Many of us look forward to summer breaks because summer season points to so many exciting activities. This season is a perfect opportunity for families to explore and create more memories together since they can participate in outdoor activities, family day trips, picnics, and even barbecues. For a group of friends, this is a great chance as well for them to strengthen their bond as a group. They could go swimming, mountain trekking, attend summer festivals, and do all sorts of fun things under the sun. We love summer, but do we also enjoy its hot weather?
The scorching heat of the sun can become nearly unbearable during summer in India. In times like this, what we want is something cool that will make us relax. Air Conditioners are best during the hot season. An air-conditioned room is undoubtedly more relaxing than the non-air-conditioned ones. You just turn on the AC, and you will have cold pleasant air. However, not all ACs are alike. ACs are mainly differentiated based on their coils. When purchasing an AC unit, you might get a little confused about the difference between an Aluminum AC and Copper AC. So, if you’re planning to buy an AC unit, make sure to familiarize yourself with the types of AC to decide which one you prefer buying – the Aluminum AC or the Copper AC.
Coils and Their Importance to Air Conditioners
What better way is there to show the difference between Aluminum AC and Copper AC than to list down the characteristics of both based on their coil type. But first, what are coils, and what are they for?
Most ACs are composed mainly of 4 components – a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporating coil. It is important to know these components to fully understand the function of coils. Here are they:
- Compressor
The AC compressor gets the gas pressurized and then converts it into a high-pressurized hot liquid.
- Condenser
Through the process of condensation, the high-pressurized hot liquid passes through condenser pipes where most of its heat is released into the outside air.
- Expansion Valve
The expansion valve is responsible for converting the high-pressurized liquid into a low-pressure liquid.
- Evaporating Coils
The low-pressured liquid then goes through the evaporation coil to absorb room heat. It then changes the liquid into gas form. This is the only process the happens in the ACs indoor unit. Meanwhile, all the other processes take place in the outdoor unit (in split ACs only).
So basically, it is the coils that transfer air from the inside to the outside.
Aluminum AC and Copper AC: Their Coil Difference
Aluminum Coil
- Durability and Strength
Aluminum coils are less durable than copper. Thus, they get damaged more easily. They are difficult to repair when damaged, that is why they must be kept in sturdy cabinets. Otherwise, the replacement of the unit is the only recourse possible.
- Heat Transfer
Having an excellent heat transfer is a fundamental characteristic of an AC. The key to having an effective heat transfer lies in the metal coil since heat transfer happens in the coils. For aluminum coils, its heat transfer characteristic is lower than that of copper coils.
- Pliability and Cost
The coil’s pliability refers to its bending quality. The bending ability of an aluminum coil is better than that of a copper coil. Hence, it can be easily bent into desired shapes. When a coil’s flexibility is good, the manufacturing cost becomes cheaper as well. That is why the aluminum coil is the preferred choice of AC manufacturers.
- Maintenance
Maintaining the coils in great shape is a big factor in the longevity of an AC. Aluminum coil is more prone to harsh weather conditions. Thus, they are kept in large and dense cabinets to protect them from being damaged. So, when an aluminum coil is clogged with dust and dirt, cleaning it is challenging to do.
- Corrosion
One cause of damage in ACs is corrosion. When the coil is damaged by corrosion, it results in leakage, and it can hinder the heat transfer process. Humid climates usually cause corrosion and when an AC is installed near salty bodies of water. Aluminum coil is more prone to corrosion because it is less durable, hence, making it very difficult to repair. When this happens, no amount of repair makes it function again.
Copper Coil
- Durability and Strength
Copper coils are more reliable and more durable than aluminum coils because copper is more robust than aluminum. When it’s damaged, it can easily be repaired and function well again.
- Heat Transfer
The copper coil in an AC is more efficient in terms of heat transfer than the aluminum coil.
- Pliability and Cost
Copper has lesser bending ability compared to aluminum. Hence, manufacturers need more metal for the coil. It takes three times more copper that will equal the shape and size of aluminum coils. It is for this reason that the manufacturing of an AC unit with copper coils becomes costlier.
- Maintenance
Copper coils are not easily affected by extreme climate. And, since they are more durable than aluminum, keeping them clean is not a problem. It is then easier to maintain, and so, its life-span is longer.
- Corrosion
Copper coils can also corrode, but they can be easily repaired. It need not be replaced when corroded because it can easily be cleaned and maintained.
Conclusion
Both aluminum and copper coil have their own strengths and weaknesses. By knowing and understanding their characteristics, you can now better decide for yourself which of these two types of AC really does it better: Aluminum AC or Copper AC?
