Where to find the serial number on every home appliance

Every appliance in your house has a small metal or foil sticker somewhere on it with three numbers: make, model and serial. Keeping that record is the difference between a five-minute warranty call and an afternoon on hold. This is a placeholder page — the definitive guide with photos is on its way.

Furnace and boiler

Look on the side panel near the burner access door, or on the inside of the front cover. Manufacturers rarely put the tag anywhere else, but it may be small.

Water heater

Check the top or side, near the thermostat plate. Gas heaters usually have the tag under the burner access panel.

Central AC (outdoor condenser)

Behind the service disconnect on the side, or on a small plate under the fan grille.

Refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer

Refrigerators: inside the fresh-food compartment, near the top on the left or right wall. Dishwashers: on the side of the door, visible when the door is open. Washers and dryers: inside the door frame.

Once you have the numbers, add them to your home file so you never have to find them again.