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Difference between an Inverter AC and a Non-Inverter AC
An air conditioner (AC) is a mechanism which is used to regulate the temperature of a closed space by removing the heat from the space and throwing it to an outside area. The cool air then can circulate in the closed space such as a room or a hall.
Air conditioners use a cold liquid refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the hotter space (room) in the evaporator and hence cooling down the room. After absorbing the heat, the refrigerant turns into the gaseous state and is put through a compressor to rise its temperature. This gaseous refrigerant then passes through the condenser coils and transfers the heat to the outside air. Now, the refrigerant expands to decrease its pressure and cool down to a temperature less than that of the room to repeat the cycle again. The air conditioner is one of the major component of the HVAC system which is used for home temperature control to maximize the comfort and livability in a space.
There are two types of air conditioners (ACs) available viz. − Inverter AC and Non-Inverter AC. Before making a purchase, it is important to known the main differences between inverter AC and non-inverter AC. However, the function of inverter air conditioner and non-inverter air conditioner is the same, the major difference is in the type of compressor technology used.
In this article, we will highlight all the significant differences between inverter AC and non-inverter AC. We will briefly introduce the inverter and non-inverter ACs for the reader’s reference.
What is a Non-Inverter Air Conditioner?
A non-inverter AC, also called fixed speed air conditioner, is a type of air-conditioner which has a constant speed compressor motor. In a non-inverter air conditioner, when the desired temperature of the closed space is reached the compressor motor automatically switches off and starts again when the temperature of the space increases. Therefore, the non-inverter ACs come with the clearly defined cooling power, which means the air conditioner turn ON or OFF the compressor unit depending upon the surrounding temperature.
Due to the frequent ON and OFF of the compressor unit, the compressor motor always works at high power which creates a lot of noise while running and consumes more electrical energy which makes the non-inverter AC less energy efficient.
What is an Inverter Air Conditioner?
An Inverter AC is a type of air conditioner which has a variable speed compressor motor that regulates the flow of refrigerant to control the cooling as required.
The speed of the compressor motor is changed by changing the frequency of the power supply, where the speed is directly proportional to the supply frequency. In case of inverter AC, the compressor does not turn off, it operates continuously.
In an inverter AC, the compressor runs at its normal speed until the desired temperature of the closed space (or room) is reached. After that, the compressor slows down instead of shutting down. Which means, the AC still cools the space but with low-power consumption. The speed of the compressor motor changes automatically according to the room temperature. Hence, the inverter AC provides right amount of cooling as required, which is energy efficient.
Difference between Inverter AC and Non-Inverter AC
The function of both inverter and non-inverter air conditioners is the same. However, there are many difference between them, which are enlisted in the following table −
Basis of Difference | Non-Inverter AC | Inverter AC |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A type of air conditioner which uses a fixed speed compressor motor is known as ‘non-inverter AC’. | The air conditioner in which a variable speed compressor motor is used is known as ‘inverter air conditioner’. |
Compressor speed | Non-inverter AC uses a fixed speed compressor which either turn ON or OFF to produce the desired cooling effect. | The variable speed compressor technology is used in the inverter AC which allows controlled operation of the compressor according to the requirement. |
Temperature | The temperature of room with non-inverter AC may vary. | Inverter AC maintains the room temperature stable. |
Lifespan | The lifespan of a non-inverter AC is comparatively less. | The inverter ACs are more durable and have longer lifespan. |
Noise during operation | The non-inverter ACs make a lot of noise during the operation and while switching ON or OFF. | The inverter air conditioner produces no or little sound while operating. |
Need of voltage stabilizer | The non-inverter AC runs on a fixed voltage, therefore, it requires a voltage stabilizer. | The inverter ACs operate on variable voltage which makes it free from the use of stabilizer. |
Capital cost | The capital cost of a non-inverter AC is less. | The inverter AC is relatively costlier than a non-inverter AC. |
Operating cost | The operating cost of a non-inverter AC is high. It is because a non-inverter AC shuts down the compressor and turn it back ON when required, which consumes a lot of power. | The operating cost of an inverter AC is low in the long run, because it can operate at a variable speed as per the need. |
Maintenance cost | The maintenance cost of a non-inverter AC is low. | The maintenance cost of an inverter AC is relative high. |
Efficiency | Non-inverter ACs are relatively less energy efficient. | The inverter ACs are most energy efficient. |
Fast cooling | With the non-inverter AC, fast cooling is not possible. | The fast cooling is possible with the inverter AC. |
Power consumption | Non-inverter AC consumes more power, it also depends upon the Tons of the AC. | The power consumed by the inverter AC is less if it runs for long hours. |
Type of motor used | The induction motor used for driving the compressor in a non-inverter AC. | The brushless DC (BLDC) motor is used to run the compressor in an inverter AC. |
Environment | The refrigerant used in non-inverter AC emits harmful emission which adversely impacts the environment. | Modern inverter ACs use efficient refrigerant such as R32 which provides better cooling capacity and also emits less harmful emissions in the environment. |
Conclusion
From the above comparison, it is clear that the non-inverter AC might be a little less expensive than an inverter AC, but in long run, the non-inverter AC is less reliable and costlier than an inverter AC. The significant differences between inverter and non-inverter ACs are given in the above table, where the major difference between the two is in their compressor technology, i.e., a non-inverter AC uses a constant speed compressor while the inverter AC uses a variable speed compressor.
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