What are the disadvantages of an inverter AC?

When buying an air conditioner, you’re bound to come across ads or sales executives telling you to check out the latest inverter AC. We’ve already covered inverter ACs, and why they come out as winners in the inverter AC vs non-inverter AC debate.

These air conditioners are power efficient, economical, quieter than standard ACs, and also environment friendly. But that’s not to say that they are perfect for everyone. We list out a few disadvantages of an inverter AC, which will help you to make a more informed buying decision.

What are the disadvantages of an inverter AC?

Higher price tag

The entry price for an inverter AC is a bit on the higher side when compared to standard ACs. Take for instance the Croma 1 Ton 3 Star Split AC, which costs Rs 26,990. In comparison, a Croma 1-ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC will cost you Rs 28,990.

In some cases, the price difference can be as much as 20-25 per cent or more. And depending upon your usage, it could take a few years for you to recover the high upfront cost.

Higher maintenance bills 

While these air conditioners help you save on electricity bills, the cost of achieving that isn’t cheap. Inverter ACs use a lot of complex parts to function in the way they do, and hence cost more than standard ACs for maintenance.

ALSO READ: Air Conditioner vs Air Cooler: What should you get?

Finding the right refrigerant

Speaking of maintenance, inverter ACs tend to use R410A refrigerant, which is not as commonly found as the R134A. This is especially the case in smaller towns or tier II cities, which makes servicing and repairs more difficult and potentially a costly affair.

Room size and insulation

When buying an AC, it is imperative to opt for the right capacity and tonnage depending on the size of the room. While this applies to all kinds of ACs, it is more important to get the combination right in the case of inverter ACs. Since the compressor in an inverter AC runs the entire time, an underpowered unit will keep running at max capacity, resulting in higher power consumption and bills.

Similarly, one needs to also ensure that the room with an inverter AC is properly insulated for maximum efficiency. The compressor in these air conditioners adjust the power and speed depending on the temperature in the room. Frequent door opening or improper insulation can result in cooling leakage, which results in the compressor running at higher speeds for longer times.

How does an inverter air conditioner work?

An inverter AC has a microprocessor that controls the processors within the unit to give you the desired cooling effect. However, in the case of an inverter AC, these microprocessors lower the speed of the motor without compromising on the hot or cold effect in your space. Inverter ACs are generally priced higher and are also relatively quieter functioning units.

Advantages of an inverter of AC

As mentioned above, inverter ACs are far more economical in the long run. Here are a few more advantages of owning inverter air conditioners: 

Improved cooling: Inverter ACs can offer you great cooling, especially during the summer months. Conventional AC units, in a situation like this, tend to heat up or overwork themselves, causing strain on the components of the unit. 

Smarter technology: Inverter ACs use smart microprocessors that take temperature readings from different parts of your room into consideration. They can then adjust the temperature accordingly and provide uniform cooling within your space. 

Reduced power consumption: Lastly, inverter ACs convert DC power from the grind to AC before it can reach the unit. This, in return, improves power efficiency and works best for those running ACs on solar energy. 

हिंदी में पढ़ें: इन्वर्टर AC के क्या नुकसान हैं?