Nowadays, air conditioning is an essential piece of equipment. Its ability to cool the environment and provide comfort makes it highly sought-after, especially in hot regions. Several models are available on the market, but the basic principles of operation are the same. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the components that make up this equipment, its operation and the advantages, particularly for HVAC technicians, in bringing obsolete equipment to recycling centers.

A brief explanation of how an AC works
The main parts involved in the operation of air conditioning are the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. The refrigerant (R22) is initially in a gaseous state and is compressed by the compressor, increasing its pressure and temperature. The fluid is then led to the coils of the condenser, where it is cooled while maintaining a high pressure.
Subsequently, the fluid flow is restricted by the expansion valve. Upon passing through the valve, the fluid experiences a sudden pressure drop, causing a portion of the liquid to evaporate and forming a mixture of liquid and gaseous fluid at low temperature and pressure. This mixture is responsible for cooling the air. When directed to the evaporator, the fluid leaves the surface of the cold coil and then returns to the compressor, initiating the process anew.
As we can see, these are complex pieces of equipment composed of various metal materials and chemical elements, which should not be disposed of haphazardly. Therefore, in addition to environmental preservation, it is possible to earn extra money through recycling.
Before taking an AC to a recycling center, consider the following tips:
A helpful tip is, if possible, to disassemble the equipment and bring the parts to recycling centers separately, as they typically offer better compensation for each piece individually. Let’s take a look at some of these parts and their characteristics:
Electric Motor: Responsible for powering fans, these motors contain copper, making them suitable for recycling.
Compressor: Considered the heart of the system, it condenses the refrigerant gas, reducing its volume and increasing its pressure. Compressors are typically made mostly of steel.
Evaporator: This is the final part of the process, where the refrigerant liquid passes through coils to capture and cool the air of the environment, which is then blown out by the fan. The body of the evaporator is made of aluminum, and the coils are usually made of copper. This component is highly valued.

Additionally, the metal carcass of the unit has value as well. Steel scrap, although less valuable compared to copper and aluminum, is abundant in cooling equipment and can be valuable during recycling.
TM Scrap Metals Recycling Center

TM Scrap Metals is a company specializing in metal recycling. They recycle copper, brass, aluminum, steel, lead, and iron in various forms. If you want to dispose of your broken air conditioner and earn extra money, this is the right place. HVAC technicians have an ideal recycling center to make money from obsolete equipment. TM Scrap Metals is located in Sun Valley and serves all of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, and the San Fernando Valley. Don’t let metal scrap accumulate in your space. Bring it to TM Scrap Metals.