The summer is here again, and so is the fear of those astronomical electricity bills. We all want to stay cool and comfortable — but how cool, and how comfortable? For ages, the only way to cool down a room was to use a traditional air conditioner — a machine that operated in a simple, but highly inefficient manner. But now, there’s a technology that’s here to challenge this dogma: the variable speed compressor of inverter ACs.
In order to appreciate how much of a game-changer inverter technology is, first let us understand the functioning of the non-inverter AC. Imagine you're a sprinter. Your role is to sprint as fast as you can, completely stop, and then sprint again a few minutes later. And this is precisely what happens in a standard AC compressor. It turns on at full strength until the room gets to the desired temperature, and then it shuts back down. But as the temperature increases by a degree or 2, it turns on again on full blast. This constant power surge is a huge drain on electricity and is hard on the machine.
Now, picture a marathon runner. This runner varies their pace according to the track and their endurance but never stops. This is a basic principle of an inverter AC. The variable speed compressor is the heart of this system. This compressor can run at a variety of speeds, not just “on” or “off.” When you turn on your AC for the first time, the inverter compressor will rapidly increase to a high speed to cool the room fast. But it doesn’t turn off after it gets to the desired temperature. Instead, it gradually quietens to an optimal level, keeping the temperature at this perfect, consistent level.
This modulation of operation means that there is a specific way that the system achieves the incredible energy reduction. For instance, a regular 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split AC cools at a fixed high level irrespective of the cooling requirement (even if it is just to maintain a temperature), and the power drawn is always at max when the compressor is running. An inverter AC, however, is smart in controlling its consumption of power. “It’s a bit like having a thermostat on a light, rather than a simple on and off switch.” This also means not jacking up the thermostat to get even more cooling. They are not only saving you money, but your home will be more comfortable because you will no longer have to endure the temperature ride to maintain the coolness of the switch over to cool without the bang and rattling and rumbling noises.
The gains of this technology go beyond your wallet. The unit's compressor is smooth, efficient, and doesn't put nearly as much wear and tear on the internal workings, which in turn means a longer life for the unit. Ours is also much quieter than comparable models, making it perfect for sensitive bedrooms/living rooms where you need to block out noise. Companies like Daikin have long developed this technology and provide units that are not only powerful but highly efficient as well.
Though it is expensive to buy an inverter AC, it is an intelligent investment that starts giving returns after a few years. The reduced energy consumption will result in an estimate of huge savings on your monthly electricity bill, especially if you use your air conditioning a lot. An inverter or a non-inverter makes a lot of difference while selecting the best split AC in India. For a more comfortable home and a fatter wallet in the long run, the variable speed compressor is the undisputed champ.
