The first two numbers in the serial number, after a single letter, are the year of manufacture of the unit. So the serial number below indicates the condenser was manufactured in 2013. The date of manufacture may also be stated in the upper corner of the data plate.

    If there is not a single letter at the beginning of the serial number, then it is a pre-1994 unit, and the first number of the serial number is the year of  manufacture. Because “1,” for example, can be either 1981 or 1991, you have to judge decade the condition.

0 = 1980 or 1990   1 = 1981 or 1991
2 = 1982 or 1992   3 = 1983 and 1993
4 = 1984   5 = 1985   6 = 1986
7 = 1987   8 = 1988   9 = 1989

    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.