What is an inverter air conditioner?

Fitting your home with an air conditioner is a game-changer during the summer weather, as it lowers the room’s overall temperature. In comparison, a fan will just circulate hot air around the room. But there are different types of air conditioning systems to choose from, which will affect the efficiency.

In recent years, inverter air conditioners have become popular among homeowners, but how do these units differentiate from non-inverter systems?

In this guide, BOXT discusses how inverter air conditioners operate and whether they’re more beneficial to users than traditional cooling systems.

How does an inverter air conditioner work?

The inverter technology in air conditioners controls the compressor’s speed and power supply frequency, which is the part of the system that liquidates the refrigerant gas and produces cool air. The unit can evaluate the room’s temperature and size with the controlled compressor motor and adjust the cooling capacity accordingly.

A non-inverter unit has a default compressor, resulting in a fixed level of power of either 0% or 100% capacity, with no flexibility.

Do inverter air conditioners waste less energy? 

Inverter air conditioners initially run powerfully to cool you down quickly, but the power eases as it reaches the set temperature and then maintains it under a low capacity.

This process can use up to 50% less energy than a non-inverter, which will only use full power, no matter the room’s temperature.

Is an inverter unit more cost-effective? 

Although an inverter air conditioner requires a larger upfront investment, the running costs are cheaper due to the lower energy usage. It’s often more expensive to buy repair parts for inverter units, but they have a longer lifespan, so they should require less maintenance than inverters.

A non-inverter wastes energy, causing bills to surge and has increased wear-and-tear due to the constant stop-and-start cycles. However, it’s usually more affordable to purchase and repair. 

What’s the noise level of inverter air conditioners?

As the inverter air conditioners use less power and don’t abruptly turn on and off, they run much quieter. In contrast, non-inverters have a high noise level due to functioning at full capacity, and it’s especially jarring when the compressor starts and stops.

Inverter air conditioners offer variable cooling speeds, which adjust to your home surroundings to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature without wasting energy. As well as being flexible, the system is more durable and reliable than non-inverters due to its efficiency and longer lifespan.

Need help choosing an air conditioning unit? 

To help you find the most suitable air conditioner for your home, whether it’s an inverter or non-inverter unit, seek advice from a qualified BOXT engineer using the live chat.

You can also use the ‘find an AC’ online tool, which will ask a few simple questions about your home environment and circumstances. Based on your answers, it will show you the recommended units at a fixed, fair price.

After choosing an appropriate air conditioner, arrange for a hassle-free installation from a wide selection of dates, even the very next day.