Buying an air conditioner is no longer a simple choice. Most buyers today get stuck between an inverter AC and a normal (fixed speed) AC, and the confusion is fair. Both cool your room, but they work in very different ways. A normal AC turns its compressor fully on or fully off to control temperature, while an inverter AC adjusts the compressor speed to match the cooling needed. This difference affects everything from your electricity bill to how long the unit lasts. If you are planning to buy an AC this summer, understanding these basics can help you avoid regret later and pick a model that actually suits your home and budget.
The inverter ACs are more efficient between the two, as their compressors can run at different speeds instead of constantly turning on and off. Along with that, once your room reaches the desired temperature, the compressor slows down and keeps maintaining the temperature, rather than shutting off completely. As a result of this, you get more consistent cooling, and the device also reduces the energy waste.
Whereas a normal AC uses a fixed-speed compressor that repeatedly starts and stops to maintain the set temperature. Each restart uses extra electricity, which increases power consumption. Because of this, inverter ACs usually save more energy over time, especially when they are used for many hours each day.
Normal ACs come with a simpler design and are much easier and less expensive to repair. Not only that, but the technicians are also more familiar with these types of systems, as they have been working on such devices for ages now. The basic service visit usually costs around Rs 500 to Rs 800, in which you’ll get the basic maintenance done.
Whereas the inverter ACs use advanced electronic components, and as a result of that, the repair costs of the cooling device are comparatively higher. Moreover, depending on the part that needs replacement, the repairs may cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500, and you can’t ask a local technician to service it, so the professional tax would also come into play. However, you should also note that the inverter compressors do not constantly start and stop; hence, the wear and tear on the device is less, and you may face fewer faulty parts in the long run.
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A normal AC with eight hours of daily usage would attract a monthly electricity bill of roughly Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. While an energy-saving inverter AC with the same capacity would be charged around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200.
Aside from that, the initial cost of investment of the ordinary ACs is less. You can usually purchase them for around Rs 28,000 to Rs 35,000, while inverter ACs cost around Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000.