3 Facts That You Should Know About Air Conditioning Recycling

If you are planning to replace your existing air conditioner, you may be wondering about the process of getting rid of your old AC unit. In order to properly dispose of this unit, you will need to know a few things about the process of air conditioning recycling. The three facts outlined below can help to ensure you have the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the task of recycling your old air conditioner. 

Fact #1: The Law Prohibits You From Throwing Out Your Air Conditioner   

If you are thinking about simply throwing out your old air conditioner with the rest of your trash, you should know that this is actually illegal. The reason for this is that your air conditioner contains refrigerants that can be harmful to the environment. In order to help minimize the risks associated with disposing of these items, the law requires you to take action to safely recycle your air conditioner. 

Fact #2: You Must Drain All Coolant From The System Before Recycling

The coolant contained in your air conditioner is what is known as an ozone-depleting substance or ODS. This means that this coolant can harm the ozone layer and contribute to global warming if not properly disposed of. For this reason, you will need to have the coolant drained from the system before it can be recycled. If you choose to use a professional recycling service to dispose of your air conditioner, this service will often take care of draining the coolant for you. However, if you are planning to transport your own air conditioner to a recycling center, you will need to first have the coolant drained by an HVAC contractor before transporting the unit. 

Fact #3: Recycling Your Air Conditioner Does Not Need To Cost You Money

One of the reasons that many people avoid the task of recycling their old air conditioner is that they do not want to pay to complete this task. While it is true that there are many recycling services out there that will charge a fee to recycle your air conditioning unit, you should know that it is actually possible to complete this task without spending any money. In fact, you may even be able to walk away with some cash in hand.

This is because while the coolant in your air conditioner is hazardous, the aluminum coils and other base materials used in your air conditioner are actually quite valuable. Consequently, there are many recycling centers that offer cash for these units. You may also find that the company that you purchased your new air conditioner from is willing to offer a discount on your new unit when you choose to have them recycle your old air conditioner. 

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