Water Heaters & Central HVAC
How Old Is My Kenmore?
Type the serial number from the rating label on your Kenmore water heater, furnace or AC to see when it was made and how much of its typical 10-year life is left.
Try an example:
Where to find the serial number on a Kenmore
On a tank water heater, the rating label is on the side of the tank, usually near the gas valve or the upper electrical cover. Look for "SERIAL NO." or "S/N". On an outdoor AC or heat pump, the rating plate is on the side of the cabinet near the copper lines. On a furnace, remove the upper front door; the label is on the inside wall or the door itself.
Tip: in a dark basement or closet, take a photo of the label with your phone's flash on and zoom in on the photo.
How to read a Kenmore serial number
Water heater built by A.O. Smith / State (year + week)
Used 2004–today · varies between models, confirm with the label date
Digits 1-2 are the year and digits 3-4 are the week of the year (01-52).
Example: 1538102345 → September 2015 (week 38)
HVAC built by ICP / Carrier (week + year)
Used 1980–today · varies between models, confirm with the label date
Kenmore furnaces and air conditioners built by ICP: digits 1-2 are the week, digits 3-4 are the year.
Example: 2614E54321 → June 2014 (week 26)
Common replacement parts for Kenmore
Always match the part to the model number on your rating label, and have gas or refrigerant work done by a licensed technician.
- Kenmore 9000095015 Lower Electric ThermostatCheck price on Amazon
- Kenmore Universal 44" Magnesium Sacrificial Anode RodCheck price on Amazon
Cheap ways to avoid water damage
Water leak alarm
Sits on the floor next to the tank and sounds a siren at the first drop of water.
See leak alarms on AmazonWater heater drain pan
Catches small leaks and can be piped to a drain, which buys you time before a tank fails.
See drain pans on Amazon
Common questions about Kenmore equipment
Who manufactured my Kenmore water heater or furnace?
Kenmore does not manufacture equipment. Model numbers starting with '153.' indicate manufacture by A.O. Smith/State. Model prefixes like '867.' indicate manufacture by ICP/Carrier.
Where is the serial plate on a Kenmore Power Miser water heater?
Located on the upper front side of the tank directly adjacent to the large Kenmore blue rating plate.
How long does a Kenmore water heater, furnace or AC last?
About 10 years on average. Units that get yearly maintenance often last longer; units in hard-water areas, coastal air or unconditioned spaces often fail sooner.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The model number describes the product line, size and options. The serial number identifies your exact unit and contains the manufacture date. Both are printed on the same rating label.
How accurate is this age estimate?
The date comes from the published serial number formats for each brand. It is the factory date, not the installation date, and some formats repeat every 10 or 20 years. If the label shows a printed MFG. DATE, that date wins.