With the unpredictable change in temperature around the world recently, there has been an increase in the amount of Air Conditioners installed in residential and commercial buildings. This has also led to an increase in the demand for copper. Why? Because copper lines are the best material types for air conditioners.
While there are several materials that are used for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, copper tends to stand out as the material that is used in the design of most of the parts of an AC system. If you observe an AC closely, or you ever open it up to check out the inner part of it, you will realize that the copper material dominates.
Benefits of Copper
Copper has been in use for years. It is durable, does not require too many materials combination to be formed, finds uses in numerous applications, and resists corrosion. Another outstanding feature of copper that makes it a preferred material for HVAC systems is that it works well with refrigerants.
A refrigerant is a very popular part of an HVAC system. It is a liquid chemical that helps to transfer hot and cold air through the air conditioner. Copper pipes safely transport this chemical through an HVAC system. Since the HVAC copper tubing is constantly in touch with the refrigerants, they are at a higher risk of getting corroded. However, because copper resists corrosion easily, they rarely get corroded while completing their task. This is one of the core reasons why HVAC specialists choose copper materials for AC systems.
High-efficiency heating
Another important property of copper pipe for AC is that it has high thermal conductivity. Air conditioners need high-efficiency heat transfer to make them as energy efficient as possible. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and can withstand large changes in temperature without expanding or contracting. Therefore, using this material in AC systems is reliable.
Malleability
Copper is also a very malleable material. AC pipes require frequent bends and turn at different positions during their installation. Therefore an AC copper line is suitable for this assignment as it can be easily bent without breaking.
Cost-effectiveness
Copper pipes are made with fewer materials that maintain their durability and reliability. When you use this material, it is less expensive and more efficient. Also, copper is infinitely recyclable making it a good alternative to materials like plastic.
Durability
One of the things that cause pipes to start leaking is when they react with the chemicals they are constantly in touch with. Copper does not react with other chemicals. Therefore, while transporting chemicals in the AC system, the AC copper lines are safe and will therefore last for a longer time.
How to Maintain Copper Pipes in AC Systems
Despite being very durable, you can further increase the lifespan of a copper pipe by intentionally maintaining it. Here are some maintenance practices for HVAC copper tubing;
· Regular cleaning of the AC:
This will prevent dust and dirt particles from sticking to the pipes and from being carried into the copper tubes during the cooling process. Thereby, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of the copper pipes.
· Avoid frosting:
The copper pipes that are connected to the outdoor unit air conditioner should be checked regularly to ensure that the protective film is still intact. Once this protective film is damaged, it can lead to frosting of the pipes.
· Replace the copper pipes when it is time:
After a while, you will inadvertently need to replace the copper pipes. Your copper pipes need to be changed when you are either replacing the air conditioning system, installing a new system, or upgrading the system. It is never a good idea to reuse old copper pipes after upgrading the existing pipes. Again, when your copper pipes are leaking, it is advisable to change them. You can tell a leaking pipe when you start seeing regular oil stains along the pathway of the pipe.
Tips for Changing an AC Copper Line
When replacing your copper pipe, you need to ensure that the length and diameter of the new copper line fit the opening of the air conditioning system.
In conclusion, Air conditioning is here to stay both in our homes and in our office places. To make it more convenient and sustainable, it should be installed with the most suitable materials to prevent incurring extra costs subsequently. Copper pipes are the most effective materials for HVAC systems, so they are highly recommended for use in AC systems.
