What is an Inverter Air Conditioner System?
Unmatched Efficiency & Consistent Comfort
Typical standard air conditioners are put to the test when extreme temperatures hit. Their all-or-nothing approach cycles the system and your home's comfort. With an inverter air conditioner system, there is a consistent, leveled output that keeps you comfortable. Inverter air conditioners have less variation in their output, delivering consistent temperatures and indoor comfort.
The Advantages of Inverter Air Conditioning Technology
As indoor temperatures rise and you hear your air conditioner turn on, you look forward to the initial blast of cool air. There is a certain comfort that comes with feeling the air moving. But after your thermostat turns it off, the indoor temperature begins to rise again and there is a staleness to the air.
An inverter air conditioner doesn't cycle on and off costing you more on your energy bills.
The inverter air conditioner system is equipped with controls that proactively manage the variable speed compressor motor that handles your AC unit's cooling capabilities. This balanced operation limits wasted energy that non-inverter air conditioners expend when they have to “fire up” the motor to begin a cycle. Installing an inverter air conditioner unit will help you save energy while providing a consistent desired room temperature and comfort.
Benefits of an Inverter AC Units
Consistent Desired Temperature
Reducer Electricity Consumption and a Lower Energy Bill
Quiet Operation
Durability
Lasting Indoor Comfort
What is an Inverter Air Conditioner System?
Inverter or variable capacity air conditioners regulate the frequency of voltage to the compressor motor. The inverter air conditioner system controls the output of your HVAC system by controlling the current to your compressor in small increments both up and down.
By running your air conditioner consistently but at lower power, your system will be more energy-efficient. With constantly fluctuating temperatures in the Knoxville area, an inverter air conditioner system can better manage your indoor comfort.
Inverter Air Conditioner vs Non-Inverter Air Conditioner
Energy efficiency is the main difference between conventional and inverter air conditioning systems. Inverter technology allows the ability to manage the current that your air conditioner has on demand and is what gives it the edge over a non-inverter air conditioner making it the best air conditioner.
A conventional single-stage compressor motor will turn 100% on or off when the desired temperature is reached. They are either running at 100% or not at all. Some non-inverter units use two-stage compressors that run at lower power most of the time to keep more consistent room temperatures. But they operate at full speed when more power is needed.
Comparing Air Conditioner Compressor Types
All air conditioners use a compressor to provide the flow of refrigerant. There are three common compressor types found in most residential AC systems. A Non-inverter air conditioner uses either a single-stage or two-stage compressor.
When the thermostat calls for cooling, each compressor motor uses a different amount of power to generate the necessary cold air to reach your desired temperature settings. Inverter-driven AC compressors run at the minimum needed, requiring less power consumption and providing more consistent temperatures.
Single-Stage AC Compressors
Single-stage air conditioners run at either 0% or 100% full capacity and have shorter but more frequent cycles. There will be noticeable temperature swings. When off, the indoor air temperature will rise until the unit turns on. After the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat will turn off the AC unit.
It is the least efficient cooling method because the unit is either on or off which uses more electricity. The cost-effectiveness of a single-stage central air conditioner is preferred by some homeowners.
Two-Stage AC Compressors
Two-stage air conditioner units have longer and less frequent cycles than the single-stage unit. They run at either 65% (stage one) or 100% capacity (stage two). You will sometimes notice room temperature swings but less extreme than a single-stage air conditioner unit. A two-stage unit will run at a lower speed most of the time to keep more consistent temperatures and only use full speed in periods of high demand.
Inverter AC Compressors
Long and slow cycles are the key to reducing energy consumption. Inverter air conditioners actively regulate the speed of the motor. This allows the unit to run between 35 and 120% capacity. During operation, the output varies only slightly. Consistent cooling power with virtually no temperature change is the result.
Energy consumption will decrease because the unit is not wasting energy to keep you comfortable. The upfront cost of an inverter-driven air conditioner is recouped in monthly utility bill savings.
Inverter-driven reverse cycle heating and cooling
Known as a heat pump, a reverse cycle unit can cool and heat your home or business. An inverter-driven heat pump is a complete solution to your indoor comfort. These systems provide versatile heating and cooling capabilities.
These units are perfect for East Tennessee where the outdoor temperature can change considerably day after day.
Ductless Inverter AC System
The most common application for inverter technology in air conditioning is the ductless mini-split. The ductless mini-split is a versatile inverter-driven heating and cooling unit. The compact outdoor unit can be mounted on walls and rooftops as well as on the ground.
The indoor units come in a variety of styles that suit almost any room's decor. Typically, they service a single zone or room. They can also be set up for multi-zone with multiple indoor units on the same outdoor unit.
Ducted Inverter Air Conditioner
Central Inverter Air Conditioner
All major HVAC brands have a high-efficiency, inverter-driven line of heating and air units. Typically 18 and 20 SEER, these units are top-of-the-line and fully loaded with the best new technology. They have tremendous advantages over the non-inverter air conditioner.
Mini-splits no longer
Mini-splits have always had a ducted option. However, the design still targeted single rooms or zones. However, inverter ACs are now being made as a direct replacement for traditional, central, non-inverter units. They make use of existing ductwork, thermostat wiring, thermostats, and line sets. They come in all residential capacities, 2-5 tons.
The indoor units are sized to fit where the non-inverter air handlers are installed. This gives the homeowner a tremendous opportunity to take full advantage of the energy-efficient inverter technology while running exposed line sets or air handlers.
The rarely mentioned benefit of inverter air conditioning
We've covered many of the benefits of having an inverter air conditioner. The one that gets rarely mentioned is humidity control. One of the major functions of air conditioners is removing moisture from the indoor air. This only happens when the unit is running.
Have you ever woken in the middle of the night during the summer and thought, "It's warm in here?" You get up expecting there to be something wrong with your AC and find that it's working fine. The warm, uncomfortable feeling is because humidity is building up in your home. It's dark and the temperature in your home is low. So, your thermostat isn't telling your air conditioner to start.
As we mentioned, your non-inverter air conditioner is either fully on or fully off.
Your inverter air conditioner runs for much longer periods. This keeps humidity levels low throughout your home. Humidity control means better overall comfort. 70 degrees feels like a real 70 degrees. You're not forced to set your thermostat a few degrees lower to get that 70-degree feeling.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioning System
Deciding on the right air conditioner for your home or business can be tough. There are many factors to consider. The square footage of your home and the heating and cooling needed to meet that need is where the decision-making process starts.
The HVAC contractor that you choose should perform an audit of your property. They should take note of where your doors and windows are, and the presence of adequate insulation. If you have any questions about selecting a new air conditioning system, we're here to help.
If you choose an inverter air conditioner, you'll need an experienced and licensed HVAC installer. Most of the major brands will not sell inverters to HVAC companies without first attending special training.
There are a lot of good reasons to choose an inverter AC system. However, the benefits won't be realized if not properly sized and installed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an inverter air conditioner system represents a significant advancement in HVAC technology, offering numerous advantages over traditional non-inverter systems. The key benefits of inverter air conditioning technology include consistent desired temperatures, reduced electricity consumption leading to lower energy bills, quiet operation, durability, energy efficiency, and lasting indoor comfort.
In comparison to non-inverter air conditioners, inverter systems excel in energy efficiency by regulating the compressor motor's speed, resulting in smoother and more energy-efficient operation. This means that inverter-driven air conditioners can maintain a consistent cooling power with minimal temperature fluctuations, reducing overall energy consumption and saving homeowners money in the long run.
Moreover, the versatility of inverter technology extends to various types of air conditioning systems, including ductless mini-splits, ducted inverter air conditioners, and central inverter air conditioners. This adaptability ensures that homeowners can find an inverter solution that suits their specific needs and existing infrastructure.
One often-overlooked benefit of inverter air conditioning is its superior humidity control. Inverter systems run for longer periods, effectively managing humidity levels in the indoor environment. This results in better overall comfort, as the desired temperature feels more accurate, and there's no need to set the thermostat lower to combat humidity-related discomfort.
When choosing the right air conditioning system, it's essential to consider factors such as the size of your space, insulation, and the expertise of your HVAC installer. Proper sizing and installation are crucial for realizing the full benefits of an inverter AC system. Therefore, it's advisable to work with experienced and licensed HVAC professionals who are trained in handling inverter technology.
In summary, the inverter air conditioner system offers unmatched efficiency, consistent comfort, and the potential for significant energy savings. It represents a smart choice for those looking to enhance their indoor comfort while reducing their environmental footprint and energy bills.
