In addition to enhanced indoor comfort and improved energy efficiency, upgrading to a new cooling and heating system means proper HVAC disposal of the old system. While they aren’t any use to you anymore, some of the old components that are being replaced need to be properly recycled. Therefore, simply putting parts of the old system out at the street for routine trash pickup, or depositing them in a dumpster somewhere, isn’t the right way to do it. In some cases, improper disposal may violate local regulations, as well.
As part of the project of upgrading your home to a new system, typically, a professional HVAC contractor will sort the removed parts, then dispose of components appropriately.
Here’s a guide to what’s involved in the HVAC disposal/recycling process:
What can be recycled?
Many used HVAC components are, in fact, recyclable and the contractor will make sure they go to an approved recycling center. These include the air conditioner coils, fan and compressor motors, copper refrigerant tubes, furnace units including burners, metal ductwork and other items. Even the cardboard boxes the new system is packed in can be recycled.
What about potential toxic substances?
Refrigerant utilized in the air conditioning system is a restricted chemical. All use of refrigerant is strictly controlled by Environment Canada regulations and refrigerant must be handled only by licensed HVAC technicians. This not only includes installing refrigerant in a new system, but also the removal and disposal of used refrigerant when an existing air conditioning unit is being discarded. Refrigerant is typically vacuumed out of the existing system and captured in a sealed tank before the system is removed. Then, the refrigerant must be taken to an approved reclamation center.
For professional sales, service and installation, including proper HVAC disposal and recycling, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Arpi’s Industries.
