Did you know that refrigerators with Inverter technology can help save electricity?
Similar to any electrical appliances, refrigerators run continuously throughout the day. So, it is obvious that you will experience high electricity bills.
However, refrigerators with inverter technology can reduce power consumption 30% to 50%.
Yes, that’s true.
In this article, we will discuss in detail everything about the inverter compressor, how it works and how it can help you save money.
Standard Compressor Vs. Inverter Compressor
In a refrigerator, a compressor is a crucial component. It is responsible for cooling down and regulating the temperature inside the refrigerator.
In older refrigerators, fixed-speed compressors were used. They were developed with simple on and off logic. The compressor works at peak until desired temperature is attained and then stops completely. Again when the temperature inside the refrigerator fall down, it works at peak performance. This on and off schedule needs a lot of power. It is also responsible for heating up surroundings and producing noise.
Digital inverter compressors, on the other hand, do not turn on/off abruptly. Instead, they gradually adjust their speed, depending on the cooling requirements. This ensures easy management of temperature inside the refrigerator. This technology is available in both frost-free and direct cooling refrigerators.
Below is an image depicting the basic differences between a standard compressor and an inverter compressor. This will help you gain a better understanding.
| STANDARD COMPRESSOR | INVERTER COMPRESSOR |
| Very noisy when starts/stops and works. | Smooth transitions between cycles, producing a very low noise. |
| Switches on and off suddenly | Starts at a slow pace. |
| Runs continuously on full power | Adjusts power depending on need |
| Might result in over cooling. | Adapts to temperature ranges as per the need to ensure optimal cooling. |
| Consumes high energy. | Efficient energy consumption. |
How Does an Inverter Compressor Save Electricity?
Needless to say, refrigerators and ACs are the two home appliances that consume high power, contributing to the majority of electricity bills. It is primarily because of the compressors in those appliances.
As discussed earlier, whenever a compressor switches on, it starts consuming more power.
In a conventional refrigerator, the standard compressor turns on and off at regular intervals, i.e., at least five to six times on average in a day.
Well, you can now imagine how much electrical energy your refrigerator has been using whenever the compressor starts working again. The other thing is that these standard compressors in the traditional refrigerators are designed for handling maximum load conditions. Moreover, being single-speed compressors, they run at high speed all the time.
Irrespective of the seasons, whether it is summer, winter, or rainy, or whether it is the day, or night, zero loads, half load, or full load, they run at the same high speed, consuming high power consumption at all times.
The only solution to cater to all the above is an inverter compressor. Unlike a standard one, it does not switch off at all but reduces the speed. Hence, it consumes less power throughout.
To better understand this, let us talk about the seasons. We all know that during summers, the temperature outside is extremely high. To reach the standard temperature, the compressor works at high speed, consuming more electricity. However, during winters, since the outside temperature is already low, the compressor operates at low speed, thereby consuming less electricity.
The inverter compressor operates at various speeds (adjusts its speed) depending on the outside temperature and the load on the refrigerator.
Let us suppose you opened the refrigerator to load stuff in it or take some items out and kept it open for a longer time. This is when the compressor immediately comes into action. It senses the temperature change and starts operating at a higher speed to compensate for the cold air lost during the process. It does not consume more electricity when overcooling.
Even during nights, when there is almost or no activity in the refrigerator, the compressor runs slow and uses an adequate amount of energy to maintain the temperature. This way, you can save up to 30% on your electricity bill.
What are the Advantages of an Inverter Compressor Technology?
An Inverter Compressor Technology offers a handful of benefits when compared to the conventional compressors. Below are a few of them to help you know better:
1. Lower Power Consumption
Inverter compressors do not struggle to maintain the refrigerator temperature as conventional compressors do. Instead, they work smartly by making efficient use of energy. Also, there is no increase in the power consumption because it does not switch on and off every time. Instead, it only operates at low speed when depending on the need. Since standard compressors do not come with an option as such, the electricity consumption is higher when compared to inverter compressors.
2. Durability
An inverter compressor is more durable than a standard one. The reason is obvious for this. We all know that an inverter compressor does not start at full speed, run for some time, and then shut down abruptly. Because of this, there are no sudden shock loads on the compressor and hence there is no wear and tear. Because of a smoother transition every time, the inverter compressor has a longer life span than a standard compressor.
Note: Refrigerators with digital inverter compressors of the most popular brands come with a 10-year warranty.
3. Temperature control
Specially designed for precise cooling, an inverter compressor offers better temperature control. It adapts itself as per the usage and operates at various speeds according to the food load. It works like a pro by automatically adjusting to low and high speeds, depending on the surrounding temperature. It is super adaptable even when dealing with the temperature variance.
Note: The inverter compressor does not turn off completely. It only slows down and ensures the temperature in the refrigerator is more constant. This facilitates better storage conditions for your food.
4. Quiet Operation
An inverter compressor not only saves way more energy when compared to a conventional compressor but also generates less noise. Unlike a standard one, which produces loud noise whenever it starts or stops, the inverter transitions between its cycles smoothly, thereby eliminating noises.
What are the Different Types of Inverter Compressors?
Now that we know what an inverter compressor is and how it works, it is time to learn about its various types. The principle on which all inverter compressors work is similar. However, the variation persists because of the technology used. This results in having different types of inverter compressors.
Besides that, many refrigerator manufacturers prefer giving brand-specific names to the inverter compressor technology they use.
Here are a few types of inverter compressors in use. Let us discuss their significance in detail:
1. Smart Inverter Linear Compressor – LG
India’s leading consumer durable brand, LG, uses two kinds of inverter compressors in refrigerators. They are New Smart Inverter Compressor and Inverter Linear Compressor.
The New Smart Inverter Compressor is one of the most advanced and energy-efficient compressors with a compact design. Mostly seen in single-door refrigerators, these compressors are highly reliable, produce less vibration, virtually stabilizer-free, and can operate within the range of 100V-290V. They offer up to 36% more energy efficiency and can withstand voltage fluctuations.
The Inverter Linear Compressor from LG is yet another advanced compressor that is more energy-efficient. It has a linear piston drive employed, which helps in generating less internal friction. This further results in greater reliability, durability, lower energy requirements and reduce noise.
Price Range: The standard single door model of LG with a capacity of 190L coupled with Inverter Technology may range from Rs 15,000 to 16,000. Whereas a basic Double Door Inverter refrigerator model with a capacity of 284L will cost around Rs. 25,000. The price may increase depending on the model, its capacity, and the BEE ratings.
2. Digital Inverter Compressor – Samsung
Samsung also manufactures refrigerators equipped with digital inverter technology. The innovative Digital Inverter Compressor from Samsung offers precise temperature control, saves energy, ensures high efficiency, and preserves your food longer.
Inverter Compressors in Samsung refrigerators have less noise, longer life span, and keep your electric bills lower. The compressor has microprocessors that control it using algorithms and is hence known as a Digital Inverter Compressor.
While standard compressors operate at 3600 rpm (full speed), Digital Inverter Compressors run between the ranges 1100 rpm to 4300 rpm.
Samsung’s Inverter Compressors have nine sensors track variables. These include usage patterns, humidity levels, and internal and external temperatures.
Note: A Samsung digital inverter compressor uses 24% less energy when compared to conventional compressors. Price range:
The standard single door model of Samsung with a capacity of 192L coupled with Inverter Technology may range around Rs 15,000. Whereas a basic Double Door Inverter refrigerator model with a capacity of 253L will cost around Rs. 24,000. The price may increase depending on the model, its capacity, and the BEE ratings.
Click Here To Know the LG vs. Samsung Refrigerators
3. Intellisense & Plasma Inverter – Whirlpool
Whirlpool, America’s reputed brand providing refrigerators, offers the latest and newest technologies in its refrigerators. The Intellisense Inverter Technology adapts the cooling according to the load in the fridge. This reduces energy consumption and delivers efficient cooling.
IntelliSense Inverter compressor from Whirlpool comes with three intelligent sensors. These sensors offer optimum control. While the first one senses the internal temperature in the fridge, the second sensor senses the food load inside. The third and the final sensor helps in sensing the usage pattern. By using the gathered data, the compressor adapts to the needs of the user.
Plasma Inverter used by Whirlpool is an advanced technology that is an improvement of Intellisense Inverters. The Plasma Inverter Compressor has the same sensors as that of the Intellisense Inverters, except that the compressor rod has an extra layer of plasma coating over it. Whirlpool’s Plasma Inverter Compressor offers more durability than regular ones, i.e., up to 25 years.
Price range: The starting price of a standard double door model of Whirlpool with a capacity of 265L coupled with Inverter Technology may range around Rs 26,000. Whirlpool does not manufacture a single-door refrigerator with inverter compressors. It only uses either rotary or reciprocatory compressors.
4. Nutrifresh Inverter – Godrej
Godrej, the best Indian brand that produces refrigerators uses unique Nutrifresh Inverter Compressor Technology. These compressors run continuously at a variable speed based on the input gathered from the specialized sensors.
The Nutri-fresh Inverter Compressor runs at peak load conditions, helps your food stay fresh for long days, emits less noise, and mitigates the carbon footprint as well.
Price range: Their price of the refrigerators starts from Rs 15,000.
5. Varioinverter –Bosch
Bosch, the German-based company that makes high-end refrigerator models with the world-class build quality, uses Varioinverter Compressors. These refrigerators are much expensive than others and come with a warranty of 10 years.
These compressors are powerful, durable, and energy-efficient. They adjust their speed according to the surrounding conditions and refrigerator loads. They emit almost zero noise and can work with your home UPS.
Price range: The starting price of a standard double door model of Bosch with a capacity of 288L with Varioinverter Technology may range around Rs 26,000. This technology is only available in double doors or side-by-side refrigerators.
6. Twin Inverter – Haier
Haier, a less known brand that introduces new innovations from time to time for a greater user experience, produces high-quality refrigerators. They use a unique Inverter Compressor technology called Twin Inverter Compressor technology that ensures efficient cooling of the fridge. The compressor and fan run with the inverter and hence the name Twin Inverter technology. This feature helps to increase your savings up to 45%.
Price range: Most of the refrigerators from Haier are cheaper when compared to Bosch or LG. However, they have either rotary or reciprocatory compressors. The refrigerators with twin inverter technology are high-end refrigerators whose price is above 30,000.
7. ProSmart Inverter – Voltas
Voltas, the most trusted Indian brand that provides the widest range of inverter refrigerators come with ProSmart Inverter Compressors that offer faster cooling with less energy. They are one of those brands that provide inexpensive inverter refrigerators of significant quality. The compressors come with a warranty back up of 12 years.
Price range: The starting price of Voltas Inverter refrigerators ranges from Rs 23,000.
How to use Refrigerator in Smart Way?
Here are a few tips on smart utilization of your refrigerator and how to make it run more efficiently:
- Open the refrigerator door less frequently
- Do not keep the refrigerator door open for a long time
- Ensure that your refrigerator gasket seal is air-tight as it prevents leakage of cold air
- Never overload your refrigerator
- Never keep hot food inside the fridge
- Always opt for an Auto-defrost refrigerator
- Purchase the refrigerator of ideal size depending on the family
How Does A Refrigerator Work?
The refrigeration cycle has five basic components, namely refrigerant, compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coils, and an expansion device. It uses the principles of condensing and evaporation. The fluid refrigerant, also called HFC (Hydro Floro Carbon), moves around the refrigerator coils. It takes the heat from the contents in the refrigerator and evaporates to form a gas. This process helps in keeping the things in the fridge cool.
The compressor now compresses this gas and converts it into liquid again. This is a cycle, and it continues. To condense the gas, the compressor uses electricity, and it is the only component of the refrigerator that consumes the most electricity.
There is another device in the refrigerator called Thermocouple, which senses the temperature inside the refrigerator. It lets the compressor go on or off, and works as per the temperature set in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions?
A refrigerator which has a Samsung digital inverter compressor reduces the energy consumption by 46.9% as compared to an ordinary refrigerator. The control panel is usually located on the freezer door, which can be used to control the temperature of the freezer as well as the fridge itself. The temperature ranges from -15 C to -23 C in the freezer. To get quick ice, the freezer button should be held for 3 seconds, which activates Power Freeze mode. The basic advantage of the Inverter Technology is how the fridge has to work less in order to maintain proper temperature.
The inverter required by a household depends on the size of the fridge and how much battery it will need to run. To figure out the power draw of the fridge, one must refer to the manufacturers guide or the packaging, where the information is expressed in either watts or amperes. The basic need for the inverter is to be able to sustain a long-term voltage of 600 watts and a surge of 1800 watts. The average inverter provides 1,500 watts continuous AC power and 3,000 watts of surge power.
The size of the inverter required is directly related to the power draw of the fridge which will be used. An inverter is used for either regular use of the fridge to protect from power surges. The requirement is to purchase an inverter which is able to handle the continuous draw as well as the surge required to start the machine. It is best to refer to the power rating of the machine, and then purchase an inverter.
In today’s world, a linear compressor isn’t a viable option, as the disadvantages outnumber the advantages. A digital inverter has the advantage of being able to control the speed of the rotation of the blades. The inverter never really switches off, only reduces the rotation.
A 1000-watt inverter will not sustain the average refrigerator, as it runs on 400-800 watts, but requires two to three times that to start up. That is why it usually won’t run in the long term.
In actuality, an inverter refrigerator is more efficient as compared to the traditional fridges, as it is able to control the amount of cooling to be done. The rating on a refrigerator is basically to tell the consumer how much of electricity a product will consume, usually in a year. The stars indicate how energy efficient the product is. Therefore, both intend to provide energy efficiency.
Let’s first rule out the reciprocating compressor, as they are outdated and tend to consume much more energy than most others. The digital inverter is the most widely used today as it is able to regulate the amount of cooling required unlike the traditional machines which function at maximum capacity no matter what and end up consuming excess electricity. The new Smart Inverter technology is a revolutionary step, as it is essentially able to control the temperature and cooling in accordance with the amount of food kept inside the fridge. This again helps in lowering the energy consumption.
The only real difference between a digital inverter and a smart inverter is that the prior is able to control the cooling when the desired temperature is reached and therefore is able to reduce power consumption. A smart inverter also reduces power consumption, but is able to do so more efficiently as it is able to regulate the temperature according to the food stored inside.
The new Smart Inverter technology is a revolutionary step, as it is essentially able to control the temperature and cooling in accordance with the amount of food kept inside the fridge. This again helps in lowering the energy consumption.
Conclusion
I hope this article gave you great insights into the functioning of inverter compressor technology in refrigerators. By now, you have come to know that investing in a smart refrigerator with inverter compressor technology is a smart choice. Though it can be expensive upfront, it can save a lot of money due to reduced power consumption. If you agree with us, let us know what you think of this article in the comments section below.
