To determine the age of your York gas furnace, you need to understand the format and decoding process for York serial numbers, which vary depending on the manufacturing period. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to identify the age of your York gas furnace using the serial number.
How to Decode the Serial Number for York Gas Furnaces Manufactured Before October 2004
Step 1: Identify the Serial Number Format
The serial number for York gas furnaces manufactured before October 2004 starts with four letters followed by a series of numbers. Here’s how to decode the information:
- First Letter: Indicates the manufacturing plant (e.g., A = Addison, B = Blackville, X = Mexico).
- Second Letter: Indicates the month of manufacture (e.g., A = January, B = February, C = March).
- Third Letter: Indicates the year of manufacture (e.g., A = 1971 or 1992, B = 1972 or 1993, C = 1973 or 1994).
- Fourth Letter: Indicates the type of item (e.g., M = Mfg. Basic Unit, P = Purchased Basic Unit).
- Last Six Numbers: Sequential numbers.
Step 2: Decode the Year and Month
Use the provided tables to decode the third letter for the year and the second letter for the month. For example, if the serial number is XBFM220710, the second letter (B) indicates February, and the third letter (F) indicates 1976 or 1997.
How to Decode the Serial Number for York Gas Furnaces Manufactured After October 2004
Step 1: Identify the Serial Number Format
The serial number for York gas furnaces manufactured after October 2004 starts with a letter, followed by a number, another letter, and then a number, and so on. Here’s how to decode the information:
- First Letter: Indicates the manufacturing plant (e.g., W = Wichita, N = Norman, A = Apodaca).
- Second and Fourth Digits: Combined to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g., W0E4298223, where 0 and 4 combine to indicate 2004).
- Third Letter: Indicates the month of manufacture (e.g., A = January, B = February, C = March).
- Last Six Numbers: Sequential numbers.
Step 2: Decode the Year and Month
Combine the second and fourth digits to find the year, and use the third letter to find the month. For example, in the serial number W0E4298223, the 0 and 4 indicate 2004, and the third letter (E) indicates May.
Examining the Manufacturer’s Label or Rating Plate
The serial number is typically found on the manufacturer’s label or rating plate, usually located on the side or back of the furnace. This label may also include other information, such as the model number, capacity, and safety certifications, but the serial number is the key to determining the age of your York gas furnace.
Relevant HVAC Technical Details
- Serial Number Format Changes: York changed the serial number format in October 2004, so it’s crucial to identify which format your serial number follows.
- Consistency: Ensure that you are using the correct decoding method for the specific period in which your furnace was manufactured.
