Why Recycle Metal from Your HVAC System?

Posted on 22 June 2023

HVAC systems, responsible for heating, cooling, and air distribution indoors play a crucial role in our homes and businesses, providing comfort and maintaining optimal indoor air quality. When these systems reach the end of their lifespan or require replacement, recycling metal elements at scrap yards in Toronto is a responsible and beneficial disposal option. Instead of letting them gather dust in your basement or tossing them in the trash, consider sending the metal components to Tal Metal with convenient scrap metal pick up in the Toronto area.

Read on to learn more about metal recycling and your HVAC system.

What Metals Can You Find in Old HVAC Systems

When taking down old HVAC systems and collecting metal to send to your local scrap yard in Toronto it's important to first understand the metals they contain and why these metals were used in the first place. HVAC systems typically contain various metals, including copper, aluminum, and steel. These metals were chosen for their specific properties and performance in the HVAC system components.

Copper is commonly found in HVAC systems due to its excellent heat conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is used in pipes, coils, and electrical connections within the system. Copper's ability to efficiently transfer heat makes it an ideal material for HVAC units.
Aluminum is another metal often present in HVAC systems. It is lightweight, making it suitable for components like heat exchangers and fins. Aluminum also possesses good thermal conductivity and is resistant to rust, ensuring the longevity of the HVAC system.
Steel is utilized in HVAC systems for its strength and durability. It provides structural support to the system and is commonly found in components such as the chassis, ductwork, and frames. Steel's robust nature helps HVAC systems withstand wear and tear over time.

Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum are typically the highest value at metal scrap yards because of their ability to be recycled more frequently and effectively than iron-alloys. Steel, a ferrous metal, may still be accepted at your scrap yard, preventing landfill waste but it’s best to identify aluminum and other non-ferrous metal components.

How to Safely Collect Scrap From HVAC Systems

HVAC systems are part of a large infrastructure wrapped throughout building envelopes, floors, and ceilings, so collecting scrap from HVAC systems requires proper precautions to ensure safety. If you are not experienced in handling HVAC systems, it is advisable to seek assistance from professionals or scrap metal experts. However, if you have the knowledge and necessary safety equipment, here are some steps to safely collect scrap from HVAC systems:

Disconnect the power before starting any work to avoid electrical hazards.
Put on protective safety gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask, to protect yourself from sharp edges, dust, and potentially harmful substances.
Use proper tools to carefully dismantle the HVAC system, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Ensure that fluids and refrigerants are drained and disposed of according to local regulations.
Once the HVAC system is disassembled, sort the different metals into separate containers for recycling. This will make the recycling process more efficient at your local scrap yard in Toronto.

Recycling Your Old Metal with Tal Metal

At Tal Meta, we make scrap metal recycling easy. If you’re an avid collector of scrap metal or working on a construction project that leaves you with metal that you don’t know what to do with, scrap metal pick up in Toronto and the nearby areas makes cashing in on your junk metal easier than ever.