There are three primary coils used in air conditioners – the gold fin, the blue-fin, and the micro-channel condenser type of coils. The coil type used is in your air conditioner is very important to how well your air conditioner works. It can get confusing when these words are used, so it is essential you know what they mean to understand the product you are getting. All those coil names are a reflection of the anti-corrosive efficacy and cooling capacity of the coils.
Blue-Fin Condenser Coils
This coil has a coat that makes it anti-corrosive, giving it more efficacy and increasing the lifespan of the air conditioner. The coating protects the coil from being affected by harsh climates such as humidity and moisture. The advantages of purchasing an air conditioner with blue-fin condenser coils are as follows.
- Enhanced durability
- Allows for increased cooling capacity and heat transfer of the air conditioner
- The coating protects the coils from salt accumulation, water droplets, and acid deposition
- Especially helpful for people located in coastal areas and locations with high humidity
- The technology in the blue-fin keeps grime and dust from adhering to coils
- Aids in energy conservation of the air conditioner
- Reduces the emission of greenhouse gasses from the air conditioner
Gold Fin Coated Condenser Coil
In this design, the coils are made up of copper and aluminum. It helps with the transfer of heat and refrigeration of the coil, thereby enhancing the AC’s performance. The use of two metals makes it more likely for galvanic corrosion to occur. The manufacturers combat this issue by the use of a coat that is golden and hydrophilic. The advantages of purchasing an air conditioner with blue fin coated condenser coils are below.
- More efficient than blue fin coated condenser coils
- Accelerates defrosting and improves heating efficiency
- More excellent protection is given to coils
- Especially useful for people located in coastal areas
- 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Provided protection from salt, acid and water accumulation
Hydrophilic Blue-fin Condenser Coils
The durability of an air conditioner is dependent on how quickly the coils undergo corrosion during the transfer of heat. Corrosion results in leakage inside coils and a reduction of the refrigerant ability of the air conditioner. The air conditioners located in coastal areas are at increased risk of coil corrosion due to the air in coastal regions, which contains ozone and salts. Cleaning your coils regularly can prevent some damage. But this is not an easy task.
Aluminum coils are encased in heavy cabinets for protection. In these types of coils, aluminum coils are fused to copper tubes. The result is galvanic corrosion due to mixing two different coil types. Coating aluminum coils with a gold coat with hydrophilic properties can help avoid galvanic erosion. Here are its advantages.
- No accumulation of water on the fin surface
- 3x more durable than aluminum
- Better technology for enhancement of lifespan of coils and prevention of corrosion in comparison to blue fin coils
Micro-channel Condensers
What is a Micro-channel condenser?
This technology was first introduced by Samsung Air conditioners, especially for use in coastal locations. It was named Multi-jet technology in the Samsung brand. They are aluminum coils with flat parallel tubes attached. The tubes serve as multi micro-channels for refrigerant flows.
Micro-channel condensers are composed of:
- Flat microchannel tubes
- Fins between the tubes
- Double refrigerant manifolds with aluminum-zinc alloy in a furnace that is nitrogen-charged to form a complete microchannel condenser.
Advantages include:
Enhanced Thermal Performance
- Angled and louvered fins are inserted between the tubes maximizing heat transfer
- Advanced technology with good reviews
- Improves the air conditioner’s thermal performance
- Makes coils more resistant to corrosion
- A metallurgical bond between fin and tubes helps surface contact and the overall heat transfer process of coils
- Reduced refrigerant charge
- Micro-channel coil technology reduces 75% of refrigerant charge
- Eco-friendly refrigeration system solution
- Reduces ozone depletion and global warming
Corrosion Protection
- Best solutions for coastal locations
- The coils are the same in micro-channels, there is reduced risk of galvanic corrosion
- Reduced leakage and enhanced durability
- Better durability than gold or blue fin coils
- The joints are manually brazed, providing reduced chances of leakage to coils
- Flat tubes act as fin guards to protect fins from being damaged
Better Service and Easier Repair
- The coils are easier to clean than other types of coils
- More robust compared to fin and tube condenser coils
- Repair is more feasible by the two-part epoxy process, in field
- Allows for a temporary fix of coil
- Reduced thickness of coil makes for easier removal of dirt and debris
- Enhanced durability means it can undergo pressure washing using broad spray patterns
- Leakages can be repaired more easily
For more information on Micro-channel coils, read here. If you plan to buy an AC unit, you can check our detailed AC buying guide here.
Conclusion
There are advantages and disadvantages to the different coil types. Before you settle on one, ask questions, especially about the performance of the coil type in your geographical location. Air conditioners are expensive. It is recommended that you search for the one that will suit you best, fulfill your needs, and not cause huge holes in your pockets. Sites such as Best Air Conditioners 2021 will give you an idea of good brands and specifications before you make your purchase.
