What type of copper is used for air conditioning?

Choosing the best copper pipe for AC systems is one of the most important decisions for contractors, HVAC engineers and even homeowners investing in long-term efficiency. According to recent industry data, more than 90% of modern AC systems rely on copper tubing due to its superior thermal conductivity and durability. In this article of Asteria Copper Industries’s Blog, we will explain what type of copper is used for air conditioning. Also we compare different grades such as Type L, Type K, Type M and ACR refrigerant tubing and clarify why copper is used in air conditioners more than any other material.

Overview of Copper Tubing in AC

Copper has remained the dominant material in cooling systems mainly because of its thermal conductivity, long-term durability and corrosion resistance. These factors are also why many professionals consider copper pipe for AC, especially in residential and commercial HVAC installations. Understanding what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning helps both professionals and homeowners choose the right specifications for efficiency and safety.

Below are the key advantages of copper that justify why copper is used in air conditioners, repeated and demonstrated across industry standards:

• Compatibility with modern refrigerants
• Excellent heat transfer performance
• High resistance to internal pressure
• Long-term corrosion resistance
• Easy installation and soldering

Types of Copper Used for Air Conditioning

Different AC systems require different copper tubing grades depending on operating pressure, building type and installation environment. Understanding these categories helps readers determine What type of copper is used for air conditioning applications and improves decision-making for engineers and contractors. Before choosing the best copper pipe for AC, professionals must evaluate system pressure, building codes, refrigerant type and long-term durability expectations.

Type L Copper Tubing

Type L copper tubing is one of the most common choices in refrigeration systems. It offers medium wall thickness, making it a reliable option for homes where durability and safe pressure handling are required. It is widely used by technicians who frequently search for what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning and want an option that balances cost and longevity.

Features and Applications:

• Medium-thick walls suitable for moderate-to-high pressures
• Commonly used in residential AC installations

Type K Copper Tubing

Type K tubing is the thickest and most durable copper grade used in high-pressure and underground applications. For specialized cooling systems, some engineers consider it when evaluating what type of copper is used for air conditioning under more extreme conditions.

Features and Applications:

• Recommended for high-pressure, heavy-duty AC systems
• Thickest wall among copper tubing categories
• Suitable for commercial and industrial setups

Type M Copper Tubing

Type M tubing is thinner, more affordable and commonly used in low-pressure plumbing. However, it is rarely chosen as the best copper pipe for AC systems.

Why Type M Is Less Common in AC Systems:

• Its thinner walls are not ideal for refrigerant pressure
• Higher risk of leakage over long-term operation

Crucial Point: Unsuitable when evaluating what is better copper or plastic pipes, as both outperform Type M in AC applications.

ACR Copper Tubing (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

ACR copper tubing is the industry-standard and the most widely used option in refrigeration and HVAC installations. It is specifically manufactured for sealed environments that require refrigerant purity and therefore it is universally considered the best copper pipe for AC by HVAC professionals.

Features and Applications:

• Marked and manufactured specifically for air conditioning use
• Cleaned, dehydrated and sealed for refrigerant systems
• Highest compatibility with modern refrigerants

Comparison of Copper Types

Choosing the best copper pipe for AC requires understanding how each copper type differs in wall thickness, pressure rating, application and cost. This section also provides insights for anyone wondering what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning and why ACR tubing remains the industry favorite. To compare different types of cooper, read this table below:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Copper for AC

To determine what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning, professionals must evaluate several environmental and operational factors. These considerations ensure the chosen tubing aligns with safety expectations, refrigerant compatibility and long-term durability.

The most important Factors when choosing cooper for AC include:

• Refrigerant Type: Different refrigerants operate at varying pressures and chemical behaviors. Ensure the copper tubing is compatible with the refrigerant to avoid corrosion or performance issues.
• System Pressure: High-pressure systems require stronger tubing such as Type L or Type K. Low-pressure systems may offer more flexibility in copper selection, but durability still matters to get copper pipe for AC efficiency.
• Installation Conditions: Whether the piping runs outdoors, underground, or in corrosive environments impacts the thickness and grade required. This is a key factor for those wondering which is the best copper pipe for AC in diverse climates.
• Cost and Availability: Budget, regional supply and long-term operational savings all influence the final choice. Copper remains more cost-effective than replacing damaged lines, reinforcing why copper is used in air conditioners worldwide instead of plastic alternatives.

Installation Best Practices

Proper installation ensures the system performs safely and efficiently. Following these guidelines supports better refrigerant flow, protects system pressure and extends the lifespan of the best copper pipe for AC installations.

Here are some Practices for installation:

• Keep Tubes Clean and Capped: Always keep copper tubing sealed with protective caps until installation. This prevents dust, moisture, or contaminants from entering, which is critical when evaluating what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning.
• Use Contaminant-Free Tubing: ACR tubing is dehydrated and sealed specifically to avoid internal contamination, one of the reasons it is the leading choice for those asking What type of copper is used for air conditioning.
• Follow Brazing and Connection Standards: Proper brazing protects pressure integrity and prevents leakage. This ensures the system meets HVAC code requirements and reassures installers who often compare what is better copper or plastic pipes for long-term stability.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Copper, Power the Right Cooling

Selecting the best copper pipe for AC depends on knowing what type of copper tubing is used for air conditioning, understanding pressure demands and choosing materials that ensure long-term performance. ACR tubing remains the strongest recommendation for most AC systems and this reliability is exactly why copper is used in air conditioners across the world.

If you want to order copper tubing in any size; especially for air conditioner systems. So you can easily place your order through Asteria website on this same page. Simply call our listed numbers or click the orange “Send a Request” button at the bottom of the page and submit your information so our team can contact you.