GREE(SZ:000651) 36氪·2026-01-04 23:59Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing debate in the air conditioning industry regarding the use of aluminum instead of copper in key components, particularly heat exchangers, and the implications for performance and cost [5][12][31]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Major air conditioning brands, including Haier, Midea, and TCL, have formed an alliance to promote the use of aluminum in place of copper, while Gree has explicitly stated it will not adopt this practice due to concerns over quality and reliability [6][10][11]. - The shift to aluminum is driven by rising copper prices, which have surged to over $12,000 per ton, making copper increasingly expensive for manufacturers [38][59]. Group 2: Technical Considerations - The transition to aluminum involves replacing copper pipes in heat exchangers, which are critical for the cooling and heating functions of air conditioners [12][15]. - Aluminum has lower thermal conductivity (about 60% of copper's) and poorer corrosion resistance, which raises concerns about long-term reliability and performance [17][18]. - Innovations such as microchannel technology and specialized coatings are being developed to mitigate the disadvantages of aluminum [19][20][21]. Group 3: Economic Factors - The cost of copper constitutes approximately 30-40% of the total cost of air conditioning units, prompting manufacturers to seek alternatives like aluminum, which is significantly cheaper (1/12 the cost of copper) [36][62]. - The global demand for copper is increasing due to the expansion of AI data centers and electric vehicle production, further straining supply and driving prices up [47][52]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The article highlights that the trend of replacing copper with aluminum is not unique to China; it is a global phenomenon across various industries, including home appliances and electrical sectors [27][29]. - Companies are under pressure to adapt to market conditions, including potential tariffs on copper imports, which could further escalate costs [55][58]. Group 5: Consumer Concerns - Consumers are primarily concerned about whether the switch to aluminum will compromise the performance of air conditioning units, particularly in terms of cooling efficiency and reliability [64][65]. - The article suggests that manufacturers should consider passing on cost savings to consumers through lower prices or extended warranties to build trust in the new technology [65].