In order to understand what is an inverter AC, we need to first get acquainted with what an AC is.
What Is An AC?
An AC or air conditioner is a device electronically manufactured to mitigate heat in an enclosed area of space by distributing fresh, cool air. It is not uncommon to find air conditioners in many homes and offices.
Heat usually occurs during summers and dry climates and they can make us ridiculously uncomfortable. An air conditioner is a perfect solution for evicting heat from rooms and cooling the sweltering temperature.
There exist various types of air conditioners and each one functions similarly to the other with some unique features and attributes separating them.
What Is an Inverter AC?
An inverter is a device that functions by switching its current from AC to DC (or vice versa). Many have described the inverter AC technology as being the latest evolution of technology in relation to the electromotors of their compressors.
An inverter is a component used to manage the speed of the air conditioner’s compressor motor. This helps to continuously regulate its temperature.
These DC inverter units come with a variable-frequency drive that is composed of an adjustable electrical inverter. This electrical inverter controls the electromotor’s speed; basically, the heating and cooling output.
The drive is responsible for converting the incoming electrical current (AC) into DC. Then via a modulation within an electrical inverter, a current of the desired frequency is produced.
A microcontroller can easily sample each ambient air temperature and accordingly change the compressor speed. Compared to regular ACs, inverter air conditioners have increased efficiency.
Their components also have an extended lifespan while the usual sharp fluctuations in the load are eradicated. Thus, the inverter air conditioner functions more quietly with lower operating costs and much less malfunction.
Although an inverter air conditioner might be more expensive than its regular AC counterpart, however, it balances out by costing much less energy when operational. This means you get to spend lower electricity bills for running an inverter ac.
Difference between Inverter and Non-Inverter Air Conditioner
In terms of ACs, an inverter helps manage the power supply frequency of the compressor motor. This allows the unit to better control the heating and cooling capacity of the air conditioner.
The inverter AC comes with what is referred to as a variable-speed compressor. This component helps control the temperature such that only the right volume of cooling and heating is distributed as needed.
On the other hand, a non-inverter AC has a fixed compressor. This type of compressor works on an “all or none” basis. Simply put, it turns on and off when required.
The Noise from an Inverter AC compared to a Non-Inverter AC
Because the non-inverter AC has to go off and on repeatedly to keep up with the room temperature, it’s prone to deliver a noisy operation. Consequently, it works much harder because of the way it operates.
The inverter AC on the other hand comes with a tailored compressor unit that won’t switch off and on in the same way the non-inverter AC does. As a result of this, the inverter AC is a lot quieter when operating.
Rather, it works continuously at a moderate temperature for most of the time. A non-inverter air conditioner has to be considered a less efficient unit when operational. The process of going on and off creates so much noise than its inverter counterpart.
Inverter and Non-Inverter AC Mode of Operation
An inverter AC functions by regulating the speed of the compressor. This controls the flow of the refrigerant to harmonize the conditioned room space temperature as required. While the unit is turned on, the compressor inside of it operates at full speed constantly without necessarily stopping and restarting intermittently. This allows the unit to precisely cool or heat power as required.
As for the non-inverter AC, the unit delivers a fixed amount of power depending on the room temperature. This means the compressor has to switch off as soon as the required room temperature is achieved. Then it starts up again when the room temperature goes up.
Energy Efficiency
Perhaps the most evident difference between the inverter and the non-inverter AC is their style of function at room temperature. The cooling and heating process in an inverter AC is automated. This is because the sensor within the unit switches the power supply according to the room temperature thus, automatically dropping its electricity consumption.
This makes it a more energy-efficient unit that the non-inverter variants. The non-inverter air conditioner switches on and off at any point to ensure that the temperature stays within a particular threshold limit near the room temperature. This consumes a lot of power and thus, makes it less eco-friendly.
The Cost of an Inverter and a Non-Inverter AC
Because of the energy-efficient, quiet, and smoother operating function of the inverter AC, it is reasonably more expensive. These inverter AC units contain the latest technology compared to their non-inverter neighbors. This places the inverter models on a more higher-priced level than the regular non-inverter ACs.
Although the non-inverter air conditioner might be cheaper than the inverter AC, the costs that come with installing the unit, when added to the price of the air conditioner, will probably be more than the amount you’d get an inverter AC.
Benefits of an Inverter AC
Inverter technology is no doubt the latest trend in the electromotor of compressors. These inverter components are efficient in regulating the compressor motor’s speed. This keeps the temperature well-adjusted so the unit can function better.
The most striking feature of an inverter AC has to be its ability to control its compressor motor speed. When the speed is regulated, the unit can easily maintain the temperature without needing to switch off its motor.
Because of this, the inverter air conditioning models are way more energy-efficient than their regular AC brethren.
Main Advantages of Inverter AC
- It requires much less power to operate
- There are no voltage fluctuations
- Room temperature is kept constantly cool
- Cooling is more effective
- Completely safe for residential wiring because of its low power consumption
- Ideal for either small or large spaces
- Eco-friendly
An inverter AC delivers variable compressor speed. The inbuilt sensor within the unit helps regulate the power in line with the room temperature. This results in lower electricity consumption as well as higher energy efficiency.
In comparison to non-inverter ACs, inverter air conditioners have special fluctuation detection capabilities. They also have auto-adjusting features that affect the overall compressor speed.
This state-of-the-heart mechanism ensures the unit not only saves energy but is also highly environmentally friendly.
Energy-efficient
The inverter technology is praised as the best solution in terms of economic and energy-saving operations. There’s a good reason for this. An air conditioner fitted with an inverter helps the unit’s heating and cooling systems to become automated. This helps its operations save more power and operate more seamlessly compared to the older technology where the unit would have to consume a lot of electricity to attain the same level of efficiency.
Cost-effective
As a result of the operational system of the invert AC, its compressor doesn’t need to work at full capacity. Thus, it saves you from incurring astronomical electricity costs. This ensures it is a more efficient device for cooling rooms than the non-inverter ACs whose operations can mean your pocket has to take several hits on electricity billing.
Better Cooling
An air conditioning unit without an inbuilt inverter is unable to regulate the level of cooling. Thus, it will be difficult for it to cool an enclosed area rapidly when required. However, an AC with a preinstalled inverter system can easily ramp up the compressor at a higher speed. This helps cool the entire enclosed area faster as required.
Quiet Operation
One of the most attractive features of the inverter AC is its ability to work pretty silently. Because the unit functions at a very low speed, it delivers a quieter operation. However, apart from their low compressor noise, split inverter air conditioners produce much less noise in the room as well.
Sound Sleep
We all need a good night’s sleep after a tough day’s work. An inverter AC allows you to have pleasurable night rests with its operational mode. The unit ensures the temperature of the room is steadily maintained based on your parameter or setting. This means you do not have to wake up at intervals to keep adjusting the cooling device.
Disadvantages of Inverter Air Conditioner
As attractive as the inverter AC features look, it also comes with a bit of downside. One of these disadvantages is its high price. Many find this to be the biggest turnoff for purchasing an invert air conditioner. The inverter compressor is a futuristic component with a complex design. This unfortunately makes its manufacturing costs high thereby affecting its retail value.
Even if you could afford to purchase an inverter AC, you should also be prepared to pay for a comparatively higher repair and maintenance cost than the non-inverter types.
Also, if the temperature outside the room is too hot – let’s say a bit nearer to 46°C – the cooling effect of the unit might decrease.
These drawbacks are actually less significant when compared to the excellent advantages that have been discussed earlier.
Below are some of the most amazing inverter ACs which we believe you’ll be interested in purchasing.
Top Picks: Most Popular Royal Inverter Air Conditioners
Royal Signature 2HP Inverter AC (BV18RSA-INV)
Royal Signature 2HP Inverter AC (BV18RSA-INV) has been manufactured to deliver cooling like never before. This high-end split air conditioner comes loaded with R32 environmentally-friendly gas. It delivers a stronger and more powerful performance than regular ACs. The premium Royal air conditioner features a dynamic 4-way air flow system that distributes cooling sufficiently round the room.
Royal 2HP Split Inverter AC (FV18RSAB-INV)
Along with its inverter compressor, the Royal 2HP Split Inverter AC (FV18RSAB-INV) is highly energy-efficient. It comes preloaded with R410 gas and features a sleep mode features to regulate the temperature and make it just right when you fall asleep. It also has a low-voltage startup system that keeps the appliance running even under a low current.
Royal 1.5HP Split Inverter AC (MR12RSAN)
Acquire the Royal 1.5HP Split Inverter AC (MR12RSAN) and experience your room instantly being enveloped by a blanket of frosty coolness. The air conditioner comes with pure copper condensers that ensures the unit operates optimally. It features rapid cooling in a short time and also comes with a low-voltage startup function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inverter AC
Which is better between the inverter AC and the non-inverter AC?
It is important to understand that the inverter AC is built for lesser electricity consumption. Although it costs a little higher in terms of maintenance, it is excellent when used for all sizes of rooms, including small bedrooms and even large event halls. The bottom line here is you can go for the expensive inverter AC and save costs on electricity bills.
Is an inverter AC good for the home?
Absolutely. Getting an inverter AC at home is one of the best things you can do. Not only does it save you on electricity costs, but it also delivers optimum performance with an efficient cooling distribution in much less time. Although it may be a bit on the high side when purchased initially, however, that extra cost can be fully recovered in just a few months of usage thanks to its lower running cost.
Does the Inverter AC really save on electricity bills?
Yes. And in fact, an inverter AC can save you up to 60% in electrical costs when compared to the regular air conditioners. The electricity consumption by inverter ACs is dependent on its working load. Thus, if the load is higher, then it’s electricity cost goes up. However, it doesn’t cost the user high electric bills as much as the non-inverter ACs do.
Does an inverter AC require a stabilizer?
Stabilizers are not needed for inverter ACs. The reason is that newly developed air conditioners are manufactured to operate while using different levels of voltage. That said, most inverter ACs will work while receiving between 100-290V voltage of electricity. They have been designed to work flawlessly without fluctuations between different voltages so that their performance will not be hindered.
Final Words
The inverter AC is created to be more effective and efficient without consuming too much electricity. Because of its advanced technology, it costs significantly higher than the regular air conditioners. Our take is that if you are going to turn on the AC for most of the day, then you should buy an inverter AC. However, if you only plan on using the cooling unit sparingly on certain occasions, then you can opt for the regular non-inverter types.
