For over 120 years, Trane products have been known for their reliability, energy efficiency, money saving technologies, and quiet operation, and Trane's Spine Fin technology provides all of those things. The spine fin coil is superior to traditional plate fin coils for several reasons. Find out what the condenser fins do for your air conditioning and why choosing Trane's Spine Fin technology will benefit your air conditioner and your home comfort.
What Are Air Conditioner Fins?
There are two types of air conditioner fins: condenser fins and evaporator fins. Both work to allow air to flow smoothly through and out of the air conditioner.
Condenser fins
The condenser fins are located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system. The fins are thin metal slats that run behind the exterior of the unit and work to move heat away from the air conditioner while it's running.
Evaporator fins
Evaporator fins are located in the indoor evaporator unit. As the unit pulls heat from the air inside, the metal fins assist with the thermal energy exchange process. Air is blown across the evaporator fins where it is cooled and then sent through the ducts and into the home.
Plate Fin Versus Spine Fin
-4.png?width=225&name=Untitled%20design%20(1)-4.png)
When it comes to your condenser, a traditional plate fin is often used. Plate fin design relies on dissimilar metals and many joints that are prone to corrosion and leaks. That means your system will work less efficiently and cost you more money. To the right you can see a plate fin after a 1,000-hour salt spray test.On the other hand, Trane's exclusive Spine Fin™ outdoor coil is completely aluminum, making it more resistant to corrosion compared to a traditional copper/aluminum coil.
Spine Fin™ consists of thousands of tiny fins bonded to continuous aluminum refrigerant tubing (below). The tiny fins create a greater surface area, helping it to more efficiently transfer heat from your home. A study by Purdue University and the US Civil Engineering Laboratory even found that all aluminum spine fin coils maintained better efficiency over the life of the system when compared to other coils. Higher efficiencies equates to increased comfort and savings for you, the homeowner.
The coil is also made with 90 percent fewer brazed joints to prevent leaks, saving you money over the lifetime of your unit. Plus, whereas cleaning plate fin coils is difficult and not fully effective, cleaning spine fin coils is quick, easy, and beneficial. Not only this, but spine fin coils provide better dehumidification and greater comfort in your home.
ECI Comfort specializes in installing Trane systems. If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
