It is the final hurdle in upgrading your air con: “What do I do with the old one?”
You have seen them before: sad, yellowing plastic boxes sitting on the kerbside for weeks, or rusting away in a garage because the installer said, “I just put the new one in, mate. I don’t take rubbish.”
At Integrated Trade Services, we don’t leave you with a problem.
The short answer is: Yes. If we are installing your new system, we can remove and responsibly dispose of your old one.
In fact, we view this as a critical part of the job. Disposing of an air conditioner isn’t just about heavy lifting; it is a regulated legal process involving hazardous gases. Here is why you need a professional to handle it.
The “Pump Down” Process (Why You Can’t Just Cut the Pipes)
You cannot simply unscrew an air conditioner and throw it in the skip. The copper pipes connecting your indoor and outdoor units are filled with high-pressure refrigerant gas.
If you cut these lines, two things happen:
- Chemical Burns: The gas is extremely cold and can cause instant freeze burns to your skin and eyes.
- Illegal Pollution: Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal under Australian law. These gases are potent ozone depleters and greenhouse agents.
How We Do It Safely: Before we even touch a screwdriver, our technicians perform a “pump down.” We run the unit one last time and use the compressor to suck all the refrigerant gas back into the outdoor unit. We then lock the valves to trap the gas inside safely. Only then do we disconnect the pipes.
The Dual-Trade Advantage: Electrical Disconnection
This is another area where our Electrical + Refrigeration license matters.
Old air conditioners are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system. A standard “delivery driver” or handyman is not legally allowed to disconnect these live cables.
- We Isolate & Terminate: We safely isolate the circuit at the switchboard, test that the power is dead, and then disconnect the unit.
- We Reuse or Replace: We assess the existing electrical isolator (the switch near the outdoor unit). If it is weather-worn or non-compliant, we replace it.
Where Does the Old Unit Go?
We don’t just dump it in a landfill.
- Refrigerant Recovery: If the unit is gassed up, we take it to a collection facility where the gas is recovered and destroyed safely (managed by the Australian Refrigeration Council).
- Metal Recycling: The copper coils, aluminium fins, and steel casing are valuable recyclable metals. We ensure these go to a metal recycler to be turned into new products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is disposal included in the quote?
For a standard “swap-over” (removing an old back-to-back unit and installing a new one in the same spot), we typically include the decommissioning and removal in your package price. We believe in transparent quoting, no hidden “tipping fees” added on the day.
Can I take it to the dump myself?
Technically, yes, if it has been degassed. However, most Brisbane transfer stations will not accept air conditioners unless you can prove they have been professionally degassed. If they still contain gas, you may be turned away or charged a hazardous waste fee.
What if the old unit is on the roof?
If your old compressor is on a high roof or brackets that are rusted solid, removal becomes a bit trickier. We may need to quote for additional labour or lifting equipment to get it down safely. We will always flag this with you during the initial site inspection.
My old unit still works. Can you move it to another room?
Yes, we can “relocate” a unit. However, the cost of labour to pump down, disconnect, move, re-pipe, and re-commission an old unit often comes close to the price of buying a brand-new, more efficient system. We can crunch the numbers for you so you can decide if it’s worth saving.
A Clean Slate
Don’t risk a fine for illegal dumping or an injury from high-pressure gas.
When you book with Integrated Trade Services, you get a complete solution: the old unit vanishes, the new unit appears, and your home is left clean and cool.
Ready for an upgrade?
Get a quote that covers the whole job, start to finish. Get a quote today for your air conditioning replacement.