‘Inverter’ air conditioners and variable speed drives – why they’re more energy efficient

Traditional air conditioners have one fixed speed and when the room reaches a certain temperature, they stop the compressor.

That’s not as energy efficient as it could be as the compressor is constantly stopping and starting to keep the room temperature at the set level.

An ‘inverter-type’ air conditioner, however, has a variable speed drive. This means that the inverter air conditioner can adjust the speed of the fan motor up or down to match the temperature change that’s needed.

The impact that this has on the unit makes it far more energy efficient and it keeps the room temperature more constant.

This ability to reduce the fan speed in HVAC systems by 20% can also reduce energy consumption by up to nearly 50%.^[1] So it’s worth looking at your options with this equipment when upgrading.

If you want professional advice on inverter-type air conditioners versus conventional air conditioners, talk to an EcoSmart Electrician or a technical service provider with HVAC experience.

Want more information?

The variable output compressor column in the Government’s E3 energy rating guide will tell you which HVAC units have these variable output compressors:
EnergyCut.info/aircon-ratings