Inverter vs. Non-Inverter – Which One Should You Buy?
- Yolandi Botes
- Dec 10
- 3 min read
As the South African summer heat kicks into high gear, many households and businesses are looking to install air conditioning. However, when you walk into a store or browse online, you are immediately faced with a choice that affects your wallet in two different ways: Inverter or Non-Inverter.
The Inverter unit is more expensive to buy, but the salesperson promises it saves electricity. The Non-Inverter is cheaper upfront but is rumored to be a power-guzzler. So, what is the actual difference, and is the extra cost worth it? Let’s break it down simply.
The "Car in Traffic" Analogy
To understand the difference, you have to look at how the compressor (the engine of the aircon) works.
1. The Non-Inverter (Fixed Speed)
Imagine driving a car where you only have two options: Full Throttle or Engine Off.
To keep the car moving at 60km/h, you floor the accelerator until you hit 65km/h, then switch the engine off until you slow down to 55km/h, then floor it again.
The Result: It is jerky, loud, and uses a massive amount of fuel to restart the engine constantly.
In an Aircon: The compressor runs at 100% power until the room is cold, then switches off completely. When the room warms up, it kicks back in at 100% power. This causes temperature fluctuations (you feel too cold, then too hot) and spikes your electricity usage every time it starts up.
2. The Inverter (Variable Speed)
Now, imagine driving a car with Cruise Control. You accelerate smoothly to 60km/h, and the engine adjusts its power just enough to keep you at that speed. It doesn't switch off; it just idles along efficiently.
The Result: It is smooth, quiet, and fuel-efficient.2
In an Aircon: The compressor starts up, cools the room, and then slows down to a "maintenance mode." It runs continuously at a low speed to keep the temperature perfect, using very little electricity.
The Comparison: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Feature | Non-Inverter (Fixed Speed) | Inverter (Variable Speed) |
Purchase Price | Cheaper (Entry-level option) | More Expensive (Premium option) |
Electricity Usage | High (Uses 30-50% more power) | Low (Saves 30-50% on bills) |
Noise Level | Louder (You hear the compressor kick in) | Very Quiet (Consistent hum) |
Cooling Speed | Fixed speed | Cools down the room faster initially |
Comfort | Temperature fluctuates | Temperature stays constant |
Which One Should You Choose?
Buy a Non-Inverter If:
Budget is tight: You simply cannot afford the upfront cost of the inverter unit.
Infrequent Use: The AC is for a guest room that is only used 10 days a year. The electricity savings won't justify the extra purchase cost if the machine is rarely on.
Generator Limits: Be careful here—non-inverters have a high "start-up current" which can trip smaller generators or inverters during load shedding.
Buy an Inverter If:
Daily Use: You plan to use the AC in your main bedroom, lounge, or office for several hours a day.
Electricity Bill Concerns: You want to lower your monthly expenses. An inverter unit can pay for the price difference in electricity savings within 1-2 years.
Solar/Backup Power: You run your home on solar or a battery backup. Inverters are "soft starters" and are much friendlier to backup systems.
Sleep Comfort: You are a light sleeper and the sound of an AC clicking on and off wakes you up.
The Verdict
In the South African context, where electricity tariffs are rising and backup power is common, the Inverter is almost always the smarter long-term buy. While the initial sting of the price tag is higher, the savings on your pre-paid meter and the increased comfort level make it the superior technology. Think of it as an investment, not an expense.
Creative Air Electric
Contact: 076-792-3409
Address: 1 Piet Cronje str Bailliepark Potchefstroom