What is the difference between Inverter AC and Split AC?

In this era, Air Conditioners are considered a necessity rather than a luxury. But too many choices can baffle you in making the right choice. How exactly will you know which AC is the right fit for your home? Well, this article will answer your question about choosing between two of the most popular types of Air Conditioners which are Inverter AC and Split AC. Not only their brief introduction, but you will also learn about the main differences between their working, their advantages and disadvantages, and how you can make the right pick for your home according to your needs. 

How Does Split AC Work?

Split AC is a split of two units, hence the name. One unit is kept inside the home which acts as an Air Outlet Unit. This unit is also an Air Handling Unit. Whereas, the other unit of the split AC system is kept outdoors and goes by the name of the Condensing Unit of the AC. The outdoor unit is basically the compressor of the AC system.

Split AC system works with fixed-speed compressors and when the required temperature of the room is achieved, the whole system shuts off. Again, upon sensing the ascent in temperature, the whole system turns on again, which causes frequent strain on the system resulting in hasty wear and tear of the system. These models are considered less energy-efficient compared to inverter Air Conditioners.

How does Inverter AC work?

Inverter AC is considered as the more preferred solution because of its Variable Speed Compressor Technology. Instead of shutting down and then turning on the whole system, Inverter AC adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the surroundings.

Inverters have sensors that can sense the outdoor temperature and presence of people in a room. It starts to cool down the temperature of the room and just before reaching the set temperature; it slows down the compressor fan so that less energy is used by the compressor. Now the system is operating but at a lower possible capacity but as the temperature of the surroundings starts going up, it increases the compressor fan’s speed to maintain the temperature of the room.

Inverter AC VS Split AC Power Consumption

In terms of Power Consumption, Split AC consumes more energy than Inverter AC because of its constant turning on and off the compressor and thermostat in order to maintain the temperature. On the other hand, Inverter AC uses only a sufficient amount of energy to keep the system running and maintain the desired temperature, so it proves to consume less power to do orderly tasks of cooling.

Advantages of Split AC:

• Split AC is preferred by the masses because of its affordability. Split AC tends to cost less initially during the setup process but the less energy efficiency and electricity consumption of Split AC costs a lot of money in the long run. 
• One advantage of Split AC is its easy maintenance. As Split ACs have been in the game for many years compared to Inverter AC which is a new and innovative solution, their maintenance costs are low and repairs are easy and cost-effective. 
• If you’re planning to operate your Air Conditioner just a few hours in a day then Split Ac is the best choice as they are known for their rapid cooling of larger spaces. 

Disadvantages of Split AC:

• As mentioned previously, Split ACs have fixed cooling capacity, they tend to turn on and off repetitively to ensure the proper cooling. This process consumes more electricity and is less energy efficient due to more energy consumption.
• Frequent on-and-off kicking of the compressors makes a noticeable noise and can be a source of annoyance during quiet hours.
• Split ACs, despite being capable of rapid cooling, don’t essentially have precise temperature control. Temperature Fluctuations are very common under Split ACs leading to an uncomfortable environment for the occupants.
• It has less life span because of the constant wear and tear of the system on the constant operation of the compressor.

Advantages of Inverter AC:

• Inverter Ac consumes only the necessary amount of energy to maintain the desired temperature. They are considered the more energy-efficient option when it comes to air conditioners. Their lower energy consumption also leads to low electricity bills. Inverters save 30% more electricity than non-inverters such as split ACs. 
• Inverter ACs are not noisy because of their gradual transitioning of speed. They don’t turn on or off the compressor which leads to noise. Inverter’s noiseless operation proves to be more comfortable for the occupants.
• Temperature Control is excellent when it comes to Inverters. They have the tendency to modulate their cooling output to match the ditto cooling load in your space. This process reduces temperature fluctuations in the system.
• The lifespan of an Inverter AC is comparatively high even though its maintenance costs are a bit high.

Disadvantages of Inverter AC:

• Inverter ACs are more expensive than Split ones. But even though their initial setting cost is high, they prove to be more cost-friendly in the long run due to their less energy consumption.
• Inverters have a more complex setup of wiring and insulation than split ACs, their maintenance can be a little tricky, and repair costs can be a little high in case of any malfunction.

Factors that Matters:

Now that you know the working, advantages, and disadvantages of both systems, you should know which factors affect your decision-making process while purchasing an Air Conditioner.

• Budget: If you are on a low budget and don’t need heavy use of Air conditioners, Split AC is the right choice for you. However, if affordability is not an issue for you, then you should definitely invest in Inverter AC.
• Carbon Footprint: Where on one hand, inverters are more energy-efficient; they are also less environment-destructive. If you prefer such systems that don’t impact the environment badly, you should go for the Inverters.
• Room Size: Inspect for your room size where the AC will be mounted. Split ACs tend to provide rapid cooling in larger spaces so choose accordingly.
• Noise Tolerance: If you have a problem with the operating noises of the compressor, then you should go for a quieter solution which is the inverter. However, if you don’t find yourself disturbed by the noise, you can opt for Split Ac.
• Star-Rating: Every AC has a star rating ranging from 1 to 5 stars. The more stars on a system, the more energy-efficient it is. So even if you’re going for an inverter Ac, check its star rating and try to buy one with a 5-star rating issued by the ISEER value.

In conclusion, the choice between inverter ACs and split ACs depends on your specific requirements, budget, and priorities. Inverter ACs are the more energy-efficient and technologically advanced option, while traditional split ACs are more budget-friendly and may be suitable for larger spaces. Careful consideration of your cooling needs will help you make the right choice to keep your home comfortable during the scorching summer months.