How to Read Your Dataplate
Find and decode the metal label on your AC unit or water heater to learn everything about your current system.
What Is a Dataplate?
Every AC unit and water heater has a metal label affixed to its side or top — this is the dataplate (also called a nameplate or rating plate). It contains all the manufacturer information about your system: brand, model number, serial number, electrical specifications, and more.
When shopping for a replacement, the dataplate tells you and your contractor exactly what you have — which determines what you need as a like-for-like replacement.
Step 1: Find the Dataplate
Go to your outdoor AC unit— this is the large metal box with a fan, either on a concrete pad beside your house or on your roof. Look for a metal label (usually silver or white) affixed to the side panel. It's typically about 4×6 inches and may be partially faded from sun exposure.
Safety tip
Make sure the unit is not running when you approach it. The fan blades and electrical components can be dangerous. You don't need to open any panels — the dataplate is on the outside of the unit.
Step 2: Find the Model Number
The model number is the most important piece of information. It's usually labeled “Model” or “Model No.” and looks something like:
This single string encodes the brand's product line, the efficiency rating, and the BTU capacity (tonnage) of the unit.
Step 3: Decode the Tonnage
Look for a 3-digit numberwithin the model number that matches one of the BTU codes below. In the example “SSX160241”, the code 024 means 24,000 BTU = 2.0 tons.
| BTU Code | Tonnage | BTU/hr | Approx. Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 009 | 0.75 tons | 9,000 | 300–375 |
| 012 | 1 tons | 12,000 | 400–500 |
| 018 | 1.5 tons | 18,000 | 600–750 |
| 024 | 2 tons | 24,000 | 800–1,000 |
| 030 | 2.5 tons | 30,000 | 1,000–1,250 |
| 036 | 3 tons | 36,000 | 1,200–1,500 |
| 042 | 3.5 tons | 42,000 | 1,400–1,750 |
| 048 | 4 tons | 48,000 | 1,600–2,000 |
| 060 | 5 tons | 60,000 | 2,000–2,500 |
Step 4: Note the Refrigerant Type
The dataplate will list the refrigerant type — usually labeled “Refrigerant” or “Charge.” Common types include:
- R-22 (Freon) — Phased out. Your unit must be replaced, not recharged.
- R-410A (Puron) — Current standard, being phased down.
- R-32 — Next-gen, lower environmental impact.
- R-454B — The R-410A replacement for 2025+ equipment.
Or Skip the Manual Work
Don't want to decode model numbers manually? Our AI-powered Dataplate Scanner does it all automatically — just snap a photo.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free site visit — or use our Dataplate Scanner to identify your system first.