No Products in the Cart
You’re shopping for an air conditioner and you’re confused which one to get, Split AC or Inverter AC. Are they the same thing or just completely different? And which one is actually worth the money? Both options have their advantages, but which one is the better option for you?
This guide will help you understand the difference between both systems. You can make the right call before spending money.
Split AC, the traditional type of Air conditioner, has two separate units in the air conditioning system. The indoor unit blows cool air inside the room and the outdoor unit which is called the “compressor” is placed outside to release heat.
Upon hitting the target temperature, the compressor shuts off and when it rises again it starts again on full power. This on and off cycle repeats throughout the day.
An inverter AC also has the two unit split design, but the compressor works quite differently.
Unlike Split AC, an Inverter AC adjusts its compressor speed based on how much cooling the room actually needs. If the room is very hot, the compressor runs faster and similarly once the room cools down, the compressor slows down to a low and steady pace instead of completely shutting off completely.
Energy Usage: Inverter ACs are energy efficient because of their consistent change of power consumption, it can regulate the temperature by adjusting the speed of the motor. An inverter saves up to 30-50% electricity in most cases. Meanwhile a split AC uses maximum electricity to start and restart its compressor. This repeated pattern multiple times a day causes a surge of power usage and adds up to the electricity bill.
Environmental Awareness: A worth mentioning difference is the emission of harmful greenhouse gases by split ACs which adversely affects the environment. Although Inverter ACs still have emissions, they use rather less harmful refrigerants like R32, which proves to have a better cooling capacity.
Rapid Temperature increase Vs Steady Cooling: There are key performance differences between both systems. The inverter ACs provide consistent cooling due to the continuous regulation of the compressor as the temperature of room fluctuates. It maintains a constant regulated room temperature as per the requirements. Split ACs are meant for rapid and fast temperature change. The Split AC produces temperature swings, the room gets cold, the compressor cuts off, the room warms up, the compressor is on again. And repeat. This performance may not be suitable for places where a steady temperature is demanded.
Noise: Split ACs are louder. When the compressor starts, there’s quite a noticeable and audible jolt of sound and vibration. It may not be disruptive in all cases but most probably in quieter rooms this sound would be noticeable and could cause distraction or affect the comfort. On the other hand, the inverter ACs are quieter because the compressor uses minimal sound when it's running. It could be a better choice for places in which silence is required like classrooms or offices.
Cost differences: Split ACs are cheaper to buy, they’re typically less in cost than an inverter AC but the monthly electricity bill tends to be more than than an Inverter AC because of the power consumption. An inverter AC seems like an investment in this case because the upfront cost is more but the in the long term it’s a better option in terms of maintenance and electricity bills
While both systems have their pros and cons, in the long term an Inverter AC seems like a viable option for saving money, better performance, less maintenance and environmental friendliness.
