The most important thing, and the most valuable thing, is the copper that is inside the unit. Make sure not only to remove the copper lines, but also of that. If you're going to break down the unit on your own once the coolant has been removed, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure not only to remove the copper lines, but also to look for any thick, insulated copper wiring, as every little bit counts. Junkyards often buy old air conditioners for their valuable metal components, such as aluminum and copper.
This makes them valuable not only because of their residual value, but also because of their functionality when repairing other units. Part of the remodeling process often involves getting rid of major appliances, such as central air conditioning units. One of the most demanded metals containing these units is copper, and while the amount you will receive varies depending on your exact location and the value of the metal at the time of delivery, it is usually quite a lot. Another question many homeowners ask is whether they should take the time to break down the unit and extract the valuable metals themselves or just sell it all to a junkyard as it is.
If you are interested in discarding your air conditioning unit, the best thing to do first is to have a qualified professional come to your home and capture the refrigerant safely. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp provide opportunities to sell used air conditioners directly to buyers. Like condenser coils, evaporator coils can also be recycled for their metallic value and used as replacement parts. While not everyone has the time, resources, or capacity to dispose of their old central air conditioners, they're worth money even if they're sold to a junkyard as a sealed unit.
It's a great way to avoid the fees you might be charged for removing these units, and you might even be left with some money in your pocket. Most air conditioning units contain tons of non-ferrous metals that can be worth quite a bit of money at the local junkyard. It is usually comprised of copper or aluminum tubes with aluminum fins attached to increase the surface area for transfer of heat. These refrigerants are carefully regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, under the Clean Air Act.
I have a new high-efficiency 410a outdoor unit that I purchased 3 years ago and that I never installed because I had a massive stroke. While the refrigerant may not have a high waste value, it is still valuable because of its functionality in an air conditioning unit. The price of compressors can range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars, depending on the size and type of unit.
