The weight of copper pipe in an air conditioner varies greatly with size and length, from under a pound for small units to several pounds for larger systems, depending on diameters (like 1/4″ to 1 1/8″) and wall thicknesses (e.g., 0.031″ to 0.07″), with smaller diameters reducing weight significantly while maintaining efficiency, using standard sizes like 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1 1/8″ for refrigerant lines.
Factors Influencing Copper Pipe Weight
- System Size: Larger tonnage AC units use more and longer tubing, increasing total weight.
- Pipe Diameter: Common sizes for liquid/suction lines are 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1-1/8″, and 2-1/8″.
- Wall Thickness: Thicker walls (like Type L for higher pressure) add weight but increase pressure rating and durability.
- Length: The total distance between the indoor and outdoor units (often 3m to 15m or more for split systems) directly impacts total pipe weight.
Typical Weights for Common Sizes (Approximate)
- 1/4 inch (6.35mm): Very light, ~0.08 lbs/ft (~0.12 kg/m).
- 1/2 inch (12.7mm): Around 0.18 lbs/ft (~0.27 kg/m).
- 3/4 inch (19.05mm): Approximately 0.305 lbs/ft (~0.45 kg/m).
- 1-1/8 inch (28.58mm): About 0.655 lbs/ft (~0.98 kg/m).
How to Estimate Total Weight
- Identify Pipe Sizes: Determine the required liquid line (smaller) and suction line (larger) diameters.
- Find Length: Measure the distance for each line (e.g., 10 feet for liquid, 10 feet for suction).
- Use a Weight Chart: Find the weight per foot/meter for each specific size and multiply by its length.
- Add Compressor Copper: Factor in the copper within the compressor (1-5 lbs).
Example: For a typical residential split AC, you might use 1/4″ and 3/8″ lines. If each is 10 feet long, the pipes alone might weigh less than a pound, but the total system (including compressor) will be several pounds of copper.
