You’re standing in the showroom and eyeing a line of air conditioners, where each promises to be your summer saviour. The salesperson is constantly throwing jargon at you like ‘inverter AC’ and ‘fixed-speed compressor’. Now you have to make one of the tough choices: whether to go for an inverter AC or a non-inverter AC? Many homeowners wrestle with this choice since it impacts everything, starting from your monthly energy bills to how comfortable your home is going to be. To help you cut through the technical terms and make an informed choice, let’s understand the pros and cons of having each of these ACs, so you can choose what truly fits your comfort and budget.
How they work: The fundamental difference
The big difference lies in how the compressor works. In a non-inverter AC, the compressor turns on at full power, runs until the room cools down, and then shuts off completely. When the room gets warm again, it starts all over.
On the other hand, an inverter AC keeps the compressor running but adjusts its speed based on the room’s temperature. So instead of turning itself off, the compressor slows down once your room is comfortably cool. This results in consistent cooling with low power consumption.
Which one is more energy-efficient?
If your electricity bills cause you to wince in summer, you should consider getting an inverter AC, be it a window AC or a split one. Inverter ACs consume comparatively less power than their non-inverter counterparts, thanks to their variable speed compressors. Inverter compressors operate at low power once the desired temperature is reached rather than turning on and off at full capacity.
When comfort takes the front seat
Non-inverter ACs are prone to temperature fluctuations, since they shut off entirely once the room is comfortable and cool and then restart once it starts getting warm, resulting in sudden warm patches or cold blasts. Inverter ACs, on the other hand, maintain a steady temperature throughout – this is beneficial if you’re sensitive to temperature swings at night or in offices where consistent cooling can keep productivity levels in check. Plus, these ACs are quieter – no sudden noise when the compressor kicks in again, which makes a big difference if you’re using it in your bedroom or study.
Is the cost worth it?
The high initial cost of inverter ACs is the biggest challenge for budget-conscious buyers. But the long-term savings in electricity bills often make up for the upfront investment. If you’re planning to use the AC regularly and for years to come, an inverter model is the smarter investment.
The good news? Inverter technology is now available even in window ACs as well, making it easier to go for energy-efficient, affordable cooling solutions without having to change your preferred setup or raise the budget. However, if your usage is light and occasional, maybe just a few hours, a non-inverter AC can still serve you well without stretching your budget.
Whichever one you go for, just make sure it matches your room size and usage patterns and comes with good warranty coverage and energy efficiency. Ultimately, the right AC is the one that suits your lifestyle, falls within your monetary parameters, and provides dependable cooling for years to come.
