Categories
- AC Filters
- AC Repair
- Air Conditioner Maintenance
- Air Conditioner Repair
- Air Conditioners
- Air Conditioning Services
- Air Quality
- Cleaning Tips
- Cooling
- Duct System
- Ducted Air Conditioner
- Ductless Air Conditioner
- Emergency Repairs
- Energy Costs
- Expert Help
- Fans
- FAQ
- Filters
- Fireplaces
- Fun
- Furnace Installations
- Furnace Repairs
- Furnaces
- Gas Fireplaces
- Gas Line
- Gas Line Installations
- Heat Pumps
- Heating
- Heating and Cooling
- Heating Contractors
- heating system
- Heating Technicians
- Humidity
- HVAC
- HVAC Contractors
- HVAC experts
- HVAC Noises
- HVAC professionals
- HVAC Repairs
- HVAC Service
- Insulation
- Maintenance
- Natural Gas
- Pestibulum molestieenean
- Saving Money
- Water
- Water Heaters
- Work
[BACK]
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.
[BACK]
See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Jan 1, 2015
My old furnace had finally broken down for the last time when contacted twintech to have a new furnace installed They were prompt, knowledgeable and very reasonably priced. They did such a great job i tell all my friends and family about this company.
Jan 1, 2015
To whom it may concern, I recently had TwinTech (Greg and Grant Dainty) replace my furnace and service both my gas fireplaces and air conditioning unit. They were professional, courteous and very fair in their pricing. I would gladly recommend TwinTech to anyone needing work done. I can be contacted at 905-626-XXXX.
Jan 1, 2015
My Fiancé and I have relied on Twintech Heating and Cooling now for the better part of the last 10 years. In that time, Greg has installed a furnace, an air conditioner, and a heat-pump at our residence in Toronto. In each instance Greg and his team were a pleasure to deal with. They were courteous and professional throughout the whole process and the quality of their work is first rate. Our experiences have always been extremely positive and we have referred his services numerous times to our friends and family. Without hesitation, I would recommend Greg and TwinTech Heating and Cooling to anyone looking to service or replace their existing heat/AC equipment