The Inverter technology (DC) is the latest evolution of technology concerning the electro motors of the

compressors. An Inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor, so as to continuously
regulate the temperature. The DC Inverter units have a variable-frequency drive that comprises an
adjustable electrical inverter to control the speed of the electromotor, which means the compressor
and the cooling / heating output. The drive converts the incoming AC current to DC and then through a
modulation in an electrical inverter produces current of desired frequency. A microcontroller can
sample each ambient air temperature and adjust accordingly the speed of the compressor. The
inverter air conditioning units have increased efficiency in contraction to traditional air conditioners,
extended life of their parts and the sharp fluctuations in the load are eliminated. This makes the
inverter AC units quieter, with lower operating cost and with less broke downs. The inverter AC units
might be more expensive than the constant speed air conditioners, but this is balanced by lower
energy bills. The payback time is approximately two years depending on the usage.

Is an air conditioner with an inverter more cost effective than a split air conditioner
if used for a shorter duration?
Cost of air conditioner with inverter is significantly higher than split air conditioners.
It is known that the former saves electricity cost but how does the duration of
operation affect operation cost in the long term? Suppose I use air conditioner for
six months a year and eight hours daily. How long does an air conditioner last
(six/eight/ten years or more)? I am confused since some people told me that air
conditioners with inverters are suitable for wide rooms (e.g. shops) which run air
conditioner for very long time daily throughout the year. Please give your views.
13 Answers
Gregory Monachos
Gregory Monachos, Mechanical Engineer, HVAC expert
52.9k Views Most Viewed Writer in HVAC with 30+ answers
Hi,

The only case you should not buy an inverter air conditioner is if you plan to use it
only for 10~20 days per year (let's say in a rarely used summer lodge)

In all other cases, it is cost effective to buy an inverter air conditioner.

Inverter air conditioners provide better comfort (steady indoor temperature) , they
consume 2 ~ 2.5 times less energy, and they can keep functioning in very low
temperatures below (-15oC)

If you use your air conditioner for 8 hours per day (which means you use it as your
main air conditioning equipment), you will save the extra cost in just a few months,
and surely before 1st year.

I would not only suggest you to stay away from on/off air conditioners, but to buy a
high efficiency air conditioner with energy class A++ or A+++

I would also prefer to buy a cheap inverter chinese aircon like Gree instead of
buying a high valued brand on/off air conditioner if i hadn't the extra money.

Buy the inverter. It deserves the extra money, and you will not regret it.
Written Oct 11, 2015 View Upvotes
Related Questions
More Answers Below
Would it be cost effective to upgrade a home air conditioner from 2005 to a modern
and more efficient model?
Which air conditioner is better, Inverter or 5 star?
What is the best way to use an inverter air conditioner?
What is more efficient: swinging or static vents on an air conditioner inverter?
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Shriraj Nair
Shriraj Nair, HVAC
18k Views Most Viewed Writer in Air Conditioning with 60+ answers
Let do the math for 1.5 Ton system , for the sake of simplicity let assume 1.5Tr
consumes 1.5Kw and 1TR consumes 1KW etc
Calculation for 8hrs
Operation of non inverter Ac
The AC will cool your room within 20 min and then switch off for 20 min and then
start again ( approximately )

So for a 60 min cycle the unit may be on for approx 40-45 min , let's assume 45
min
For a 8hr operation total time the unit will be on is 6hrs (845/60=6hrs)
Energy consumed for 6hrs is 9kw-hr
For a Inverter AC
To cool room=20 min that is unit will operate at 1.5TR
After set point Rest 40 min unit will operate at 0.3TR to maintain the temp
For 8hrs Operation
AC is on and operating at 1.5Tr for approx 3 hrs (820/60=2.6 ~3hrs)that is
4.5kw-hr
Rest 5 hrs (8hrs -3hrs) the AC is operating at 0.3 TR to maintain the temp
0.3TR consumes 300W that gives
1.5kw-hr energy consumption
Total energy consumption for inverter AC for a 8hrs cycle is 6Kw-hr

Assumptions
Heat load is constant in both cases
For the sake of calculation TR=Kw
Yes there are different step down TR in inverter Ac, 0.3TR is most common one , if
you find a AC that is operating at higher or lower TR during off cycle feel free to use
it
This is not precise calculation, for precise calculation some more parameters are
required. This calculation is just to provide a reference.
Written Mar 8 View Upvotes Answer requested by Aditya Bhatia
Ankur Mishra
Ankur Mishra, Working with Godrej and Boyce home appliances division
31.5k Views Most Viewed Writer in Household Appliances with 60+ answers

Okay to give you a little clarity on how ac saves power. I would like to tell you what
exactly is the diff between normal ac and inverter technology.
1. Normal ac - it's compressor shuts on and off after desired set temperature is
achieved
2. Inverter AC - it's compressor never gets turned off rather it speed is regulated
with inverter circuit. That is you can say inverter AC works as an variable
compressor speed AC. So once desired temperature is achieved a 2 ton inverter ac
may work as 0.5 ton ac.
Normal AC vs Inverter AC
1. Normal AC shuts on and off so it consumes more power compared to inverter.
Starting on and off would require initial torque due to loss of inertia which would
increase
Power consumption.Whereas inverter doesnt require any such starting torque.
2. Inverter AC is costly due to its complex inverter circuit. If this circuit board goes
off one has to spend 2500-3500 bucks for replacing it. So in short maintanance is
more.
I hope this much of information will help you
Written Apr 14, 2015 View Upvotes
Jason Woltz
Jason Woltz, Journeyman, Commercial Serviceman, Trane Centrifugals & Screws.
Cooling Towers
10.9k Views Most Viewed Writer in HVAC
I got out of the commercial hvac service industry maybe 8 years or so. At that time
I was only aware of freq drives being used in (typically) larger systems that used
chill/cond water loops (centri. chillers, screws, etc)

To see this level of technology trickling down to the residential consumer market is
just fascinating and amazing. Back in 2000 I was wide eyed and excited that so
much was capable in regards to controls and programs etc. To this day the control
side still seems expensive and complicated for an everyday consumer, BUT with
products like Nest, and its competitors, the control side has come a LONG way.

It is great to see that the non control side has caught up as well.

Kudos to the great answers to this question as I didn't even realize they were doing
these things in the residential area yet.
Written Mar 17 View Upvotes Answer requested by Miguel Fana and Nitesh Sahni
Divyang Singhal
Divyang Singhal, Electrical engineer
10.3k Views
Considering a 1.5 tonn AC unit in below answer.

A normal AC cost around 25-30k whereas inverter technology cost around 35k.
A 1.5 tonn normal AC consumes approxly 1.2kwh of power and an inverter uses
approxly 0.8-0.9kwh
Say you run your AC for around 10hours a day, then normal AC will burn 12-13 units
and inverter will burn around 8-9 units.
Let's assume cost of per unit to be 5rs, then you save 15rs per day and 450rs in a
month by inverter AC.
AC usually used for 4-5 months I.e 450*5=2250rs approx.
Using for short duration, let's say 2 years only. You save around 5000rs only.
Whereas you invested around 10000 more during Installation and purchase.

Thus normal AC with 3-4 star ratings works fine for short duration.
Written Mar 31 View Upvotes Answer requested by Abdul Raoof
Stephen Wright
Stephen Wright, 35 years experience designing commercial HVAC systems.
20.7k Views Most Viewed Writer in HVAC with 60+ answers
Inverters are used in air conditioning equipment to vary, to modulate the speed of
the compressor, as opposed to a standard split system which just cycles the
compressor on and off to maintain temperature control. Either one will provide

acceptable temperature control in a space if they are sized and installed correctly,
including the distribution ductwork and controls.

While air conditioning systems using inverters are more efficient than those without,
they are also more expensive, which is the case with all efficiency upgrades, so it's
a matter of spending more money initially to save money later, and the efficiency
upgrade will eventually pay for itself in energy savings; the more operating hours
per day or year, the faster it will pay for itself.

The other factor is air conditioning systems using variable speed compressors can
maintain more exact temperature control than on/off systems, although it isn't
usually a big issue or even noticeable in residential applications.
Written Oct 12, 2015 View Upvotes
Wei Sheng
Wei Sheng
15k Views
Hi,
It depends on how long you are going to use and how much you will spend.
If for a shorter duration and the refrigerating output is lower, you don't have to
spend extra money for the inverter.
However, the inverter will help reduce the power consumption, save the energy and
protect the enviroment. But it doesn't mean saving the money. In addition, the extra
parts of air conditioner is the risk of malfunction.
Written Dec 5 View Upvotes
Kenton Guidry
Kenton Guidry, Founder and owner of Advanced Heating and Air Services of Amarillo
Texas.
5.8k Views
Inverter is the way to go hands down.

The efficiency advantage is only one reason the fall in love with these systems.

I have installed a 21 SEER inverter in my home.

The unit is more quiet, and comfortable than any other product you can find.

An individual that goes with the inverter does so because of how comfortable the
home is not really the efficiency.

If you get a top notch company to do the install, you can expect a 20 to 30 system.

Use a cheap installer and get half.

Written Apr 5 View Upvotes Answer requested by Paul Martinez and Noel Gamo
AJ Perrie
AJ Perrie, HVAC technician
8.1k Views
OK when you mean inverter do you mean a heat pump? That does heating and
cooling? Also to answer your question when picking a ductless split system or a
conventional heat pump it depends on what you want to do. If you don't have duct
work or only have one or two rooms you need cooled than ductless split would be
better. However, to cool a whole house with them is expensive because you need
one in every room essentially.

For longevity running the unit more often does give the most efficiency and is easier
on the unit, allow me to explain. If you set your thermostat to a set temperature and
the AC runs when needed its only having to cool a small bit every so often. Running
the AC only during blistering hot and humid days overloads the system for hours
trying to keep up, this is hard on units.

As for longevity if you get a good quality unit and properly install it (this is key
without proper evacuation the compressor could burn out in 5-10 years) and service

it annually either system could last you 20-30 years potentially running as much as
you need it to.

Good luck with it and I hope this clears things up.

Written Mar 13 View Upvotes Answer requested by Salman Ali and Kunal
Bennurkar
Bushra Sheikh
Bushra Sheikh
412 Views
Inverters save energy but under certain circumstances. The biggest drawback of
inverters is that it has complex microprocessor circuitry inside the Outdoor unit to
control the Compressor motor speed. If you live in a place with high humidity or sea
nearby, then the chances are that the circuitry will corrode and it costs a lot to
repair it. Inverter ACs wont last more than 6-7 years and if in between there is even
a minor problem in the circuitry it will cost you a lot which will nullify the energy
saving advantages. On the contrary a Normal ACs without inverter technology will
last you much longer as it doesn't have much microprocessor circuitry involved in
the ODU. Also it will be easier to repair. I had a Normal Samsung split AC which
worked great for 8 years. However, in the last years of its life I started having
problems with it. The Capacitor inside it started blowing up regularly. So I sold it and
bought a new Daikin 1.5 Ton normal AC 3 star. Daikin is the world leader in inverter
technology but even their ODU circuitry is not enviromentaly protected (Check out a
video on youtube where a guy rips open a Daikin Inverter ODU). I guess the
companies purposely do it so that they can charge consumers for the service
charges.

Also, I had bought one LG 1 ton Inverter AC. I don't find it very efficient. Its like a
normal AC. The companies claim 2-2.5 times efficiency but its a marketing
technique. If your Inverter AC is always ON to keep your room cool, then it will just
behave like a normal AC. You will save only when the outside temperature less (for
eg. night) when your inverter AC can throttle itself down. Also when the inverter AC
throttles down, a normal AC will stop its ODU working, so effectively there isn't
much of a difference in power savings.

I have 10 years warranty on my LG Inverter compressor whereas only 5 years on

Daikin normal compressor. Its simple, LG knows that even before the compressor

blows, the AC circuitry will blow and they will charge it so high that people will
rather decide to change the AC. I have used a Samsung AC for 8 years and have an
LG Window AC at my parents home working for last 10 years. Compressors never
fail. They are very reliable.

Go for a normal Daikin AC or Mitsubishi or Hitachi. Daikin has reduced their prices of
normal ACs as they are mainly into Inverters now. Best ACs are those that doesn't
break and which are reliable. An AC whether INverter or Non-inverter if breaks too
often or within 3-4 years of purchase will make you think why you bought that AC.
These are my thoughts, rest is your decision.
Written Fri View Upvotes
Venkat Krishna
Venkat Krishna, I did HVAC course for 20 days
5.8k Views
Hello!

Such a nice question! Actually this stirred my entire HVAC knowledge. Thanks for
making me think for a while.

Coming to the situation, is it for your room or your shop or some hall etc? Finalize
that first. Accordingly, you can select the AC, with or without inverter. Anyway the
inverter technology is booming in every industry.

Recently I went to Manipal University to see the HVAC installations. There I saw in
every room, they are replacing the old one with inverter tech. When I asked about
it, they said, even if its costly, in the long run, there is a very drastic reduction in the
electricity bill. As an engineer, I should give importance to save the energy, rather
than living comfortably.

Summing up, in my point of view, whether its short term or long term, its always
better to go with inverter tech.

I am happy to know different opinions, in case you get any, please do comment.
Written Mar 26 View Upvotes Answer requested by Vishal Shiyal and Bhanu
Murty
Cory Perdue
Cory Perdue
14.2k Views
Mitsubishi offers an explanation, but it may be partison...

http://www.mitsubishielectric.co...
Written Aug 23, 2015 View Upvotes
Sovik Srimany
Sovik Srimany, Electrical Engineer
1.8k Views
Hi,

But, the highest Energy Efficient Ratings are given to Fixed Speed Compressor ACs
and not variable speed Inverter ACs. at least in India.

All BEE 5 Star rated ACs are not Inverter ACs, even though they are costlier than
Inverter ACs of the same ratings.. Can anyone explain?
Written Apr 20
Related Questions
In Pakistan, Kenwood Inverter Air Conditioners are being sold. Why is there no sign
of it on the Kenwood website?
What is the difference between inverter type air conditioners and normal type air
conditioners?
What is an air conditioner inverter?
Which inverter air conditioner operating modes are more economical?

Which one is better: inverter technology or ordinary air conditioner?

Which air conditioner company is better?
e new technology of air conditioner is a inverter wich claim it's can save electric
consumtion. But some people are still confused by the term Non-Inverter and
inverter air conditioner. What's different about both of them? and what are the
advantages of Inverter air conditioner?

Differences between Inverter AC with Non-Inverter AC.

1. Inverter AC's

The inverter is a device that is contrary to the adapter. Adapter, for the uninitiated
is useful to convert AC current (alternating) into DC current (unidirectional).

A simple example is a mobile phone charger adapter, laptop charger, etc.. Instead,
inverters convert Direct-Current to Alternating-current. In the electrical field, the
inverter is a power oscillator circuit applications.

Well in the other word, the air conditioner is one of household appliances that
consume a lot of electricity. So if you decide to install the air conditioner (AC) at
home, you will naturally choose the most efficient AC and this is where the role of
the inverter technology utilized.

Examples of how AC inverter works:

If during a hot day you choose a temperature of 25 C without inverter, the air
conditioner automatically turns itself off when the room temperature is below 25
C, and will live again when the temperature rises above 25 C.

This process will be repeated and will cause a lot of electrical energy (money?) Are
wasted. Besides the presence of interference by the sound of the air AC life and
death process over and over again can't be avoided.

In AC inverter, it is possible to keep the room at a certain temperature without air

conditioners should live and die over and over again.

Advantages of Inverter-AC
Faster time to reach room temperature we want.

"Pull" the first electric are lower than non-inverter technology.

Save energy and money because this technology uses resources 30% smaller than
regular AC.
Some brands even claim the air conditioner can save electricity up to 60%
compared to non-inverter air conditioner.

Can avoid excessive load when the AC is run.

Fluctuations in temperature almost did not happen

Disadvantages of inverter-AC
The price is more expensive than regular model.

Wattage consumption depends on the condition of the room

Must use a thicker pipe

cooling process longer than conventional AC

2. Non-Inverter AC's

In Non-Inverter or conventional air conditioning, the compressor are directly

operated at full capacity during the switch-on. Once the required temperature it
reach, it's will die automatically. And it turned on again when the temperature rises.

As a result, there is a cycle that generates on-off peak voltage and wide
temperature fluctuations since the compressor turns on and off repeatedly. In
addition, this system contributes to heavy load. Thus this conventional type will
automatically take up a lot of electricity.

Conclution
As the result of using inverter technology, inverter-AC is best option for saving
energy. Even the inverter-AC's is more expensive than the conventional type, it can
saving your money in long time because the electricity bills more low.
Inverter Air Conditioning

The inverter air conditioning is the latest technology in the HVAC field that is
becoming more popular due to its environmental friendly and energy savings
approach. Providing comfort to the users is another big advantage of this kind of
system.

Traditionally, the compressor that is used in an air conditioning system is an ON or

OFF type in that it either works at the maximum capacity or none at all. It ON when
the room thermostat calls for cooling and OFF when the desired temperature has
been achieved. This cycle is repeated with the change of load in the room.

HVAC Inverter Controller

Electronic Controls for control of Inverter Air Conditioning DC Inverter Compressor.

The advancement in power electronics has enabled the inverter technology to thrive
by the use of microcontroller and IGBT modules to drive the compressor DC or AC
motor. The speed of the compressor motor can be varied by using the variable
frequency drive.

This is done by converting the incoming AC supply to DC voltage and then modulate
it by changing the voltage, current and frequency of the power to the compressor.
Changing the frequency changes the speed of the compressor by using a more
complicated electronics control circuitry.

Advantages of Using Inverter Technology

Keeping abreast with the latest technology has more advantages than remaining
status quo. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying an
inverter air conditioning system.

Energy Savings is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an
equipment. In the long run, the benefit outweighs the initial cost. The inverter
technology uses less energy compared to the traditional system.

ON/OFF type of compressor has large starting current, sometimes 6 times more
than the running current. This causes flicker to lights and the energy consumed is
greater. Typically, there is a 20% to 30% savings in power consumption.

Comfort to the users is another advantage of this system. During start-up, the
compressor can run full speed to provide quick cooling to the room. After the
desired room temperature has been achieved, the speed of the compressor is
regulated using the variable frequency drive based on the required cooling load of
the room.

The fluctuation of temperature is minimum compared to the ON/OFF type of

compressor. This provides a comfortable environment for the occupants at all times.

Ozone Friendly refrigerant such as R410a is used in most inverter system. This
refrigerant contains only HFC compared to R22 which contains HCFC, an additional
chlorine component that destroys the ozone layer of the earth.

Always enquire the kind of refrigerant which is in used as some installers prefer to
continue using R22 as it is cheaper compared to R410a and hence lower their cost.

Quiet Operation is another feature that inverter technology offers. The outdoor unit
which contains the inverter compressor is much more quieter compared to the noninverter compressor. Hence, you do not have to worry about noise when you sleep.

Disadvantages of Using Inverter Technology

Typically, the disadvantages of using inverter air conditioning driven system is due
to cost. Here are a few reasons why the cost is higher compared to the non-inverter
system.

Electronics Control circuitry is more complicated compared to the non-inverter type.

Electronic components such as electrolytic capacitors, diodes, opto-couplers and
IGBT power modules are rated at a higher ratings due to the design requirements of
the system. Hence, the cost is higher.

Electromagnetic noise is generated as a result of chopping the voltage. This noise

can create electrical disturbances to other home appliances in the house hence
there are regulations that state the amount of noise that it is allowed to generate.

Filtering components such as capacitors and inductors are used to filter out the high
frquency electrical noise. This add the cost to the overall system.

R410a or other more ozone friendly refrigerants usually cost higher compared to
R22. The compressor used is also different but as the demand for them increase,
there will be more economy of scaled and the price will come down in the near
future.

As of this point of time, installers usually charge twice the amount for topping up
R410a compared to R22.
The amount of current has only one implication in airconditioning terms and that is
whether THE UNIT WILL COOL OR OTHERWISE. Let me elaborate in simple terms.

A unit taking 2 amps is using 230x2=460 watts of power. Now the room where this
unit is installed is getting heat input at a rate more than 460 watts then the temp
will not come down but will GO UP! An adult human body is like a 500 watt heater.
So in a room with 2 adults the ac must be more than 1000 watts to just MAINTAIN
THE TEMPERATURE.

In practical terms for PK ANYTHING LESS THAN 1.5 tons of ac power equivalent to a
heat absorbing capacity of 18000 British Thermal Units(BTUs) per hour is useless.
This is because of the heat ingress through the roof walls windows etc. not to speak
of about 4 people or more occupying the same room. Now 1 btu/hr is equal to 3.4
watts. So 18000 btu/hr calculates to 18000/3.4=5294 watts which is equal to 5.2
kw. Divide 5294 by 230 and you get 23 amps.

Please understand that the above numbers assume 100% efficiency of operation
which is not possible in the real world. In practical terms don't touch an AC which
claims to consume less than 15 amps of current unless you want to install it inside a
cupboard where the cat has made herself an abode.

Aurangzeb