Air ConditioningAlignmentBatteriesBrakesCoolantOil & LubeShocks & StrutsAuto Care Tips Your vehicle’s air conditioning system allows you and your passengers to enjoy a comfortable and safe ride. It is responsible for cooling, heating, defrosting, filtering the air and controlling the humidity. There are three primary components to a vehicle’s air conditioning system – the compressor, condenser and evaporator. The compressor pump is attached to the engine via a belt which drives the vehicle’s refrigerant, in a gas form, to the condenser where it goes through a pressurizing process that will make it nearly ready to cool your car. The refrigerant eventually makes its way to the evaporator and this is where the most important step of cooling down your car happens.  The evaporator coil -- which helps water in the air to condense along with getting rid of pollen, dirt or any other elements that may be floating in the cabin -- is key to your air conditioning working to keep you cool or warm.

If the air coming through your vents isn’t as cold, or hot, as it used to be, those components are not working properly and it may be time to contact Belle Tire. We will check your vehicle’s entire air conditioning system to ensure it is functioning for you. Let us help keep you and your passengers as comfortable as possible when you hit the road. Find the location nearest you to set up an appointment today! ©2016 Belle Tire, Inc. 1000 Enterprise Drive, Allen Park, MI 48101 • 888-462-3553What you will learn with the Copper Versus Aluminum Coils - Condensers and Evaporators article:The transition from copper to aluminum for HVAC manufacturers.the pros and cons of copper versus aluminum for HVAC equipment.trying something new or keeping the status quo?a video debunking the “aluminum is difficult to repair” myth.Plenty of resources and in-depth related links to help you learn Conductivity of Copper Versus Aluminum Coils | Copper Versus Aluminum Coils - Condensers and Evaporators

Copper Versus Aluminum Coils - Condensers and Evaporators - Some manufacturers are starting to transition from copper coils to aluminum coils for both condensers and evaporator coils for various reasons.When making a decision to purchase a new system you need to inform yourself about the pros and cons of purchasing a system with aluminum coils or copper coils. Traditionally, copper was the chief choice to use to manufacture evaporator coils and condenser coils because of heat transfer rate, cost, pliability (easy to bend and swage), and because copper line sets are used to join split systems. The cost of copper has skyrocketed and that was a game changer. Many manufacturers have started looking at aluminum because the cost of aluminum is cheaper than copper and aluminum has some of the same benefits of the above-mentioned properties that copper has.Related Link: Our refrigeration category covers comprehensive information about HVAC refrigeration. (opens in a new window)Copper has approximately twice the conductivity of heat transfer of aluminum and therefore is more efficient at transferring heat.

An air conditioner or heat pump works on the principle of refrigeration. what size ac unit do i need for a 1200 sq ft houseThe classic definition of refrigeration is moving heat from one place where it is not wanted to another place where it doesn’t matter. air conditioning units for domestic useThat means it is important to use materials that efficiently move or transfer heat. troubleshooting steps for ac unitIn this regard, copper wins. Another pro for copper is the ease of repairing the copper coils in the field if they become damaged. Aluminum coils, if damaged, are very difficult to repair and often times need to be replaced.Related Link: HVACR Pipe Soldering Brazing – Refrigeration Systems (opens in a new window)

Copper has a better heat transfer rate than aluminumCopper is easily repaired in the field when damaged whereas aluminum, when damaged, typically requires an entire coil changeBecause copper is used for the line set and fins are aluminum, where the copper joins the aluminum, it is subject to galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion happens when two dissimilar metals are joined. Modern technology and advancements in joining dissimilar metals have made this con very minimal for aluminum.Copper is subject to formicary corrosion. This is a not a problem as long as the coils are given proper and regular maintenance.Modern technology and the price of copper has made manufacturers use thinner and thinner copper. The new refrigerant replacing the old HCFCs operate at higher pressures therefore, the newer copper is more likely to spring a leak because of the thinner copper and the higher operating pressures.The traditional perception is that copper is more durable than aluminum but again that will soon change as the copper gets thinner and thinner because of the rising cost.

Since copper is very expensive it makes it a target for thieves. A contractor friend of mine just replaced some air conditioner condensers and all the copper the thieves could get their hands on, for a church. Now its bad enough they hit a church (imagine the implications of that in the afterlife…..LOL) but it is now necessary to secure copper including condensing units to discourage theft. That is an added cost for the end consumer.Condensing unit with copper coil & aluminum finsI have read that as much as copper suffers from formicary corrosion aluminum suffers from bacteria and mold issues. The problem with that argument is that manufacturers have always used aluminum fins over the copper tubing to increase the area for heat absorption and to channel the air more effectively across the coils. Besides that anyone with mold or bacteria problems need to use a UV Air Cleaner inside their ducts.Related Link: UV Air Cleaner - article about Indoor Air Quality (opens in a new window)Copper Versus Aluminum Coils - Condensers and Evaporators |

Traditional CoilsThe traditional coils, copper tubing with aluminum fins have been used for years and years in condensers and for evaporator coils. These coils are tried and true so anything new on the market is subject to some apprehension. Trane has been using aluminum for years and years and they offer a good warranty for their product so aluminum can’t be that bad for use in HVAC equipment. Additionally, refrigerator and freezer manufacturers have used aluminum coils for many years for the coils in their products. What is your opinion based on the facts? Leave your opinion in the comments below.As for me, I give my vote to tradition and stick with copper.Related Link: If you are purchasing new HVAC equipment you can see our Buyers Advice Category (opens in a new window)Here is a video of a repair to aluminum coils in case of a puncture or leak in the coils. Not sure how this stuff would work for joining two dissimilar metals together such as copper and aluminum but this is a plus for aluminum coils.