Using silver solder for joining heating elements on copper pipes can be costly, prompting the search for more economical alternatives. Tin-copper solder, commonly used in electronics, offers a lower-cost solution with a melting point around 200°C, while the now-banned tin-lead solder was previously favored for its effectiveness. Clean surfaces and appropriate flux are crucial for successful soldering. For applications requiring lower temperatures (up to 150°C), mechanical connections with thermal paste can be effective, provided surfaces are well-matched and securely pressed. Standard 95/5 plumbing solder is suitable for lower pressure and temperature applications, while silver solder remains necessary for high-pressure refrigerants like R-410a due to its superior performance. Despite the high costs, the need for reliable connections in high-temperature environments continues to drive the use of silver solder.
