Refrigerators
- Check the inside wall of the fresh-food compartment
- Look behind the crisper drawers
- Inspect the side wall near the door seal
- Check the rear service label or kick plate if needed
Quick Start
Most labels are on a door frame, inside a compartment, behind an access panel, or on the rating plate. Once you find the model number and serial number, use the serial decoder if you have the serial, or jump to Smart Lookup if you only have a model number or product description.
Dishwashers
- Open the door and inspect the inner door frame
- Check the tub lip
- Look along the side edge of the door
- Remember the label may only be visible with the door open
Washers & Dryers
- Check the door opening or lid frame
- Inspect the rear console
- Look on the back panel
- Check both the opening rim and rear manufacturer tag
Ranges, Ovens & Microwaves
Check the oven door frame, lower drawer frame, control panel edge, or inside the microwave cavity. Built-in units may also place the label behind trim or on the side frame.
HVAC Units
Look for the metal rating plate on the outdoor condenser cabinet, indoor furnace panel, air handler door, or near the refrigerant line/service panel. HVAC labels usually include both model and serial on the same plate.
Water Heaters
Check the large rating label on the side of the tank. Tankless units often place the sticker on the side panel or behind the front access door.
TVs
Inspect the rear panel, side label, original box, or the TV system settings menu. Wall-mounted sets usually require checking the side or lower rear edge.
Laptops & Computers
Look on the bottom case, inside the battery compartment on older units, on the original box, or in BIOS/system information. Desktops may list it on the rear or side panel.
Found the serial number?
Go straight into the decoder to estimate manufacture date and age.
Use Serial DecoderOnly have the model number?
Use Smart Lookup to research age range, likely replacement path, and market context.
Open Smart LookupFAQ
Model and serial number location FAQ
What is the difference between a model number and a serial number?
The model number identifies the product line or configuration. The serial number identifies your specific unit and is usually what manufacturers encode with date information. If you have both, keep both handy.
Which number do I need for appliance age lookup?
For the best date result, use the serial number. If you only have a model number, Smart Lookup can still help estimate age and identify likely replacements.
What if the label is worn off or unreadable?
Check the rear panel, original receipt, owner manual, installation paperwork, or a second tag behind an access panel. If the serial is unreadable, run Smart Lookup with the model number and a short description.
Do refrigerators, washers, dryers, and HVAC units all use the same label location?
No. Refrigerators are often inside the compartment, dishwashers usually place the tag on the open-door frame, laundry appliances use the door/lid frame or rear console, and HVAC units use a metal rating plate on the cabinet.