Goodman HVAC Age: Serial Number Decoding for AC, Furnace & Heat Pump

How old is my Goodman AC or furnace or heat pump?

Answer: The first two numbers of the serial number represent the year. The second two numbers are the month.

9901 is January 1999, for example.

How to Read a Goodman Serial Number

Here are more details for your Goodman serial number lookup.

Goodman began making HVAC equipment in 1975 and has used the same serial number sequencing for manufacture dates from the beginning – that’s excellent foresight by Mr. Goodman and company!

Goodman uses the same sequencing on all of their HVAC products including furnaces, heap pumps, split systems, and air conditioning units.

Not Model #s: This post is about Goodman serial numbers, not model numbers. The model numbers use nomenclature related to series, capacity, and performance of Goodman HVAC equipment.

Age of Unit: Goodman AC, Furnace or Heat Pump

Here is how to read a Goodman serial number.

The encoded serial number on the rating or data plate will tell you the year and month the unit was made. Goodman uses 10 character serial numbers on all of their HVAC products. The characters are all numbers.

The first two digits indicate the year the furnace was made. For instance, if the first 2 numbers are 02, the year is 2002, 05 is 2005, 10 is 2010, 18 is 2018, etc. The 3^rd and 4^th numbers represent the month. For instance, 01 is January, 02 is February through 12, which is December.

Goodman has one of the simplest serial number codes. If you do a lookup on serial numbers from some other brands, you get the impression the manufacturer is trying to confuse you.

Here is an image of a Goodman packaged air conditioner information/data plate. The first four digits of the serial number are 1609, so this unit was made in 2016 (16) in the month of September (09).

Types of Goodman Equipment Using 10-Character Serial Numbers

These numbers are used on most Goodman equipment. This includes air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged units, gas furnaces and air handlers.

Serial numbers are used for more than just determining the age of a Goodman product. For example, they are important when a product recall happens. In 2017, The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled some Goodman air handlers that posed a shock risk. The recall affected units with serial numbers beginning with 1511, 1512, or 1601 through 1610.

Can you determine when the units were made? Using the information above, these Goodman air handlers were manufactured from November 2015 (1511) through October 2016 (1610).

Where is the Goodman Serial Number?

The Goodman serial number can be found on the furnace’s rating plate, also referred to as a serial plate or data tag.

This plate or label is a thin piece of metal usually located on the outside of the cabinet. It might be on the inside of some furnace cabinets – you’ll have to remove the cover and look inside for it.

Typically, for ACs and heat pumps, you can find the serial number on the side or at the top panel. It may also be placed on the back of the unit or inside the cabinet.

You will know it when you see it. The rating plate will contain the serial number and the model number. The words “serial number” might be written out, or it could be listed as serial # or S/N. The tag will have additional information about the voltage, size and specs of the unit plus certifications, if applicable.

Interested in Replacing Your Goodman HVAC Unit?

You can check the latest Goodman 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.

Maintenance Tips for Goodman HVAC Units

Regular maintenance of your Goodman HVAC unit is crucial to ensure its efficiency, longevity, and reliability. Here are some expert tips to keep your Goodman equipment in top shape:

1. Regular Filter Replacement: One of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tasks is replacing the air filter. For most homes, changing the filter every 90 days is recommended, but if you have pets or live in a dusty area, monthly replacement might be necessary.
2. Annual Professional Check-ups: Schedule an annual inspection and maintenance service with a certified HVAC technician. This check-up should include cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the blower motor and belt, and ensuring all electrical connections are tight.
3. Clearing the Area Around Your Unit: Ensure the external part of your air conditioner or heat pump is free from debris, leaves, and shrubs. A clear area allows for optimal airflow and reduces the strain on your unit.
4. Checking the Thermostat: Periodically check your thermostat to ensure it is working correctly. Sometimes, the issue with heating or cooling can be due to a faulty thermostat rather than the HVAC unit itself.
5. Inspecting Ductwork for Leaks: Leaky ductwork can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. Have your ductwork inspected and sealed if necessary to ensure efficient operation and balanced temperature throughout your home.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your Goodman HVAC unit and enjoy a comfortable home environment year-round.

Written by Rene Langer

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree and EPA & R-410A Certifications.