Unlock the age of your whirlpool water heater: the ultimate serial number guide
What To Know
- The third and fourth characters in the serial number represent the month of manufacture, while the fifth and sixth characters represent the day of manufacture.
- If the serial number does not match the expected format, it may be due to an error in the manufacturing process or a replacement part.
- The serial number is typically located on a label on the side or bottom of the water heater.
Knowing the age of your Whirlpool water heater is crucial for maintenance, repairs, and even determining its remaining lifespan. Luckily, Whirlpool makes it easy to decode the age of your water heater using its serial number. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decipher the mystery.
Understanding the Whirlpool Serial Number Format
Whirlpool serial numbers typically follow a specific format:
- First Character: A letter indicating the manufacturing plant
- Second Character: A number representing the year of manufacture (0-9)
- Third and Fourth Characters: Two numbers representing the month of manufacture (01-12)
- Fifth and Sixth Characters: Two numbers representing the day of manufacture (01-31)
- Seventh Character: A number indicating the shift (1-3)
- Eighth Character: A letter indicating the model type
Decoding the Year of Manufacture
The second character in the serial number represents the year of manufacture. This is a simple number code:
- 0 = 2000
- 1 = 2001
- 2 = 2002
- …
- 9 = 2009
Decoding the Month and Day of Manufacture
The third and fourth characters in the serial number represent the month of manufacture, while the fifth and sixth characters represent the day of manufacture. These are both simple number codes:
- Month: 01 = January, 02 = February, …, 12 = December
- Day: 01 = 1st, 02 = 2nd, …, 31 = 31st
Combining the Information
To determine the age of your Whirlpool water heater, simply combine the information you decoded from the serial number. For example, if the serial number is “A405121B,” it means the water heater was manufactured on May 12, 2004.
Additional Tips
- If the second character in the serial number is a letter, it means the water heater was manufactured before 2000.
- Some older Whirlpool water heaters may have a different serial number format. In these cases, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or contact Whirlpool directly.
- If you’re still having trouble determining the age of your Whirlpool water heater, you can contact Whirlpool customer support for assistance.
Troubleshooting Serial Number Decoding
Serial Number Not Matching Expected Format
If the serial number does not match the expected format, it may be due to an error in the manufacturing process or a replacement part. In this case, contact Whirlpool customer support for assistance.
Incomplete Serial Number
If the serial number is incomplete, it may be difficult to determine the age of the water heater. However, you can still contact Whirlpool customer support and provide them with the partial serial number. They may be able to help you identify the age of the water heater based on other information.
Replacing a Whirlpool Water Heater
Once you know the age of your Whirlpool water heater, you can make an informed decision about whether it needs to be replaced. Generally, water heaters should be replaced every 8-12 years. If your water heater is approaching or has exceeded this age, it’s time to start considering a replacement.
Popular Questions
How do I find the serial number of my Whirlpool water heater?
The serial number is typically located on a label on the side or bottom of the water heater.
What other information can I learn from the serial number?
In addition to the age of the water heater, the serial number can also provide information about the model type and manufacturing plant.
How often should I replace my Whirlpool water heater?
Generally, Whirlpool water heaters should be replaced every 8-12 years. However, the actual lifespan of your water heater may vary depending on factors such as water quality and usage patterns.
