When Getting Rid of Your Unit, Can You Enact HVAC Recycling?

When your old HVAC unit is ready for replacement, you will have to plan what to do with it. You can’t just set it on the curb, as it contains refrigerant, a hazardous substance that requires expert handling and disposal. Read on to learn what other options are available for HVAC recycling.

Why You Can’t Throw Away Your HVAC System

Some homeowners may attempt to set their old HVAC system out on the curb when they’re getting a new unit installed. However, the Environmental Protection Agency forbids disposing of HVAC units this way, and you could be fined for doing it.

In many cases, your HVAC company might offer to take the old unit away for you, as the technicians will be licensed to handle refrigerant. This is certainly convenient, but if you want to donate or sell the unit, you may want to hold onto it. However, be aware that if your unit was manufactured before January 2010, you can’t sell or donate it, as it likely uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer used in newer equipment and in fact is no longer manufactured. If it has the newer refrigerant, R-410a, you can sell or donate the equipment.

Where HVAC Recycling, Sales, or Donations Can Be Done

Scrapyards and recycling centers are often a good destination for HVAC recycling used equipment, in that they may be willing to dispose of the refrigerant for you in exchange for the recyclable metals.

If you have equipment that uses R-410a, you might try donating it to a community center, a school, or even a church that helps out senior citizens who might need a window unit or an HVAC system. A donated HVAC system may need a qualified individual to ensure that it’s installed right, so bear that in mind when unloading it onto a senior or an individual with special needs.

If you want to sell your HVAC system or window unit (again, it must have been manufactured since January 2010), you can do so via Craigslist or other online, classified advertising sites.

For more on HVAC recycling, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.