Since the start of the global health crisis, there has been a lot of focus on different home improvement projects to smarten up the spaces that we’re always in 24/7 nowadays. One of the hottest topics currently is the inverter aircon, which is said to use less energy than a traditional aircon and can lower your monthly electricity bills. 

Many people even claim that you can have your inverter aircon open for the whole day without having to spend a fortune. But the question is still up: does an inverter aircon really save you money, or is it just another budol trend?  

In this article, we’ll explore how an inverter aircon actually works and if it can actually save you money in the long run. 

What is an inverter aircon? How is it different from the traditional aircon?

First, we have to understand how an inverter aircon is different from the traditional, non-inverter aircon. 

In simple terms, a non-inverter aircon has a compressor component that always operates at maximum capacity. When the target temperature inside the room has been reached, the compressor is designed to stop operating. And when the room gradually starts to warm up again, the compressor will once again switch on and operate at maximum capacity. 

On the other hand, an inverter aircon has a smart, controllable compressor. At startup, the inverter aircon’s compressor operates at maximum capacity. But when the target temperature has been reached, instead of stopping, the compressor automatically slows down to the suitable minimum capacity. It then adjusts accordingly to maintain the desired temperature in the room. 

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Can an inverter aircon really save money and electricity?

Yes, it can. Thanks to its smart compressor that uses less energy.  

The time that the compressor switches on is the time when the aircon uses up the most power. In a non-inverter aircon, the “on-again, off-again” nature of the compressor means that it consumes so much power every time it needs to switch on again. This is one of the reasons why a non-inverter aircon drives up the electricity bill so much. 

An inverter aircon solves this problem with its compressor that works at maximum capacity only at startup and then operates at minimum until the air conditioner is switched off. Because of this smart and efficient mechanism, the inverter aircon uses significantly less power compared to a non-inverter aircon. 

Some experts and aircon manufacturers say that you can get up to 30% energy savings or more when you switch to an inverter aircon. 

What aircon HP do I need for my room?

Picking the correct size of inverter aircon horsepower (HP) is very important because it will directly affect electricity consumption and the ability of the unit to cool your room.

If you have a small aircon cooling a big room, chances are the compressor will be overworked, which means a higher electricity bill. Here are the recommended inverter aircon HP for specific areas:

Room Size (sq. m.)Aircon HP
< 110.5
12 to 170.75
18 to 221.0
23 to 271.5
28 to 402.0
41 to 542.5

Should I open my inverter aircon for longer hours?

The general rule about inverter aircon is this: the longer you use your inverter aircon, the more energy you save, but only to an extent.

When you have your inverter aircon open for longer hours, the more stable the temperature inside the room becomes, which means that the aircon unit’s compressor needs less energy to maintain the temperature. 

This means that with an inverter aircon, you are needing less and less energy the more you use the aircon unit until it hits the minimum energy required to maintain the temperature. Compare this to a non-inverter aircon that is always running at maximum energy. 

Should I have my inverter aircon open for 24 hours?

While it is true that the longer you use your inverter open, the more you save, does this mean that you can have your unit open for 24 hours without skyrocketing your electricity bill? 

Not really. Remember that while it uses less energy than a non-inverter aircon, an inverter aircon still requires a minimum level of power to properly run. This will accumulate with every hour that you use your aircon unit. And even if it’s an inverter aircon, if you have any appliance running for 24 hours, of course, it will directly impact your electricity bills.

Experts say that you can use your inverter aircon for around 8 consecutive hours (or more) to experience saving energy compared to using a non-inverter aircon.

Related: Cheap 32-inch LED TVs in the Philippines

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How do I use my inverter aircon properly?

In order to get the most out of your inverter aircon, you need to know how to properly and efficiently use your unit. Here are some tips to maximize the savings you get from your inverter aircon:

1. Seal the room completely. 

Minimize any fluctuations in temperature by preventing any heat or hot air from entering the room. Close your doors and windows completely. Cover any holes. Consider insulating your room or changing to thick, blackout curtains to prevent heat from penetrating through windows. 

2. Set a comfortable thermostat setting. 

Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature will not make cooling your room any faster; it only makes the compressor work harder. Choose a comfortable temperature that works for you, usually falling around 23°C to 26°C. 

3. Schedule your aircon time smartly. 

It’s helpful to have a plan of when you’re going to open your inverter aircon. Instead of short, multiple 2-hour durations, opt for longer, continuous 8-hour durations to maximize your unit. 

4. Use electric fans. 

To make your aircon’s work much easier, you can use electric fans to help scatter the cold air around the room. They use much less energy than an aircon, and they do the job. 

5. Clean your aircon unit semi-regularly.

Inverter or no inverter, cleaning your aircon filter is a must to maintain a clean and steady airflow. A clean filter ensures that the circulating air is always clean, and prolongs the life of your aircon unit. 

Verdict: is it worth it to buy an inverter aircon or not?

Yes, we think that an inverter aircon is a worthy investment to include in your home improvement. While it is more expensive than the traditional, non-inverter aircon, the inverter aircon leads to bigger savings from electricity bills in the long run, which goes way beyond the price difference from a non-inverter aircon. 

However, you can save energy with your inverter aircon only if you know how to use it properly. By learning a few tips on using your inverter aircon, you can maximize the savings you get, while staying cool in the process. 

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  1. To make your aircon’s work much easier, you can use electric fans to help scatter the cold air around the room. They use much less energy than an aircon, and they do the job.

  2. Kanion Products are complying with strict regulations set by different countries, thus, providing the global market with air conditioners that meet specific, customized needs. From below zero temperatures of the North country to hot and humid conditions Tropical and Equatorial regions.