"How much for my old AC?" is the question we get most. The honest answer is "it depends", so here's exactly what it depends on.
1. Copper coil or aluminium coil
The condenser coil in the outdoor unit (and the evaporator coil indoors) is made of tubes and thin fins. In many older and premium ACs the tubes are copper. In many newer budget models they're aluminium. Copper is worth several times more per kg, so this is the biggest single factor.
How to check: look at the U-shaped bends on the side of the coil. Reddish-brown is copper. Silver-grey is usually aluminium.
2. Tonnage
A 2-ton AC has a bigger compressor and larger coils than a 1-ton unit, simply more metal. The tonnage is on the sticker on the outdoor unit (sometimes shown as capacity in kW or BTU/h).
3. Is the compressor still there?
The compressor is a heavy steel dome with copper windings inside. It's a big part of the value. If a technician has already removed it, the outdoor unit is worth much less, so say so upfront and you'll get an accurate quote.
4. The copper pipe run
The gas pipes connecting indoor and outdoor units are copper. A long run adds value, so leave them uncut and let the buyer handle them.
5. Split or window
A window AC has everything in one box. A split AC has two units and the pipe between them. Per ton, they're usually in a similar range. Cassette and tower units are priced by size.
Two things that don't matter much
- Whether it still works. Scrap buyers pay for metal. (If it works well, sell it second-hand instead.)
- The brand. An old premium-brand AC and an old budget one are priced by what's inside, not the logo.
Per piece or per kg?
Most buyers quote whole ACs per piece because they're estimating the metal inside. That's fine, as long as you know what's assumed: copper or aluminium coil, compressor present. Ask. If the answer changes when they see the unit, ask them to show you why.