How Much Is a Furnace Worth in Scrap Metal?

When an old furnace reaches the end of its operational life, its value shifts from providing warmth to offering recyclable materials. No longer functional for heating, these units contain metals that can be reclaimed and sold, turning a disposal cost into potential funds. Understanding the valuable components and the recovery process helps maximize the return.

Factors Influencing Scrap Value

A typical residential furnace contains several types of metal, each contributing to its overall scrap value. The casing is generally steel, a common and lower-value scrap metal. More valuable metals like copper are present in wiring, refrigerant lines, and heat exchangers, significantly increasing worth. Aluminum may also be present in coils or components, and brass fittings are sometimes found.

A scrapped furnace’s worth is determined by the weight of these metals multiplied by their current per-pound market price. Market prices for scrap metals fluctuate daily, influenced by global supply and demand, economic indicators, and commodity markets. Copper prices tend to be more volatile and higher than steel prices. Check current local prices by calling scrap yards or referencing online scrap metal indexes.

Preparing a Furnace for Scrapping

Preparing a furnace before scrapping is important to maximize financial return and ensure safety. Before disassembly, disconnect the furnace from all utility connections, including electricity and natural gas or propane lines. Any remaining fuel or hazardous materials, such as refrigerants, must be safely purged or recovered by a qualified professional to prevent environmental contamination and comply with regulations.

Disassembling the furnace to separate different types of metals yields a higher payout for “clean” scrap. For example, removing copper tubing or wiring from the steel casing allows the scrap yard to pay a higher rate for pure copper rather than a lower “mixed metal” price. Removing non-metal components, such as plastic parts, insulation, or circuit boards, is also important. These materials are deducted from the weight or lead to a lower price because they are considered contaminants. Thorough preparation ensures the scrap yard can efficiently process materials, translating into a better final payment.

Selling Scrap Metal at a Yard

After preparing the furnace by separating its metal components, transport the materials to a local scrap metal recycling yard. Locate reputable yards through online searches or local directories. Before the trip, call the chosen scrap yard to confirm their acceptance of specific materials and inquire about current pricing for different metal types, such as clean copper, steel, and aluminum.

Upon arrival, the procedure involves weighing the vehicle before and after unloading the scrap materials. The yard’s staff will identify and weigh the different types of metal using scales certified for trade. Payment processes vary; some yards offer immediate cash for smaller amounts, while others may issue a check or use electronic payment methods, especially for larger transactions. Scrap yards have different pricing tiers, offering higher rates for “clean,” sorted metals compared to “mixed” scrap.