When it comes to inverter air conditioner vs conventional, main difference is inverter ACs allow continuous regulation of temperature (compressor motor speed is controlled). In contrast, old AC units only have stop-start cycles (compressor motor is either on or off).

As a result, inverter ACs are said to be more energy-efficient. These can have a 30-50% better efficiency than conventional ACs. In addition, the units eliminate sharp fluctuations in the load. This may lead to increased useful lifespan of the whole inverter air conditioner unit.

Is it worth it to buy an inverter AC?

Upfront, inverter ACs are more expensive than non-inverter types. The good news is you can get back the difference in just 2 years (depends on your usage frequency). Moreover, inverter ACs are your more eco-friendly option. Lower energy consumption means something good for the environment.

Another main advantage of inverter types is they provide uniform and stable control of temperature. As discussed earlier, inverter types allow continuous regulation of temperature because compressor motor speed can now be controlled. In other words, all throughout its operation the unit will continuously maintain the temperature while remaining energy-efficient.

Aside from continuous temperature regulation, there’s also another huge benefit from using inverter ACs. It’s a direct result of its efficient operation wherein there are no sharp fluctuations to the load. As a consequence, the compressor motor and other parts of the unit may last longer. They won’t need to endure sudden loads all throughout the day.

In summary, inverter ACs are:

More energy-efficient
Allow uniform temperature control
More expensive upfront but more cost-effective in the long run (payback is within 2 years)
Possibly longer useful lifespan of the parts

Disadvantages of inverter air conditioning units

There are always pros and cons especially in cooling systems. Inverter ACs are no exceptions because they also have disadvantages such as:

More expensive upfront
More expensive when repairs or replacement comes
More movable parts present which may incur damages

There’s a risk especially when it comes to the financial part. The initial costs will be higher compared to non-inverter types. In addition, the repairs or replacement of parts may be more expensive. These tasks also require expertise (licensed technicians should do the job).

The good news is that its energy efficiency can offset the disadvantages. Within 2 years (in many cases it’s just 1 year), you can get the payback from your initial investment. Also take note that up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill is due to cooling and air conditioning. Monthly use of an efficient unit will result to significant savings in the long term.

As mentioned earlier, inverter ACs may have up to 50% better efficiency. Your monthly electricity bill will get lower and you’ll enjoy this for years to come. In addition, modern inverter AC units can last up to 15-20 years. You’ll get long-term value and savings in exchange for a bit higher initial costs.

How to buy an inverter AC for your home

To be safe, it’s recommended to stick to popular brands such as:

Daikin
LG
Fujitsu
ActronAir
Mitsubishi Electric
Panasonic
Samsung

Aside from credibility and guaranteed reliability, parts replacement and repair would be a lot easier because many expert technicians have already worked on those units. They could easily find parts that match your AC’s specifications.

In addition, it’s also important to choose the distributor and/or installer of the air conditioner of your choice. After all, the installation and after-sales service is as important as the unit itself. For instance, proper installation and comprehensive warranty coverage will save you a lot on future expenses for repairs and replacements.

Many manufacturers and distributors offer up to 10 or 12 years warranty (especially on the compressor motor). This means they have strong confidence on the units they make and sell. You would have fewer worries in case the inverter AC fails.

How to choose the right AC for your home

Aside from quality and reputation of the manufacturer and installer, it’s also good to choose the inverter AC appropriate for your home and rooms. Some of the factors to be considered are:

Size and dimensions of the room
Purpose of room (e.g. bedroom, kitchen, living room, entertainment room, home office)
Position of the glass doors and windows
Local climate
Insulation installed in the floors, walls and ceilings

Based on those factors, you or the AC company may choose a unit with lower or higher kW. This has a lot to do with efficiency and comfort level. The key here is to choose a unit with just the right kW to maximise efficiency while achieving a favourable comfort level.

For instance, a unit with 7.0 kW cooling capacity might be already enough to cool average-sized rooms. Any unit with lower kW will fail to achieve the desired comfort level. On the other hand, a unit with higher kW will reach the desired temperatures. However, there will be wasted energy because the unit is operating with a larger capacity. These types of units are designed for larger rooms or areas with other applications.

To balance the tradeoffs and get optimal results, it’s recommended to contact expert AC technicians. To get started, you can tell them the size of your room. The staff or technicians can then recommend an AC with just the right kW.

Other important features of inverter ACs

Aside from energy efficiency, quality and modern inverter ACs also have the following features:

Quiet operation
Quick and easy control
Compact and stylish (for split systems)
Removal of dust particles and allergens

These features are also important for many families and business owners. For instance, quiet operation of AC is important in bedrooms. This way, residents can easily fall asleep (benefits of cooling and quiet operation).

For added comfort and health benefits, many inverter-type ACs also remove dust particles and allergens. Take note that you’ll be using the bedroom for over 8 hours a day. Dust particles and allergens might harm you and your family in the long run (the effects do accumulate).

Another important feature is the design of the unit itself. After all, the AC will be a permanent fixture of the house or business office. Its appearance actually has a huge impact on the overall look of an area.

Good thing is most split systems have a compact and stylish design. They can complement almost any home interior because of their sleek look. In addition, many inverter-type split ACs can even add to the appeal of a space.

What about reverse cycle?

You might have heard or read about reverse cycle in the past. In fact, many inverter ACs also have a reverse cycle feature. Anyway, what does it mean?

Basically, it’s an additional energy-saver feature wherein heat is absorbed either from the indoor or outdoor depending on the mode. When cooling, heat is absorbed from the indoor. When heating the room, heat is absorbed from the outdoors (instead of creating the “heat”).

Reverse cycle systems cool during summers and heat during winters. When it comes to heating, reverse cycle ACs only emit one-third of greenhouse gas compared to electric heaters. On the other hand, cooling is 30-50% more energy-efficient compared to conventional ACs.

It’s a 2-in-1 solution for both heating and cooling no matter the season. Moreover, you get more electricity savings during extreme conditions (e.g. unusually hot or cold days).

With both the inverter and reverse cycle technologies, you get the most energy savings month after month. Units with those technologies are far superior to conventional ACs. In addition, you get both heating and cooling for just one unit.

Inverter air conditioner vs conventional ACs summary

Inverter-type ACs are:

More energy efficient
More expensive upfront but you get back the difference in 1-2 years
More eco-friendly (lower energy consumption)
Stylish and compact units are available
Many units utilise reverse cycle technologies
With other features such as silent operation and dust filtering
Quality units under popular brands can last 10-15 years

In short, inverter-type ACs are worth the money especially if you’re thinking about the long term. You’ll realise energy savings each month on your electricity bill. Also, you get the most value because reputable companies offer comprehensive warranties (including parts and labour).

Here at Conduct Air Conditioning, we have quality and reliable inverter-type ACs for $1,300 to $2,500 (with free installation). Pricing usually depends on the brand and kW. Our expert technicians will install the whole system for you. We would also reinstall your AC unit in case you relocate.

If you have more questions about which AC unit is best for your home or office, you can contact us today here at Conduct Air Conditioning. You can also ask us about our Special Packages and Discounts for new customers.