Struggling to choose what type of AC would best suit your home? You’re not the only one. Choosing between a Split or Inverter AC can be tough, especially if you’re unfamiliar with both of them. In our eyes, they both have pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs better. Our job is simply to give you the facts so you can make an informed decision. Here’s what we found.
What’s a Split AC?
Split AC units are you are made with two components. One on the inside of a room and the other outside. The unit on the inside draws in the warm air from inside the room, exchanges the heat and expels cold air out in return, whereas the outside unit expels the warm air.
Benefits of using a Split AC
- They’re very energy-efficient
- They offer great cooling capabilities
- You can get them at affordable prices
- Low-maintenance
What does an Inverter AC do?
Now, we move to an inverter AC. Split air installations are generally the go-to option for many homeowners because they’re quick, easy, and known. But, the Inverter AC is just as good, if not better. The Inverter AC has more controllable speeds and allows you to regulate how you use your AC. Giving you the option to save electricity and adapt airflow speeds to your liking.
Benefits of using an Inverter AC
- Set the temperature to match the room temp
- A lot more energy efficient than Split AC
- Eco-friendly
The difference between Split AC and Inverter AC
At face value, Split AC and Inverter ACs might seem very similar, so why go for the more expensive one? We’d suggest taking a deeper look to see why you might want to consider an Inverter AC before making your choice. Here’s the difference we uncovered:
The efficiency test
In regards to energy efficiency, Inverter AC takes the cake. This is not to say that Split ACs are going to eat your electricity, just that Inverter ACs are better in this aspect. This is mainly due to their design. Inverter ACs are geared towards being energy efficient. Their design ensures that they modify the cooling speeds to match the needs of the room you’re in without using excessive power to do so.
Technology
Because they’ve been around for a while and have shown their reliability, split ACs are a common choice for many people. They usually have a slim, modern design and variable options or modes that make them appealing. But for those who are after smart features in their ACs, the Inverter AC wins again. These impressive machines have a humidifying function and can even connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them from your mobile device.
Speed
Here’s where Inverter Air conditioners really make a difference. Split ACs are usually limited to a fixed-speed compressor, which means you’ll get one consistent airflow speed, although some do have the option to control the speed with set modes. Inverter ACs have an option to control the speed, allowing it to either be extremely fast or slow.
Noise
Noise is an important one to consider. Split ACs aren’t extremely noisy, but when you’re trying to sleep, the subtle sound of air can keep you up at night. That’s why many people decide to spend a little extra for an Inverter AC. They’re extremely quiet and don’t really disrupt your sleep.
Affordability
In terms of price, split ACs are more affordable. This is because they’re older technology and offer a basic solution to keeping your home cool. As you can piece together, Inverter ACs are more expensive because they have all the added smart features.
We also need to consider long-term affordability here though. Split ACs have come a long way in their power consumption. But because they have fixed speeds, they’re power output increases the faster the fan goes. Inverter ACs on the other hand, can vary the speed and temperature with minor increases in energy consumption, which makes them the better option in the long run.
Installation
Installation is another big factor to look at. Split air condition installations can be a headache to install. They require you to run pipes through walls and mount the output and input units on either side of the wall. Inverter ACs, being newer, offer a more streamlined, simple way of installing them.
Pros and Cons of an Inverter and Split AC
Here’s a side-by-side comparison for you to weigh up the pros and cons of which AC you’d prefer:
Split AC:
Pros:
- It can be installed anywhere and does not require expensive ducts
- Split ACs are designed to look attractive on the walls of your home
- They’re more affordable and available to almost anyone, with affordable options available
Cons:
- They can be noisy, potentially disrupting sleep cycles
- Installation is usually challenging and requires technical help
- They’re not great for multi-story buildings
Inverter AC:
Pros:
- The compressor prevents voltage fluctuations
- Runs according to and maintains the desired room temperature
- Offers high cooling efficiency
- You can run it on solar panels
- Results in lower utility bills
- Quite a bit easier to install
Cons:
- They can consume more power in the absence of insulation
- Unfortunately, their efficiency decreases in extremely hot weather
- Repairs tend to be more costly
- They’re more expensive to purchase
- A model too powerful for a room size may run short cycles, causing the room to become too hot or too cold
Final Thoughts
Alright, so it’s down to the final decision. It’s clear that on paper, the Inverter AC is a better choice simply because it’s newer technology and designed to be more energy efficient. But, for those of you who haven’t got the finances to purchase an Inverter AC, a split AC will still get the job done. We’d suggest that you consider your budget and where you want to use the AC before you buy one. This will give you an idea of what you could or should go for.