the unit was produced in 1983 and, although it is not too legible, the manufacture date to the right is 08/83, which verifies the date code. All the GE condensers we have seen also have the date of manufacture clearly marked like that. Because these systems have not been manufactured for 30 years, even if you cannot interpret the serial number, it’s a sure thing that you are looking at a very old condenser.

    To determine other key specs of your HVAC system, see one of these other blog posts: 

• How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner?

• How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? 

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner?   

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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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  To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts: 

• My air conditioner won't turn on. What's wrong? 

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

• Where is the air filter for my central air conditioner and furnace? I can’t find it? 

• Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? 

• How did homes stay cool in Florida before air conditioning? 

• What is wrong with an air conditioner when the air flow out of the vents is low?

• Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? 

• Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? 

• Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? 

• What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners?  

• Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? 

   Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.