How old is my Rheem HVAC or water-heater?
Rheem and Ruud serial numbers begin with the date as four digits: the first two are the month and the next two are the year.
The same decoder works for: Ruud, WeatherKing, Richmond, GE (water heaters), Vanguard.
Free. The serial is on the metal nameplate or rating label, usually near the bottom of the unit.
Rheem serial-number formats
| Era | Format | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s–present | a serial that starts with two-digit month then two-digit year (MMYY) | high |
Worked examples
0617F123456
→ manufactured June 2017 (about 9 years old). Read as a serial that starts with two-digit month then two-digit year (MMYY). Decoded year 2017 (digits "17"), month June (digits "06") → manufactured June 2017, about 9 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the age of my Rheem unit?
Rheem and Ruud serial numbers begin with the date as four digits: the first two are the month and the next two are the year. Enter the serial from the unit's nameplate into the decoder on this page and it returns the manufacture date and age instantly. Always confirm against the manufacture date printed on the nameplate.
Where is the serial number on a Rheem HVAC or water-heater?
The serial number is printed on the metal data plate or rating label, usually near the bottom or on the side of the unit. It is labeled "Serial," "Serial No.," or "S/N." Do not confuse it with the model number.
Is the Rheem serial-number date exact?
It identifies the manufacture date, not the install date — a unit is often installed weeks or months after it was built. Verify against the manufacture date on the nameplate when one is printed.
Developers & AI agents: the Rheem decode rules are available as JSON.
Serial-number decoding is approximate. Results are estimates based on published manufacturer formats; always verify against the manufacture date printed on the unit nameplate. ApplianceAge is a CarWhere tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any manufacturer. Brand names are used only to identify the equipment a serial belongs to.