Blue Fin is the least expensive of all these technologies. Hence, it is widely available in budget ACs. Gold Fin is available in top-end AC brands. LG ACs use Ocean Black Protection technology, whereas Samsung uses DuraFin technology.
AC condenser coils are exposed to natural elements like sunshine, dust, industrial and vehicular pollution, rain, ozone, etc.
The humidity and dust contaminants corrode the AC condenser coils and cause them to rust. Thus, it affects the AC coil’s functioning, leading to refrigerant leakage and damage to the appliance.
Replacing an AC condenser coil can be expensive. Therefore, AC manufacturers use various technologies to protect the AC condenser coils from these elements.
Though the fundamental technology is the same, different brands use different names to describe it. This article discusses the various technologies used by reputed AC manufacturers.
Why do condenser coils in ACs require protection?
Before we discuss the different condenser coil protection technologies, let us understand why the coils require protection.
The air has moisture, especially in the monsoon months. Besides, the coastal areas have a high ozone level in the air. People living near industries contend with industrial pollution, whereas those living in crowded cities must deal with vehicular emissions. These contaminants form a non-conducting layer over the AC condenser coils to affect the appliance’s heat exchange capacity.
Secondly, the AC condenser coils are delicate and bend easily. There is not much space at the bends. The formation of an additional layer over the coils restricts the airflow, making the AC compressor work harder. It increases the strain on the AC and reduces its lifespan. Besides, it affects energy consumption and increases repairs and maintenance costs.
Therefore, protecting the AC condenser coils gains significance.
Blue Fin Technology
Blue Fin technology uses a hydrophilic aluminum coating over AC condensers’ aluminum or copper coils. The epoxy coating, also known as Blue Fin, allows the condensed water to spread across the fins. Thus, it discourages the formation of water droplets and improves heat exchange. Therefore, it speeds the cooling and prevents the condensed water from obstructing the airflow.
Since this technology does not allow water droplet accumulation on the coils, it prevents the coils from corrosion and rust formation. Hence, it improves the coil’s lifespan and enhances the AC’s performance.
Pros of Blue Fin technology
- Blue fin-coated condensers repel water droplets, not allowing salt and rainwater to accumulate on the condenser coils. Besides, it keeps the dust and grime away.
- It enhances heat transfer and improves the overall cooling performance of the AC.
- Bluefin technology helps in energy conservation.
- Bluefin technology is less expensive than comparable technologies like Gold Fin or Ocean Black protection.
- Bluefin technology is available in budgeted air conditioners.
Cons of Blue Fin technology
- Since the bluefin is an additional coating, it can hamper condensation.
- Bluefin coating can interfere with the heat transfer rate. Hence, it does not enhance the AC’s efficiency.
- Bluefin technology is not available in high-end AC models.
Brands that use Blue Fin Technology
Prominent AC brands like Godrej, Blue Star, Panasonic, and Electrolux use Blue Fin technology. Daikin uses a similar technology by combining an acrylic resin coat and a hydrophilic film.
While Panasonic uses the same technology, it names it Shield Blu Anti-corrosion technology. Carrier also uses a similar anti-corrosive epoxy coating on their AC products.
Bluefin technology benefits people living in coastal areas because it does not allow ozone accumulation over the coils.
Gold Fin Technology
Gold Fin technology is similar to Blue Fin, but the condenser coils have gold nano-coating. It acts as a shield between the external factors and the coils to protect them from the harsh effects of climate, rust, and corrosion. In addition, the gold fin layer acts as a protective barrier and protects the coils from the effects of water droplets, atmospheric salts, acids, and other industrial contaminants.
This technology is expensive because it uses gold nano-coating instead of epoxy. Some top AC brands like IFB use titanium oxide instead of gold nano-coating on their condenser coils. It makes the appliance more conducive to heat transfer.
The best aspect of gold fin technology is that it does not impede natural conductivity. Hence, it enhances heat absorption and quickly helps the refrigerant achieve low temperatures.
Pros of Gold Fin technology
- Gold Fin technology speeds up the defrosting process.
- The gold nano-coating is thinner than the blue fin epoxy coating. As a result, it is more powerful and 100% eco-friendly.
- Gold fin technology can work beautifully in humid climatic conditions, especially in the monsoon season.
- This technology enhances the condenser’s lifespan.
- Gold fin technology lowers energy consumption and the AC’s running cost.
Cons of Gold Fin technology
- Gold fin technology is more expensive than blue fin technology.
- These fins are not readily available.
- Budget ACs do not have Gold Fin technology.
Brands that use Gold Fin technology
The top-end ACs from IFB and LG use Gold Fin technology. Unfortunately, this technology is not available in budget AC models.
Ocean Black Protection
LG ACs used Gold Fin technology initially. However, LG has improvised with technology to offer a new technology named Ocean Black Protection. LG has patented this technology and offers it in its latest models.
Ocean Black technology is similar to Blue fin and Gold fin technologies because it constitutes a protective coating over the appliance’s metal components and protects them from corrosion and rust.
Ocean Black Protection uses a hydrophilic film layer to ensure water does not accumulate on the heat exchanger. Therefore, it prevents water buildup and protects expensive AC components from corrosion.
LG uses this technology to paint all AC metal components, including valve supporters, the base pan, fan motor brackets, and the outer panels.
Pros of Ocean Black Protection
- Ocean Black Protection eliminates rust formation and corrosion to reduce maintenance costs.
- While Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology does not enhance the AC’s performance, Ocean Black Protection does so and improves the appliance’s lifespan.
- This technology is superior to Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology. In addition, the salt spray test has confirmed that ACs with Ocean Black Protection are 50% to 90% more durable than other ACs.
- Ocean Black Protection has ISO certification.
Cons of Ocean Black Protection
- LG has patented this technology. Hence, this technology is not available on other AC brands.
DuraFin Technology
To ensure long-lasting protection, Samsung offers a unique condenser coil protection technology, DuraFin technology. Like Ocean Black Protection, DuraFin technology offers a double-layer protection comprising a hydrophilic layer over the anti-corrosive layer to protect the AC condenser coils.
DuraFin technology passes the Salt Spray test like the Ocean Black Protection technology. Therefore, people living in coastal areas can benefit from purchasing Samsung ACs equipped with DuraFin technology.
Pros of DuraFin technology
- Like Ocean Black Protection technology, DuraFin technology provides resistance to corrosion and enhances heat transfer efficiency.
- This technology reduces friction to improve airflow.
- The DuraFin components are comparatively thicker than other AC components.
Cons of DuraFin technology
- Samsung has patented DuraFin technology. So it is not available in any other AC brand.
We have discussed four prominent condenser coil protection technologies. Almost all AC brands use one of the two technologies, Blue Fin and Gold Fin.