Air conditioner aluminium coil vs copper coil. Which one is effective

Air conditioner aluminium coil vs copper coil. Which one is effective

In Air conditioner, coils are used to convert gas refrigerant to liquid refrigerant and vice versa, which is used to further cool the room. However, copper coil or aluminium coil does the same job, but there are certain difference in their heat transmission capability, durability and resistant to corrosion. Here we are presenting our review on which is best among the copper and aluminium coils. Try our Air Conditioner selector to choose right air conditioner by answering simple questions without reading any buying guide.

How copper and aluminium differs….
Cost
Cost is the first thing to consider while choosing among the copper and aluminum coils. Copper is better than aluminum among all the aspect, although some manufacturers are still using aluminum. Why? Only thing is the cost. Copper much expensive than aluminum. That’s why manufacturers using aluminum coils to drop the air conditioner price so that luxurious air conditioners can be made available to more people at low or moderate price.

Pliability (The quality of being easily bent) of copper is much less than aluminium. It means bending, molding copper coils is much harder than aluminium coil. Hence, to make same size and shape, it takes approximately three times cheaper than aluminium.
Heat transfer
Copper is a better heat exchange than aluminium coils means copper coil can cool the room much faster, efficiently than aluminium coil. This makes air conditioner much more electricity saving one.

Corrision
Corrosion damages the coils and causes refrigerant gas leaking and makes it brick. That's why, it is necessary to save coil from corrosion.

Copper coil subjected to formicary corrosion (happens in the presence of oxygen, water and organic acid). Although, corrosion on copper coils can be avoided by proper maintenance and cleaning on a regular basis. Although, in the worst case, corrosion damages the copper coil, it is economical to repair and use again.

Aluminium coils are subjected to galvanic corrosion (happens due to, two metal contacts in the presence of electrolyte liquid). Corrosion occurs at where aluminium coil joins with copper tube (tube used to connect the indoor and outdoor unit with split AC) and causes the refrigerant leaking. The worst thing about the aluminium coil is once it damaged, it’s very hard to repair, in most of the cases have to replace with a new one.


Copper coil
Aluminium coilCost
Expensive
Economical
Heat transfer rate
High
Low
Corrosion
Formicary corrosion,can be avoided, by regular cleaning
Galvanic corrosion, Hard to avoid, it’s hard to clean due to covering metal cabinet
Durability
Stronger and durable
Less stronger and less durable
Can be repairable
Yes, easily
No, in most the case to replace with new coil.
Coil strength
Copper is much stronger than aluminium and the best thing is in case copper coil damage, it is easy and economical to repair, whereas with aluminium coils this is not the case. In most of the cases have to new aluminum coil on damage. However, some of the companies manufacturing thin copper coils to cost cut. This causes high pressure refrigerant to leakage and makes less durable.



Maintenance
Generally, coils are fitted in a condenser, which is mounted outside the home and have to face harshly and hot weather conditions and needs regular cleaning for better performance, functioning. Copper coils are strong enough to prone weather conditions. Whereas, aluminium coils are weaker and have to keep in strong, covered cabinet, this makes maintaining, cleaning aluminum coils much difficult processes.