What is an Inverter?
An air conditioning system equipped with an inverter compressor is able to adjust it's output power according to the amount of cooling heating required. This can greatly reduce power consumption.
A non-inverter air conditioning system acts like a switch. They are either cooling (or heating) 100% or off. When cooling or heating is required they switch on and give the maximum cooling available. When the desired room temperature is reached, the unit switches off and waits until the cooling or heating is required and then goes through the process again.
An inverter system works differently. The inverter is able to control the speed of the compressor. The faster the compressor is running, the more cooling or heating is available and more power is consumed. When an inverter is switched on, it gradually speeds up to the amount of cooling or heating required. The micro-computer in the air conditioning system is constantly monitoring how much cooling or heating is required and adjusts the compressor speed accordingly. As the desired temperature is reached, the inverter slows down, if the difference between the desired room temperature and actual room temperature increases, then the inverter speeds up. This greatly reduces power consumption as the air conditioning unit only consumes the amount of power it needs.
Benefits of an Inverter System
- Reduces Power Consumption by only using what is required.
- Keeps the room at a more constant temperature, increasing room comfort.
- Non-Inverter units draw a large amount of electricity when first switched on. Inverters build up gradually, preventing power trips and lights dimming.
- Reduced start/stopping decreases wear on components and extends their life.
