Inverter vs. Non-Inverter Air Conditioner Unit: Pros & Cons

Singaporean heat is no joke. Homes and offices in Singapore can get so hot that a cooling system has practically been deemed essential nationwide. As something so vital to the comfort of everyday living, buying the right air conditioner is a must! You’ll need an air conditioner that not only keeps your place cool and comfortable, but suits your specific, individual needs as well. 

The two popular options for air conditioners in Singapore are the inverter aircon and the non-inverter aircon. Both can cool down or warm your place up—but they’re quite difficult to tell apart! Thus, it’s best to familiarize yourself with each air conditioner type to be able to choose which one would suit your home or business more. 

In a nutshell, inverter aircons are advanced machines that utilize a controlled compressor, while non-inverter air conditioners are less advanced with a default compressor, though generally less expensive and much more common. Though they may seem similar, the inverter aircon and the non-inverter aircon are distinctive from each other in a myriad of ways such as in functionality, how each unit actually works, their built-in features, and more. Read on to find out the differences between each type!

Inverter vs. Non-Inverter Aircon: Category Comparison

Compressor Unit

This is the main difference between the two systems, as the inverter aircon has a different compressor motor running its system than the non-inverter aircon. 

The compressor refers to the part of the aircon unit that compresses the refrigerant gas into a liquid form. Once this occurs, the refrigerant begins to cool, creating the cool air that regulates the temperature in the room. 

Inverter aircons operate with a controllable compressor unit. When cooling or heating is required, the compressor works harder to increase or decrease its output. With a non-inverter aircon, however, there’s no way to control the compressor, and so the non-inverter aircon will cool the room either by operating at either its full capacity or not running at all.

Functionality and Efficiency

As an inverter aircon controls the compressor speed and changes the temperature as required, the inverter aircon is a more likely choice for when you need to save electricity, as it limits energy consumption. The way a non-inverter type functions can cause excessive and unnecessary use of energy, and will more often than not inadvertently rack up your electricity bill. Inverter aircons are inherently more energy-efficient and will help you save on your monthly bills. Also, because of this energy-efficient feature, inverter aircons are regarded as an environmentally-friendly system as it uses 30-50% less energy than a non-inverter type.

Performance

The inverter aircon is a more versatile and flexible unit due to the controlled compressor system. It will adjust to the temperature you’ve set for the room and will adjust its processes based on what the thermostat senses. This versatility usually makes inverter aircons winners in terms of performance, as non-inverter aircons operate on a fixed level of cooling power. Generally though, both inverter and non-inverter aircons do a fine job of cooling a room, so your decision should take other factors into consideration.

Costs

This is probably the one aspect where non-inverter aircons will win out against an inverter aircon, as non-inverter aircons are much cheaper. Really, the primary drawback of an inverter aircon is the initial price to pay upon buying one. Installation costs are also significantly higher with an inverter unit. 

However, many will argue that the costs involved with an inverter unit should be considered as an investment, as an inverter type is a more versatile and advanced machine compared to a non-inverter. Not to mention, if you’ll be using the AC for long-term, you’ll be saving much more money on electricity bills than if you were to get an inverter-type.

Inverter vs. Non-Inverter Aircon: Pros & Cons

Inverter Pros

• Energy Efficient: The compressor is not constantly running at full power, as the system utilizes a controlled compressor that works at variable speed settings. This makes the inverter aircon a much more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly option than a non-inverter.
• Quiet: Since it uses less power, the inverter aircon will be much quieter than a non-inverter. Also, since the unit regulates its processes according to room temp instead of abruptly turning on and off, you’ll avoid the loud start and stop sounds that occur in non-inverters. 
• Good Investment: Though expensive, the inverter aircon can be considered a good investment given its functionality, flexibility, and durability. Not to mention, its life span is much longer compared to non-inverter units. These qualities and all other aforementioned aspects make it a reliable air conditioning system worth its high prices.

Inverter Cons

• Expensive: As inverter aircons use more advanced technology, they are much more expensive than non-inverters. They also have added costs such as a higher installation fee, and have parts that are more expensive to replace. 

Non-Inverter Pros

• Cheaper and More Accessible: The non-inverter aircon’s primary pro over the inverter aircon is its affordability. Since this aircon is cheaper, it’s a much more accessible option for Singaporeans with limited income.  

Non-Inverter Cons

• Noisy: As the non-inverter aircon as built to turn on and off every time a certain temperature is reached, it can create a lot of noise that may annoy some occupants, especially if sleeping or working.
• Shorter Life Span: The frequency of the non-inverter turning on and turning off consequently speeds up wear and tear on the system, shortening its life span.
• High Electricity Bills: Non-inverter aircons are notorious for skyrocketing electricity bills due to the start-stop process of their compressor system. Mismanagement of your air conditioning habits could lead to unmanageable expenses in the long run.

The Final Decision

At the end of the day, the main goal of buying an air conditioner is to keep you and the occupants of your house or business comfortable in the midst of the Singaporean heat. While it’s always great to get an advanced system with the latest tech, don’t forget to think of other factors that will affect your decision, such as how frequently you’ll be using the air conditioner, or at what level it will primarily be used. 

While the inverter aircon is definitely the better investment and the more reliable choice, the non-inverter aircon is much more accessible, especially for families who won’t be using the air conditioner too often. 

No matter your choice though, you can rely on Oasis Aircon Singapore to help you with aircon advice, installation, and maintenance. Call us now and our team of expert AC technicians will make sure you have the best service at the best price!