Fixed-Speed vs. Inverter Compressor Technology


Updated: November 2022
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Fixed-Speed vs. Inverter Compressor Technology

Traditional cooling and heating solutions are a bit slow on the uptake, blasting freezing-cold air one minute and then nothing the next. So, what gives? Temperature delivery should be more streamlined with less temperature swings. That’s where INVERTER technology comes in.

Part of the ductless compressor unit, INVERTER technology selectively changes the motor speed according to home temperature demands. This variable compression speed means a smoother, more streamlined approach to temperature delivery that’s also lighter on the pocketbook.

 

Total Comfort Control

Traditional systems use a fixed-speed compressor, which cycles the unit on and off whenever the room dips below desired temperatures. This system relies on an all-or-nothing philosophy—with the compressor running at either zero or 100 percent. This can lead to unpleasant temperature swings as the system strains to maintain a constant temperature.

Inverters, on the other hand, are always running in the background, adjusting the compressor speed in real time. By ramping up power to the compressor when needed, an inverter provides a more accurate, on-demand approach to temperature control. If your room temperature’s already a comfortable 72 degrees, for example, an inverter may slow the compressor’s engine to a crawl. If your room’s cooking at 104 degrees, the inverter will push the compressor into high gear, keeping you out of the hot seat.  

 

Dialing In Efficiency & Savings

 

Room Size

The size of your air conditioner impacts your energy bill more than you might think. Standard, fixed-speed air conditioners will run at peak power, regardless of the size of your room—whether it’s 1000, 2000, or 10,000 square feet. Bigger is not necessarily better in this case—especially if you have a smaller room.

INVERTER-driven units, on the other hand, are able to dynamically adjust their compressor speed based on a room’s temperature. Because the unit only draws enough power to maintain a steady room temperature, via the compressor, it “changes” its capacity to suit the room it’s in. 

 

Start-up Current

From an energy perspective, constantly cycling a compressor on and off can be a costly endeavor. Unlike INVERTER-driven systems, fixed-speed compressors can’t ramp up gradually. While INVERTER systems are always on, running at a fraction of full speed is far more efficient in the long run. It’s estimated that standard systems draw 3-4 times as much power on start-up versus an INVERTER-driven system.   

 

Takeaway

Inverters work overtime to deliver personalized comfort and energy efficiency. With smooth, streamlined temperature delivery without dramatic swings, inverters are the high end of the cooling and heating world. With INVERTER technology, the dream just got a little bit closer.

Tags
Single-family home
Zoned Comfort Solutions
Efficiency
Cost savings
High-performance
Green
Temperature control
Outdoor units