What is An Inverter Air Conditioner And Why Choose One?

With the advancement of technologies, there are numerous fancy or technical words that become associated with today’s machinery. It is only natural, if you are not aware of the terms, such as “Inverter Air Conditioners”. It is probably because inverter technology is still a brand new development in the air conditioner industry.

When it comes to choosing an AC for your home, you want it to be the very best and of the latest technology. Inverter technology has become the go-to choice for homeowners, as it has been endorsed to be the optimum choice for your home with solid reasons.

However, it may often leave you wondering “What is an inverter AC?” and “How do they make a difference from the technologies that came before?”. In this article, we will be looking at the insights about inverter technologies, its benefits, as well as why it is the choice you should opt for!

What is an Inverter Air Conditioner?

Currently, there are two types of air conditioners available in the market: Non-Inverter and Inverter. These two types differ in the design of their compressor motor. Inverter air conditioners make use of microprocessors to regulate the speed of their compressor motor in order to match the required output. When the desired temperature is achieved, the inverter air conditioner reduces the speed of its motor to save energy and maintain the desired temperature. Thus, making inverter AC the right choice for your home!

If we look at the operations between non-inverter and inverter air conditioners, it is in their compressor motor. A non-inverter aircon typically has a fixed-speed compressor motor that operates on an "all or nothing" principle. Additionally, it is not energy efficient and quite noisy as well whenever it runs. In contrast, an inverter aircon has a variable-speed compressor motor that can adjust its pace to match the required output, eliminating the need to turn on and off frequently– producing a cozy temperature without making any noises.

How does an Inverter AC Work?

Source: Air Conditioning Systems

If you're familiar with cruise control in your car, you can easily understand how inverter technology works. When driving on a highway or freeway, you might use the cruise control to maintain a constant speed. The system uses electronic controls to adjust the throttle, ensuring you don't go too fast or slow depending on the incline or decline of the road. Similarly, inverter technology in air conditioners enables them to maintain a steady speed and output, leading to power efficiency and optimal performance. Much like cruise control, inverter technology is fuel-efficient, resulting in cost savings over time.

Let’s look at the key advantages of inverter ACs:

• Uses less power than traditional (Non-Inverter) ACs, making it energy efficient.

• Prevents voltage fluctuations and ensures a stable power supply.

• Maintains a consistent room temperature for maximum comfort.

• Provides efficient cooling, even in large spaces.

• Safer for residential wiring due to less power consumption.

• Environmentally friendly due to its energy-saving technology.

• Inverter technology enables efficient control of the motor speed, reducing wasted operation in air conditioners.

The advantages of opting for inverter AC is quite impressive and necessary for a comfortable living. We have provided a table below showing the key-differences between traditional and an inverter AC, for better analysis:

Benefits of Using an Inverter Air Conditioner

01. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Inverter AC technology can help save up to 44% of energy consumption, ultimately reflecting on lower energy bills. Furthermore, inverters can also reduce CO2 emissions by 49%, making them both an eco-friendly and a cost-effective option.

02. Quieter operation

The inverter air conditioner runs at a low speed compared to non-inverter AC, resulting in a quieter operation. The compressor also operates more quietly, producing less noise inside your room or living space. You can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable night's sleep without any disturbance.

03. Better temperature control and comfort

Inverter ACs use advanced technology that rapidly cools the room to your desired temperature. Once the desired temperature is reached, the technology maintains a consistent and comfortable temperature without sudden fluctuations. This feature ensures that you experience a subtle and comfortable temperature in your room, avoiding sudden temperature changes.

04. Longer lifespan and less maintenance

Modern inverter AC units have a longer lifespan of up to 15-20 years. The continuous operation of the motor reduces the strain on the compressor, preventing excessive wear and tear of the components. As a result, inverter air conditioners require less maintenance and can last longer than traditional (non-inverter) AC units.

Factors to consider when choosing an inverter air conditioner

As summer approaches, many homeowners consider installing an AC to escape the uncomfortable heat. However, before making a purchase, it's essential to do market research and opt for the right AC unit that meets your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we've outlined several critical factors to consider when buying an inverter AC:

01. Size and capacity

When buying an inverter AC, you must buy the appropriate size according to your space. A smaller unit will stress the unit to keep your room cold, ultimately resulting in wear and tear. Bigger sized AC will consume more energy than necessary. 

02. Brand and model

Opting for a notable or renowned brand is necessary, as it will promise you reliability, guarantee, and performance. As a customer, get served the right way by choosing the best brand for your inverter AC.

04. Installation and maintenance

Proper installation of your AC unit is crucial to ensure its optimal cooling performance. Therefore, it's highly recommended to leave it to the professionals. Even if your AC unit seems to run smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is necessary to prevent potential issues down the line. Avoiding maintenance could lead to significant problems, impacting the unit's performance and lifespan.

Let’s Wrap it Up, and Get Cozy!

As a homeowner, investing in household items like an air conditioner is a long-term investment. Air conditioners have become an essential item for a comfortable living environment. While non-inverter air conditioner units may be slightly less expensive compared to inverter air conditioner units, they are less reliable and require more frequent maintenance, which is more expensive.

Inverter units are an innovation in the air conditioning game. Inverters regulate the speed of the compressor, eliminating frequent on-off cycles, this results in higher efficiency and longer lifespan. Although the upfront cost may be higher compared to traditional ACs, the higher expense is balanced by energy savings, making inverter AC units the preferred choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. Which type of AC is best for your home?

Compared to traditional AC, an inverter AC provides superior and more consistent cooling. Additionally, it is quieter and more energy-efficient than its non-inverter counterpart.

02. What are the pros and cons of inverter AC?

Inverter AC aims to maintain a consistent temperature in a room rather than just cooling it, resulting in less energy waste from the compressor frequently turning on and off. While the initial cost of a non-inverter air conditioner is lower and budget-friendly, inverter air conditioners have a higher upfront cost.

03. Does the inverter AC need a compressor?

Inverter ACs can modify their cooling or heating output by regulating the power supply frequency of their compressors. It adjusts the compressor's speed to manage the flow rate of refrigerant gas, which reduces its energy consumption and electrical current usage.

04. What capacity of AC is best suited for large families?

If you have a spacious home and are not overly concerned about electricity costs, it would be advisable to opt for a 1.5 ton air conditioner instead of a 1 ton AC.