Carrier condensers start with 24 (AC) or 25 (heat pump); capacity code follows the series letters. Paste your model number for an instant decode.
Always confirm against the data plate's rated capacity line — model ranges occasionally reuse digits for non-capacity codes, and the plate is authoritative.
| Capacity code | BTU/hr | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | 9,000 | 0.75 |
| 12 | 12,000 | 1.0 |
| 18 | 18,000 | 1.5 |
| 24 | 24,000 | 2.0 |
| 30 | 30,000 | 2.5 |
| 36 | 36,000 | 3.0 |
| 42 | 42,000 | 3.5 |
| 48 | 48,000 | 4.0 |
| 60 | 60,000 | 5.0 |
Carrier hides the capacity code (BTU in thousands) in the model string. There are two formats:
A 10–12 character string like 24AHA436A003:
A 10-digit string beginning with 38, like 38CKC036300:
Across the range Carrier markets three tiers — Infinity (premium, variable-speed), Performance (mid) and Comfort (entry). Bryant and Payne are sister brands using the same nomenclature.
Always confirm against the rated-capacity line on the unit’s data plate.
Amana American Standard Blue Star Bryant Daikin Goodman Heil Hitachi Lennox LG Lloyd O General Panasonic Payne Rheem Ruud Samsung Trane Voltas Whirlpool York
On the data plate — a metal or foil sticker on the side or back of the outdoor unit (or behind the front panel on indoor split units). Use the model number, not the serial number, which encodes the manufacture date rather than capacity.
Carrier condensers start with 24 (AC) or 25 (heat pump); capacity code follows the series letters. Divide the BTU code by 12 to get tons.
Paste the model number from the outdoor unit's data plate into the decoder above — it applies Carrier's nomenclature automatically. Example: 24ACC636 = 3.0 tons.
Capacity decoding on this page follows Carrier’s published model-number nomenclature. To confirm a unit’s actual rated capacity and efficiency, cross-check the authoritative references below.
Tonnage is derived from nominal cooling capacity: 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/hr.
Model-number conventions and standards evolve, and manufacturers occasionally reuse digits for non-capacity codes — the rated-capacity line on the unit’s data plate is always authoritative. Figures here are for identification and planning, not a substitute for a professional load calculation.
Different brand? Back to the full 22-brand decoder. Sizing a replacement? Check what your space really needs with the AC tonnage calculator first — the old unit may have been mis-sized.