Inverter aircon and non-inverter aircon are the two top options for air conditioning systems. But what is the difference? What are the benefits of each system? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about inverter versus non-inverter aircon.
With the rising popularity of air-conditioners, there has been an increase in the number of people asking what are the differences between inverter and non-inverter aircons.
There are some tempting deals for air conditioning units during this time of the year. However, before you purchase a new air conditioner for your home or take advantage of any promotion, you should first decide whether you want to get an inverter or non-inverter aircon. This is important as the type of air conditioner you choose can make a huge difference in the amount of money that you pay for electricity bills.
Many people are not aware that there are differences between an inverter and a non-inverter air conditioner. One important thing to note is that most air conditioners come with a sticker that shows their power consumption but not all consumers know how to calculate the energy consumption. To help you find out more about inverter and non-inverter air conditioning units, here are some basic facts about them:
Inverter Aircon
Inverter air conditioners are the more modern air conditioners as compared to non-inverter air conditioners. This type of aircon is said to be more efficient and uses less energy than the non-inverter.
The inverter is a device that controls the speed of the compressor motor in an air conditioning system. The inverter is like cruise control in your car; it reduces or increases the speed depending on the temperature you set, hence making it more efficient than conventional aircon systems.
Conventional aircons constantly turn on and off when it reaches its set temperature, like for example when you set your normal aircon to 25 degrees Celsius and it reaches 25 degrees, the compressor will stop working and then start again if there is a need to cool down the room.
The constant on and off cycle makes the non-inverter AC inefficient. While inverter AC has its own control that constantly adjusts its speed to maintain the desired temperature while using less power.
Pros
Higher energy efficiency. Because they run at a constant speed rather than cycling on and off, inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient.
Lower repair costs. The simple design of inverter air conditioners reduces the number of parts that can break.
Lower noise level. Since they don’t have to ramp up and down, inverter air conditioners are quieter than non-inverter units.
Cons
Costlier initial investment. Inverter air conditioners cost more than non-inverters because of the complex compressor design and additional sensors that make them work.
Longer installation time. Installing an inverter air conditioner can take longer because there is more wiring involved.
Non Inverter aircon
Non-inverter units are designed to start and stop in order to maintain the desired room temperature. The result is a more “stop-and-go” method of cooling which can lead to higher energy consumption by forcing the unit to cycle on and off frequently.
Non-inverter aircon has a fixed capacity, but once the set temperature is reached, the compressor will switch off entirely. So when the outside temperature rises, your room becomes warm. When this happens, you can only turn on your aircon again by using the remote control.
Pros
- low cost to install
- easy to maintain.
Cons
Higher running costs than inverter systems because they have to switch on and off regularly to maintain temperature settings.
- High noise level.