{"id":19159,"date":"2016-01-21T10:08:33","date_gmt":"2016-01-21T15:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145705.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=19159"},"modified":"2016-01-21T10:08:33","modified_gmt":"2016-01-21T15:08:33","slug":"properly-dispose-worn-hvac-units","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainablog.org\/articles\/properly-dispose-worn-hvac-units\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Properly Dispose of Worn-Out HVAC Units"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/a><\/p>\n With professional maintenance and routine care, manufacturers typically estimate a 10-15 year lifespan for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems<\/a>. So, when the time comes to replace your home\u2019s malfunctioning or outdated model,\u00a0give some thought not only to making room for the new unit, but also disposing of the old HVAC unit<\/a> responsibly.<\/p>\n Before taking any premature actions to remove the defective machinery from your property, research the applicable state or federal regulations. Depending on where you live, specific bureaucratic parameters dictate where and how HVAC units should be discarded.<\/p>\n Certain parts might need to be removed, or a qualified technician must extract the coolant before disposal<\/a>. Remaining pieces should be transported to a designated waste site. For more information on these laws, contact your local sanitation department.<\/p>\n Often, recycling companies<\/a> will voluntarily retrieve the HVAC unit from your house, and deliver it to an drop-off location. If you choose this option, ensure the recycling vehicle can accommodate large appliances — like cooling towers, chillers or generators — and expel them through environmentally responsibly channels.<\/p>\n In addition, remember that most old air-conditioning equipment contains the refrigerant R-22<\/a>, which emits ozone-depleting gases into the atmosphere. Ask the recycling technicians to remove this chemical in advance. Some companies charge fees for proper HVAC disposal, while others waive the expenditures to promote eco-friendly initiatives.<\/p>\n Another solution is to find out if a particular HVAC manufacturer will handle the removal process. When purchasing an updated unit, inquire whether the company you bought the new model from will haul your old clunker to an appropriate garbage lot.<\/p>\n If you plan on personally transporting your run-down machinery to a landfill, discuss the logistics of this option with your sanitation department beforehand<\/a>. Then, detach all environmentally hazardous components prior to discarding the HVAC unit.<\/p>\n Contact your home\u2019s utility provider to determine whether any bounty programs are offered. In this case, the electric company will buy back certain appliances that meet fixed qualifications — based on size, condition and working order, for example. While this initiative isn\u2019t applicable for entirely broken HVAC systems, if your unit meets these stipulations, a company representative will clarify the drop-off or pick-up procedure.<\/p>\n If your air-conditioner is currently on the fritz, and it\u2019s time for an upgrade, follow these strategies to reduce your household\u2019s carbon footprint.<\/p>\n Did we forget any other environmentally friendly tips worth mentioning? Feel free to share your personal suggestions in the comment section below!<\/p>\nFamiliarize Yourself with Government Guidelines for HVAC Disposal<\/h3>\n
Consider Alternative Modes of Transportation<\/h3>\n
Complete the Necessary Legwork on Your Own<\/h3>\n
Investigate Available Rebate Opportunities<\/h3>\n