Differences between Aluminium and Copper

1) Heat transfer characteristics:

As the transfer of heat takes place in the coils, it's very important for the type of metal to have good heat transfer properties. Copper has a heat transfer coefficient higher than aluminum. That means, copper is a better heat exchanger than aluminum.

2) Cost and Pliability (how easily can you bend it):

Copper is more expensive than aluminum, which in turn increases the cost of making an air conditioner coil and thereby the overall price of the air conditioner. To reduce the unit cost of manufacturing Air Conditioners, aluminum has become the favorite choice of manufacturers.
Another factor to be considered is pliability. Aluminium as compared to copper, has a better ability to be bend into the shapes desired. Hence to make a coil of same size and shape, approximately three times more copper is required, making the process costlier.
However, to bring down the cost of AC with copper coils, thinner and thinner copper coils are being made now days.

3) Strength and reliability:

Copper is much easier to repair on field than aluminium. Many times, when aluminium coils are damaged they need replacement. The coils made out of copper are much more stronger than aluminium. Hence they are durable.

4) Ease of maintenance:

As the condenser coils are placed in the unit that is usually placed outside the house; it is exposed to harsh climates and dust and this needs regular cleaning for better functioning. Having said that, copper coils are easy to clean and maintain, as they are durable. While aluminium coils are not strong and so need to be kept in heavy-duty cabinet to protect them from damage. This makes them difficult to clean and maintain.

5) Corrosion:

Corrosion plays as very important role in determining the life of an Air Conditioner. Corrosion damages the coils that hampers the heat transfer process and also results in leakage. Hence it is very essential to protect the coils from corrosion. Corrosion damages are higher in humid climates and for people living near seacoasts and salty water bodies, as the moisture content in air is higher in such areas.
Due to these corrosion, a non-conducting layer is formed over the coils, which reduces its heat exchange capacity. Today many modern technologies have been developed to protect the coils against corrosion and thus increase the life of ACs.
For more helpful information on how to maintain a air conditioning system please visit faithheatingcooling.com.