Your old furnace isn’t exactly something you can toss in the garbage bin. Even if it would fit, the odds are the garbage disposal crew would not pick it up. Improperly disposing of your furnace can even get you a fine in some areas. It is important to take furnace disposal seriously. Here is what you need to know about how to safely throw out your old furnace.
Donate Your Old Furnace
Are you swapping in a new furnace because you’re trying to upgrade your energy efficiency? Or maybe you won a new furnace in a draw? If you’re not swapping furnaces out of necessity and the old one still works, then you may be able to donate the furnace. Places that build homes, like Habitat for Humanity, may be thrilled to have your old furnace so long as it is in working order and still safe to use.
Recycling/Scrapping Your Furnace
Furnaces are made up of many parts and metals that are excellent options for the recycling yard. While the small plastic parts, flex ducts and capacitors can’t be recycled, many other parts can. They include:
- Sheet metal
- Motors
- Coils
- Compressor
- Circuit board
- Copper tubing
- Brass fittings (gas versions)
Some places that accept material recycling will want you to disassemble the unit for them, but many will accept whole units and take off the recyclable parts themselves. Typically these places will also dispose of the parts that can’t be recycled for you.
Let the Professionals Handle It
If you’re working with an HVAC professional, chances are you don’t actually have to worry about how you can dispose of your old furnace. Professionals will typically handle everything from furnace removal from the basement to disposal of all of its parts. You can ask your HVAC professionals if they recycle any part of the furnace or where it ends up if you’re curious about your environmental impact.
When Should You Get Rid of Your Furnace?
Are you sure that you’re making the right decision to get rid of your furnace? Here are some signs that you should retire your current furnace:
- Manufacturer’s defect: Any furnace that is found to have a manufacturer’s defect will typically need to be replaced. You’ll want to check to see if your furnace is still under warranty for this.
- Repeat repairs: Does your unit keep having repairs, particularly the same kind of repairs? Then it may be time to replace it outright. The professionals can let you know if this should be done.
- High-cost repairs: Some repairs are so expensive that it makes more sense to simply replace the furnace instead. Your HVAC technician can walk you through the relative expense of each option.
- Safety issues: If your furnace has a safety issue that cannot be fixed, it should certainly be replaced.
Are you looking for ways to dispose of your old furnace?. Contact the industry experts at Cedarwood Heating & Cooling for professional advice.
