Rheem age lookup

How to read a Rheem serial number

Type the serial number from the data plate and the decoder shows when your Rheem unit was made. Below that: every Rheem format the decoder knows, and a real plate from one of my inspections.

Accuracy is not guaranteed.

This decoder gives an estimate based on how brands have coded serial numbers in the past. Manufacturers change their formats, and a serial can be misread, so the results may be wrong. Use them as a starting point only. Confirm with the date printed on the plate or with the manufacturer.

Reading a Rheem serial number

Most Rheem serials have a factory letter, then four digits for the week and the year. A serial that starts W1317 was made in week 13 of 2017. Ruud uses the same formats.

Data plate on a Rheem air conditioner, serial number W131700428 outlined in red
Rheem air conditioner plate from one of my inspections. The outlined serial reads as week 13 of 2017. The plate's printed date, MFD 03/2017, agrees.

Rheem outdoor units often print a date marked MFD. at the top of the plate. Rheem also makes water heaters, and those serials read differently, so make sure the plate is on a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump.

Rheem serial number formats

Each format below has a made-up example split into its parts, so you can match it to your own serial.

  1. Has a plant letter (F, G, M, N or W) followed by 4 digits

    ExampleM171512345: Factory M, Week 17, Year 15.

    Reads as week 17 of 2015. Used from 1975 to today.

    • The plant letter can sit at the start or in the middle. The 4 digits right after it are the week, then the year.

  2. 10 characters: 4 digits, a letter, then 5 digits

    Example0695A12345: Month 06, Year 95, Factory A, Unit number 12345.

    Reads as June 1995. Used from 1970 to today.

    • This style is mostly used on water heaters. Some older heating and cooling units used it too.

  3. 9 digits, all numbers (mid 1970s and older)

    Example123452268: Unit number 12345, Week 22, Year 68.

    Reads as week 22 of 1968. Used from 1950 to 1979.

    • The date is at the end: week, then year.

Where to find the serial number on a Rheem unit

Look for a metal tag or sticker marked Serial, Serial No. or S/N. The model number is usually right next to it, so check which one you're reading.

  • Furnace. On the cabinet, often on the inside of the front door or on a side panel. Some doors lift off by hand. If a door needs a tool to open, leave it closed.
  • Outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump). On the side or back of the cabinet, often near where the electrical lines come in. Do not open the electrical cover to read it.
  • Air handler. On the cabinet, usually near the front panel.

These brands share at least one serial number format with Rheem, so their serials read the same way.

Another brand? Use the HVAC serial number decoder for all 20 brands.

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