How Much Is a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) Worth in Scrap?
Scrap value: $17.58 – $24.62 as of Nov 10, 2026. That is what a typical Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) fetches at US scrap yards today. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
| If the yard pays | You get |
|---|---|
| 50% of spot (typical low) | $17.58 |
| 60% of spot (typical) | $21.10 |
| 70% of spot (clean, sorted) | $24.62 |
What's inside a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU)?
A window-mounted room air conditioner. Like refrigerators, these are sealed refrigeration systems containing refrigerant and require certified evacuation under EPA Section 608 before scrapping. The aluminum fin coils and copper compressor make window units significantly higher-value than their weight alone suggests, even though the steel chassis is the largest single component by mass. Many yards pay a small premium for whole intact window units due to the predictable aluminum-and-copper coil yield.
| Material | Weight per unit | Per-lb rate (yard pays) | Per-unit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Iron / Sheet | 41.25 lb | $0.05 – $0.08 /lb | $2.22 – $3.10 |
| #2 Copper | 4.50 lb | $2.37 – $3.31 /lb | $10.64 – $14.90 |
| Aluminum (Mixed) | 13.50 lb | $0.35 – $0.49 /lb | $4.72 – $6.61 |
- Refrigerant must be removed by an EPA-certified technician before scrapping.
How to prep your Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) before scrapping
Refrigerant must be evacuated by a certified tech first. Some yards offer this service. The cleanest payday is to cut out the radiator-style coil and sell aluminum and copper separately, but most non-pros sell whole units.
Why prep matters: Most yards pay different rates for clean vs. mixed material. An hour of prep can roughly double your payout per pound on copper-bearing items.
What yards typically pay
90-day Light Iron / Sheet price estimate (US average) — the dominant material in a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU).
Find yards that buy Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) near you
Enter your ZIP to see scrap yards within 25 miles that accept this material.
Calculate value for your specific situation
Adjust the quantity, add other items, or enter your ZIP for a localized estimate.
| Material | Recovered | Rate | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Iron / Sheet | 41.3 lb | $0.05–$0.08/lb | $2.22 – $3.10 |
| #2 Copper | 4.50 lb | $2.37–$3.31/lb | $10.64 – $14.90 |
| Aluminum (Mixed) | 13.5 lb | $0.35–$0.49/lb | $4.72 – $6.61 |
How are these prices calculated?
Each day we take metal spot prices from MetalpriceAPI and turn them into US average prices per scrap grade (spot × a grade factor; a few grades such as steel use fixed reference values). The calculator assumes a yard pays 50–70% of those grade prices, which gives the range you see. Full method.
Why a range?
Yards don't pay you the full grade price. They take a margin to cover transport, processing, and risk. The exact margin depends on grade quality, how clean the material is, local competition, and current end-buyer demand. The low end of our range is a conservative estimate; the high end is what well-prepared, clean material at a competitive yard can earn.
What affects your actual payout?
Preparation matters. Stripping copper wire to bare-bright roughly doubles the per-pound rate vs. selling it insulated. Removing brass fittings from copper pipe lets each metal sell at its proper grade instead of being downgraded to mixed. Quantity matters. Some yards offer better tiers for larger loads. Timing matters. Spot prices move daily; a 5% swing on copper is normal week-to-week.
Should I trust this estimate?
Treat it as a planning tool, not a guarantee. For large hauls, call two or three yards and ask for a per-pound quote on the specific grade. Don't haul anything more than 30 minutes without a quote — fuel costs add up. Most yards will quote over the phone if you describe the material accurately.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) worth in scrap?
$17.58 – $24.62 as of Nov 10, 2026: that is the scrap value of a typical Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) at US yards today, based on its metal content (Light Iron / Sheet (41.25 lb), #2 Copper (4.50 lb), Aluminum (Mixed) (13.50 lb)) and current prices. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
What metals are inside a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU)?
A Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) contains: Light Iron / Sheet (41.25 lb), #2 Copper (4.50 lb), Aluminum (Mixed) (13.50 lb). Per-component recovery rates and current prices determine the value.
Should I prep a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) before scrapping?
Refrigerant must be evacuated by a certified tech first. Some yards offer this service. The cleanest payday is to cut out the radiator-style coil and sell aluminum and copper separately, but most non-pros sell whole units.
Where can I take a Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU) to scrap?
Use the ZIP code form above to find scrap yards near you that accept Window AC Unit (5,000-15,000 BTU), with distance, contact info, and accepted-materials notes.
Estimates assume yard payouts at 50–70% of national spot. Actual payouts vary by region, yard, and material condition. Last updated Nov 10, 2026. © 2026 Scrapyards.io