Carrier HVAC Age: Serial Number Breakdown for AC, Furnace & Heat Pump

How old is my Carrier AC – or heat pump or furnace? That’s a common question, and it is answered here.

The age is discovered by answering – what’s the date or year your Carrier was made? This page is about decoding Carrier serial numbers to determine the age of a Carrier AC, heat pump or furnace.

When completed, you will know how to read a Carrier air conditioner serial number – or the number for a furnace or heat pump.

Note: This is about reading Carrier serial numbers, not Carrier model numbers, which have an entirely different nomenclature related to equipment type, stages of heating or cooling and the series such as Infinity or Performance.

How to Read a Carrier Air Conditioner Serial Number – or Furnace or Heat Pump

This section is about Carrier AC, heat pump and furnace equipment manufactured in the last 30 years. Older units have a different serial number nomenclature, which is explained later on the page.

It is quite simple to tell the age of your Carrier furnace, AC or heat pump.

Locate the Carrier Serial Number

1. Find the serial number. It should be on a tag or label affixed directly to the jacket of the furnace, heat pump or AC. It looks like this.

2. Locate the Serial Number on the tag. It probably just says “Serial,” before the number.

Decode the Carrier Serial Number – 9 and 10 Digits

OK, now here is how to read a Carrier AC serial number – or the number on a heat pump or furnace.

1. The first two numbers refer to the week of the year. 01 is the first week in January. 52 is the last week in December. The number tells you just the week number – you have to figure out what month that is, if you care to. For an approximation, divide the number by 4, so 17 would be 17/4=4.25, or one of the weeks in April.

2. The second two numbers refer to the year. Of course, if the number is in the 90s, it refers to the last century – the 1990s. Most serial numbers on equipment still in use will show the years beginning with 0 or 1 for the 2000s and the 2010s.

How Old is My Carrier?

Here are a few examples we pulled from recent work. Can you tell the age of these ACs or furnaces based on the explanation just given?

0519E28045

3608A17330

2111Q76606

Answers below.

Sometimes the tag gives a manufacture date – so it is really easy, as in this image:

As you can see, the Date of Manufacture, Oct 2006, matches the information from the serial number – the first two numbers “40” is the 40^th week, which is in October. And the next two numbers, “06,” is the year, or 2006. 4006 = October 2006.

Tip on Carrier age: 9 or 10 characters in the serial number? It doesn’t matter. Carrier AC, furnace and heat pump units manufactured in the last 20+ years have 10 characters – numbers mostly and one or two letters. Older units use a 9-character alphanumeric (letters/numbers) serial number. Decoding both types is the same: The 2-digit week first followed by the 2-digit year.

Answers – How Old is My Carrier?

When were these Carrier products made?

0519E28045 = The 5^th week of 2019, so February of 2019.

3608A17330 = The 36^th week of 2006, so around September of 2008.

2111Q76606 = 21^st week of 2011, so May of 2011.

As you can see, if you have the serial number, there’s no need for an online lookup to try to determine its age.

What Do the Other Characters Mean?

We’ve decoded the first 4 numbers of Carrier serial numbers for AC, heat pump and furnace models.

Letter: The fifth character is often a letter, and the letter refers to a Carrier manufacturing facility or an assembly area in a factory.

Numbers: The remaining numbers refer to the manufacturing sequence, which could be the exact number of that furnace model ever produced (not produced in that week).  

Older Carrier Serial Numbers

Do you have an “antique” Carrier AC or furnace?

Here are a few older serial number styles Carrier used – and how to determine the age of the equipment.

1960s – 7 Numbers

1970s to 1980 – 9 Numbers

Alternate 8-character Alphanumeric Serial Numbers

This system was used on a few types of equipment in the 70s and 80s.

Note: As in the serial numbers with 9 and 10 characters, the remaining numbers and letters in the older serial numbers refer to manufacturing sequences and the plant where the product was manufactured.

Can’t Find the Age of your Carrier?

The examples given above cover more than 95% of Carrier AC, heat pump and furnace models produced in the last 50 years.

If your unit’s serial number is something unusual, and there are a few out there, we recommend an online lookup – just type into the search box “Carrier serial number” and then whatever the number is. 

Interested in Replacing Your Carrier HVAC Unit?

You can check the latest Carrier HVAC systems cost here and we update the prices yearly. Or you can use our free quote tool to get 3 estimates in a minute, which already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter the unqualified contractors automatically.

To extend the article while maintaining its tone and style, I propose adding two new sections: “Understanding the Importance of Regular Maintenance for Carrier HVAC Systems” and “Future Innovations in HVAC Technology”. These sections will provide readers with both practical advice on maintaining their Carrier systems for longevity and efficiency, and a glimpse into the future of HVAC technology, potentially enhancing the relevance and depth of the article. Here’s a draft for these additional sections:

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Understanding the Importance of Regular Maintenance for Carrier HVAC Systems

Maintaining your Carrier HVAC system is crucial for ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and reliability. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially during extreme weather conditions when you need your heating or cooling system the most. Here are some key maintenance tips:

1. Regular Filter Replacement: The simplest yet most effective way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is by regularly changing its air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder, which can lead to increased energy costs and potential system failures.
2. Annual Inspections: Having a certified HVAC technician perform annual inspections of your Carrier system can help catch issues before they turn into major problems. These inspections typically include checking the refrigerant levels, testing system controls, and ensuring the thermostat is operating correctly.
3. Cleaning Coils and Components: Over time, the system’s evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt, reducing the system’s ability to cool or heat your home efficiently. Regular cleaning of these components can improve your system’s efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
4. Ensuring Proper Airflow: The system’s ductwork should be inspected for any leaks or obstructions that could affect airflow. Sealing leaks and cleaning ducts can significantly improve system performance and indoor air quality.

By adhering to these maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your Carrier HVAC system, improve its efficiency, and ensure it provides comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.