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Window Air Conditioner Disposal and removal

How to properly dispose of window air conditioner

Window Air Conditioner Removal & Disposal

Do you need to have your window air conditioner removed from your window? Do you also need to have your window air conditioner disposed?
Do you want to put your window air conditioner in the trash? If you live in a house or apartment building in New York City, removing a window air conditioner isn’t always an easy task. Fortunately, NYC PIGEON AIR CONDITIONER can work with you to schedule a removal for your unit.

However, if you want to throw the unit away, once we have removed it, you’ll have to coordinate with the sanitation department. Which isn’t actually a big deal. You also cannot dump the window air conditioner anywhere, that is illegal. If you don’t have a building superintendent, the best thing to do is schedule the window air conditioner disposal after we have removed it.

Due to the freon inside of your air conditioner, you can’t just toss it in the trash. You have to schedule an appointment with the sanitation department.

Once they have removed the freon then the unit can be picked up by them the following day.

STEP 1. WINDOW AC REMOVAL

Schedule an appointment with NYC PIGEON AIR CONDITIONER to remove the window ac from your home and place it on the curb or near the trash area of your building.

STEP 2. Schedule Sanitation CFC Recovery Appointment Request

Use the online form to request freon removal from your window air conditioner.

We will follow DSNY procedures and ensure that the back of the window air conditioner faces the street.

What’s so bad about Freon?

Freon is a brand name for a group of refrigerants that were commonly used in air conditioners and refrigerators. These refrigerants have been found to be harmful to the environment because they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases. The use of freon has been regulated by the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer, and alternatives with lower environmental impact have been developed.

How to remove window air conditioner?

To remove a window air conditioner, you will need to follow these steps:

First, turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the wall outlet.
Next, remove the front cover of the air conditioner by removing any screws or clips that hold it in place.

Once the cover is removed, you should be able to see the mounting screws that hold the air conditioner in place. Remove these screws using a screwdriver.

Carefully lift the air conditioner out of the window, being careful not to damage the window frame or the air conditioner itself.
If you need to store the air conditioner for an extended period of time, make sure to cover it and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area.
If you are unsure about how to remove the air conditioner or are worried about damaging it, it is best to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek the help of a professional.

What is the penalty for illegal dumping of a window air conditioner in New York City?

Illegal dumping of air conditioners (or any other type of waste) is a crime in New York City and is subject to fines and penalties. According to the New York City Department of Sanitation, the penalty for illegal dumping is a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to one year in jail. In addition to these criminal penalties, the person or business responsible for the dumping may also be held civilly liable for the cost of cleaning up the waste and any damages caused by the dumping. If you witness illegal dumping in New York City, you can report it by calling 311 or by using the 311 mobile app.

DSNY CANNOT PICK UP AIR CONDITIONERS WITH R-32 REFRIGERANT

Welcome to NYC PIGEON AIR CONDITIONER HVAC Services

Why the New York City Department of Sanitation Cannot Pick Up Air Conditioners with R-32 Refrigerant

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is tasked with keeping the city clean by managing waste collection, recycling, and the disposal of appliances like air conditioners. However, residents often face confusion when trying to dispose of air conditioners containing R-32 refrigerant, a newer hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) used in modern cooling systems. Unlike appliances with older refrigerants, those with R-32 are not eligible for DSNY’s curbside pickup program. This restriction stems from environmental regulations, safety concerns, and logistical limitations. In this article, we’ll explore why DSNY cannot collect R-32 air conditioners and, in the second half, introduce NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner, a local company that offers a solution by picking up all air conditioners, including those with R-32 refrigerant, while providing contact details for easy access to their services.

Environmental Regulations and Refrigerant HandlingThe DSNY’s inability to collect air conditioners with R-32 refrigerant is primarily due to stringent environmental regulations enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local laws. Refrigerants are chemicals that facilitate cooling in air conditioners, but they can harm the environment if mishandled. Older refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like R-22, were phased out because they depleted the ozone layer and contributed to global warming. R-32, a newer HFC, is a more eco-friendly alternative with zero ozone depletion potential and a lower global warming potential (GWP) of 675 compared to R-410A’s 2,088. However, R-32 is still a greenhouse gas, and its release into the atmosphere must be prevented.Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the EPA mandates that refrigerants be recovered by certified technicians using specialized equipment to avoid venting. The DSNY’s refrigerant recovery program, which offers free curbside pickup for residential air conditioners, is designed to handle CFCs and certain HFCs like R-410A. Residents schedule an appointment, DSNY technicians remove the refrigerant, tag the unit, and collect it on recycling day. However, this program does not cover R-32 or R-600a (another flammable refrigerant) due to their unique chemical properties and handling requirements. Expanding the program to include R-32 would require significant updates to DSNY’s processes, which are not yet in place.

Safety Risks of R-32 RefrigerantR-32 is classified as an A2L refrigerant by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), meaning it is mildly flammable. Unlike R-410A, which is non-flammable (A1 rating), R-32 can pose a fire risk if exposed to an ignition source during recovery. This flammability necessitates specialized equipment and training for safe handling, which DSNY’s current program lacks. Air conditioners with R-32 often carry a yellow triangle with a black flame warning, alerting disposal teams to the hazard. If such units are placed curbside, DSNY tags them with a red sticker and leaves them uncollected, directing residents to contact the manufacturer or a private service.Worker and public safety is a priority for DSNY. Equipping sanitation teams to handle flammable refrigerants would require extensive retraining and investment in new recovery tools, a complex undertaking given the scale of NYC’s waste management operations. Until such changes are implemented, R-32 air conditioners remain outside the scope of DSNY’s program.

Logistical and Operational ChallengesThe DSNY’s refrigerant recovery program is tailored for residential appliances and focuses on commonly used refrigerants like CFCs and R-410A. The adoption of R-32, driven by the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to reduce high-GWP refrigerants, is relatively recent, with many manufacturers incorporating it into ductless mini-splits and window units starting in the mid-2020s. DSNY’s infrastructure has not yet adapted to this shift, as R-32 requires different recovery protocols.Additionally, the DSNY program is limited to residential addresses and nonprofit institutions, excluding commercial properties, which must use private waste services. Even for eligible households, oversized or commercial-grade units are not accepted, and only tagged appliances are collected. Incorporating R-32 recovery would involve coordination with manufacturers, who are responsible for refrigerant disposal under NYC Administrative Code Section 16-481, but many lack local programs, leaving residents to find private solutions.

Financial Burden on ResidentsDisposing of R-32 air conditioners often requires hiring private waste removal services, which can be expensive. Online discussions, such as those on Reddit’s r/AskNYC, highlight resident frustration, with some reporting costs of $150–$200 per unit. These fees reflect the need for EPA-certified technicians and specialized equipment to safely recover R-32. Unlike CFCs and R-410A, which DSNY handles at no cost, R-32 disposal is not subsidized, placing the financial responsibility on homeowners.

NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner: Your Trusted Solution for R-32 DisposalFor New York City residents facing challenges with R-32 air conditioner disposal, NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner offers a seamless, eco-friendly, and affordable solution. As a premier ductless mini-split installation and repair company based in NYC, we have expanded our expertise to include the safe pickup and disposal of all air conditioners, including those containing R-32 and R-600a refrigerants. Our mission is to bridge the gap left by DSNY’s limitations, ensuring that NYC residents can dispose of their air conditioners responsibly without breaking the bank.At NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner, we prioritize environmental compliance and customer convenience. Our team of EPA-certified technicians is trained to handle R-32 and other refrigerants using cutting-edge recovery equipment, ensuring no harmful emissions are released. We serve all five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—and offer flexible pickup options, including curbside and in-home services. Whether you’re disposing of a window unit, a ductless mini-split, or a commercial air conditioner, we make the process effortless: simply contact us to schedule a pickup, and our insured professionals will take care of everything.Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We partner with certified recycling facilities to reclaim R-32 and recycle air conditioner components, minimizing landfill waste and supporting NYC’s green initiatives. Our pricing is designed to be accessible, with disposal services starting at just $89—far more affordable than many competitors. For residents upgrading their cooling systems, we offer bundled services, combining disposal of old units with the installation of energy-efficient mini-splits, ensuring a smooth transition to modern, eco-friendly technology.Beyond disposal, NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner is your go-to source for ductless mini-split installation and repair. We specialize in top brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and LG, providing customized solutions for NYC’s diverse residential and commercial properties. Our expertise in R-32 systems positions us as leaders in the industry, ready to meet the needs of a city transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants. Whether you need a new system installed, routine maintenance, or emergency repairs, our team delivers exceptional service backed by years of experience.Don’t let an R-32 air conditioner become a disposal headache.

Contact NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner today to schedule your pickup and experience our commitment to quality, affordability, and environmental responsibility. You can reach us at:

Phone: 347 719 1499
Email: nycpigeonac@gmail.com
Website: https://nycpigeonairconditioner.com

Visit our website to get an instant quote or call us to speak with our friendly team. Join the growing number of NYC residents who trust NYC Pigeon Air Conditioner for all their air conditioning needs, from safe R-32 disposal to cutting-edge HVAC solutions. With us, you can stay cool, stay green, and support a local business dedicated to making New York City a cleaner, more sustainable place.