The difference between an inverter air conditioner and an ordinary one: their advantages and disadvantages + which is better to choose

There is only one important difference between an inverter air conditioner and a conventional one, but it divides outwardly similar equipment that solves one problem into two different subspecies.

Since the only feature affects all the basic characteristics - performance, functionality, efficiency and even cost.

Therefore, the choice should be made after familiarizing yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment. Otherwise, it is highly likely that the expected result will not work.

Differences and determining the best type of air conditioner

Without a third-party clue, a person who does not have special knowledge is unlikely to distinguish inverter air conditioner from ordinary. The reason is that they look the same and are able to provide a comfortable temperature in the room.

Let us consider in more detail the main differences between these seemingly identical varieties of climatic equipment and figure out which one is better to buy.

Difference # 1 - the principle of operation of technology

There is still a difference between the inverter and conventional types of technology, and the cardinal one lies in the different operating principles that affect all other characteristics, including performance and cost.

Therefore, you should know that:

• conventional air conditioning works in cycles;
• the inverter unit operates continuously.

So, if a traditional type of equipment is included in the network and programmed, then it will immediately begin to cool the air in the room, using 100% of its capacity.

And when the temperature specified by the user is reached, it will turn off. More precisely, air cooling will stop, while the governing body will continue to work.

That is, further the processor, using the readings of the temperature sensor, will simply compare the difference between the real and the desired temperature. Upon reaching the maximum permissible deviation, the air conditioner will again begin to cool the air masses, again with one hundred percent power.

And such cycles will be repeated regularly, but at different intervals, throughout the operation.

Inverter and conventional air conditioners are the same in appearance, designed to solve the same problems that are effectively handled. And also they are equally convenient to manage. However, the listed air conditioners are different types of the same equipment. Moreover, inverter models are more modern, technological, although this does not give a decisive advantage

After connecting to the network and programming, the inverter analog will initially function similarly to a conventional product. That is, he as quickly as possible, using all his resources, will try to cool the air to the desired level.

But then it will not turn off, like a traditional unit, but will switch to a "sleep" mode of operation. During which it will perform cooling, using 5-10% of the available capacity, which will maintain the temperature set by the user, and using a minimum of resources, electricity.

The only important difference between the two sub-types of air conditioners is the different operating principle. As indicated in the diagram, inverter models, maintaining a given temperature, work continuously, while using only part of the power. Their usual counterparts are included in the work periodically and work with full productivity. As a result, inverters are able to work in a narrower temperature delta, that is, more accurately adhere to the set temperatures

The described differences in the principle of operation leaves its mark on all the basic characteristics of the equipment.

Namely, on:

• functionality;
• profitability;
• resource;
• reliability;
• noisiness
• health effects;
• cost.

And when choosing, all of the above should be taken into account, because the difference between modern inverter and conventional cyclic air conditioning is much greater than many buyers imagine. And none of them has a clear advantage.

Difference # 2 - Hardware Functionality

Any of these types of equipment is able to cope, and effectively, with air cooling. But when comparing the difference in time spent, electricity in each individual situation will be noticeable.

Due to the more stable operating mode, inverter air conditioners have several advantages. Among which are called durability, reliability and profitability.

And this is so, but the question is whether the user can get the promised savings of 30-40% and even 50%, as indicated in the advertising of individual models. The answer here is unequivocal: no. This is especially true given the high cost of more advanced inverter products.

It will be possible to notice some tangible benefits only after 7-8 years, and with regular use. You can also speak critically about comparative information on the reliability of the inverter and non-inverter

These features make the inverter air conditioner more practical when working in bedrooms, hotel rooms and other rooms where the temperature is stable. And here less time and energy will be spent than when using conventional analogues.

This is due to the fact that more high-tech inverter products are able to maintain temperature more accurately and with less deviations. Namely, within half a degree to a greater or lesser side from the value set by the user.

For comparison: in conventional air conditioners, the temperature delta is within 3 ° C, that is, the spread will be 1.5 ° C in each direction from the programmed level.

Which, together with high working power when used in bedrooms, other similar rooms, leads to the periodic occurrence of air flows, which, at a minimum, do not increase the comfort of living and recreation.

But the impressive peak power of any traditional air conditioner in comparison with inverter analogs makes them more functional, practical where there are sharp and frequent changes in temperature conditions.

This often happens even in an ordinary kitchen, where additional sources of heat, in the form of gas, electric stoves, other equipment, lead to a change in conditions. And here the cyclicality and maximum speed of traditional air conditioners will be the best solution.

Practice shows that not the best design is important, but its adaptability to existing conditions. So a more modern, technological inverter product will become the optimal solution only for individual operating modes (stable, steady)

At the same time, their inverter analogs under unsteady temperature conditions will not prove to be the best. The situation will be similar in walk-through offices, shops, office premises, where the thermal background often changes.

In some situations, the advantages of the inverter to one degree or another will be leveled by the capabilities of not the most effective, but better adapted to certain conditions, design of conventional units.

Conventional air conditioning will be the best option when the air needs to be cooled once. For example, this happens in conference rooms.

That is, we can conclude that inverter models will be a successful acquisition in conditions when the set temperature you just need to maintain and when there are no frequent and significant changes. A conventional air conditioner will show its best qualities under dramatically changing conditions.

All modern inverter climatic equipment has an important plus - the ability to heat the premises in extreme cold, up to -25 ° C. What can not be achieved from their traditional counterparts due to the principle of operation.

The reason is the cyclical nature, which leads to the fact that the lubricant used for moving structural elements in the off position at a temperature that drops below -5 ° C quickly polymerizes, that is, freezes. As a result, it is better not to use the air conditioner until the heat comes.

If such a rule is ignored, then everything will end with early breakdown, possibly even at the first start.

When choosing inverter equipment, models that belong to the budget category should not be bought, since they to a lesser extent have advantages that are the hallmark of this type of air conditioner

With an inverter air conditioner operating continuously, the described situation can only happen at extreme temperatures. But still you need to understand that it is hardly advisable to heat the premises with such equipment, and in many cases it will not be able to provide comfort at all.

Difference # 3 - Resource Efficiency

In advertising and other sources, one can often find information stating that inverter air conditioners consume an order of magnitude less electricity. It is often even indicated that savings can reach an impressive 30-40% compared to conventional counterparts.

But such information should be skeptical, since such calculations are nothing more than theoretical assumptions. And no one performed real calculations.

As a result, it can be considered that inverters are more economical, but given their high cost, it is unlikely to be able to benefit from the short term of use.

And in the next 5-10 years, most likely, there will be an even more economical, modern and efficient kind of equipment. As a result, using an inverter for how long will simply not be a profitable solution.

So it turns out that not a single type of air conditioner has a clear advantage in this category.

Regarding the working life of air conditioners, it will turn out on the Internet to find a fairly large number of claims that inverters using a small power reserve have less wear on moving parts and mechanisms. That provides them with a significantly greater operational resource.

The design of both types of air conditioners differs in only one: the presence of two electronic boards in the inverter products, which are responsible for the principle of operation. They make the specified equipment more modern. technological. But also less reliable, since it is precisely these structural elements that are sensitive to voltage surges, which is considered common in our country

It is often indicated that a conventional unit will delight users almost 2 times less time. But such statements are more like marketing tricks of manufacturers, sellers. Since no serious independent organization has conducted any research.

And also be aware that the most loaded part of any air conditioner is the compressor that moves the refrigerant.

Therefore, according to logic, it should break down in the first place, and this should happen as a result of mechanical wear and critical overruns of the magnitude of the starting currents, exceeding the usual values ​​by 5-7 times.

But just remember that compressor is the most loaded element in refrigerators, a number of other units, as well as in older models of air conditioners. And all of these products are able to work for decades, and without breakdowns.

In terms of durability, no one species has obvious advantages. Therefore, any model is likely to be beneficial until it is replaced by a more modern, efficient

Difference # 4 - reliability during operation

When trying to find out how the modern inverter air conditioner differs from the non-inverter familiar to most people, it turns out that nothing. Since for years and without breakdowns, equipment belonging to any variety is able to function.

But you should be aware of one important feature of inverters: they are quite sensitive to voltage drops, and not even the most impressive ones. Therefore, if there is such a problem, you should always give preference to the usual variety of climatic equipment.

Otherwise, one of the two electronic boards that divide the air conditioners into conventional and inverter ones may fail. As a result, the user will have to pay the amount of money for repairs, on which you can buy a new inexpensive non-inverter.

And in many cases, you will have to wait, and sometimes quite a long time, because due to the high cost of these components, not every service will allow itself to be kept "in reserve".

An important advantage of inverter products is considered to be higher functionality, which provides the possibility of using any model in heating mode to extremely cold temperatures. But you should choose a technique with an anti-ice system

For the sake of objectivity, the latter scenario should not be considered as a key one, since the boards of inverter air conditioners fail rarely enough, but still 0.5-1% of buyers will have to face such a problem.

Difference # 5 - additional options and cost

Fans of comfort pay special attention to the volume of work, but here everything is simple. And this is because most air conditioners consist of two units: internal and external. Moreover, the latter is intended for mounting a noisy component of a structure, which is a compressor.

In the end, it can be argued that the level of comfort is not a single variant will not lower.

You can find information indicating that inverter air conditioners supply warmer air to the room (with a temperature of 12-16 ° C) and this gives users less chance of getting sick.

But again, no one confirms such statements, that is, no studies have been conducted. Therefore, these data are the product of marketers and both subspecies do not particularly affect human health.

The external units of inverter air conditioners are traditionally heavier, and sometimes even larger, of similar structural elements of conventional ones. What to consider during installation

Although the poorly located classic unit with its powerful jet of air can really cause a cold. But such a problem is more related to improper installation or general product selection.

If you compare the price tags of models that are similar in functionality and performance, but related to different subspecies, it turns out that you will have to pay more for inverters than for ordinary ones. And it’s significant - the difference can be an impressive 40%.

Pros and cons of two types of vehicles

Above, we examined all the main points that affect the performance characteristics that buyers pay attention to. Since there are many of them, we highlight the key features that affect the correct choice.

Climatic equipment benefits

First, consider the main advantages of inverters, and then compare them with the usual type of technology.

The main advantage of any inverter air conditioner is the ability to provide a higher level of comfort in various rooms. Where the temperature background is stable and needs to be maintained, for example, in residential premises.

And also where a special regime is needed, for example, a wine cellar, a gym, as well as where some rarities (books, paintings) are stored or in a home greenhouse.

Inverters have certain advantages in energy efficiency, functionality. But they should not be taken into account by tenants, people who plan to change housing, since they will not allow real advantages to be obtained, at least in the next many years, as is the case with economy.

Since both types of air conditioners are outwardly the same and consist of similar units, their installation is equally expensive. As a result, owners will have to pay a considerable amount, often reaching half of the cost of a set of equipment

At the same time, classic air conditioners will more efficiently create the necessary microclimate if you need to do this one-time or cope with sharp temperature fluctuations.

Another plus of non-inverters is that they are almost half cheaper, which eliminates some advantage of inverter analogs in energy efficiency.

Also, ordinary models are more maintainable. This fact confirms the lower cost of the recovery process.

And the likelihood of downtime due to breakdown in this type of air conditioner is lower. What makes them the best solution for cooling air in rooms where a stable temperature regime is critically needed, for example, in server rooms.

An important advantage of classic units is their great adaptability to the realities of power supply in our country. Namely, to frequent power surges, even in many large cities.

Disadvantages of different types of air conditioners

A significant minus of inverters is that when buying such a product, you can not save. That is, you should not buy an aggregate belonging to the budget segment - they have a narrow range of compressor power adjustments (within 40-70%).

As a result, cheap models simply can not cope with maintaining a given temperature regime. Today, the optimal indicator is the range of 5-90%. If there is no money for this option, then it is better to purchase a budget ordinary air conditioner from a well-known manufacturer.

The almost identical design of both types of air conditioners makes the maintenance procedure identical. That is, in all cases, you will have to take care of cleaning, replacing filters and performing a number of other operations. If routine maintenance is ignored, then this will lead to a decrease in functionality, productivity, and rapid development of the resource. And the worst is that it can harm the body of users, their pets

Besides, inverter model It is recommended to buy a little more power than is required in a particular situation, according to calculations. Since this guarantees quiet, economical and efficient cooling of the air masses.

When buying traditional air conditioners, it should be borne in mind that significant overruns of starting currents can be a problem for the power grid if it is outdated and was not designed to use such equipment. And this is a danger to users.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The first video will help you better understand the topic:

The second video material is dedicated to the differences in types of equipment:

If in doubt, which is more practical: inverter air conditioner or conventional and don’t know which one is better to choose, you first need to evaluate your living conditions. Evaluation of the latter will help determine which type of air conditioner will show its best properties in the room where it is supposed to be installed.

By the way, installation is also not worth saving - a similar approach will eliminate problems with air cooling, and, therefore, the buyer will not be disappointed in the acquisition.

If you still have questions, you can ask them in the box below. Please leave your comments, share your experience in the block below.