Here in the desert, we all heavily rely on cooled air to keep us comfortable for an extended part of the year. It’s hot here, and air conditioning is essential to making it livable.
With the relentless heat that we experience, our HVAC systems work hard and often need to be replaced sooner than they do in other parts of the country. With Earth Day later this month, here’s what you need to know about recycling an aging HVAC system to ensure you’re also protecting the environment and using resources wisely.
Most HVAC contractors, including Cool Blew, remove old equipment as part of the process of installing a new system. HVAC system parts can then be recycled, including steel, aluminum, copper, and brass components. No, it’s not as simple as tossing components into a recycling bin. Materials must be separated and organized by metal type. The specific components that can be recycled include:
- Motors
- Coils
- Sheet metal
- Compressors
- Brass fittings
- Copper tubing
- Furnaces
- Metal duct work
- Cardboard boxes
The items that can’t be recycled include:
- Fiberboard
- Capacitors
- Tiny plastic parts
- Flex duct
What about Refrigerant?
Leftover refrigerant in HVAC systems must be reclaimed, so that it isn’t left to evaporate and contribute to ozone depletion. Reclamation is required by the EPA, and HVAC technicians carry licenses to do it following specific safety guidelines. Air conditioning technicians are also required to keep logs about refrigerant usage. This includes details on storing, reclaiming, and charging air conditioners with refrigerant.
Get a Free Estimate
If you’re ready for a new HVAC system, call Cool Blew today. We can help you determine which products will work best for your home. Call us at 623-872-2900 to obtain a free estimate and to get more details on recycling your existing system.
