FT NEWS

As summer approaches, adopting measures to stay cool in the face of the torrid heat, both indoors and outdoors, becomes a priority in most households. For homes in need of an air conditioner, choosing a design that fits the bill can be a long-drawn-out process, rooted in various considerations. Factors like carpet area, ventilation, floor layout, price and energy efficiency, all come into play while shortlisting options.

If you are planning on buying an air conditioner in time for summer, it’s wise to know about the two main types of technologies in the market – fixed speed and inverter – to help you make your decision.

Fixed speed ACs
Fixed speed ACs operate on a binary system, working at either full capacity or not at all. A fixed speed system turns off the compressor once the required temperature is established, restarting it only when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. As the AC tries to restore the desired temperature balance, any interfering heat can delay the cooling mechanism, putting pressure on the compressor. While fixed speed ACs cool just as well as inverter ACs, their binary on-off operation might create subtle temperature inconsistencies.

Pros

• They are priced lower than inverter ACs; a better choice if you’re on a budget.
• With fewer movable components in the compressor, maintenance costs are lower compared to inverter systems.
• Basic cooling technology is the same as inverter systems.

Cons

• The cyclical on-off system leads to considerable power wastage and minor temperature fluctuations.
• The fixed speed compressor causes energy wastage.
• The start–stop mechanism gives rise to a changing sound levels.

Inverter ACs
Inverter ACs differ from fixed speed ACs because of their variable-speed compressor technology. Such systems serve to solve the temperature fluctuation and energy wastage problems presented by fixed speed ACs. They work by accelerating the compressor speed at the start, to galvanise enough power to reach the desired temperature, then modulating it in a low power mode to counterbalance any incoming heat. The inverter system, therefore, puts a minimal load on the compressor while delivering consistent cooling.

Pros

• It allows tight control over compressor function; provides and maintains powerful and consistent cooling.
• The compressor can be expected to last longer, since it is not put under as much strain as a fixed speed one.
• There are savings in the amount of energy used.
• A broad operating voltage range adjusts the power of the compressor according to the voltage being supplied; this ensures greater economy and ease of maintenance in the long run.
• The variable compressor operates more quietly, as it constantly adjusts the temperature rather than following a start-stop mechanism.

Cons

• It costs more; but this is offset by the energy savings in the long term, and the superior performance.
• The greater number of movable parts in the compressor could mean higher repairing costs in the long run.

The final verdict
While it’s true that inverter systems maintain more exact temperatures than fixed speed systems, the difference is so minimal that you might not even notice it in your home.

Both fixed speed ACs and inverter ACs are comparable when it comes to temperature control. Although inverter systems are more efficient than their fixed-speed counterparts, like most other energy-efficient devices, they come at a premium. However, this delta can be recovered in the long run by way of energy savings. As your inverter AC puts in more operating hours, the lower electricity bills will bring you your payback.

Ultimately, your decision should be governed by the trade-off between your short-term and long-term returns. If your short-term budget is a priority, a fixed speed AC might be worth the investment, whereas if you’re thinking long-term, an inverter AC will give you a better bang for your buck.