Appliance Removal in Madison, AL

Appliances Are Heavy, Awkward and Regulated

Appliances are some of the heaviest things in a house, and some of the most awkward to move. A side-by-side refrigerator can fill a doorway. A front-load washer is weighted with concrete to keep it steady. A chest freezer in the garage can be more than one person can safely lift.

Several of them also come with rules. Refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant, and federal EPA rules require that refrigerant to be recovered before the appliance is scrapped. Madison's own trash guidelines say any item that used Freon must be drained, with the compressor removed, before it goes out, and that refrigerators and freezers with locking doors cannot be left at the curb.

Appliances Commonly Removed

• Cold storageRefrigerators, mini fridges, chest and upright freezers, wine coolers.
• LaundryWashers, dryers, stacked units and utility sinks.
• KitchenRanges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers and range hoods.
• UtilityWater heaters, dehumidifiers and window air conditioners.
• Small appliancesMicrowaves, which the curb service will not take, plus other countertop items.

Before the Appointment

Appliances should be disconnected from water, gas and power before removal. A licensed plumber or gas technician should handle anything beyond unplugging. Empty refrigerators and freezers of food, and leave washers drained if you can. If an appliance is still connected, mention it when you call so the visit can be planned around it.

What Appliance Removal Costs

The estimate depends on the type and number of appliances, their size and weight, and how far they need to be carried. A water heater in a basement utility room is a different job from a dryer already in the garage. Clearing several appliances at once, such as during a kitchen or laundry room upgrade, usually makes better use of the visit. Pricing is quoted per job: call for a free estimate, with no obligation.

Hire It Out or Use the Curb?

Madison's trash contractor accepts refrigerators, washers, dryers and water heaters at the curb on trash day, according to the city's guidelines, but with conditions: locking doors removed, refrigerant drained and compressors removed first. Most homeowners cannot do that last step themselves, and microwaves are refused outright.

Hiring makes sense when the appliance is still in the kitchen, laundry room or basement, when it contains refrigerant, or when several units need to leave at once.

Where Old Appliances Go

Appliances are mostly metal, and metal is valuable to recycle. Anything that can be recycled or donated is recycled or donated. Whatever cannot is taken to a proper disposal facility, so every item leaves responsibly. Working units in good condition may be suitable for donation; mention it on the call.

Kitchen Upgrades and Matching Sets

Appliance removal often comes as part of a bigger change. A kitchen remodel replaces the refrigerator, range, dishwasher and microwave at once. A new laundry pair arrives and the old washer and dryer need to go. A home sale prompts a buyer to request that an aging unit be removed. When several appliances leave together, the visit is planned as one job, and the cabinets, countertops and fixtures from a remodel can be included through renovation cleanup.

The Second Refrigerator in the Garage

Many Madison garages hold a second refrigerator or a chest freezer that has quietly stopped working, or that runs empty and adds to the power bill. These are among the most common single-item calls. Unplug the unit a day ahead, empty it, and leave the door ajar so it can dry out. Mention whether it still runs, since a working unit may be suitable for donation.

The Appointment

1. I

   Describe it

   Type, size, where it is and whether it is disconnected.

2. II

   Free estimate

   A number for the actual job, with no obligation.

3. III

   Carry-out

   Moved with care past floors, cabinets and doorframes.

4. IV

   Proper handling

   Recycled where possible, with refrigerant units routed for recovery.