The condenser coils of your AC unit are what remove heat and moisture from your property before it is transferred outdoors and expelled. As such, the materials your AC system uses for its coils matter…a lot.
Traditionally manufacturers have relied on copper for condensing coils. But recently there has been a move by some manufacturers in the industry to shift over to aluminum.
Which is better?
Copper has a heat transfer coefficient that is significantly higher than that of aluminum. What does this mean? It means that copper is substantially better at exchanging heat. It is durable, easy to repair, and superiorly efficient. However, there are a few downsides of copper. It is not resistant to corrosion like aluminum, and is significantly more costly, often translating to a higher upfront price for consumers.
Why Are Some Manufacturers Making the Switch?
The price of copper has skyrocketed in recent years, incentivizing some AC manufacturers to look at alternatives in order to protect their bottom line, often at the price of energy efficiency and performance for consumers. This is especially true of lower-end models and ‘off brands’.