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How to Properly Dispose of an Old Air Conditioner

If you own a house in a relatively hot area, you may likely have an air conditioning unit to help you stay relaxed and comfortable at home. 

Just like any other item, air conditioners also get worn out and eventually stop working. When this happens, most people take them off the wall and throw them in the garage for them to rot. Most of these people do this because they do no know how to get rid of an old or spoilt air conditioner. 

If you are one of these people, do not worry.

Here are some ways of properly disposing of an old air conditioner.

1. Recycling

Recycling is a common practice worldwide and takes place when someone takes a less useful product and changes it to become a more valuable item. 

Even though recycling is popular, many people have no idea that air conditioners too can undergo the process, and one of the reasons why is that many of its components are hardly reused. 

The fact that it rarely happens does not mean that it is impossible. Vital parts like metal and plastic can be recycled and used to make something new. All you have to do is take your old air-conditioner to a recycling factory and drop it off at the designated area. The experts there will swing into action and know what to do next.

2. Donating

From time to time, people replace air conditioners, maybe because they are old or have significantly reduced in terms of functionality. 

If you are one of these people, you should consider donating your old air conditioner once you but a new one. The fact that it is still working means it could help someone else or a group of people in a homeless shelter. 

Doing so could help a bunch of people who are suffering in overheating buildings. In addition to helping people out, you could even earn a tax deduction.

3. Bounty Programs

A bounty program is a deal offered by organisations for turning in certain items, especially old and worn-out things that can be recycled. 

If you want to get rid of your old air conditioner, you can consider going for bounty programs where you could even get your money back. If you do not get a cash reward, you may receive discounts on other items you wish to purchase like another air-conditioner of higher efficiency. 

If you would like to enjoy such benefits, you can search the internet and look for programs around your area. Do not forget to review the various requirements you are supposed to meet.

4. Local Disposal Programs

After an air conditioner is spoilt, many people think about throwing it away or depositing it in a landfill, well this may be an effective way of getting rid of it but not the best way.

You should contact your local council to guide you on disposing of the air conditioner. Some areas have designated disposal areas for electronic waste and specific sections where old air conditioners are placed so that the authority can take care of them.

In some areas, you may be guided on how to dispose independently, but this option comes with various guidelines. Here are some of the standard rules you would have to follow before disposal;

  • Remove all doors, hatches, and covers- to prevent children and small animals from being trapped inside if they decide to explore the inside part of the air conditioner.
  • Have a professional drain the coolant.
  • Remove any tanks containing coolant and take them to a collection centre that handles hazardous items.

Best Time to Dispose of Your Old Air Conditioner

One question to ask is, when is the best time to dispose of your old air conditioner? These are some major noticeable signs that you need to replace your air conditioners soon:

Temperature

The main function of your air conditioner is to keep your place cool. This is especially for the seasons and periods that are more humid and hotter than your usual normal sunny day. It should do exactly that. When you’ve set it to the highest level and the coolest temperature but find that your air conditioner doesn’t do the job anymore, maybe it’s time to dispose of it and consider getting a new model.

Age

Defining what an “old age” is for an air conditioner can be a bit more subjective. However, despite the personal take on age, an old air conditioner usually ranges from 10 to 15 years. There’s also the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Number, the Total Cool Air Output over Total Energy Input. A higher SEER Number means less efficient in its cooling effect. A higher SEER Number is usually present in older air conditioners. Measure your unit’s SEER Number.

Frequent breakdowns 

If your air conditioner unit frequently breaks down and you tend to spend more to get it fixed, then maybe the unit is really diminishing faster than expected or the unit you bought is incurring more damages than it can take. You’ll keep spending more money on an air conditioner that doesn’t perform better. Sometimes, spending more for repairs, especially for older units, is a sign that it is a good time to consider getting a new one. 

If you’re not in a financial position to install a new one, renting a residential air conditioner may work as a cost-effective option. Many families may consider an air conditioner as a luxury, it all comes down to what will work for you and your family!

Electric bills

One of the more subtle signs that your air conditioner is already old is your monthly electric bills. With age, an older air conditioner needs more energy and time to cool off, like a newer unit. This decrease in efficiency usually translates to a higher electric consumption to keep your homes as chill as it usually did before.

Observe your electric bills and if you find that using your airconditioner spikes it up, call your local rubbish removal Sydney company to take it.

Conclusion

Disposal of air-conditioners may be tricky for some people; if you are one of them, you do not have to worry about a thing as there are many options for disposal.

You can choose to recycle the air conditioner by taking it to a recycling centre near you and letting them take care of everything else. You can also use bounty programs to get rid of your air conditioner. Furthermore, do not forget that donating an old air conditioner is also an option. 

All in all, if you need any help regarding disposing of your air conditioner, do not hesitate to contact us at Paul’s Rubbish Removal Sydney, and we will take care of everything for you.

Sarah Ann

Sarah Ann

Sarah Ann is a Digital Content Writer for Paul's Rubbish Removal. Sarah is a huge advocate for recycling, environmental sustainability, health and well-being and has a genuine love for all sea animals. Keep up with Sarah by following Paul's Rubbish Removal blog!

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