PRODUCT SURVEY

Inverter Air Conditioners

High on energy efficiency

Coming straight to the point, inverter air conditioners are relatively expensive but offer several advantages. An inverter AC runs the compressor at different speeds according to the ambient temperature (it controls the temperature by slowing down or speeding up as required, doing away with the need to start and stop continuously), and therefore stacks up well on energy efficiency when compared to a non-inverter AC. Choosing it over other conventional ACs may seem to be a smart decision. But at the best of time and with the best of information and budget, making the final choice can still be a challenge. What is best? The best according to your need, want, budget and preference, or the best generally speaking, or the best according to the environment? Other practical concerns can run the gamut from size and cost to capacity and noise, and after-sales service as well. Here is a compilation of all the things that you would want to know before making the all-important buy.

Firstly, is it inverter or non-inverter for you? And are the basics of both clear enough? In an inverter AC, the compressor (fitted in the outdoor unit) is powered by a variable-speed drive or ‘inverter’ that enables the compressor to run at a range of speeds from slow to fast, to match the output required. An inverter unit will gradually increase its capacity based on the capacity needed in the room to cool down or heat up the room. This means the compressor doesn’t need to switch on and

off continuously, but instead just speeds up or down as need demands. By not actually having to stop and start several times a day, there’s less stress on the compressor and less electricity is used, which is why inverter models are generally more efficient and cost less to run. They can maintain a set temperature within a narrow range. Most split systems on the market these days are inverter models.

Most conventional compressors run at a constant speed and these types of units vary their capacity by switching on and off at different intervals. Switching on this type of unit will start to run on full load. This can cause more wear and tear on the compressor and uses more power to start up each time. These models aren’t as efficient to run as the inverter models, but can be cheaper to buy.