In Malaysia, due to the hot weather, air conditioners are undoubtedly one of the most popular appliances.
Customers usually have a hard time deciding whether to buy an inverter air conditioner or a non-inverter air conditioner.
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 deeper understanding of the difference between inverter air conditioners and non-inverter air conditioners.
What is the difference between inverter and non-inverter AC?
The main differences between inverter air conditioners and non-inverter air conditioners are: Inverter air conditioner can adjust motor speed Instead of constantly switching on and off,
Non-inverter motors can only run at a fixed speed Turn off when the room temperature reaches the desired level.
Power consumption of inverter and non-inverter air conditioners
Many people are concerned about the difference in power consumption between inverter air conditioners and non-inverter air conditioners.
The power consumption of an air conditioner is Highly dependent on usage patterns and room conditions where it is located.
For example, a mismatch between air conditioner horsepower and room size can cause a non-inverter air conditioner to run continuously at full power. Therefore, it did not save electricity at all.
Nevertheless, inverter AC should always be 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)
Considering the current TNB tariff, it costs RM 0.218 per kWh. Therefore, each hour of operation costs:
- Panasonic 1HP non-inverter – RM0.18
- Panasonic 1HP Inverter – RM0.15
so it shows that Inverter AC consumes approximately 17% less power than non-inverter models. I’m just counting based on average power input.
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
Inverter air conditioners generally have more advantages than non-inverter air conditioners, but they also have disadvantages.
The disadvantage of inverter air conditioners is their high cost. Inverter models usually cost 20-30% more than regular 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 power efficient and can vary speed depending on room temperature. Inverter air conditioners can save 20-40% on electricity bills.
Inverter air conditioners do not start and stop like regular air conditioners. In addition, it can operate at lower speeds, resulting in quieter operation.
Air conditioners with inverters maintain a constant temperature at all times, while air conditioners without inverters can experience temperature fluctuations that can cause discomfort.
Inverter compressor motors operate continuously without the need for constant stop/start cycles. This increases the durability of the motor.
Disadvantages of inverter air conditioners
Inverter air conditioners have a high initial cost. Also, installation costs are high. However, these costs can be recouped through savings on electricity bills.
Inverter air conditioners are more expensive to repair and maintain than regular air conditioners. Inverter air conditioners have a complicated structure, so if they break down, they are difficult to repair.
Advantages and disadvantages of non-inverter air conditioners
Advantages of non-inverter air conditioners
Non-inverter air conditioners are always cheaper than inverter air conditioners of equivalent horsepower. Non-inverter air conditioners also reduce installation and maintenance costs.
Maintenance of non-inverter air is easier and more affordable. Spare parts for non-inverter air conditioners are usually readily available.
Disadvantages of non-inverter air conditioners
Non-inverter air conditioners use more electricity. As such, it can significantly increase your electricity bill, especially if you use it for a long time.
Unlike inverter air conditioners, non-inverter air conditioners always run at full speed, and you may be concerned about the start and stop sounds of the motor.
The non-inverter AC stops working when the room reaches the desired temperature. The air is stagnant and feels warm for a short time. This is very uncomfortable and can interfere with sleep.
FAQ
Does non-inverter AC consume more power?
Yes, non-inverter air conditioners consume 20% to 30% more electricity than inverter air conditioners.
Should I buy an inverter air conditioner?
Yes, if you can afford it, you should buy and install an inverter air conditioner to save energy, and it is also more durable.
When not to install an inverter air conditioner?
There is no need to install an inverter air conditioner if it is occasionally turned on for short periods of time, such as 1 to 2 hours. Saving electricity is not important.
Does the inverter AC take longer to cool?
No, this is incorrect. This is because, like conventional AC, the inverter runs at full power when switched on. Therefore, the time it takes for the room to cool will be about the same for both types of AC.
How long can you save electricity by using an inverter air conditioner?
Due to the way inverter motors work, inverter air conditioners are always more energy efficient than non-inverter air conditioners, regardless of how long they run.
For optimal power saving, it is recommended to run the inverter air conditioner for a long time, such as 5 to 10 hours. This is because the initial cooling stage requires more energy.
Conclusion
Air conditioners with inverters are definitely more energy efficient, quieter and more comfortable than air conditioners without inverters. The downside is that they are expensive to purchase and maintain.
If you’re still undecided about which type of air conditioner to buy, check out our detailed air conditioner buying guide.
