How Much Is a Furnace Worth as Scrap Metal

The scrap value of a furnace depends on its type, weight, material composition, local scrap prices, and labor required for removal. This article explains how scrap yards price furnaces, the components that hold the most value, practical steps to estimate worth, and safe best practices for preparing and selling a furnace for scrap.

Furnace Type	Common Materials	Typical Scrap Value Range
Old Cast Iron Boiler/Furnace	Cast Iron, Steel, Brass	$0.05–$0.20 per lb (overall) + extra for brass/copper parts
Steel Forced-Air Furnace	Steel, Copper, Aluminum	$0.03–$0.12 per lb (overall) + copper premium
HVAC Furnace With Copper Coil/Compressor	Copper, Aluminum, Steel	$0.10–$0.60 per lb for copper components; overall unit $20–$300+
High-Efficiency Modulating Furnace (Newer)	Steel, Electronic Parts, Copper	$20–$400 depending on copper, electronics, and weight

How Scrap Yards Calculate Furnace Value

Scrap yards estimate furnace value by separating materials, weighing them, and applying local scrap prices per pound or per ton. Nonferrous metals like copper and brass command much higher rates than ferrous metals like steel and cast iron.

Typical pricing methods include: weighing the entire unit as mixed metal, dismantling to segregate copper/brass/aluminum for higher rates, or paying a flat “whole unit” price when dismantling isn’t feasible. Local demand and daily market fluctuations determine the per-pound rates.

Primary Furnace Materials And Their Scrap Rates

Understanding which parts contain valuable metals helps maximize returns. Below are common materials and approximate market behaviors.

Copper

Copper is the most valuable scrap metal commonly found in furnaces: refrigerant lines, control wiring, and some heat exchangers. Copper scrap can range widely but generally trades significantly higher per pound than steel.

Brass

Brass shows up in fittings, valves, and some connectors. It typically fetches a premium above steel and below copper. Brass is often sold as “mixed brass” or separated by alloy for better pricing.

Aluminum

Aluminum appears in some blower housings, fins, or housings. It’s less valuable than copper and brass but still worth separating where practical.

Steel And Cast Iron

Most furnace bodies and cast iron boiler sections are ferrous metal. These are the heaviest but yield the lowest per-pound return. Rates fluctuate with scrap steel markets and are often paid by the ton rather than per pound.

Electronic Components And Rare Metals

Control boards, sensors, and electronic modules contain small amounts of valuable components. Some recyclers pay extra for certain electronic scrap, but removal and sorting complexity can reduce net gains.

Factors That Influence Scrap Value

Several variables impact how much a furnace will fetch at a scrapyard. Recognizing these factors helps set realistic price expectations.

• Material Composition: Units with exposed copper or brass are worth more.
• Weight: Heavier units yield more ferrous scrap value but may be low per-pound.
• Local Scrap Prices: Regional supply and demand, and whether the yard pays per pound or per ton, affect value.
• Condition And Accessibility: Intact units may be paid as whole units (lower price) while dismantled units get premium rates for nonferrous metals.
• Removal Labor And Transport Costs: If removal is difficult, the yard may reduce payment or charge a pickup fee.
• Environmental And Regulatory Constraints: Refrigerant-containing HVAC equipment requires certified refrigerant recovery; illegal disposal can result in fines and lower payout.

How To Estimate A Furnace’s Scrap Value

Estimating value can be done in a few practical steps: identify materials, weigh or estimate weight, check local scrap prices, and factor in transport or dismantling costs.

1. Identify Furnace Type And Materials: Note whether it’s cast iron, steel, or contains visible copper/brass.
2. Estimate Weight: Residential furnaces typically weigh 100–300 pounds; cast iron boilers can exceed 500 pounds.
3. Get Current Local Prices: Call local scrap yards or consult online listings for ferrous and nonferrous rates.
4. Calculate: Multiply estimated pounds of each metal by the current per-pound rate, then subtract any expected removal or transport fees.

Example Calculation: For a 200 lb steel furnace with 10 lb of copper: if steel pays $0.04/lb and copper $3.00/lb, value ≈ (190 lb × $0.04) + (10 lb × $3.00) = $7.60 + $30.00 = $37.60 gross.

Common Price Ranges And Expectations

Because scrap metal prices move daily, typical ranges provide realistic expectations rather than precise quotes.

• Small steel furnace (no copper): $10–$60 depending on weight and local steel price.
• Furnace with copper tubing and small compressor parts: $50–$300 depending on copper weight and market.
• Large cast iron boiler: $30–$200 based on scrap iron rate and transport considerations.
• HVAC units with significant copper/aluminum coils or compressors: $100–$500+ if copper components are sizable and recovered properly.

Best Practices To Maximize Scrap Value

Separating nonferrous metals and preparing the furnace for pickup increases payouts and reduces disputes at the yard.

• Remove copper tubing, coils, and compressors where permitted and safe. Recover refrigerant first if present by a certified technician to meet EPA rules.
• Separate visible brass fittings and valves from steel body before taking to the yard.
• Weigh materials when possible with a personal scale or ask the yard to show scale readings for transparency.
• Call multiple scrap yards for quotes and inquire about special pricing for copper or brass.
• Ask whether the yard offers pickup and if fees apply; sometimes pickup is offset by larger loads.

Safety, Legal, And Environmental Considerations

Removing and selling furnaces carries safety and regulatory obligations. Ignoring these can reduce profits and create liability.

• Turn Off Utilities: Gas, electric, and fuel lines must be safely disconnected by licensed professionals.
• Refrigerant Regulations: HVAC units containing refrigerant cannot be vented. EPA Section 608 requires certified recovery before disposal.
• Asbestos And Hazardous Materials: Older furnaces, boilers, or attached ducts may contain asbestos or lead-based paint. Professional abatement may be required.
• Proof Of Ownership: Some scrap yards require ID and proof of ownership; stolen metal laws are enforced to prevent theft.
• Local Disposal Rules: Some municipalities have special rules for bulky metal disposal; check local codes to avoid fines.

Where To Sell A Furnace For Scrap

Options include local scrap yards, metal recycling centers, HVAC salvage shops, online marketplaces for parts, and municipal bulky waste pickup programs.

• Scrap Yards/Recycling Centers: Best for immediate cash; call ahead for pricing and requirements.
• HVAC Salvage Dealers: May pay more for functional parts like blowers, control boards, or specialty valves.
• Online Marketplaces: Sellers who disassemble and sell parts (e.g., copper coils, blowers) individually often get higher total value but require time and effort.
• Municipal Recycling Programs: Convenient but often offer little or no payment.

How To Prepare A Furnace For Pickup Or Drop-Off

Proper preparation speeds transactions and improves returns. Follow steps that minimize yard labor and clarify value.

1. Shut Off Power And Gas: Confirm utilities are safely disabled.
2. Drain Fluids: Remove and properly dispose of oil or condensate; collect any residual fuel safely.
3. Label Hazardous Parts: Inform the yard about refrigerant, oil tanks, or asbestos concerns.
4. Separate Nonferrous Metals: Where safe, remove copper, brass, and aluminum parts for separate weighing.
5. Capture Documentation: Take photos, document weights, and keep yard receipts for records and potential tax reporting.

Tax And Record-Keeping Considerations

Payments received from selling scrap may be taxable. Keeping records helps with tax reporting and protects against disputes.

• Report Income: Cash payments may still be reportable; consult a tax professional for thresholds and reporting requirements.
• Receipts And IDs: Keep scrap yard receipts and any proof of transactions for tax and legal purposes.
• Business Sellers: If selling routinely, consider business registration and sales tax obligations in the state.

Common Questions Sellers Ask

Answers to frequent concerns help set expectations before contacting a recycler.

Is It Better To Sell Whole Or Dismantle?

Dismantling typically yields higher total value because nonferrous metals get premium rates, but it requires time, tools, and safety precautions. Selling whole is faster but usually lower payout.

Will The Scrap Yard Remove The Furnace?

Some yards offer pickup services for a fee or free removal with larger loads. Confirm fees and minimum weights before scheduling removal.

How To Ensure One Gets A Fair Price?

Obtain multiple quotes, ask the yard to show scale readings, and separate valuable metals when possible. Building a relationship with a local yard can yield better pricing over time.

Quick Reference: Typical Component Values Per Pound (Estimates)

Material	Estimated Value Per Pound
Copper (clean)	$1.50–$4.50
Brass	$0.60–$2.50
Aluminum	$0.20–$0.80
Steel/Cast Iron	$0.03–$0.12
Electronic Scrap (boards)	Varies Widely; Often Paid By Weight Or Flat Fee

Final Tips To Maximize Value

Plan removal safely, separate nonferrous metals, call several yards for price checks, and document transactions. Small preparation efforts often increase final payout meaningfully.

When in doubt about refrigerant, asbestos, or gas lines, hire licensed professionals to handle removal and disposal to comply with laws and protect safety.