What is an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner (AC) is a machine that cools the air by using evaporation, condensation, or sublimation as a transfer method. This process occurs when water or another liquid (such as glycol or Freon) evaporates from a liquid state into a gas state and then back into a liquid state. The evaporation of the water happens more quickly at higher temperatures, so AC units are generally engineered to be most efficient at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. An air conditioner consists of a compressor, condenser, fan, and drain pan (if the unit is indoor). The vent system is the same system used to vent furnaces: a return path for the warm air and a place to vent the warm air outside. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which then transfers heat from the air outside to the air inside the house. The condenser then releases the cooled air from the air conditioner, so it can then be released outside through the venting system. The fan sends air into the house to create a current of air that cools it down. The drain pan collects any liquid refrigerant that drips out of the system.
Types of Air Conditioners
Residential Split Unit
A split unit is used in a single-zone home, meaning it only cools one room. It draws air in from the outside and releases it out from the inside. This makes the room comfortable while the rest of the house stays at a safe temperature with less energy used. – Central Air Conditioner – This type of air conditioner is used in a single-zone home, like a split unit. It blows air from inside the house to cool the outside and can also be used in multiple zones. – Room Air Conditioner – A room air conditioner is used in rooms that don’t need to be cooled down, like the garage or basement. It is also used in hotels, dorm rooms, and RVs.
Inverter Air Conditioners
Inverter air conditioners combine the functions of a compressor, condenser, and fan into a single unit. Using a single unit saves space and reduces the amount of wiring needed inside a home. The compressor powers the inverter. An air-to-liquid cooling system transfers heat from the air to a glycol liquid. The condenser then releases cooled air as the fan does in non-inverter units. The inverter then acts as a power converter, changing the direct current voltage from the power grid to a higher frequency to create electricity for the AC unit. The inverter AC units are more efficient and quieter than non-inverter AC units, but they are more expensive to purchase. Because an inverter is required to run the AC, it can put a strain on the battery. It’s recommended to turn off the AC when you don’t need it.
Non-Inverter Air Conditioners
Non-inverter units are simple units that don’t need to run at a high frequency. As it doesn’t run at a high frequency, it doesn’t put a strain on the battery and can be turned on and off with ease. Non-inverter air conditioners are more cost-effective and less complicated than inverter units. They don’t use a capacitor to change the power grid’s voltage to a higher frequency. The compressor powers the fan and the condenser cools the air. Because it doesn’t use a capacitor, it’s not as expensive and efficient as inverter air conditioners.
Which Type Is Better?
There is no correct answer to this question. It entirely depends on your personal needs, budget and preference. If you are looking to cool down a single room in your house, you should consider a split unit. If you want smooth, continuous airflow throughout the house, get an inverter air conditioner. However, if you want to reduce your energy and financial costs, get a non-inverter air conditioner.
Pros of Using an Inverter AC Unit
– Energy Efficiency – An inverter air conditioner uses less energy and produces less heat than non-inverter air conditioners.
– Quiet Operation – The fan inside a non-inverter air conditioner spins at a high speed, which can be very loud. The high frequency of this fan can cause vibration and noise, which can be disruptive to the people in the room. The inverter air conditioner has a much slower fan, so it produces less vibration and noise, making it a better option for living spaces.
– Temperature Control – An air conditioner works by changing the temperature of the air moving through the system, which makes the room colder.
– Operation – An AC unit either run continuously or goes into “sleep” mode when it is not used. – Energy Savings – If you use your AC unit correctly, it can prevent energy loss.
Cons of Using an Inverter AC Unit
– Exhaust – An air conditioner expels warm air and moisture through the exhaust system. This can lead to complications and expensive repairs.
– Battery – An inverter air conditioner has a large capacitor that stores electricity from the system. When it is not in use, this capacitor can be discharged through the system’s fan. A non-inverter AC unit does not have a capacitor, so it does not put any strain on the battery.
– Energy Loss – If the air conditioner is not used correctly, it can cause energy to be lost.
Pros of Using a Non-Inverter Air Conditioner
– Cost Savings – Even though an inverter air conditioner is more efficient, it also uses more energy and costs more to operate. A non-inverter air conditioner, on the other hand, uses less energy and is less expensive to operate.
– Less Noise – A non-inverter air conditioner’s fan creates less noise than a high-frequency inverter air conditioner’s fan. – Less Energy Use – A non-inverter air conditioner uses less energy than an inverter air conditioner.
– Less Maintenance – A non-inverter air conditioner will not wear out as quickly as an inverter air conditioner, as it doesn’t need to run at a high frequency.
Final Words
While you can’t go back in time and choose a different type of AC unit, you can choose a better model that is more efficient and less expensive to operate. Before purchasing a new air conditioner, make sure you do your research and consider the above information.