The simple way to identify the age of a Trane HVAC unit is to look at the serial number. This is a string combination of letters and numbers that tells you when the unit was made. But first, you have to know how to read the Trane serial number nomenclature.
Trane uses alpha codes in their serial numbers to determine the age of manufacture. This HVAC company started this in 1987 with the letter B and skipped a couple of letters during the years. The first letter of the Trane serial number nomenclature gives the year of manufacture and the next two numbers are the week .
In 2002 they started their serial numbers with the year it was built. In 2002 the first character of the serial number is 2, in 2003, 3 and so on. If your Trane serial number is a 9-digit combination of letters and numbers that starts with a number, then the first number is the year. This company again made changes in year 2010. The first two digits of trane serial number lookup age are the year.
There are lots of serial number styles that have been used by this company. Check the year of ANSI rating elsewhere on the data plate to confirm. If you don’t want to bother with serial number lookup, call a local licensed HVAC contractor. They can give you a fast answer about your Trane’s HVAC age.
How to Read the Trane Serial Number
In this session we will lookup in detail how to decode each digit of a Trane serial number. Which part should we pay attention to to find the year of production?
Trane serial number nomenclature includes:
- Manufacturing date (year, month, week, day)
- Manufacturing location
- Sequential number
Serial number Examples:
Serial Number #1E-123456 (used in 1970’s)
1 = 1971
E = May
Serial Number #P16-12ABCD (used in 1983) P = 1999 16 = week
Serial Number #03161-ABCDE (used in 2002-2009)
03 = 2003
16 = week
1 = day
Serial Number #1604-12345A (used in 2010-present) 16 = 2016 04 = week This Trane serial number style is still used in any Trane and American Standard HVAC units untill now.
Use the below table to interpret the letter/s coded in serial number.
| Letter | Year | Letter | Year |
| O,A | 1980 | F | 1991 |
| T | 1981 | G | 1992 |
| U | 1982 | H | 1993 |
| W | 1983 | J | 1994 |
| X | 1984 | K | 1995 |
| Y | 1985 | L | 1996 |
| S | 1886 | M | 1997 |
| B | 1987 | N | 1998 |
| C | 1988 | P | 1999 |
| D | 1989 | R | 2000 |
| E | 1990 | Z | 2001 |
See Also
Trane Serial Number Location
Finding the serial and model number of your Trane HVAC system can be very simple if you have a new unit. Start by looking the model number in your owner’s manual or any other book that came with your unit or after installation. If you don’t happen to have them handy, you’ll also find them printed right on the unit.
Look for the data tag or sticker plate on your unit. The data tag contains all of the detail information related to your unit. It includes model number, serial number, the ANSI rating, and more.
Trane Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
The data tag is located on the top, right-rear of the outdoor unit.
Trane Furnace
The serial number on Trane furnace is located on the right or left panel of the furnace. (closet, attic, basement, garage)
Trane Packaged Unit
The data plate is located on the rear panel of the outdoor unit.
Another Trane Products:
- Trane Indoor Coil
The data tag is located on the front panel of the indoor coil unit. (with the furnace) - Trane Air Handler
The data tag is located on the front panel of the indoor unit. (closet, attic, basement, garage) - Trane Thermostat
The data tag is located behind the front cover. (Remove from wall plate) - Trane Air Cleaner
The data tag is located on the back of the door. (Next to furnace or air handler) - Trane Humidifier
The data tag is located on the bottom of the unit. (near furnace or air handler)
Trane model numbers and serial numbers are needed to register a new product or lookup an existing warranty. As your serial number includes some vital information about your unit age.
Determining the age of your HVAC unit is also important information to know when your unit begins to show signs of damage or does not work as it should. From there, you will have to decide if it is best to repair or replace it. This will all lead to the costs you have to spend.
If you have any issues with finding your serial number or determining what it means, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals HVAC guy. They will help you get the information you need and make sure you get the perfect solution for your Trane HVAC system.
