If you’re looking to recycle an air conditioner, understanding the latest AC unit scrap price trends can help you maximize returns for old or broken units. Whether you’re a homeowner, HVAC professional, or scrapper, knowing what parts are valuable and how market variables affect pricing is essential. This guide dives into how AC unit scrap prices are calculated, what influences them, and tips for getting the most out of your AC scrap in the United States.
| Component | Material | Average Scrap Price (USD, per lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Copper, Steel | $0.10 – $1.50 | Contains highest copper content |
| Coils (Radiators) | Copper, Aluminum | $1.00 – $2.50 | #2/3 Copper or Clean ACR grades |
| Outer Shell/Frame | Steel | $0.03 – $0.12 | Based on ferrous scrap prices |
| Wiring | Insulated Copper | $0.30 – $2.00 | Price by copper content & grade |
| Fan Motors | Copper, Aluminum | $0.13 – $0.30 | Small copper windings inside |
What Is AC Unit Scrap?
Air conditioner scrap refers to the valuable recyclable metals, components, and wiring found inside old or non-functioning HVAC units. These items are in demand due to the high copper and aluminum content within the coils, compressors, and wiring. Recycling AC units not only earns money but also supports sustainable material reuse.
Key Factors Affecting AC Unit Scrap Price
AC unit scrap prices are not fixed; several market factors influence the money you get for your old air conditioner.
- Metal Market Rates: Fluctuations in copper, aluminum, and steel prices heavily impact scrap values.
- Unit Size & Age: Larger and older units often contain more metals, especially copper and aluminum.
- Condition & Component Separation: Disassembling the AC can separate high-value metals, increasing total scrap value.
- Local Scrap Yard Policies: Prices vary widely by region, scrap yard, and whether you provide clean or mixed material.
- Seasonality: Metals prices may rise during peak recycling seasons or when industrial demand increases.
Breaking Down The Value: Main Components Of AC Units
An air conditioner contains several key elements that contribute to overall scrap value. Focusing on these can help maximize your returns.
Compressor
The compressor is highly sought after for its copper windings and steel structure. Removing it from the unit and selling it separately can fetch a higher price, especially if the copper is intact and free of extraneous materials.
Coils (Radiators)
Coils are comprised of copper tubes with aluminum fins (known as ACR or radiator scrap). The cleaner and more separated these coils (with minimal steel or plastic attached), the better the price per pound.
Wiring
Insulated copper wire from AC units is valuable. Stripping the insulation can boost the selling price, though it requires effort. High-copper-content wires bring premium returns.
Steel & Other Metals
The exterior shell and some internal parts are made from sheet steel. While not as lucrative as copper or aluminum, bulk steel still contributes to the overall scrap price.
Fan Motors & Miscellaneous Parts
AC units contain electric fan motors that have copper windings, though in smaller quantities. Small bits of brass, stainless steel, and circuit boards may be recovered as well.
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Average AC Unit Scrap Price By Component (2025)
| Component | Material | Average Price Range (USD/lb) | Potential Weight In Typical AC Unit | Estimated Value Per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Copper, Steel | $0.10 – $1.50 | 20-30 lbs | $2 – $45 |
| Coils | Copper, Aluminum | $1.00 – $2.50 | 8-15 lbs | $8 – $37.50 |
| Wiring | Copper | $0.30 – $2.00 | 2-5 lbs | $0.60 – $10 |
| Steel Shell | Steel | $0.03 – $0.12 | 30-80 lbs | $0.90 – $9.60 |
| Fan Motors | Copper, Aluminum | $0.13 – $0.30 | 3-6 lbs | $0.39 – $1.80 |
Note: All values are averages in 2025 and may vary by region, unit size, and market trends.
How To Get The Best Scrap Price For Your AC Unit
- Disassemble The Unit: Separating out copper wiring, coils, and compressors can dramatically boost your payout compared to selling an AC whole.
- Strip The Copper Wire: Removing insulation and sorting wire types can nearly double wire returns.
- Clean Your Scrap: Clean, separated metals (“bare bright” copper, for example) command higher rates than mixed or dirty scrap.
- Compare Local Scrap Yards: Call multiple facilities or check websites/apps like iScrap App for live, location-specific pricing.
- Sell In Bulk: Bringing multiple units or large quantities of separated metal can sometimes fetch a better rate per pound.
Regional Differences In AC Scrap Prices
Geographic location can greatly impact your AC unit’s scrap value. Urban areas or states with strong recycling industries offer higher rates due to competition and demand. In contrast, rural regions may pay less but could have fewer restrictions on AC recycling.
| Region | Typical AC Scrap Price (Whole Unit, USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $20 – $60 | Copper-heavy market & high demand |
| Midwest | $10 – $45 | Moderate pricing, influenced by agricultural scrap |
| South | $15 – $50 | Greater AC unit volume due to climate |
| West Coast | $20 – $65 | Better rates in metro areas with strong export links |
Always contact local scrap yards for up-to-date quotes in your specific city or state.
Refrigerant Recovery And Legal Requirements
Before scrapping, AC units must have refrigerant professionally recovered. Federal EPA rules prohibit venting refrigerants (such as R-22 and R-410A) into the air due to environmental hazards. Most scrap yards require proof of refrigerant removal for compliance.
- HVAC Technicians: Must handle refrigerant recovery and provide certification slips if selling whole units.
- Penalties: Tampering with or releasing refrigerant can lead to fines from $10,000 upward.
Whole Unit Value Vs. Breaking Down AC For Scrap
Selling a whole AC unit ‘as-is’ is less work, but typically brings a lower return. Disassembling an AC, removing valuable coils, compressors, and wires, and presenting them as clean scrap will increase your total cash payout. However, factor in time, safety concerns, and tools required for disassembly.
| Sale Option | Effort | Payout Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Unit | Low | $10 – $55 | Quick, less hassle; lower price |
| Disassembled/Sorted | High | $25 – $100+ | Higher price for sorted metal, copper, coils |
Current Metal Prices Affecting AC Scrap Values (2025)
The spot prices of copper and aluminum set the baseline for scrap yard offers. In 2025, these values remain historically strong due to global supply issues and high demand.
- Copper: $3.80 – $4.70/lb (bare bright, top grade)
- Aluminum: $0.60 – $1.10/lb (sheet/clean)
- Steel: $0.07 – $0.13/lb (mixed scrap)
Yards will pay a percentage of these values based on the quality and type of metal you bring in. Pure copper and clean aluminum always command top dollar.
Other Ways To Increase Your AC Scrap Profit
- Partner With HVAC Installers: Many companies replace old units and may give or sell them to scrappers.
- Collect Window Units: Smaller window ACs contain copper/Al/steel, though less than central units. They’re easy to transport and disassemble.
- Check Online For Group Sales: Communities, contractors, and landlords sometimes post bulk AC disposal opportunities, increasing your volume—and profits.
Environmental Considerations: Why Proper AC Recycling Matters
Recycling air conditioners is vital for environmental sustainability. These units contain not only precious metals but also hazardous refrigerants and electronics. Responsible recycling keeps toxins out of landfills and reduces the need for new mining, benefiting the planet while rewarding scrappers.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Unit Scrap Price
How Much Is The Copper Worth In An AC Unit?
Most standard central air units contain 3-6 lbs of copper, often in the coils and compressor windings. With copper prices in 2025 ranging from $3.80-$4.70/lb (for bare bright), the copper alone can be worth $12-$28+, but scrap yards typically pay less depending on how clean and sorted the copper is.
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Can I Scrap A Whole Air Conditioner?
Yes—many scrap yards accept whole AC units, but always require proof that the refrigerant is removed by a licensed technician. Prices are usually lower for whole units due to labor needed to dismantle and sort metals at the yard.
Are AC Compressors Valuable?
Compressors have high copper content (sometimes 2-4 lbs in large models) plus steel and aluminum, making them a key money-maker. Always check if your yard buys compressors as a separate category for optimal pricing.
Do Window ACs Have Scrap Value?
Window air conditioning units are smaller but still have valuable copper, aluminum, and wiring. Typical payout for a window AC is $3-$20, depending on size and market rates.
Resources For Live Scrap Prices And More Information
- iScrap App – Real-time local scrap metal prices and yard directories.
- EPA – Rules for refrigerant recovery and legal recycling.
- Recycle USA – Common U.S. scrap yard policies and accepted materials.
Key Takeaways For AC Unit Scrap Price In The U.S.
- Disassemble for best returns, focusing on copper coils, compressors, and clean wire.
- Stay informed on current copper and aluminum market rates to time your sale for peak pricing.
- Verify local scrap yard rules and refrigerant removal compliance before hauling your unit.
- Bulk sales and clean materials translate to higher payouts and more cash for your effort.