Carrier model number tonnage
On a Carrier air conditioner or heat pump, characters 7 and 8 of the model number give the size in thousands of BTU per hour. Divide by 12 for tons: 24ACC636 is 36,000 BTU/h, a 3-ton unit. Carrier gas furnaces put the heating input in characters 7 to 9: 59SC6A060 is the 60,000 BTU/h size.
Decode a Carrier model number
The decoder on this page also reads Bryant and Payne model numbers, which follow the same or closely related layouts.
What do the size codes mean?
On an air conditioner or heat pump the code is the nominal cooling capacity in thousands of BTU per hour. One ton of cooling is 12,000 BTU/h, so the code divided by 12 is the tonnage. Some series print the code with a leading zero: 036 and 36 are the same size.
| Code | Nominal BTU/h | Tons | Variant codes in the same size class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 or 018 | 18,000 | 1.5 | 17, 19 |
| 24 or 024 | 24,000 | 2 | 25 |
| 30 or 030 | 30,000 | 2.5 | 31 |
| 36 or 036 | 36,000 | 3 | 37, 38 |
| 42 or 042 | 42,000 | 3.5 | 41, 43 |
| 48 or 048 | 48,000 | 4 | 47, 49 |
| 54 or 054 | 54,000 | 4.5 | |
| 60 or 060 | 60,000 | 5 | 59, 61 |
A variant code marks a slightly different version of the same size class. Not every brand uses every code.
On a gas furnace the code is the heating input in thousands of BTU per hour, always three digits: 040 is 40,000 BTU/h, 060 is 60,000, 080 is 80,000, 100 is 100,000 and 120 is 120,000. It is input, not output, and it is not tons.
Where is the tonnage in a Carrier model number?
It depends on the series. Find the layout that matches the start of your model number.
In the examples, an asterisk stands for a character that varies from one version of the model to the next.
Carrier air conditioners and heat pumps, 24 to 27 series
Characters 7 and 8, right after the efficiency digit.
24ACC636A0030 reads as 3 tons (36,000 BTU/h nominal).
The sample number in Carrier’s own legend. More from the same documents: 25HCB636A0030 is 3 tons; 25HCC537A**30 is 3 tons (Carrier lists sizes 18, 24, 30, 37, 42, 48, 60 and 61 for this heat pump).
| Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Product series: 24 = air conditioner, 25 = heat pump. The R-454B models that replaced them start with 26 (air conditioner) and 27 (heat pump) |
| 3-5 | Product family, tier and major series |
| 6 | Efficiency class (6 = 16 SEER on the 24ACC6) |
| 7-8 | Cooling capacity in thousands of BTU/h, nominal |
| 9 | Variation (A = standard) |
| 10-11 | Not defined (0) |
| 12 | Voltage: 3 = 208/230 V, single phase |
| 13 | Series |
Carrier’s product data sheets print the same 13-position legend for its air conditioners and heat pumps and label characters 7 and 8 “cooling capacity, 1,000 Btuh (nominal)”. Checked on October 5, 2026: 66 of 66 models in the DOE certification database and 41 of 41 in the ENERGY STAR list read to the certified size.
Carrier GH5S and Payne PH and PA series
Characters 8 and 9, right after the refrigerant digit.
GH5SAN43600A reads as 3 tons (36,000 BTU/h nominal).
Carrier’s catalog ordering number for the 36 size. PA5SAN536*2WA* reads as 3 tons (36,000 BTU/h nominal).
The DOE certification database lists it at 31,800 to 35,200 BTU/h of cooling, depending on the indoor unit. More from the same documents: GH5SAN41800A is 1.5 tons.
| Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brand tier: G = Carrier entry line, P = Payne |
| 2 | Type: H = heat pump, A = air conditioner |
| 3 | Efficiency class (5 = 14.3 SEER2 on the GH5S) |
| 4 | Outdoor design: S = single-stage |
| 5 | Major series |
| 6 | Voltage: N = 208/230 V, single phase |
| 7 | Refrigerant: 4 = R-410A, 5 = R-454B |
| 8-9 | Nominal capacity: 18 = 18,000 BTU/h (1.5 tons) to 60 = 60,000 BTU/h (5 tons) |
Carrier’s GH5S product data prints the legend and the size table. Payne’s PH and PA numbers follow the same layout; no Payne document was found, so they were checked against certified ratings. Checked on October 5, 2026: 128 of 128 models in the DOE certification database and 63 of 63 in the ENERGY STAR list read to the certified size.
Bryant air conditioners and heat pumps
Characters 7 to 9: three digits with a leading zero, after the three series letters.
135SAN036*2WA* reads as 3 tons (36,000 BTU/h nominal).
The DOE certification database lists it at 31,800 to 35,600 BTU/h of cooling, depending on the indoor unit. No Bryant document that defines the model number was found. The layout was checked against the certified cooling capacity of Bryant outdoor units. Checked on October 5, 2026: 64 of 64 models in the DOE certification database and 44 of 44 in the ENERGY STAR list read to the certified size.
Where is the size in a Carrier furnace model number?
Carrier 58PHA and 58PHX gas furnaces
The three digits after 58PHA or 58PHX.
| Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| first five | Series: 58PHA, or 58PHX for the low-NOx version |
| next three | Input rate: 045 = 44,000 BTU/h, 070 = 66,000, 090 = 88,000, 110 = 110,000, 135 = 132,000 |
| then two | Airflow for cooling at 400 CFM per ton: 08 = 800 CFM, 12 = 1,200 CFM, 20 = 2,000 CFM |
Carrier’s 58PHA product data lists the input rate for each code. The models that use this layout are no longer in the certification databases, so it rests on the document alone.
Carrier gas furnaces, 58 and 59 series (16-character numbers)
Characters 7 to 9, after the major-series letter.
59SP6B060V17--16 reads as 60,000 BTU/h input.
The DOE certification database lists it at 60,000 BTU/h of input. | Characters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Gas furnace: 58 = 80% non-condensing, 59 = 90%+ condensing |
| 3 | Heating stages: S = single stage, T = two stage, M = modulating |
| 4 | Tier: B = base, C = Comfort, P = Performance, N = Infinity, U = ultra-low NOx |
| 5 | Minimum AFUE: 0 = 80%, 1 = 80% low NOx, 2 = 92%, 5 = 95%, 6 = 96%, 7 = 97%, 8 = 98% |
| 6 | Major series |
| 7-9 | Heating input: 026 = 26,000 BTU/h to 155 = 155,000 BTU/h |
| 10 | Motor type |
| 11-12 | Cabinet width: 14 = 14.2 in, 17 = 17.5 in, 21 = 21.0 in, 24 = 24.5 in |
| 13 | Voltage |
| 14 | Minor series |
| 15-16 | Airflow in hundreds of CFM: 08 = 800 to 22 = 2,200 |
The code is the nominal size. Carrier’s own tables rate several sizes slightly lower: 045 at 44,000, 070 at 66,000 and 090 at 88,000 BTU/h.
Carrier’s 58TN product data prints a 16-position nomenclature chart with the heating input at characters 7 to 9. Checked on October 5, 2026: 276 of 276 models in the DOE certification database read to the certified size.
Bryant gas furnaces, 800 and 900 series
Characters 8 to 10, after the two blower-size digits.
987TA48060C17 reads as 60,000 BTU/h input.
The DOE certification database lists it at 60,000 BTU/h of input. The two digits before the input (30, 36, 42, 48, 60, 66) are the blower size. They are not heating capacity.
No Bryant document that defines the model number was found. The layout was checked against the input each Bryant furnace is certified at. Checked on October 5, 2026: 271 of 271 models in the DOE certification database read to the certified size.
Payne PG and Carrier GG gas furnaces
Characters 11 to 13, after the two blower-size digits.
PG92MSAA36060A reads as 60,000 BTU/h input.
The DOE certification database lists it at 60,000 BTU/h of input. GG96VTAB48060B reads as 60,000 BTU/h input.
The DOE certification database lists it at 60,000 BTU/h of input. The two digits before the input are the blower size. They are not heating capacity.
No Payne document that defines the model number was found. The layout was checked against the input each furnace is certified at. Checked on October 5, 2026: 120 of 120 models in the DOE certification database read to the certified size.
Is the size in the model number the exact capacity?
No. The code is the nominal size, the round number the unit is sold as. The capacity an air conditioner or heat pump is certified at depends on the indoor coil or air handler it is matched with, and it is usually a little below the nominal figure.
For example, the DOE certification database lists the Carrier 26SCA536W*230* at 31,800 to 35,600 BTU/h of cooling across the indoor units it is certified with. Its size code is 36: 3 tons, or 36,000 BTU/h nominal.
The size of the unit you have is also not proof of the size the house needs. To check it, use the AC tonnage calculator or the furnace size calculator.
Where is the model number on the unit?
The model number is on the rating plate, next to the serial number.
On an air conditioner or heat pump the rating plate is on the back of the outdoor unit, near the refrigerant service valves.
On a furnace it is on the inside of the front door panel. Turn the knobs on the front of the furnace and pull the panel toward you.
Model numbers this page does not read
- Carrier oil furnaces such as the 58CLA: the three digits are a burner code, and the input depends on the nozzle fitted.
- Ductless units (37M and 38M numbers), packaged units (48 and 50 series), evaporator coils and fan coils: they use other layouts.
- Bryant and Payne models that are no longer in the certification databases: their older numbering could not be checked.
When a model number does not match a layout, the decoder says so. It does not guess.
How old is the unit?
The serial number on the same plate holds the build date: Carrier serial number decoder, Bryant serial number decoder, Payne serial number decoder.
Questions and answers
How do I tell the tonnage of a Carrier AC from the model number?
Read characters 7 and 8 of the model number on the outdoor unit and divide by 12. 18 is 1.5 tons, 24 is 2, 30 is 2.5, 36 is 3, 42 is 3.5, 48 is 4 and 60 is 5 tons.
Is the number in the model the exact capacity?
No. It is the nominal size. Carrier’s own data sheet rates the 24ACC636 at 34,400 BTU/h, and the capacity changes with the indoor coil it is matched to. The certified capacity is on the AHRI certificate for the matched system.
Does a Bryant model number work the same way?
Bryant is built by Carrier and uses three digits with a leading zero at characters 7 to 9: 036 means 36,000 BTU/h, 3 tons.
Sources
- Carrier 24ACC6 air conditioner product data: model number nomenclature (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/07/24ACC6-9PD.pdf
- Carrier 25HCB6 heat pump product data: model number nomenclature (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/09/25HCB6-7PD.pdf
- Carrier 25HCC5 heat pump product data (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/02/25HCC5-7PD.pdf
- Carrier 25TPB7 heat pump product data (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/08/25TPB7-01PD.pdf
- Carrier GH5S heat pump product data: model number nomenclature (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/0A/GH5S-01PD.pdf
- US Department of Energy compliance certification database: central air conditioners and heat pumps (certified cooling capacity for each outdoor model number) (government data): https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/CCMS-4-Air_Conditioners_and_Heat_Pumps_-_Central.html
- ENERGY STAR certified air-source heat pumps (certified cooling capacity for each outdoor model number) (government data): https://data.energystar.gov/Active-Specifications/ENERGY-STAR-Certified-Air-Source-Heat-Pumps/w7cv-9xjt
- Carrier 58PHA and 58PHX gas furnace product data: model number nomenclature (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/06/58PHA-08PD.pdf
- Carrier 58TN gas furnace product data: model number nomenclature (manufacturer): https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs/1009/Public/0F/58TN0A-02PD.pdf
- US Department of Energy compliance certification database: furnaces (certified input capacity for each model number) (government data): https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/CCMS-4-Furnaces.html
Layouts last checked against these sources on October 5, 2026. Found a model number that reads wrong? Send a correction. How layouts are verified: method and sources.