Furnace and AC model numbers: where the label is and what it says

Heating and cooling equipment is usually in a closet, attic, basement, garage or outside, so it helps to know where to look before you go. The label has the model number, the serial number and, often, the date it was made. Photograph it once and you will not need to go back.

Where the label is (Trane). Trane's guide says:

Air conditioner or heat pump: "The serial number label is located on the top, right-rear of the outdoor unit."
Furnace: "The serial number label is located on the right or left panel of the furnace."
Air handler or indoor coil: on the front panel of the indoor unit.
Packaged unit: on the rear panel of the outdoor unit.

The sample furnace label in that guide has a "DATE OF MANUFACTURE" field, shown as MM/YY, and the sample AC and air handler labels have an "MFR. DATE" field. So the age may be printed right on the label, with no code to decode. Source: Trane, Locating the serial numbers on your new products. Other brands place labels differently, so check the unit or the maker.

What the model name can tell you. It depends on the brand and the year, so only the maker can say.

Trane, current names: "Model names start with the industry-standard annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, and then the number of heating stages and any notable features" for furnaces, and air conditioner and heat pump names "start with the industry-standard SEER2 efficiency rating". Older Trane models use a different naming style. Source: Trane, product name change.
Goodman, one example: on the spec sheet for the GMVC96 furnace series, GMVC96 0603BNB reads as G (Goodman brand), M (upflow/horizontal), V (variable-speed motor), C (two-stage gas valve), 96 (96% AFUE), 060 (60,000 BTU/h input), 3 (1200 maximum CFM), B (17½-inch cabinet width), N (low NOx). That key is for that series; other Goodman series have their own sheets. Source: Goodman, GMVC96 spec sheet.

For any other brand, check the label or the manufacturer rather than guessing from the digits. Look-alike codes mean different things on different brands.

Safety. Do not open panels to find a label. If it is behind a cover, or you smell gas or see damage, call a licensed pro.

Not sure what to do with the number? See how to find the manual and how often to change the filter. For the basics on any appliance, see how to find a model number.

Trane and Goodman are trademarks of their respective owners. HomeGear isn't affiliated with or endorsed by them.

Common questions

Where is the model number on my AC? On the label on the outdoor unit; Trane puts it on the top, right-rear.
How do I tell the age of my furnace? Look for a date of manufacture on the label. If there is none, check the label or the maker.