The difference between inverter and non inverter is the inverter
units can alter their speed in response to cooling demand. Some units
have an initial over-speed period where they will run at a slightly
higher capacity for a set time to pull down the temperature of a hot
room. When they reach the set point temperature they can reduce capacity
to maintain that level without cycling as much as a normal unit would.
This saves power although it’s arbitrary as it would still take a while
to recoup the increased purchase costs.
The inverter unit increases the power usage slightly as it converts
the incoming power into a suitable style for the air conditioner
although the ability to run at a reduced power level helps to drop the
overall usage to below that of a typical non-inverter unit. Most of the
advertising claiming 30% lower bills using inverters are based on very
carefully set up laboratory scenarios. In reality, while they may cost
less to run than a conventional unit, buying an efficient conventional
unit will still be cost effective.
**consideration ask your salesperson what refrigerant metering device
is fitted to your unit, likely they won't know. Time to speak to a
refrigeration mechanic instead. There are three main types of metering
device fitted to units and these make a considerable difference to how a
unit operates, its efficiency, comfort and time taken to manage heat
load.
-capillary- the lowest quality systems refrigerant flow is varied only by the speed of compressor
-ax valve- (piston oriface)- very similar to capillary but less chance of blockages requiring service calls
-tx valve- or thermostatic expansion valve (electronic or mechanical) the best type, most high end systems are fitted with these, refrigerant flow is controlled by speed of compressor as well as heat load in room, allow for faster cooling and heating more efficiently. Where an identical capacity system with a capillary or ax valve is compared to a tx valve system the tx will always be in front. (All current Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin units are fitted with tx valves)
-capillary- the lowest quality systems refrigerant flow is varied only by the speed of compressor
-ax valve- (piston oriface)- very similar to capillary but less chance of blockages requiring service calls
-tx valve- or thermostatic expansion valve (electronic or mechanical) the best type, most high end systems are fitted with these, refrigerant flow is controlled by speed of compressor as well as heat load in room, allow for faster cooling and heating more efficiently. Where an identical capacity system with a capillary or ax valve is compared to a tx valve system the tx will always be in front. (All current Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin units are fitted with tx valves)
