When buying a new air conditioner, most people usually look for cooling capacity, energy efficiency rating, filter and many other features. But, one feature that mostly goes unnoticed is the type of condenser of the AC. In case you don’t know, it’s important to know that modern ACs have three different types of condensers – copper, aluminum, and alloy. the most common of them are copper and aluminum. Also, it is important to understand that ACs both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of price, long term durability, cooling effectiveness, repairability, etc. So, which one should you like? Here we’re comparing both condensers to find out which one is the better option for you.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Pricing
There is not much difference in the price of AC with aluminum and AC with copper condenser. Some ACs with copper condensers may cost a bit less. However, the type of condenser coil does not play a significant role in condenser pricing. we talked to some officials chroma and Reliance Digital retail store in NCR and he said the difference between copper and aluminum condenser AC can be around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, the latter is cheaper. This also varies from brand to brand.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condenser: Weight
The aluminum condenser is about half the weight of the copper condenser. The weight, of course, also depends on the thickness of the condenser.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Durability
This is a major factor when choosing between a copper and aluminum condenser. Oxidation is a common process in AC as condensers are always exposed to air which results in rusting.
Both copper and aluminum condensers are prone to corrosion which compromises their cooling capacity. Corrosion occurs in copper condensers, but at a relatively slow rate compared to aluminum. Aluminum is more reactive to air and also rapidly corrosive. But, once the initial oxide layer is formed, it starts acting as a protective layer for the coil and prevents it from rusting in the future. Whereas copper condensers keep on deteriorating slowly.
It is also important to note here that with the advent of new technologies, AC brands have managed to slow down the rate of corrosion in aluminum condensers by spraying anti-corrosion spray.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Efficiency
A major advantage of copper compared to aluminum is that it has a lower specific heat. Copper can heat and cool faster than aluminum. In real-world use, copper condensers can offer faster cooling than AC aluminum. This is where features like Turbo Cool, Power Cool etc come in.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Maintenance
Copper condenser is relatively easy to maintain as compared to aluminum condenser. In fact copper condensers are also much stronger than aluminum, thanks to the metal’s high tensile strength. Aluminum condensers, on the other hand, are harder to maintain and prone to damage easily. This can be a nightmare for those living in harsh weather conditions.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Repair Efficiency
Like maintenance, copper condensers can be easily repaired on site. Whereas, with aluminum condensers, most of the solution is replacement or it can only be repaired at a service center, which may take some time for the AC to start working again.
Copper vs. Aluminum Condensers: Energy Ratings
The long-term energy rating is also a factor to consider when choosing a condenser. Copper condensers are more durable and generally more energy efficient than aluminum condensers. For example, a 5-star rating for aluminum condenser ACs will drop to about 1-star in just 2-3 years, while copper condenser ACs will drop to 3-star in the same time frame.
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