Difference between inverter and non inverter AC explained, pros and cons

Air conditioners have become an absolute necessity in today's time. The people of India experience different kind of temperatures during the summer months, but the temperatures become unbearable in the north, north-western, and central areas of the country. Temperatures can rise above the 48-degree Celsius mark. The coastal parts of the country experience heat with more humid days.

An air conditioner is a good option to beat this level of summer heat. Going to buy an AC is a task, and you will be tired of looking at the options very fast. This might lead you to compromise on what you want to buy.

ACs come with multiple features and functionalities. Some come with dehumidifiers, auto cut and extreme cooling modes. One needs to understand the size of the room, as the weight of the AC will depend on that. Finally, the decision comes down to buying an inverter or non-inverter AC.

The fundamental difference between an inverter and a non-inverter AC has to do with the way the AC utilizes the refrigerant and motor speed to cool the room.

Price of inverter and non inverter ACs at a glance:

Difference between inverter AC and non inverter AC

An inverter AC regulates the speed of the motor of a compressor depending on the room’s temperature. Once a room is cool, inverter AC lowers the speed of the compressor’s motor to save energy and refrigerant required to cool the air. Whereas in a non inverter AC, the motor only runs on full speed till the room is cool and then shuts off. The repeated on-and-off mechanism consumes more energy and creates more noise in the process.

Given that ACs consume a lot of power which then manifests itself as hefty electricity bills, it would be wise on one’s part to go in for an inverter AC. However, it is not as if people don’t opt for non inverter ACs – the principle attraction being its relatively lesser cost as compared to inverter ACs.

Here are few pros and cons of inverter AC:

If you are keen on picking up inverter ACs, then here are few options. 

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

This trusted Japanese brand can be depended upon to ensure quality. This split AC comes with inverter swing compressor with a high ISEER (5.2). Its ‘Dew Clean Technology’ ensures healthy air. This AC is ideally suitable for medium sized rooms (111 to 150 square feet). It comes with copper condenser coil, which ensures better cooling and requires low maintenance. Some of its key features include cooling capacity at 43°c: noise level: 38 db(A) and ambient operation: 54°c.

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI DUAL Inverter Split AC

This split AC comes with inverter compressor; this means that this is a variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat load. It is energy efficient and has low noise operation. It is suitable for medium-sized rooms (111 to 150 square feet). Some of the key features include annual energy consumption: 818.81 units per year with a ISEER value of 4.73. 

Here are few pros and cons of non inverter AC:

If you are keen on picking non inverter AC, then here are few options.

Mitsubishi Heavy Duty 2.2 Ton

The Mitsubishi Heavy Duty 2.2 Ton is a reliable machine for large rooms and extreme cooling. The internals are made of 100% Copper for better cooling and lower maintenance. It comes with an anti-dust filter, sleep mode, turbo mode, and auto-restart. You can rely on this AC for saving energy as well, as it comes with a 3-star energy rating.

Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Non-Inverter Split AC

This is an efficient air conditioner for small rooms. The Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Non-Inverter Split AC comes with powerful airflow for optimal cooling, dual flaps for spreading the cool air evenly, and wide angle louvers that help reach every corner of the room. The anti-microbial filter keeps all the bacteria and germs away and provides clean and fresh air. The AC has a 3-star energy rating for energy efficiency.

Overall, which AC one goes for is entirely an individual's choice and based on one's requirements. If you are looking at a long-term, energy efficient device, opting for an inverter AC is always wise, never mind the initial high cost. However, if you have really large rooms to cool and don't want to sink in a lot of money, then non-inverter AC is for you.

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