A heat pump swap leaves you with something heavy on the driveway: an old furnace, an air conditioner or both. Before anyone lifts them out, two rules matter more than where the metal ends up. Refrigerant has to be recovered properly, and the gas and electrical work needs the right permits. Then comes the question of where the old unit goes.
Refrigerant comes first
British Columbia's Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons Regulation says that unless the refrigerant in air conditioning or refrigeration equipment is recovered using approved devices or methods, the equipment cannot be disposed of except by delivery to a site or facility under an applicable program for removing those substances. Only an approved person may service air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, and an owner must not knowingly have it serviced by someone who is not approved.
In plain terms, a certified technician recovers the refrigerant before an AC unit or a heat pump leaves your property. Ask the installer to confirm this in your quote.
Permits for the heat pump job
Technical Safety BC says residential heat pumps are regulated equipment. In most cases you need an electrical permit and a licensed electrical contractor to install or upgrade one. If you are modifying or removing a natural gas furnace or boiler, you also need a gas permit. The agency also notes that some rebate programs, such as those from BC Hydro, FortisBC and CleanBC, can require permitted work by a licensed contractor.
Where the old furnace and AC unit can go
Many cities handle these through their large item programs or depots. Check the list for yours before the swap.
- Richmond Recycling Depot. The City lists gas and electric furnaces for free drop-off for residents. Built-in and portable air conditioners are listed under large appliances with refrigerants, and the City asks you to leave the refrigerant system intact. The depot is at 5555 Lynas Lane, phone 604-276-4010.
- Large item pickup. Coquitlam lists a furnace without ductwork. Surrey and Burnaby list air conditioners and hot water tanks. Surrey also lists an electric fan or heater. See our guide to large item pickup by city.
- Your installer. Ask whether the installer takes the old equipment.
- Scrap metal recyclers. Our metal recycling page covers how scrap metal moves.
Ductwork is not on the lists above. Ask your installer or a scrap yard what they take.
Where a bin fits
If the swap comes with other work, such as taking out old ducts, cabinets or flooring, a junk bin handles the general debris. The bin arrives, you load it, and we haul it away. A 20-yard is the common start, and we also have a 15-yard that is commonly sold out. Whether a furnace or AC unit can go in one of our bins is something to ask when you book, since it depends on the unit and the refrigerant. Our renovation debris page and appliances disposal guide cover more.
FAQ
Who can recover the refrigerant from an old AC unit? Under BC's regulation, an approved person must service air conditioning equipment. Ask your installer to confirm recovery.
Do I need a permit to swap to a heat pump? Technical Safety BC says in most cases you need an electrical permit and a licensed electrical contractor. A gas permit is needed if you modify or remove a natural gas furnace.
Does Richmond take old furnaces? Yes. The Richmond Recycling Depot lists gas and electric furnaces as accepted for free drop-off by residents.
Can I put an old furnace in a bin? Ask us when you book.