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Is it normal to use aluminium tubing with external condenser units?
Posted On: April 10, 2023
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.
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