When it comes to making money from an old air conditioner, there are plenty of opportunities. Inside the unit, you'll find a variety of valuable scrap materials, such as aluminum and copper coils, electric motors, cables, and more. These non-ferrous metals can be worth quite a bit of money at a local junkyard. Copper is one of the most sought-after metals in these units, and the amount you receive will depend on your location and the value of the metal at the time of delivery.
Before you start disassembling the unit, it's important to keep in mind that they contain refrigerants even if they haven't been used in a decade or more. To ensure safety, it's best to hire a qualified professional to replace the heat exchanger, as this is a complex and laborious process. To release the heat absorbed by the unit's coolant, the coolant must be at a higher temperature or pressure. Additionally, replacing inexpensive parts, such as air filters, can help extend system life and prevent more costly repairs in the future. If you have used air conditioning systems or units, it's important to call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344. Inhaling the vapors can cause minor physical harm, but releasing those vapors into the atmosphere is actually a crime punishable by tens of thousands of dollars in fines and perhaps even jail time. Another question that many homeowners ask themselves is whether they should take the time to disassemble the unit and extract the valuable metals themselves, or simply sell it whole to a scrap yard.
If you decide to do most of the process yourself, it's possible to earn a little money. However, it's important to ensure that all safety precautions are taken when handling hazardous materials. When it comes to making money from an old air conditioner, there are plenty of opportunities. With the right knowledge and safety precautions, you can make some extra cash while helping to protect the environment.
