AC Compressor Scrap Singapore

Why AC Compressors Pay Well for Scrap

Every air-conditioning compressor — whether split-unit residential, VRV/VRF commercial, or chiller-sized — carries significant copper motor windings wrapped inside a sealed steel dome. Depending on size, a single compressor holds 1–6 kg of recoverable copper plus the steel shell. For AC servicing and HVAC contractors clearing out decommissioned units, stockpiling compressors and selling them as a batch is the cleanest way to capture that copper value — especially when Singapore copper scrap is benchmarked daily off the London Metal Exchange.

Molten Steel is a licensed scrap metal dealer buying AC compressor scrap across Singapore. We take compressors whole (sealed) — no cutting required on your end — and handle the shell processing in-yard. Refrigerant is the seller’s responsibility before offload.

Typical Singapore Pricing for AC Compressor Scrap

Prices below are April 2026 indicative rates; firm quote requires weight and approximate quantity. Check current scrap metal prices in Singapore for today’s benchmark.

• Small residential compressors (under 15 kg) — approx. $1.20 to $1.60 per kg whole.
• Commercial / VRV compressors (15–40 kg) — approx. $1.50 to $2.00 per kg whole.
• Large chiller compressors (over 40 kg) — approx. $1.80 to $2.40 per kg; graded on copper yield.
• Stripped copper windings — $7.50 to $9.00/kg depending on cleanliness.
• Bulk volumes (50+ units) — contractor rate, quoted on-site.

Compressors with obvious oil leakage, severe rust-through, or physical damage are still bought but graded lower. Aluminium-coil condenser bodies sold alongside compressors are priced under our aluminium scrap Singapore rates.

How We Grade AC Compressor Scrap

Three factors drive compressor pricing at our yard:

• Size class — the bigger the dome, the higher the copper-to-steel ratio, and the higher the per-kg rate.
• Type — scroll, rotary, reciprocating, and screw compressors price differently. Scroll units from modern VRV systems tend to have cleaner copper.
• Condition — sealed dome intact, no oil leaks visible, terminals present. Heavily rusted or crushed compressors are discounted.
• Refrigerant status — compressors must be evacuated of refrigerant before we accept them. Units arriving still charged are refused or rescheduled.
• Batch size — a pallet of 20+ units from a servicing company unlocks our contractor rate.

Preparation Tips for AC Compressor Sellers

• Reclaim refrigerant first — R22, R410A, R32 must be recovered by a licensed HVAC technician. Never cut or vent compressors to atmosphere. This is an NEA requirement.
• Cut the copper suction and discharge pipes flush with the dome — loose copper pigtails are separately buyable as clean copper.
• Keep residential splits separate from commercial VRV units — they grade into different size classes.
• Stack on pallets if you have more than 20 units, with the largest on the bottom. Saves loading time.
• Label any compressor that is aluminium-shelled (rare) — it grades under aluminium rates.
• Flag any obviously oil-flooded compressors so we can weigh on the pickup truck, not your premises.

Who Sells AC Compressor Scrap to Us

• Air-con servicing companies rotating out failed split units from customer replacements.
• HVAC & M&E contractors on commercial chiller replacement or VRV upgrade projects.
• Building management & facilities teams clearing plantroom equipment during renovation.
• Hotel, retail, and office renovations removing legacy HVAC systems.
• Demolition contractors stripping AC plant before teardown.
• Industrial refrigeration firms replacing cold-room or process-cooling compressors.

Compressor loads are often combined with industrial scrap metal pickups — copper piping, ducting, aluminium fin-coil, and steel frames. We route those through our metal scrap collection in Singapore team so it’s a single invoice and a single pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you buy AC compressors with refrigerant still inside?

No — refrigerant must be reclaimed by a licensed HVAC technician before we accept compressors. This is an NEA environmental requirement. If you’re unsure, have your aircon servicing partner evacuate the unit first.

How much copper is inside a typical AC compressor?

A residential 1 HP (around 10 kg) compressor carries roughly 1–1.5 kg of copper windings. A 5 HP commercial unit (around 30 kg) holds 3–5 kg. The bigger the compressor, the higher the copper yield proportionally.

Can you collect from my worksite or servicing van depot?

Yes — we pick up from any Singapore location. Free pickup applies to loads of 200 kg or more. For servicing companies with regular turnover, we can schedule weekly or monthly collection runs.

Do I need to strip the compressor before selling?

No — we buy whole sealed compressors. Stripping copper out of a sealed dome requires specialist tools and isn’t practical for most sellers. Bring them whole, refrigerant already reclaimed.