Almost all modern houses use air conditioning. Right? These coils play a key role in working those air conditions. Have you ever noticed that air conditioners using aluminum coils are less expensive than copper ones? Why is it so? This question ignites a debate about copper coil vs aluminum coil.
You’ll hear people saying, “Pay more, buy AC with copper coils”? The majority of people consider copper coils superior to aluminum ones. However, opposite thoughts are always – and things get confusing for someone new to these things. But worry not! This article will uncover all the differences between copper and aluminum coils. So, let’s get started!
Overview of Copper and Aluminum Coils
Copper coils consist of spiral turns of copper tubing. They are durable, corrosion-resistant, and known for high thermal conductivity. Conversely, aluminum coils consist of aluminum tubing. These coils are inexpensive but offer many downsides, such as low thermal conductivity and durability.
Let’s discuss the basics of coils and why they are essential. Coils are spiral loops made of aluminum, steel, and copper. They act as heat or energy exchangers. For example, they take heat outside the system and cool inside the environment in many devices. Their usage is common in refrigerators, Air conditioners, and car radiators.
Evaporative coils are used in air conditioners. These coils take heat outside and make the inside air very cool. You know, during the compression of gas, heat is produced. Coils effectively remove that heat in refrigerators and air conditioners. Copper and aluminum are two different materials used in making those coils.
Copper coils are very popular and have been in use for years. However, aluminum coils are not very popular but available at affordable prices. Both copper and aluminum coils have different types that serve different devices. Their usage in any device influences the cost. For example, devices using copper coils would be more pricey and vice versa.
What are the Differences Between Copper and Aluminum?
As I said above, copper and aluminum coils offer different values. This indicates that many differences influence their perception of the market. In the section below, I’ll discuss all the key differences between copper and aluminum coils. This will help you know which coil makes the device more reliable. So, let’s get cracking!
1- Thermal Conductivity (Heat Transfer Efficiency)
Thermal conductivity refers to the ability of an object to dissipate or transfer heat. This is one of the most crucial factors influencing the debate on copper vs. aluminum coils. Copper has higher thermal conductivity than aluminum. So, coils made with copper material will also have greater heat-transferring efficiency.
So, copper is considered superior when aggressive heat exchange is required. Conversely, the aluminum coils struggle due to their lower thermal conductivity. They are less suitable for heavy-duty devices such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Why? Because they require high heat-transferring efficiency.
Quick Highlight: Copper metal has higher electrical conductivity as well. The coils made of copper are also used in electrical wires and electronic appliances. However, the aluminum coils have very little electrical conductivity. Its usability is limited when it comes to electrical appliances.
2- Durability and Strength
Copper coils are very strong and durable. They don’t deform if you apply stress on them. Even if they remain under stress for an extended period, you won’t see cracks in them. On the other hand, aluminum itself is a very soft material.
Aluminum is very flexible and can deform if force is applied to it. Therefore, aluminum coils are very weak. Any sudden stress will produce cracks or, at the very least, deform them. Even extreme weather conditions can affect their integrity. Therefore, aluminum coils are only suitable for small devices used aggressively.
3- Corrosion Resistance
Copper metal is very reliable in terms of corrosion resistance. It forms a copper oxide layer known as patina. Are you confused about what patina is? It is a greenish film formed from copper reacting with oxygen. This patine protects the surface of copper from rusting even in the harshest conditions. So, the copper coils remain in good shape without getting rusty.
You might argue that aluminum material is also rust-resistant due to the formation of an aluminum oxide layer. Right? However, that aluminum oxide layer can protect aluminum from rust for a shorter period. Once this layer deteriorates, aluminum gets damaged by rust. Therefore, aluminum coils are less rust-resistant as compared to copper coils.
4- Flexibility & Weight
Some products or devices require lightweight and flexible coils. In such cases, aluminum coils win over copper coils. Aluminum is a soft material that can easily deform, allowing manufacturers to make different shapes. Coils made with aluminum are super lightweight.a
On the other hand, copper is heavier than aluminum. Moreover, it is more rigid and strong. It does not deform easily and can crack if you apply force. So, copper coils are both heavyweight and less flexible. Manufacturers that want products to be light use aluminum coils instead of copper.
Quick Highlight: Ease of maintenance is also an integral part of selecting coils. Copper coils are easy to maintain or repair. You can join copper coils through the soldering process. However, aluminum coils are less favorable for maintenance. In case of any issue, the aluminum coil will be replaced with a new one.
5- Cost & Applications
As you know, the cost of coils matters the most to most buyers. Right? Cheap coils are more appealing to those on a tight budget. Copper metal is rare and less recyclable. It offers many suitable characteristics, which makes it super popular. Its high demand in the market increases its price.
So, coils made with copper are expensive. On the other hand, aluminum is an abundant metal. Its extraction is more manageable and recyclable. This reduces the price of aluminum material. So, the coils made with aluminum are less pricey. However, such coils are compromised in many ways. Here is a table showing their uses:
| Copper Coils | Aluminum Coils |
| Used in high-end HVAC systems due to better heat conductivity | Used in budget-friendly HVAC systems for cost savings. |
| Preferred in premium models of refrigerators for efficiency and long life. | Common in compact refrigerators (budget friendly) |
| Ideal for heavy-duty cooling systems in factories and plants. | Used in small car cooling systems due to lightweight properties. |
| Used as heat exchangers in many heavy-duty machineries | Used in Ductless Mini-Split ACs due to lightweight |
Remember, both of these coils have almost similar usage. However, their performance varies during their work. For example, copper coils are ideal for heavy-duty machines. Their heat-transferring capacity is excellent. On the other hand, aluminum coils are suitable only for small devices. They won’t be effective if used in heavy-duty operations.
Which Coil is Better, Copper or Aluminium?
The answer to this question depends on personal needs and budget. However, I consider copper coils superior to aluminum coils. Copper offers better thermal conductivity and durability. Moreover, its exceptional corrosion resistance ensures the long-lasting properties of these coils.
However, copper coils are super expensive. As I said, copper is rare, and its demand is too high. The reason is that it offers many valuable properties, which increases its pricing. On the other hand, aluminum coils are inexpensive. Their usage on any device makes them less pricey overall.
Therefore, it comes down to personal choices and budget. Someone who prefers durability and performance should buy copper coils. Although they are expensive, they will work for years. On the other hand, someone with tight money should look for aluminum coils. For me, investing in copper coils will be a wise decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an aluminum coil preferred to a copper coil?
Some people consider aluminum coils more favorable than copper ones. Here are the main reasons:
- Aluminum coils are lightweight
- Their prices are very low compared to copper coils.
- They are more flexible and can be used to make complex coil shapes.
What cools faster, aluminum or copper?
Copper cools faster than aluminum due to its higher thermal conductivity. Copper material has a thermal conductivity of 400 W/mK, while aluminum stops around 230 W/mK. So, copper transfers heat more quickly and gets cooled faster.
Which coil is better for AC?
I consider copper coils the best option for ACs and refrigerators. They are durable, corrosion-resistant, and have higher thermal conductivity. They can dissipate heat quickly and produce cooling more effectively. Their higher prices are worth the investment due to their reliability.
Conclusion
Both copper and aluminum coils have their pros and cons. But I consider copper coils a superior option than aluminum. You get better performance, durability, and value with copper coils. Some people think the opposite, as aluminum coils are cost-effective. But you don’t get excellent longevity with aluminum coils.
However, their final selection comes down to individual choices. Coil is used in different air conditioners, refrigerators, and other heating and cooling systems. Before choosing anyone, I recommend analyzing your needs. It will help you select the coil that meets your requirements.
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