🛠️The HVAC Teardown & Grading Checklist

⚠️ STEP 0: THE LEGAL & SAFETY WARNING (Read This First)

DO NOT CUT LINES ON A CHARGED UNIT.

Refrigerant (Freon) is hazardous and protected by EPA regulations. Venting it into the atmosphere is illegal and dangerous.

• The Rule: Only accept units that have been evacuated (drained) by the HVAC technician before you pick them up. Look for the cut lines or ask for certification.

• The Check: If the copper lines are crimped shut or the valves are closed tight, assume it's pressurized.

1. The Crown Jewel: Aluminum/Copper Radiators (ACR)

The radiator fins are the most valuable part of the unit. You have two ways to sell this, and the difference in price is massive.

Option A: Dirty ACR (The "Quick Flip")

• What it is: The copper tubes running through aluminum fins, but with the galvanized steel end-plates still attached.

• Effort: Low.

• Price: Decent, but you're leaving money on the table.

Option B: Clean ACR (The "Scrap Master Standard")

• What it is: You take your Sawzall or angle grinder and cut the steel end-plates off flush with the aluminum.

• Effort: Medium (5 minutes of cutting).

• Price: High. This is premium feedstock.

• Profit Tip: Don't cut into the copper loops when removing the steel ends. Save those copper loops (knuckles) for your #2 Copper bucket.

2. The Heart: Sealed Units (Compressors)

This is the heavy black "pot" at the bottom of the unit.

• Composition: A thick steel shell with a copper-wound electric motor inside and lots of oil.

• Grading: Sell this as a "Sealed Unit" or "AC Compressor."

• Do NOT: Do not try to cut these open to get the copper unless you are extremely experienced. The thick steel casing burns through saw blades, and the oil makes a huge mess. It is rarely worth the labor time.

• The Strategy: Leave them whole. They are heavy (40–80 lbs), and weight adds up fast.

3. The Muscle: Electric Motors

The fan motor sits on top or inside the unit.

• Removal: Unbolt it from the fan blade and the grate.

• Grading: Sell as "Electric Motor."

• The Upgrade: If you see a large transformer or a particularly old motor, check the windings. If they are copper (scratch them to check—gold color is copper, silver is aluminum), it's a standard motor. If it's aluminum wound, it's worth less (Meatball motor), but most yard scales just buy them all as "Electric Motors."

4. The Veins: Insulated Copper Wire

Don't ignore the wiring harness.

• Low Voltage Wire: The thin thermostat wire. Usually graded as low-grade or "communications wire."

• Power Wire: The thicker cables connecting the compressor and fan.

• Grading: Clip the plugs off. This is usually #2 Insulated Copper.

• Profit Tip: If the wire is thick (like the size of a pencil or thicker), strip it! That turns #2 Insulated into Bare Bright Copper—the highest value item in the yard.

5. The Skeleton: Shred Steel (Light Iron)

Once you have pulled the Radiator, Motor, Compressor, and Wire, you are left with a hollow steel box.

• Grading: Shred / Light Iron.

• Action: Crush it down if you need space in the truck, or fill it with other light iron scrap to maximize density.

• Note: Keep the screws! They are steel. Throw them in your steel bucket.

📊 Quick Reference: The HVAC Value Hierarchy

Now you know how to break it down. Don't let the yard classify your hard work as "shred." Sort it, bin it, and demand the right price.