[BACK]
Is it normal to use aluminium tubing with external condenser units?

I'm a engineer by trade, and my A/C system just got started up for the first time since last spring here in AZ, noticed I wasn't getting cooling, went to check the external unit and the sound from the compressor was hollow and now it echoes.
I'm assuming this means it leaked.
looking around with a flashlight I noticed the lines connecting the to the house were Aluminum instead of copper, but the unit's piping is copper, and there's a crack in the "solder" knowing there's about a 33 percent coefficient of expansion difference between Al and Cu, how is this ok? was i ripped off at installation? Can i sue for this? it literally lasted just long enough to go out of warranty.
Question from user TheSov at hvacadvice at reddit.
Answer:
It is possible that the different coefficients of thermal expansion between aluminum and copper may have contributed to the crack in the solder.
However, it's also possible that the crack could have been caused by other factors such as vibration or improper installation.
Regarding the use of aluminum lines connecting to the house, aluminum is a common material used in A/C systems due to its low cost and corrosion resistance.
However, copper is generally considered a better choice for higher pressure and higher temperature applications.
Without knowing the specifics of your A/C system, it's difficult to say whether the use of aluminum lines was appropriate or not.
It's possible that the aluminum lines were used in conjunction with copper lines for cost savings or ease of installation.
However, it's also possible that the use of aluminum lines may have contributed to the crack in the solder.
If you suspect that the installation was faulty or not up to code, you may want to consult with a licensed HVAC professional to assess the situation and provide recommendations.
Additionally, if you believe that the installation was performed negligently or fraudulently, you may want to consult with a lawyer to explore your legal options.
Reasonable price and the workmanship was prompt and timely and the employees were great to deal with.
The sales process was friendly, informative, and very consultative. They worked hard to earn our business by taking a careful look around our home to assess our needs, providing a lot of information about the product, and answering all our questions and finding the right solution for our home at a competitive price. They prepared us very well for what to expect on installation day, and the installation went very smoothly - no surprises, all very professional! They gave us a call after installation to ensure we were happy with the work. We're very happy that we chose to work with TwinTech to get our new furnace.
Twintech promptly responded to request for quotation. They were thorough and helpful in explaining options. The quote was very competitive. Installation of new furnace was very professionally completed. Excellent work.
When our old oil furnace finally broke down we decided it was time to finally convert to natural gas and finally install central air conditioning at the same time. Knowing it was going to be a significant investment for us, we wanted to make the right choice. Twintech came highly recommended by a friend and we were not disappointed. From the first contact with the salesperson, until the final touches on the installation, we were so pleased with their service. Everyone from the company was so friendly, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Best of all, the cost was very competitive. We would certainly recommend Twintech to anyone requiring HVAC work in their home.
Mitch from Twintech came out for our annual furnace inspection. We found him to be friendly, conscientious & he left the work area clean. We were also very impressed with the thoroughness of the job he did. This is the 2nd job weve had Twintech do for us & have been very happy with the results for each. We highly recommend this company. Thank you, Mitch, Dave & Greg.
Work was done on schedule, professionally, according to quote and with minimal inconvenience to building users. Very happy with the end result. The only area for improvement from my experience - need more timely quoting process.
The team was great! Very knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful. A few days after install the unit didnt seem to be working, user error, but within minutes of contacting them..on a Saturday.. a tech was on the phone troubleshooting with us. I highly recommend Twintech for your cooling or heating needs. They stand by their products and a pleasure to deal with.
During the hottest week in the summer our old A/C decided to call it quits. I called Twintech Heating & Cooling after receiving a referral from a family member; came highly rated for being an honest, family-run business, who appreciates their customers. Dave was able to accommodate my hectic schedule and book a late evening appointment to walk through the specifics. Greg and Mitch arrived exactly on time a few days later, were very polite and friendly, and within a couple of hours had a new unit up and running. I also received a follow-up call to ensure we were happy with the Amana.
They were on time and very professional. I'm so glad I decided to go with Twintech, thanks!
Timely and appreciated - this was during the hottest days this year when our Air and Furnace way.
Efficient. Professional. No BS or overselling. What was promised, was delivered at a cost-effective price point.
Down to earth.
We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.
Right on time. Explained how to work the HRV in a different way so the house would not be so dry. Changed my whole house water filter for me as well. Friendly, helpful, caring service!
Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.
We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!
TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!
When it comes to keeping your Ajax home comfortable year-round, choosing the right HVAC system is crucial. One of the most efficient and versatile options available today is the heat pump. At Twintech Heating and Cooling, we believe a heat pump
Read MoreHeat pumps have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to heat and cool their homes efficiently. Thanks to advancements in technology, heat pumps now offer reliable performance across a variety of climates—from the sunn
Read MoreDirty ducts hold so much threat to your overall health and safety. Experts strongly suggest that you have your duct system inspected and cleaned to prevent allergens and contaminants from decreasing your home’s indoor air quality.Below, we recount
Read MoreFrequent furnace cleaning is essential for several reasons, ranging from efficiency to safety. Here are the key benefits of regular furnace maintenance: 1. Improves Efficiency A clean furnace operates more efficiently. Over time, dirt, du
Read More