How Does An Inverter Air Conditioner Work?

The research you conduct before purchasing an air conditioner may be comprehensive enough that you will have come across the inverter air conditioner system. You may then wonder what difference having an inverter in an air-con system can make. This post will explain what inverter air conditioners are and how an inverter air conditioner works.

You can learn about the distinguishing features of inverter air conditioning, why you should upgrade ducted or split systems to inverter units, and reasons to pair inverter AC systems with solar power. Read on!

What Are Inverter Air Conditioners?

Inverter air conditioners are air conditioning systems that contain inverter technology that can control the speed of the compressor motor within the air conditioning system. This ability to control the speed and the cooling and heating output is due to the variable frequency feature of the inverter.

In other words, inverter air conditioners allow you to distribute heating or cooling consistently and evenly. The energy-saving feature of inverter air conditioners eliminates wasted operation by controlling motor speed. Inverter air conditioner systems are usually available in high-end brands like GE and Panasonic air conditioners.

The Appeal of Inverter Systems 

Compared to non-inverter systems, AC units with inverter technology are more sought after for the following reasons:

• Inverter AC units can lower operating costs compared to non-inverters.
• Inverter unit ACs are more reliable with fewer breakdowns, and need less maintenance than non-inverter units.
• You will appreciate the economic benefits due to the lower running costs that inverter air conditioners provide compared to the non-inverter types. This means that you can save more in the long run.
• An air conditioning unit with inverter technology can help lower energy bills and reduce the electricity output in your office or workspace.
• An air conditioning system with inverter technology can offer a benefit of up to 65% in potential savings.

How Inverter Technology Works

The inverter can control the frequency of the power supply to the compressor motor in your air conditioning unit. In turn, the compressor motor controls and maintains the rotational speed of the compressor. This then powers the system's refrigerant flow so that it can cool or you're your room or space as required.

Fixed speed vs variable speed ACs

The basic principle of the operation of air conditioners is to heat or cool room temperature when it gets below or above the set temperature. The motor speed remains constant with non-inverter type ACs (also called fixed-speed air conditioners). The system only adjusts temperature by turning the motor ON or OFF.

This method of reaching the desired temperature is an expensive one. The non-inverter air conditioning system also ends up consuming more energy. However, in the inverter-type air conditioner, the inverter adjusts and regulates the rotation speed of the motor in the direction in which the electric current is switched.

Unlike the fixed speed compressor of non-inverter type AC systems, the variable speed inverter compressor will not stop and start but will vary its speed to maintain a consistent temperature.

The attractive appeal of inverter technology lies in both the efficient and cost-saving function and the significant reduction in power consumption. These attributes help to extend the life of the air conditioner.

Distinguishing Benefits of Inverter Air Conditioning

Read on for some features to look out for in inverter AC units.

No disruptive stopping and starting noises

An air conditioning system of the non-inverter type has a noticeable stopping and starting sound that occurs as the air compressor works to maintain room temperature. This disruptive noise can make it difficult to pinpoint a perfect room temperature.

If you use fixed-speed air conditioners for your commercial air conditioning, you will find that they take up a lot of energy and are distracting. Non-inverter systems such as split system air conditioning can provide a loud heating and cooling experience.

This can be irritating if you are looking for a whisper-quiet system that lets you sleep at night. The significant differences between AC units with inverter technology and those without are stopping and starting noise and temperature changes.

Intelligent temperature-adjusting feature

Inverter systems have intelligent technology that adjusts as your room temperature changes. As such, you do not need to use the remote to constantly change the temperature. The inverter technology can figure out when you have more people in the room and appropriately adjust the temperature based on user settings.

Saving on electricity bills

Inverter air conditioners can help you save on electricity bills and are therefore more economically friendly. The heating or cooling flow is seamless, with no consistent stopping and starting. This helps to lower energy output and increase energy savings. This ultimately helps to offset the cost of purchase.

Comparatively longer life span

Inverter air conditioning systems have a more efficient technology and, therefore, tend to last longer as compared to non-inverter systems.

Shorter heating or cooling time

Compared to non-inverter systems, inverter air conditioning systems do not take as long to heat up or cool after you turn them on. Instead, the inverter AC unit quickly reaches your desired temperature. This makes them excellent as quick home or office space heaters as they can perfectly climate control the space.

Why Upgrade Split Systems to Inverter Units

For a start, inverter units can provide an excellent and smooth cooling experience without temperature fluctuations. Inverter systems operate in temperature maintenance mode with lower compressor motor speeds that produce less noise. This differs from what you can get from ducted systems or split air cons.

This is an era where we prioritise eco-friendly heating and cooling systems. Inverters' low power consumption feature means fewer CO2 gas emissions are sent into the atmosphere.

Heating and cooling companies of branded products like Samsung Air Cons, Panasonic Air Cons, and Actron Air Cons are working on more eco-friendly features to help reduce carbon footprints. You can get a head start on this by upgrading non-inverter air conditioners to inverter types.

For example, purchasing a 6kW split system with inverter technology means you don't have to constantly run it at 6kW capacity. It can sometimes run at a lower capacity and still maintain energy efficiency.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner

You can easily find residential air conditioning systems that use inverter technology in the Australian market. They exist for various types of heating and cooling systems, such as ducted reverse cycle systems, ducted gas heating systems, split systems, and evaporative cooling systems.

Be prepared to choose between various Australian brands and international brands. These brands include LG Air Cons, Fujitsu Air Cons, Mitsubishi Electric Air Cons, and Hitachi Air Conditioners. It can, therefore, be a challenge to know the exact type of air conditioning installation that suits your needs.

You may need expert advice to help you choose between options such as window air conditioners, cassette air conditioners, and carrier air conditioners. You may even prioritise air purification and go for Daikin or Mitsubishi Air Conditioners with air purifying features for a climate-controlled environment with clean, quality air.

Of course, you could opt for an advanced ducted air conditioning unit that has an inverter compressor with variable speed. Your air conditioner contractor can provide a size guide that optimally fits the space you wish to cool. This is because inverter-type compressor air conditioner sizes vary.

Why Pair Inverter Ac Systems With Solar Power?

There are benefits to pairing inverter air conditioning with solar power systems. The investment and higher upfront costs can be offset in the long term by lower running costs and energy savings that reflect lower electricity bills.

It is the most affordable air conditioning because you can use solar energy to power your systems and depend on battery storage. Moreover, the solar panel and inverter combination is exceptionally environmentally friendly.

Consult An Air Conditioning Contractor 

This post has explained how inverter air conditioners work, their distinguishing features, and why you should upgrade ducted or split systems to inverter units. You most likely need professional help to choose and install the right air conditioner in your home.

Consulting an experienced and professional electrical contractor on this can ensure that your investment brings you the utmost satisfaction. While at it, they can help with installation services for home appliances to meet your home entertainment needs.