Copper vs Aluminium AC condensers: How the two compare, the advantages and disadvantages of both – Times of India

While buying a new Air Conditioner, most people usually look for cooling capacity, energy efficiency ratings, filtres and several other features. But, one feature that mostly goes unnoticed is the type of condenser the AC has. If you are not aware, then it is important to know that modern ACs feature three different types of condensers — copper, aluminium and Alloy. The most common among them are Copper and Aluminium. Also, it is important to understand that both have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of AC price, long term durability, cooling effectiveness, repairability, etc. So, which one should you prefer? Here we are comparing both the condensers to find out which one is a better choice for you.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Pricing
There’s not much difference between the pricing of ACs with aluminium and those with copper condensers. Some ACs with copper condensers may be priced slightly lower. However, the type of condenser coil plays no important role in condenser pricing. We spoke to some executives at Croma and Reliance Digital retail stores in NCR and they said that there may be a difference of around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 between copper and aluminium condenser ACs, the latter being cheaper. This too varies from brand to brand.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Weight
Aluminium condensers are almost half the weight of the copper condensers. The weight, of course, also depends upon the thickness of the condenser.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Durability
This is one major factor to consider while choosing between the copper and aluminium condensers. Oxidation is a common process in ACs as the condensers are always in contact with air which results in corrosion.
Both copper and aluminium condensers are prone to corrosion which compromises their cooling capacity. In copper condensers, corrosion occurs, but at a relatively slower rate compared to aluminium. Aluminium is more reactive to air and also corrodes faster. But, once the initial oxide layer is formed, it starts acting as a protective layer for the coil and prevents it from future corroding. While copper condensers continue to slowly corrode.
It is also important to note here that with the advent of new technologies, AC brands have managed to slow down the corrosion speed in aluminium condensers by spraying anti-corrosion sprays.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Efficiency
Copper has one major advantage over aluminium is it’s low specific heat. Copper can heat up and cools faster than aluminium. In real world usage, copper condenser ACs can offer faster cooling compared to aluminium. That’s where features like Turbo cool, Power cool, etc come in.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Maintenance
Maintaining copper condensers is relatively easier compared to aluminium condensers. In fact copper condensers are also much stronger than aluminium, thanks to the high tensile strength of the metal. Aluminium condensers, on the other hand, are hard to maintain and are also prone to get easily damaged. It can be a nightmare for those living in harsh weather conditions.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Repairability
Just like maintenance, the copper condensers can be easily repaired on-site. While, with aluminium condensers, mostly the solution is replacement or it can only be repaired at a service centre which can take a while before the AC can start working again.
Copper vs Aluminium condenser: Energy rating
Long term energy rating is also among a factor to consider while choosing condensers. Copper condensers are more durable and are generally more energy efficient than aluminium condensers. For instance, a 5-star rating for aluminium condenser AC will drop to around 1-star in just 2-3 years, while the copper condenser ACs will hold to 3-star in the same time frame.