Normal AC vs. Inverter AC: What's the Difference and What Should You Buy?

It's getting hot in here, so buy a new AC.

You probably don't like sweating like a bottle of cold water. And yet summer is hot and sweaty, right? It usually calls for the need to purchase a nice air conditioner. But which one should you get? A regular AC or an inverter AC?

Here's how you decide.

A regular AC and an inverter AC cool the air differently because they have different types of compressors. A regular AC compressor switches on and off to regulate the temperature. It turns on when the room is too hot, then switches off when the room is cool enough. It repeats this on-and-off cycle to keep the temperature the same.

The compressor in an inverter air conditioner runs differently. It uses more advanced technology to save energy and control the temperature precisely. It features a variable-speed compressor that changes speed according to the room's cooling needs.

When you turn on an inverter AC, the compressor starts slowly and increases its speed until it reaches the right temperature. The technology in an inverter AC also reduces temperature changes, making the cooling more consistent and comfortable in the room.

The compressor is the power-consuming component in a non-inverter AC that operates in an on-off manner. It runs at full speed and uses energy when it is on. This makes regular AC one household appliance that can rack up electricity bills fast, unlike the power-saving mechanism of the inverter ACs.

Inverter AC is generally more energy-efficient than normal AC because it avoids the frequent on-off cycles that waste energy. It also maintains a more stable temperature and avoids fluctuations that can cause discomfort and wear and tear on the appliance.

But this does not imply that an inverter AC always uses less power than regular ACs. There are other factors involved that you need to consider.

If you stay in a big room that gets really hot, you probably need to buy a stronger and bigger inverter AC that uses more electricity than a regular AC that's smaller. But, if you only use your normal AC for a little while every day and don't make it too cold, you might save more energy than using your inverter AC all day and making it super chilly.

Why does noise level matter? Well, for one thing, a noisy air conditioner can affect your sleep quality or focus while trying to work or study. For another thing, it can affect your comfort and productivity.

A normal AC compressor produces some level of noise when it is on. However, the noise level drops significantly when the compressor turns off. The frequent fluctuations in noise levels can be uncomfortable and irritating.

In contrast, since the compressors in inverter air conditioners never stop running, the noise level is more stable and lower than normal ACs. In fact, the noise it emits is comparable to a humming refrigerator or a soft breeze.

So, it is highly unlikely that an inverter AC will disturb your sleep, work, or Netflix binge. They just keep you cool and happy.

You don't want to sweat over the price when shopping for an AC. That's why you must consider an AC's upfront cost (the price tag) and the running cost (the electricity bill). The sweet spot is somewhere in between, where you can enjoy a cozy and budget-friendly AC.

The upfront cost of an inverter AC is usually higher than a normal AC. This is because an inverter AC has more advanced technology and components than the regular one. But because an inverter AC uses less energy and lasts longer than a regular AC, its running costs are cheaper.

You'll love an inverter air conditioner if you hate paying hefty electricity bills. It can slash your electricity bills by about 30% to 50% compared to a regular AC. Of course, your actual savings depend on a few things, like the size and brand of your AC, the weather outside, and how much you crank up the coolness.

Generally speaking, an inverter AC requires less maintenance than a regular one. This is because an inverter AC has fewer moving parts and less wear and tear on the compressor. That's not the case with a normal AC with more mechanical stress and friction on the compressor due to frequent on-off cycles. All these can result in more breakdowns and the need for repairs over time.

Power supply is one big factor that affects maintenance cost and frequency in air conditioners. An inverter AC can run smoothly even with voltage fluctuations and power cuts. But a normal AC can easily get damaged or malfunction if there is a sudden upward or downward change in voltage. This can result in higher repair costs or replacement costs.

You should avoid committing common AC blunders, especially on summer days, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Of course, both types of ACs require regular cleaning and servicing. You should clean the filters, coils, and vents at least once a month to prevent dust buildup and clogging. And don't forget to call in a technician to check and service your AC at least once a year to detect and fix any issues before they worsen.

An air conditioner is not like a pizza. You can't just order one and enjoy it right away. You must think carefully before spending your precious money on a cool breeze. Here is what to consider before you make your decision:

Depending on your answers, you should be able to decide whether buy a regular or an inverter air conditioner.

Oluwademilade is an MUO staff writer focused on everything tech. Since 2019, he has contributed to several websites, and prominent media outlets and professionals in the tech space have acknowledged his writing. Besides writing, Oluwademilade likes to read, play the bass guitar, and travel.