Using copper and aluminum for HVAC coils
HVAC coils are often made with copper and aluminum, two metals that efficiently transfer heat. Effective heat transfer and cost are important when choosing materials for HVAC coils.
Let’s start with some basics about heat transfer in coils. In most HVAC coils, tubes are responsible for 30% of the heat transfer and fins are responsible for the other 70%. That’s because the surface of the fins is larger than the surface of the tubes.
Now let’s talk about the main pros and cons of aluminum and copper.
Aluminum
Pros: Aluminum offers effective heat transfer at a lower cost than copper. Aluminum is more pliable than copper, so less aluminum is required.
Cons: Aluminum coils are difficult to repair and usually need to be replaced. Aluminum coils are also more difficult to clean and maintain.
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Copper
Pros: Copper coils are stronger, easier to maintain, and more reliable than aluminum coils. Copper has a better heat transfer rate and is easier to repair in the field if the coil is damaged.
Cons: The cost of copper continues to rise, and copper coils require more material than aluminum coils. Copper can corrode, although this can be prevented with the application of a coating.
To capitalize on the pros of each, we often sell HVAC coils that combine copper tubes with aluminum fins. Copper tubes offer the best heat transfer and aluminum fins offer good value.
HVAC coils aren’t limited to copper and aluminum. Sometimes steel or stainless steel is the best choice for tubes and fins. Steel or stainless steel tubes should be used when certain types of internal or external corrosion are an issue. Steel and stainless steel are both good options when the steam pressure is too high for copper.
Our coil specialists are happy to help you with your commercial HVAC coil questions. To learn more about lowering your heating and cooling costs with new or replacement coils, contact us at 1-855-Coil-Now or sales@emergentcoils.com today.