In Malaysia, due to the hot weather, air conditioners are undoubtedly one of the most popular home appliances.
However, there are probably many people who do not know whether an inverter or a non-inverter is suitable for a home air conditioner.
One of the misconceptions about air conditioners is that inverter air conditioners have to be left open for a long time to save money. Actually this is not true…
A common misconception about air conditioners is that inverter air conditioners don’t save money unless they run long enough. In fact, this statement is not always true…
This article will give you a better understanding of the difference between inverter and non-inverter air conditioners.
What is the difference between AC inverter and non-inverter?
The main difference between inverter air conditioners and non-inverter air conditioners is air conditioners Inverter can control the speed of the motor It’s not an inverter that turns a motor on and off like a motor does.
Non-inverter motors can only run at constant speed It will turn off when the room temperature reaches the desired temperature.
Proper use of electricity for inverter and non-inverter air conditioners
Many people are concerned about the difference in power consumption between inverter and non-inverter air conditioners.
The power consumption of an air conditioner is Depending on usage and room conditions where it is installed.
For example, if the horsepower of the air conditioner does not match the size of the room, the non-inverter air conditioner will run at full power directly. As a result, electricity is wasted and electricity bills rise.
However, inverter AC is always more energy efficient than non-inverter AC. Let’s take a look at the spec data of Panasonic Malaysia.
- 1.0HP Standard non-inverter air conditioner CS-PV9TKH-1-840W
- 1.0HP Standard Inverter R32 Air Conditioner CS-PU9VKH-1 – 710W (225~920W)
Referring to TNB Tariff, it costs RM 0.218 per kWh. Therefore, each hour is billed as follows:
- Panasonic 1HP non-inverter – RM0.18
- Panasonic 1HP Inverter – RM0.15
so it shows that Inverter air conditioner consumes 17% less power than non-inverter (based on average input power).
It is also important to note that the longer you use your inverter air conditioner, the more benefits you will get as the inverter motor power can be reduced to 225W.
Advantages and disadvantages of inverter air conditioners
In general, inverter air conditioners have more advantages than non-inverter air conditioners, but they also have disadvantages.
The biggest disadvantage of inverter air conditioners is their high price. Inverter air conditioners are typically 20-30% more expensive than non-inverter air conditioners.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of inverter air conditioners.
Advantages of inverter air conditioners
Inverter air conditioners are highly energy-saving and can change the speed according to the room temperature. You can save 20-40% on your electricity bill compared to non-inverter air conditioners.
It doesn’t turn the motor off and on like non-inter air conditioners do. In addition, low-speed operation is possible, so the noise is also quiet.
Although it can maintain a constant indoor temperature, non-inverter air conditioners can cause temperature fluctuations and unevenness, which can cause discomfort.
Inverter compressor motors run continuously without the need for continuous stop/start cycles. This increases the durability of the motor.
Disadvantages of inverter air conditioners
The cost of purchasing an inverter air conditioner is high. In addition, the installation cost of the inverter air conditioner is high. However, these costs can be recovered by saving electricity bills.
- expensive to maintain
Inverter air conditioners are more expensive to repair and maintain than regular air conditioners. It has more complex components, which makes it more difficult to fix if broken.
Advantages and disadvantages of air conditioners
Advantages of non-inverter air conditioners
Non-inverter air conditioners are cheaper than inverter air conditioners of equivalent horsepower. It is also inexpensive to install and maintain.
Maintenance of non-inverter air conditioners is easier and more affordable. Spare parts for non-inverter air conditioners are usually easy to find.
Weaknesses of non-inverter air conditioners
Non-inverter air conditioners use more electricity. Therefore, it can significantly increase your electricity bill, especially with regular use.
Unlike inverter air conditioners, non-inverter air conditioners always run at full speed, making the motor start and stop noises louder.
Non-inverter air conditioners shut off as soon as the room reaches the desired temperature. The air feels stuffy and warm for a short time. It’s very uncomfortable and can interfere with our sleep.
FAQ
Do non-inverter air conditioners use a lot of electricity?
Yes, non-inverter air conditioners use 20% to 30% more electricity than inverter air conditioners.
Is it worth buying an inverter air conditioner?
Yes, if you can afford it, you should buy and install an inverter air conditioner to save energy. It is also more durable.
Does an inverter air conditioner take a long time to cool down?
No, because inverter air conditioners run at full power when switched on, just like non-inverter air conditioners. Therefore, the time required to cool a room will be approximately the same for both types of air conditioners.
How many hours should an inverter air conditioner be open to save electricity?
Due to the way inverter motors work, inverter air conditioners are always more energy efficient than non-inverter air conditioners, no matter how many hours they run. It is recommended to run the air conditioner for 5-10 hours for optimal power savings. This is because more energy is used during the early cooling stages.
Conclusion
Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient, quieter and more comfortable than non-inverter air conditioners. The downside is that they are expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you still can’t decide which type of air conditioner to buy, check out our guide to buying air conditioners in Malaysia.
