Would a house built in 1979 have aluminum wiring?

A house built in 1979 most likely has copper branch wiring. The problem era for aluminum branch circuits ran from about 1965 to 1975; by the late 70s builders had moved back to copper for 15 and 20 amp circuits.

Aluminum service entrance cable and big feeders are another matter: normal then, normal now, and not a defect.

To check your own house, kill the power and look at exposed cable in the panel, attic, or basement: AL or ALUMINUM printed on the jacket, silver conductor color at terminations.

Peak-era homes, 1968 to 1973, deserve a professional inspection of the branch wiring; a 1979 build usually just needs the visual confirmation.

If you do find aluminum, the aluminum wire rating calculator shows what each circuit legitimately carries.