Are you in the market for a new air conditioner? You’ve no doubt noticed that most modern systems are called ‘inverter air conditioner’ systems. The term applies to both split system and ducted aircon units, and the technology it uses represents a huge leap forward for air conditioning.
It’s made cooling your property cheaper and more effective. You get to stay cool in the hotter months – or warm in the winter months – for less.
Today we’re going to look at the technology behind inverter systems, what makes them so effective and why they’re a solid choice for Brisbane households.
What Does an Inverter Air Conditioner Do?
There’s one key difference to how an inverter air conditioner works compared to an older-style air conditioner:
An inverter air conditioner adjusts its output according to what the room requires.
This is very different to the older style ones which turn on to full power immediately, cool the room and then turn off. They then repeat this all through the day.
With an inverter aircon, there’s a steady start up instead of a massive energy spike. The variable speed compressor changes its speed to maintain a set temperature. If the room is cool, it slows down. If the temperature starts to go up a bit, it will speed up to counter that.
Let’s make an automotive analogy here – an inverter aircon is like you’re driving in cruise control. An older aircon is like you’re accelerating up to full speed, slamming on brakes and cutting the engine again and again.
The inverter model is far kinder on your energy bill because it doesn’t constantly restart and create those energy spikes.
Inverter Technology: Behind the Scenes
Your compressor is the pump that circulates and compresses your refrigerant in your air conditioner. The heart of the unit if you will. Your power source comes into the compressor and enables it to run. However, before it reaches the compressor, the power runs through the inverter.
The inverter communicates with sensors in your aircon unit that read the room temperature, the outdoor temperature and the thermostat setting. Through that information, the inverter controls how much power is going into the compressor and therefore how fast it should run.
Why Inverter Air Conditioners Use Less Energy
One of the biggest advantages of an inverter aircon is how little energy it needs to do the same job as an older unit. Here is why.
A fixed-speed air conditioner always runs at maximum output when it turns on. That high draw is what costs so much. The unit uses full power until it reaches the set temperature.
Inverters lower their output when the room is cool, often spending most of the day running at 30-60% of their power. Steadier running means less electricity is used. Combine this with a solar power system, and you’re really winning in the summer months!
Enhanced Comfort
We all like to save money, but not at the sacrifice of comfort – particularly in the blazing heat. That’s where the steady temperature of an inverter system comes into play. You don’t get fluctuations in the temperature, with the room heating up slowly, followed by a cold blast of air.
Your compressor doesn’t need to play catch-up – it holds the temperature where you want it without any fuss.
Inverter systems are quieter too, largely because the compressor doesn’t need to run at full power. Some systems even have a super-silent night mode – no more rattling old aircon kicking into life every few hours while you sleep.
Longer Lifespan and Fewer Repairs
Inverter aircons are durable pieces of kit, designed to keep you cool year after year. They don’t stop and start regularly like the old models, so there is less stress and pressure on their operating parts. The strain is less, meaning the lifespan is longer.
Fewer breakdowns and less surprise repair bills all add up to greater cost efficiency over time.
So… Is an Inverter System Worth It?
The short answer is yes, it is completely worth it to upgrade to an inverter air conditioner. Most modern units on the market today will be inverter ones, and we wouldn’t recommend trying to save on the purchase price and going for an old fixed-speed compressor model.
You’ll save more on energy bills, your inverter system will last longer and you’ll enjoy a more comfortable cooling experience. Win- win.
What to Look For When Choosing an Inverter Air Con
If you are deciding on an inverter system, a quick checklist helps:
- Choose the right size for the room
- Look for good Energy Star ratings
- Check brand reliability and warranty length
- Compare noise levels, especially for bedrooms
- Make sure it suits your switchboard and wiring
- Decide if you want Wi Fi control or basic manual control
Getting the right size is the most important part. Oversized or undersized units never run as efficiently as they should. Voltora can size the space properly so you get the best performance.
Voltora Can Help You Choose the Right Inverter Air Conditioner
If the time has come to ditch the old fixed-speed air cons and upgrade, then a modern inverter system is where you’re likely to land up. It can be an overwhelming decision to make though – there’s a lot of variety of brands, all of different levels of quality and with different ratings.
The Voltora air conditioning electricians are here to guide you to the right system for your property. Whether it’s your home or business, we’ll ensure you have the right size system installed in the right place with the correct wiring and circuits.
A clean installation of a modern system by experienced air con professionals. That sounds like peace of mind, right?
Get in touch today and lets get you on the path to the right inverter system.
Lets get started
