Which AC to buy – an Inverter air conditioner or a 5-star AC unit? We often stumble upon this point when it comes to purchasing an air conditioning system.
It is essential to know about both types before making an informed decision. To everyone will be aware of what inverter AC and 5-star AC are. We are here with this guide to help you provide all the information related to both AC types.
In this article, we will learn about each AC type in detail, its significance, and the working mechanism. We will also discuss about the distinguishing features and other parameters that will help you make the right investment.
Continue reading to get more insights into Inverter AC and 5-star AC.
Let us start our discussion with what an inverter AC is.
What is Inverter Air Conditioner?
When talking about an inverter AC, you should first talk about the inverter technology. For all those who have little or zero knowledge of what an inverter technology is, this article will help you know more about it.
The inverter technology in an air conditioner works similar to the accelerator in your car. We all know how significant a compressor is to the AC unit. You cannot think about the functioning of an AC if there is no compressor in it. This is where the inverter comes into the picture to give the required boost to the compressor.
In other words, when your compressor needs more power, the inverter gives additional power to it. Similarly, when it requires less power, the inverter provides the compressor with less power. This technology ensures that the compressor remains turned on always and regulates its power based on the temperature of the incoming air and the temperature level settings in the thermostat. Altogether, the role of an inverter is to regulate and adjust the speed and power of the compressor accordingly.
Let us learn about the working mechanism of the inverter AC.
How does an Inverter AC Work?
As mentioned earlier, the compressor is a crucial part of the AC unit. In normal ACs, the compressor turns on and off at regular intervals depending on the temperature. The compressor turns on and starts operating at a faster speed to achieve the set temperature. Once the temperate in the room becomes cool and reaches the set limit, it turns off automatically. Again, when the temperature rises in the room, the compressor turns on automatically. It is a continuous process that keeps the compressor turning on and off at regular intervals.
Whenever the compressor turns on, it spikes the power consumption, increasing your electricity bills.
Unlike the traditional AC, in the air conditioner with inverter technology, the compressor remains turned on. However, the compressor motor operates with regulating speeds based on the temperature inside the room. Whenever the unit senses warmth inside, the compressor operates at a faster pace to cool the room. Once it reaches the desired temperature, the motor does not stop. Instead, it adjusts itself to a slower speed. The compressor runs continuously at variable speeds to maintain a steady temperature in the room. As a result, there will be no high consumption of electricity. Consequently, you can save up to 40 percent on your power utility bills.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has stated that a 3-star inverter AC is 7% more efficient than a 5-star non-inverter split AC.
Click Here for 3 Star Vs 5-Star AC
Let us learn about the 5-star AC and how it works.
What is a 5-star AC?
Before we discuss about the 5-star AC, we need to talk about BEE that issues the energy rating. As mentioned earlier, BEE is nothing but the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, a government agency. The BEE issues energy rating in the form of stars that represents the energy efficiency of the device. The higher the BEE rating, the higher is the efficiency level of the appliance.
How do you Calculate the BEE rating?
The agency calculates the BEE rating based on the total amount of energy the device consumes in a year per the unit volume it cools. Here is the simple formula used by them for BEE rating calculation:
Let us assume k and c are constants. Then the BEE rating would be calculated something like this:
(k * annual energy consumption +c) / AC capacity
If we take the Indian market, here you will find three types of ratings for inverter air conditioners. They are – 3, 4, and 5 stars.
When it comes to the non-inverter ACs, you will find the ratings ranging from 1 to 5. There are hardly any models in the market that have a BEE rating of 1 or 2 stars.
As mentioned earlier, the higher is the rating, the more energy-efficient the AC unit is. That means an AC with a BEE rating of 5 stars is better than a BEE 4-star air conditioner. Similarly, an AC with a BEE rating of 4 stars is better than a BEE 3-star air conditioner in regards to power consumption.
The BEE updates these ratings frequently, i.e., once or twice a year. That said, an AC that has a 5-star BEE rating in 2020, may have a 3-star rating in 2025. The ratings change often, and one should be aware of these ratings pertaining to any AC model. This update is essential as it ensures that the air conditioning unit maintains high energy efficiency. With technology upgrading frequently, these updates are necessary.
What is the Difference Between Inverter AC and 5-star AC?
You no longer have to get stuck between which AC unit to choose. We will discuss the distinguishing features between an inverter AC and 5-star AC. This will give you a fair understanding of which device is the better option for you. Below are the factors to consider when making a purchase:
1. Speed
The compressor speed is the most crucial parameter you need to consider when purchasing an AC.
An air conditioner with inverter technology comes with a compressor that operates at variable speeds. It helps maintain a steady temperature in the room by allowing controlled operation of the compressor motor.
On the other hand, the 5-star air conditioner comes with a compressor that operates at a fixed speed. The compressor motor turns on and off regularly, to deliver the required cooling effect. That said, it does not adjust the speed as per the requirement. Instead, the compressor operates at a constant speed when it turns on. As a result, it consumes more energy while it keeps running.
Inverter technology ACs are air conditioning units with variable speed/ variable tonnage devices. Hence, they operate differently from the traditional ACs that come with single-speed compressors and single tonnage.
2. Efficiency
The next distinguishing factor is efficiency.
Inverter technology air conditioners are very energy-efficient. They are an economical option when compared to regular ACs. Moreover, they facilitate a smooth operation.
If we talk about the traditional AC, it comes with a fixed-speed compressor. Hence, it consumes more electricity than the AC unit that has a variable speed compressor. Unlike the inverter AC, this device is not good for the environment.
If you consider an air conditioner with inverter technology that has a 3-star rating, it is 7% more efficient than a Non-Inverter AC with a 5-star rating.
3. Noise
Let us move on to noise.
An inverter air conditioner is quiet when operating. Since its compressor runs continuously without turning on and off, it produces little or no sound.
Contrary to the above, the non-inverter 5-star AC turns on and off at regular intervals for regulating the temperature. As a result, it makes a lot of noise while running.
4. Power Factor
Power factor is yet another crucial deciding factor for purchasing the right appliance.
You can define the power factor as the ratio between the working power absorbed by the load to the apparent power delivered by the machine.
When an appliance has a higher power factor, it means it consumes less electricity. An inverter AC has a high power factor when compared to the non-inverter 5-star AC.
A 5-star AC unit has less power factor.
5. Power Required During Startup
An inverter AC requires less current when starting the AC.
A non-inverter 5-star AC consumes comparatively more power for a startup. It requires three to four times more current to start the AC.
6. Cost
Cost is the crucial deciding factor for making any purchase.
An inverter AC has a higher upfront cost. However, when you compare to the savings on the electricity bills in the future, it is an economical option. Moreover, it has fewer operational and maintenance costs. Altogether, it is a wise investment.
A non-inverter 5-star AC is less expensive when compared to the inverter AC.
Inverter AC Vs. 5-star AC
Below is a comparative analysis of the inverter AC and 5-star AC to help you in making an informed decision.
| Significant Features | Inverter AC | 5-Star AC |
| Compressor Speed | An inverter AC comes with a compressor that operates at variable speeds. | The 5-star air conditioner comes with a compressor that operates at a fixed speed. |
| Energy Efficiency | An inverter has higher energy efficiency when compared to the non-inverter 5-star AC. | A 5-star AC is comparatively less energy-efficient than the inverter AC. |
| Cost | An inverter AC is very expensive when compared to the non-inverter 5-star AC. The price is at least 20% higher than the 5-star AC. | A non-inverter 5-star AC is less expensive when compared to the inverter AC. |
| Noise | An inverter air conditioner is quiet when operating. | The non-inverter 5-star AC turns on and off at regular intervals for regulating the temperature. Hence, it makes a lot of noise while running. |
| Startup Current | An inverter AC requires less current when starting the AC. | A non-inverter 5-star AC requires three to four times more current to start the AC.
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What Is The Price Difference Between Inverter AC And 5-Star Rate AC?
Below is a table comparing the prices between inverter AC and 5-star AC. This should give you a clear idea.
| BRAND | 5 STAR AC (1.5 TON) | INVERTER AC (1.5 TON) |
| LG | 39990 | 43299 |
| Panasonic | 38132 | 43990 |
| Carrier | 32949 | 36999 |
| Blue Star | 43500 | 35000 |
| Voltas | 29900 | 36490 |
| Hitachi | 30800 | 41890 |
| Samsung | 33350 | 54500 |
Conclusion:
I hope this article provided you with all the information related to inverter AC and 5-star. With the insights about each AC type, its significance, and the working mechanism, you must be aware of the duo. You can now make an informed decision in making the right investment.
Please share your views in the comments below by letting us know which AC you would choose. Also, do share this information with your friends and help them know about the differences between an inverter AC and non-inverter AC.
Let us know if you have any questions or need more information. We would try our best to answer all your queries at the earliest.
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Stay healthy and stay safe!!!
