Capacity code follows the YC-series letter. 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 |
Amana American Standard Blue Star Bryant Carrier Daikin Goodman Heil Hitachi Lennox LG Lloyd O General Panasonic Payne Rheem Ruud Samsung Trane Voltas Whirlpool
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.
Capacity code follows the YC-series letter. 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 York's nomenclature automatically. Example: YCD36B21S = 3.0 tons.
York (which also builds Coleman and Luxaire under Johnson Controls) uses a two-digit capacity code that divides by 12 for tons.
Modern models begin with a brand letter — Y (York), T or H — followed by a system pair: CE/CD for air conditioners, HE/HM for heat pumps. The capacity follows, so YCE36B21S reads 36 → 3.0 tons and YHE24B21S reads 24 → 2.0 tons.
Older units (also covering Coleman/Luxaire) use a zero-padded three-digit capacity such as H1DA036S06, where 036 → 3.0 tons.
The decoder above applies this nomenclature automatically. Capacity codes are nominal — always confirm against the rated-capacity line on the unit’s data plate.
Capacity decoding on this page follows York’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.