To get the best air conditioner for your home or office, you may have some questions. What’s the difference between rechargeable or inverter air conditioners? Which one should I buy?
Actually, choosing the best air conditioner may be daunting. But we’re here for you.
Of course, you have to consider many factors to make a choice. You may need to know the core differences between air conditioner types. This helps to narrow down your search and help you get the right type to buy.
We’re here to help guide you to make the best choice. So, we will discuss the core differences between rechargeable and inverter air conditioners.
The Difference between Rechargeable Air Conditioner vs Inverter Air Conditioner
Basically, both rechargeable and inverter air conditioners perform the same functions. They regulate indoor temperature to give convenience. But they differ in some aspects which are discussed below.
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Type of Compressor
Non-inverter rechargeable air conditioners are designed with a fixed-speed compressor. They aim to cool a room at full capacity to a specific cooling load. This means that they gradually cool an indoor space until a temperature peak is reached.
Once reached, the compressor is turned off and cooling is stopped. Once the room temperature rises, the thermostat senses the change. Then the air conditioner automatically puts on the compressor.
On the contrary, an inverter air conditioner works with a variable speed compressor. It adjusts its capacity based on the room size and temperature. Once turned on, the air conditioner cools at full capacity until the temperature peak is reached.
After this, the compressor adjusts the flow of refrigerant and reduces the speed. As a result, the inverter AC maintains optimum temperature without turning off its compressor.
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Power Source
Inverter air conditioners are usually powered by an AC power supply. Once a power outage occurs, they become inefficient. So, they cannot be used during camping, outdoor cooling, or in the car.
Rechargeable air conditioners can still be used where there is no access to a stable or constant power supply. They are designed with DC batteries that can be charged and used. Once they are charged, they can be used for several hours.
- Efficiency
Non-inverter air conditioners consume more power due to the intermittence of their compressor. This makes them inefficient, as there is less regulating power. Also, the room is unevenly cooled and this increases the utility bills.
Non-inverter rechargeable air conditioners are usually the portable type. They are mostly used for spot cooling in small spaces. Although they can function in a power outage, they are not efficient to cool a large room. Also, they require regular maintenance for them to be effective in cooling.
Inverter air conditioners are excellent for efficiently cooling a space, whether large, medium, or small. Once turned on, they actively cool and regulate the temperature of a space. Cool air is circulated much faster and continually. So, there is no uneven cooling or high power consumption. This makes them the most efficient air conditioners.
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Market Price
Inverter technology used in inverter air conditioners makes them expensive. But they give you high value for your money. They are also more durable than non-inverter conditioners.
Rechargeable air conditioners are relatively cheaper. They can be used effectively for small and medium spaces. Especially if you want to cool a single room. Getting a good rechargeable air conditioner will reduce energy costs and save you a lot of stress.
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Noise Production
Inverter air conditioners have a variable speed rotary compressor. This type of compressor produces less noise, like hiccuping or loud humming. The reason is that the compressor runs at low speed most of the time. There are lesser moving parts to produce noise. So, inverter air conditioners are suitable for spaces where less noise is needed.
Non-inverter rechargeable air conditioners produce more noise due to their fixed-speed compressors.
5. Cost of Maintenance
Although rechargeable air conditioners need regular maintenance, it is less expensive to maintain. Repairing, replacing, and cleaning parts are cheaper and easier
Contrarily, replacing or repairing inverter air conditioner parts is costly. Components like the inverter circuit board are expensive to replace and maintain.
Other Types of Air Conditioner For Home Use
Air conditioner types are largely categorized into free-standing types and split systems.
Free-standing air conditioners are compact, with all their components in one device. Examples of free-standing air conditioners are window units, floor-mounted, and smart air conditioners.
Split system air conditioners are made of two separate component units. One unit is positioned outside the building, while the other is placed inside. Examples of split system air conditioners are central, ceiling, and wall-mounted air conditioners.
Air Conditioner Buying Guide: The FAQs
What Do I Need to Know about Buying an Air Conditioner?
When buying an air conditioner there are factors you need to know. These include room capacity, energy efficiency, price, cooling speed, air quality, and maintenance. You also need to choose whether you want a stand-alone or split system type of air conditioner. This depends on the kind of space you want to cool.
What Is the 3 Most Important Factors for an AC Unit?
Air conditioner units vary greatly by many factors. But, there are 3 most important factors to have in mind when choosing an AC unit. They include efficiency (high or low efficiency), AC unit size, and ductwork/air distribution.
Which Type of AC is Best for Home?
Usually, the best type of AC for a home is an inverter HVAC system. An inverter AC system is more efficient and saves more power. It is capable of regulating the temperature of all rooms within the home.
How Do I Choose The Right Size Air Conditioner for My Home?
Choosing the right size of air conditioner for your home is easy. Simply multiply the length times the width of the space(s) you wish to cool. Then multiply the value times 25 BTU units.
Conclusion
Rechargeable air conditioners and inverter air conditioners are similar in terms of function—cooling down an indoor space. But they differ in some aspects like power source, efficiency, price, maintenance cost, and noise.
Buying an air conditioner for the home can be daunting. But when you know the factors to consider, you’re on the right track to making a perfect choice.
