How to Prepare Old Air Conditioners for Sale as Scrap

Old air conditioners are one of the most common items people sell as scrap, and with a little preparation they can be worth noticeably more. This guide explains what to do before you send photos for a quote.

Why whole units pay more

Most of the value in an air conditioner sits in a few parts: the compressor, the copper pipes and the copper or aluminum coils. When a unit arrives whole, the buyer can see all of those parts and price them properly. When parts are missing or have been cut out, the remaining shell is mainly low-value steel and plastic, and the price drops accordingly.

If you can, leave every unit complete. Do not remove the compressor or strip the coils yourself unless you have agreed this with the buyer first.

Safe handling

Air conditioners are heavy and awkward, and they contain refrigerant gas and oil. Handle them carefully.

• Have the unit disconnected from power by a qualified person before removal.
• Do not cut refrigerant pipes; releasing the gas is harmful and unsafe.
• Lift with two people, or use a trolley for outdoor units.
• Keep units upright where possible so oil does not leak.

What to leave attached

Leave the outer casing, the compressor, the coils and the fan motor in place. Short lengths of copper pipe still attached to the unit are fine and add value. Remove loose items that are not part of the unit, such as brackets packed with concrete, wooden stands or bags of rubbish placed inside.

How to count units

Buyers usually think in terms of units and types, so count them before you ask for a price.

• Split units: count the indoor and outdoor parts separately.
• Window units: count each unit as one.
• Central or package units: note the approximate size or capacity if it is printed on the label.

Write down how many of each type you have and whether they are working or not. Broken units are still bought as scrap; they are simply priced on their materials.

Send clear photos

Photograph the group of units together, then take a close-up of one outdoor unit from the side so the coil is visible. Add your city, district and whether the units are on a roof, a balcony or the ground. With this information, a buyer can give you a realistic quote quickly.