Which is better, copper or aluminum in AC?

The pros and cons of copper versus aluminum for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment are discussed in the article.

What is the best choice when it comes to copper versus aluminum coil?If I am a consumer, what are the options?Some manufacturers are transitioning from copper to aluminum for various reasons.

The Romans are thought to have discovered copper.The Romans mined copper on Cyprus.Tiberius, the Roman Emperor of the time, was asked what the silver metal was to by Pliny the Elder.

You need to be aware of the pros and cons of buying a system with aluminum or copper coil.Because of heat transfer rate, cost, pliability, and copper line sets being used to join split systems, copper was the main choice to make evaporators and condensers.

The price of copper has gone up a lot.Many manufacturers are starting to look at aluminum because the cost of aluminum is cheaper than copper, and aluminum has some of the same benefits as copper.

It is more efficient to transfer heat from copper to aluminum than it is from aluminum to copper.The principle of refrigeration applies to an air conditioner or heat pump.The definition of refrigeration is moving heat from one place to another where it doesn't matter.It's important to use materials that efficiently move or transfer heat.In this regard, copper is the winner.

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The ease of repairing the copper coils in the field is another pro for copper.If damaged, aluminum coils are hard to fix and often need to be replaced.

When aluminum is damaged, an entire coil change is required.

The copper coil and fins are subject to galvanic corrosion because they are aluminum.When two metals are pressed together, they will oxidize.Modern technology has made this con very minimal for aluminum.

It is possible for copper to be formicary.As long as the coils get regular maintenance, that is not a problem.

Modern technology has made thinner and thinner copper possible.The newer copper is more likely to leak because of the higher operating pressures and thinner copper.

A heavy-duty cabinet is used to protect the coil.It's more difficult to clean the coils without the cabinet being dismantled.

The perception that copper is more durable than aluminum will soon change as copper gets thinner and thinner because of the rising cost.

Since copper is expensive, it makes it a target for thieves.A contractor friend of mine just replaced air conditioner condensers and all the copper that thieves could get their hands on, for a church.Imagine the implications of hitting a church in the afterlife.That's right.It is necessary to secure copper to discourage theft.It is an added cost for the end consumer.

I have read that aluminum and copper suffer from the same issues.The problem with that argument is that manufacturers have always used aluminum fins over the copper tubing to increase the area for heat absorption and to channel the air more effectively across the coils.The UV Air Cleaner should be used by anyone with mold orbacteria problems.

The traditional coil, copper tubing with aluminum fins, has been in use for many years.Anything new on the market is subject to some apprehension because they are tried and true.Since they offer a good warranty for their product, aluminum can't be that bad for use in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment.

Refrigerator and freezer manufacturers have used aluminum coil for many years.Is your opinion based on the facts?You can leave your opinion in the comments.

There is a video about a repair to aluminum coils.That is in case of a leak in the coil.Not sure how this stuff would work for joining two different metals, but it's a plus for aluminum coils.

If you are buying a new heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, you can see our Buyers Advice Category.

The ultimate guide to creating a comfortable, healthy, long lasting, and efficient home is the Home Comfort Book.

After hearing about the possible side effects of aluminum coil, I decided to check out the comments in this thread.I never heard of fiberglass particles.Everyone has issues and it could be the cause.

The traditional copper was not enough to stop the leaks from springing.The copper was black.We realized that the well water was the problem.We did what we could with the water system, but the copper evaporators wouldn't last a full year.It has been good since we switched from copper to aluminum.Our water is still a slight issue, so I haven't noticed any smell of the air conditioning.