FAQ –
Which Condensers Are the Most Popular on the Market?

Which Condensers Are the Most Popular on the Market?

The condenser is one of the key components of any refrigeration system. Choosing the right type of condenser affects not only the system’s performance and production costs but also the operating costs of the equipment. It also impacts compliance with current legal regulations on energy efficiency and environmental protection.

The most commonly used types of condensers:

  1. Fin-and-tube condensers (copper-aluminium)

This is the most popular type of air-cooled condenser used in refrigeration units such as display cabinets, showcases, counters, cold rooms, and air-conditioning systems.

  • Structure: copper tubes + aluminium fins, galvanized steel casing, fan, fan blade, fan guard.
  • Advantages: good heat exchange efficiency, relatively low production cost, easy to service.
  • Standards: compliant with PN-EN 13215 (refrigeration condensers), supports achieving required COP and meeting energy efficiency regulations, e.g., Regulation 2019/2024.
  1. Microchannel condensers

Gaining popularity in refrigeration and air-conditioning units, especially where:

  • compact dimensions,
  • lower refrigerant charge (e.g., R290, R744),
  • high thermal efficiency are required.

Microchannel heat exchangers are typically made of aluminium, with copper connections and galvanized steel casing. Their compact design makes them ideal for small spaces and systems aiming to reduce refrigerant charge and energy consumption – fully aligning with the requirements of the ESPR Regulation (EU 2024/1781) and the F-Gas Directive.

  1. Non-finned condensers

Used mainly in small-capacity refrigeration units.

  • Structure: copper tubes, galvanized steel casing, fan.
  • Advantages: simple, low-maintenance design, does not require frequent servicing like other condenser types.

What should you consider when selecting a condenser?

  • Type of refrigerant (e.g., R290, CO₂)
  • Required capacity
  • Airflow
  • Operating conditions (ambient temperature, humidity)
  • Size and weight constraints
  • Compliance with current standards and regulations

At AiFO Components, we offer a wide range of condensers tailored to various refrigeration applications – both standard and specialized:

  • Finned-tube condensers (SK-SINGLE 5MM, SK-SINGLE 7MM, SK-DOUBLE 7MM) are available in both “SINGLE” and “DOUBLE” versions, meaning with one or two fans respectively. The double-fan version provides higher cooling capacity and increased airflow.
    At AiFO, we focus on modern heat exchanger design (5 mm tube diameter) – a smaller diameter means a lower refrigerant charge, while maintaining or even improving thermal performance compared to traditional exchangers with larger-diameter tubes.
  • Microchannel condensers (SK-SINGLE SH)
  • Finned-less condensers (SK-SINGLE WOF)

AiFO Components operates a modern production facility that enables us to design and manufacture condensers with various tube diameters – including 5 mm, 7 mm, and others. We also offer two- or three-circuit condensers, allowing integration into more complex refrigeration systems and achieving improved heat exchange efficiency.